February 1 Tombstone to Tuscon Arizona
This morning Patsy went to church at 9:00 am while Marilyn worshiped the mattress. We left Tombstone after a great cowboy skillet breakfast with our new friend and Tombstone guide, Rick. We drove as far as Tucson where we enjoyed the wonderful movie about the incredible Benjamin Button. We were all alone in the cinema. The private screening reminded Patsy of the days when Wally would show movies off just for family and friends. Those were the days.
February 2 Tuscon to Quartzside Arizona
We awoke to another sunny blue and beautiful Arizona day. The next high point on our trip was our experience in Saguaro National Park...we are still trying to pronounce it like the natives where the ‘g’ sounds like ‘w’. At the interpretation center Marilyn took in a lecture about hiking safety and snakes. Yes snakes. So, since Patsy hates to even think about snakes, she took a hike. The trail was formed by a dried up wash from flash floods that happen frequently in the region. Together we saw an aboriginal film about the Sonoran Dessert and the Saguaro cactus. When the movie was over and the screen lifted there was a fabulous panoramic view of the Saquaro cacti through floor to ceiling windows. The native legends about the circle of life with the connection of our ancestors to the environment gave us a renewed appreciation for the protection of natural things. The legends speak of humans placed on earth as Saguaro cacti and that if you try hard enough you can see them take human shape especially at dusk and dawn.
February 3 Quartzsite
More driving brought us to Quartzsite, a rock hounds paradise. We checked out the cemetery where the man who tried to introduce camels to Arizona rests –Hi Jolly - there is a monument to him in the shape of a pyramid with a camel on top, someone had even placed a camel saddle at the spot. According to legend, the camels didn’t work out because horses and cattle would stampede when they smelled them!! The saddle reminded both of us of the souvenirs our father’s had brought back from peacekeeping in Egypt.
All things for RV life are sold in this town including Fifth wheelers. So we spent some of our time reviewing different second hand and new models for future reference.
February 4 and 5 Lake Havasu City
Lake Havasu has existed only since the l960s when it was built as a retirement and vacation community. We spent two nights at the State Park in Lake Havasu City. The original London Bridge from England was moved here brick by brick; we walked near the bridge, enjoying the fountain and got some information from the Tourist Bureau.
The State Park was very different. The campsites were mostly cacti and gravel but they held a certain tranquil beauty. There was a whole family of quail that paraded by the RV several times. Rabbits also seemed to be in abundance. The park host, Scott, was kind and helpful; he topped off the oil in the generator for us...it has been working well ever since. It was fun washing the RV while the sun was setting over the Lake. Another hike along the lake trail brought us good exercise and a very interesting look at the area’s different vegetation. We were surprised to see convicts constructing and maintaining this State Park.
February 7: Las Vegas:
Thursday we drove from Lake Havasu to Las Vegas. On the road into California the agriculture inspection officer reviewed all our citrus fruits and was confiscating our oranges and grapefruits as all fruits grown east of the Rio Grande are not allowed in California due to a mites. When he found out our final destination was in Nevada he returned the fruit with an apology.
We arrived in Las Vegas – WOW - it is a grown up amusement park...so much to do...so far to walk. We travelled the Strip to our hotel ,,the Monte Carlo and checked it. This was an unplanned trip to Vegas to meet our good friends Ken and Bev....well, we were only 2.5 hours away, so close, why not. After reviewing a number of restaurants in the New York New York, the Monte Carlo, the MGM and the Tropicana, we finally agreed with poor hungry Ken that his restaurant choice was the best and we enjoyed the lobster tails special at Legends Steak and Seafood and the dancing band called “Friends” in the Celebration Lounge of the Tropicana.
Staying at the Monte Carlo hotel for two nights was a big indulgence but not as BIG as great deals on shoes, a delicious buffet dinner AND seeing Elton John with his band at Caesar’s Palace – The Colliseum...There was a great mix to the music and the screen show was accompanied by large blow up almost improper props!
Saturday morning, after checking out of the hotel, we found a napping spot while the rain poured down on the parking lot at the “posh” Las Vegas Hilton . Here we got ready to see Heart at our leisure...what a GREAT show it was...we had the best seats in the balcony and Patsy was able to dance throughout (we hit it off with the three friendly lady ushers – they wanted to join us on our trip).
We were hyped after the show so we danced till the wee hours to More & Gendel at the Hilton (http://www.moregendal.com/). She was so versatile as a singer but unfortunately most of the music was canned with the exception of Mark’s guitar. The bass player for Heart quietly snuck in a took in a tune or two before he left. Good looking guy!
February 8: Las Vegas to Red Rock to Kingman Az
Today, Sunday, we left Vegas (after dealing with internet issues) . A thirteen mile loop of the National Park at Red Rock Canyon allowed us many photo ops on what was one of very few rainy days we have had since we left home. We saw signs warning us to watch out for wild mules, horses, big horn sheep and even cattle.
A very kind and interesting Security inspector welcomed us just before we crossed the Hoover Dam...the construction going on there just boggles the mind. Unfortunately we have to go back since the Dam was in darkness and not open for touring. The last CD of the Blue Dahlia was played while we drove...we have started the next book in the Nora Roberts series. Tonight we are sleeping at The Wal Mart in Kingman and tomorrow we are off to Oatman to feed the wild donkeys...
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