Details, Details....

We are on the way to San Antonio, to have a meet up with Steve's original Officer Training School classmates....(a few)...from the those days in 1968!  That is not until March 27th.  First, some details to attend to.

First things first...we head for Yuma, AZ to Fisher Dodge / Jeep dealer for a replacement key for our Jeep.  It has been a little bit edgy having only one key (remember the beachcombing expedition where we lost the key?) and knowing that IF that key somehow disappears, the only way to start the Jeep is to have it loaded on a tow rig and taken to the nearest Jeep dealer (yes, from Mexico, ugh).

Yes, we got 2!

Then it's on to Quartzite, AZ to have the MotoSat satellite internet set up checked over.  The best part of this stop is that we get to reconnect with Denny and Dale and park in their RV spot by their park model casita!  We have a wonderful dinner together and tell some whale tales as well!  Strange to be enjoying a bar-b-que dinner outside in the evening heat of almost 90 degrees...talking about whale watching days in the San Juans!  Denny was one of the first captains I worked for 15 years ago.
Yes, he happened to have some photos of J pod!

Dinner time temps in Quartzite, AZ in March

A look around the lots where Denny hangs his hat when in Quartzite, turns up this neat idea.  This is a garage and outdoor room built right next to the pad where the 5th wheel is parked.  The wheels are turning in Nan's mind.....oh dear.

Garage room and storage 

Cool outdoor room kitchen / bar

Outdoor living room entrance

Front entry gate.....to a lot for your RV and....whatever!

Friday finds us with a quick fix for the satellite gear and we are off down the road to Casa Grande, AZ.  Island friends now winter at Palm Creek RV Resort....so why not pay them a visit?  Another experience!

Palm Creek entrance road....something different!

Our site #1402

After checking in (two welcoming committees!) we arrive at our site.  We are once again neighbors with Jeanine and Maurrie, who used to be our neighbors at home on Trumpeter Way!

Hey good lookin'!

We are just in time for Happy Hour...Palm Creek style.  Some things are the same no matter if it's Coyote Beach...Quartzite...or Palm Creek in Tucson!

Still 90 degrees and cookin'!

This two night stop means....we wash clothes, bedding, and dogs!  Steve washes the Jeep and kayaks.  We resupply on groceries...Nan finds a plae for pedicure and manicure...and we reconnect with old friends!  Oh!  And the swimming pools are tops!

Sunday finds us off for Tucson to catch the morning service at Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church.  Somehow we manage to find the church, find a parking space on the street for our rig and tow...that's shaded (dogs inside)...and arrive with time to look around and be totally welcomed!

Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Tucson, AZ

Labyrinth in front yard

Very cool outdoor light sconce

Labyrinths draw us in....everytime...everywhere.  This one is no different.  I can't help but think what a wise decision to install this meditative walk in cement...which means...no weeding for upkeep!  (or mowing at our house)  Today, a walk for healing for friends and family.  Oh wait...they really are the same.


It's on down the road and by late afternoon we pass a blue highway sign on the interstate that indicates camping at the next exit.  ???  I have only found camping at larger exits up ahead and they don't look that inviting, but it's getting to be time to wrap up the driving day.  Grabbing Ms. iPhone, I Google, "Camping exit 318 Dragoon, AZ" and come up with "Triangle T Guest Ranch."  Hum!  The miles are clicking away, but the review on line says something about waking up surrounded by immense boulders and a feeling of "real" Arizona country!  I press "Call" on the mobile website and a woman's voice answers.  Yes!  They have RV sites and a space.  In an epic move, the Simpson's exit I-10, do a turnaround and zoom back 12 miles.  We are about to experience serindipity AND Triangle T Ranch!

But that's for another post!