At the FMCA Pima Fairgrounds - Update 1

Our Roadtrek 210P at the Pima County Fairgrounds

Officially, 1,128 RVs are here!

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Hello Everyone!  We made it to the FMCA International Convention at the PIMA County Fairgrounds in Tucson, AZ.  Nice weather and we were able to park with a group of Roadtrekkers.  We are members of the FMCA and the Roadtrek International Chapter.  Our scheduled arrival was on March 18th and this date was assigned by the FMCA.  With hundreds of RVs arriving, it is critical to stagger the entry dates, which are officially on the 18th and 19th. We have 30A hookup, with water and sewer connections nearby. It's a great location and we can walk to showers, etc.  We're parked on asphalt and get some shade, too. 

We had some difficulty getting into the group, but the FMCA staff at the fairgrounds were extremely helpful.  Our thanks to the staff and volunteers. 

Not every Roadtrek at the fairgrounds is parked with the group.  

Our Roadtrek group at the Pima County Fairgrounds

This is our first RV trek since November 2022.  We're having a good time and we hope to travel more in 2024.

Update 1 March 21

There is lots to do. We have attended coffee and donuts at 8am, the opening ceremonies, various entertainment, exhibits, some sessions including "Ask the Experts" which is about all things RV.  G attended the Ladies Luncheon (ticket required). We also went to the karaoke and took turns at the mike.  The astronomy group had set up telescopes and as it got dark we looked upon the craters of the moon, the cloud bands of Saturn and we could observe four of its moons. The Orien Nebula was a treat through an 11-inch Celestron reflective telescope.  We shared birthday cake with the Roadtrek Chapter president, too. Thanks to the many volunteers in their golf carts who gave us rides!  Nevertheless, we got a lot of walks in.   

Opening Ceremonies at Sunset

Comedian Mark Cordes

Sharing Birthday greetings with the Chapter President

Quite a Karaoke setup at the Cantina

Celestron 11-inch reflector telescope

G with the Celestron - it is quite large

Me using the Star Map (r) App to determine which stars and planets I was observing

(c) 2024 Norman Retzke 

Heat and approaching monsoon season

Tucson Sunset

 

It's June and that means high heat and the Monsoon Season is approaching.  This time of year is called the Monsoon Tease. There have been rainstorms in the area, and they bring spectacular sunsets and the occasional rainbow.

Rainbow at sunset

Fiery sky looking up and easterly at sunset, with the rainbow to my right

A few minutes earlier it was a much less dramatic sunset

(c) N. Retzke 2022

Springtime in the Desert

 

Saguaro Cactus in Bloom - Saguaro National Park

With the arrival of 85F daytime peaks, or higher, the desert is blooming.  Birds are also mating and so there are a lot of activity.  I think the best times for wildlife viewing are at dawn or shortly thereafter.

Early morning the air is cool at 60F and the wildlife activity for the day is just beginning.  We see doves, raptors, woodpeckers and a variety of smaller birds in the National Park.  The larger birds pick a saguaro to perch on, while the smaller perch in Palo Verde's and shrubs.

On the other hand, the pollen count is quite high as Palo Verde's and a variety of shrubs and cacti are in bloom.

In the area, on the ground we see rabbits, lizards, and occasionally coyote and javelinas.  These generally avoid humans, so to see them one must be alert and stealthy. 

There is also a lot in bloom at the resort, and hummingbirds, too!

G and blooms in the resort

(c) N. Retzke 2022

Enjoying the warm weather

 

Well, Spring has sprung they say.  Currently in Tucson the daytime highs are in the range 80-90F and the nighttime lows are 50-60F.  I'm in no hurry to move on, and because the snowbirds have moved on, it is really pleasant. 

Here at the resort, the three pools and two hot tubs are a place to be.

The cacti have been blooming for a month, and now with the arrival of warm weather the saguaro cacti are blooming, too.

The central courtyard is a pleasant place to relax.

There are beautiful sunsets, too.

I'm in no hurry to leave.....

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

Chiricahua National Monument

"A "Wonderland of Rocks" is waiting for you to explore at Chiricahua National Monument. The 8-mile paved scenic drive and 17-miles of day-use hiking trails provide opportunities to discover the beauty, natural sounds, and inhabitants of this 11,985 acre site. Visit the Faraway Ranch Historic District to discover more about the people who have called this area home."

We visited this National Park Service public site on April 7, 2020.  Shortly thereafter it is my understanding that the park roads were closed although walk-in was possible.  Thia was due to the CCP Covid-19 National Emergency.

The Monument is southeast of Willcox, Arizona, about 120 miles from Tucson.

This site offers a number of very pleasant walking trails. There are also interesting views.  As usual in this dry climate, using a head covering and carrying water to keep hydrated is essential. The lower trails offer shade and are cooler.

 

On the Massai Nature Trail:

 

There's a convenient lookout point on the trail:

There's even a tunnel on one of the trails:

Balanced Rocks Everywhere:

Hoodoos, too:

For cooler walking, try the Lower Rhyolite Trail:

 

The Lower Rhyolite Trail is an easy walk for portions, but there are more strenuous options:

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



Here's a link to the National Park Service website about this amenity:

https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm