Roadtrekking in our 210P via Lily Pads

This is our Trek in our Roadtrek 210P. Hint: Scroll to a list of "Topics and Destinations" on the right. Our RT is a portal to a much larger world and we have established "lily pads" from which we travel and we'll post about those, too. Life is a Journey of discovery in our Motorized Alpaca, a "tiny cabins on wheels". It has been said that "Life Begins at the end of our Comfort Zone." Content and photos are original unless noted. Click photos to enlarge. Copyright and disclaimers apply.

Sunday, March 31, 2019

Picacho Peak State Park

This Arizona state park is a popular hiking and camping area accessed via I-10 and North of Tucson, AZ. The park includes modest hikes but also a challenging hike to the top of the peak, which is 1500 feet up. There is a $7 entrance fee which is for 1-4 adults. We visited the park on March 28. Wildflowers were abundant and the temperature at noon was 77F. However, one must take protection from the sun and because of the arid environment carrying ample water on the trails is essential. Proper hydration is critical, even in Spring.

We walked the easy Calloway, Nature and a portion of the Sunset Vista trails.

The hike to the peak is the "Hunter Trail". According to the Arizona State Parks "This is a challenging hike that involves steep switchbacks, rock scrambles, climbing up several cableways and an elevation change of 1,600 feet......." You can go it alone or attend a scheduled guided hike. Check the Park website for scheduled guided hikes. The next one to the peak is on April 6, 2019 and begins at 8:00 am. There are limitations including a maximum number of attendees. So check the state park website and make a reservation if you are interested. I've included a link to the park website at the end of this post.

Here are some park statistics and info about the Hunter Trail, according to the Park website:

Total distance is 4 miles round-trip and takes 4-5 hours to complete.
Not recommended for inexperienced hikers.
On guided hikes "No children under the age of 10."
No dogs. Come prepared with 3-4 liters of water, wear hiking boots, and bring gloves for the cableways.

Here's a link to a pdf file of the park trails and other information:

ParkMap_Fall_2018_Color_FINAL_01.pdf

Here's what the Arizona State Parks says about Picacho Peak State Park; I've included a link to the official website at the end of this post:

"Visitors traveling along I-10 in southern Arizona can’t miss the prominent 1,500-foot peak of Picacho Peak State Park. Enjoy the view as you hike the trails that wind up the peak and, often in the spring, overlook a sea of wildflowers. The park and surrounding area are known for its unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth, and historical importance. The unique shape has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times. One of the first recordings was in the 1700s by the Anza Expedition as it passed through the area. The park offers a visitor center with exhibits and a park store, a playground, historical markers, a campground and picnic areas. Many hiking trails traverse the desert landscape and offer hikers both scenic and challenging hikes. Hike prepared and know your limits. Bring plenty of food and water and wear proper footwear. Enjoy the beauty of the desert and the amazing views......."

Nature Trail

Calloway Trail

Official Website:

https://azstateparks.com/picacho/

Original material: https://roadtrek210.blogspot.com/

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Airshow - Tucson

At the airshow "Thunder & Lightning Over Arizona", Davis-Monthan AFB. The show was March 23 and 24, 2019. We attended on the 23rd.

The airshow includes ground exhibits, flying performances with stunts and vintage and modern aircraft. Many of the ground exhibits can be entered. There are presentations and air force personnel and the actual pilots and performers available to talk to.

B17 Bomber, WWII

Mitchell Bomber, WWII

Grumman Hellcat fighter, WWII

Japanese Zero Fighter, WWII

One of the exhibits we entered was a C17A cargo plane. We had a nice chat with the pilot in the cockpit. She has logged lots of miles!

Side window view from the co-pilot's seat of the C-17

There were precision team flying, stunts and acrobatics. Aircraft included WWII, Korean War, vintage civilian and modern racing as well as modern military craft. Lots of fly-by's and an exhibition by the Air Force Thunderbirds. It was a full day!

A10 ground attack aircraft: