Friday, March 11
Picacho Peak as seen when driving out of Picacho Peak State Park, Arizona
The gusty wind this morning has me questioning whether I should move camp.
While walking Bridget and Reggie around the campground, I come upon the camp host in his golf cart and we discuss the wind and the status of our campsite. He drives to the entrance, checks the computer, and reports back to me that our campsite is already reserved by an incoming camper.
“Well, crew? It looks like another travel day, wind or no wind.”
Fine with me. I really don’t want to drop another thirty bucks here anyway.
The way out of the state park to Interstate 10
For approximately fifteen miles on the interstate, the Perfect Tow Vehicle fights a gusty crosswind.
I keep hands tight on the wheel and eyes focused. Trucks and cars drift toward our lane.
Hey, folks. Could you pay attention please?
The speed limit is 75 mph here and I keep us at 60.
It’s a big relief to exit the interstate at Marana.
I could use a second cup of coffee!
I buy a cup of “100% Colombian brew” at a convenience store.
“Okay, I’m set. Let’s do this.”
I have a series of lefts and rights written on a card so I don’t get us lost. Yeah, that’s the plan. I mix up Sanders Road and Sandario Road and then I get that crummy feeling. You know, the feeling that comes when you look around and say out loud . . .
“This can’t be right.”
I spy a big propane tank in front of a feed store and pull into the large parking lot. After buying 4 gallons of propane, I ask for directions.
The man gives me good directions which I effortlessly manage to screw up.
I take a left onto Avra Valley Road instead of a right. I drive us right back to the dang interstate!
“Oh, no! Darn it! I went the wrong way!”
I have a poor sense of direction. I know, I know . . . RVSue? Yes. That’s why my Benchmark atlas is always at my side when we move camp.
I consult the map, get my head turned around, backtrack five miles, and we’re on our way!
For those of you who like to follow along with your map, we take Avra Valley Road to Sandario Road, turn left, go 26 miles south to the Ajo Highway (Route 86), turn right and go southwest six miles to Three Point aka Robles Junction where we stop for a fill-up ($1.79 a gallon unleaded, thirty cents more than at Marana).
Sparsely populated desert ahead and I want a full tank!
Route 286 takes us south through Altar Valley.
Wait a minute. Avra Valley Road to Altar Valley. Sanders Road, Sandario Road. Sheesh.
The windows are down and it’s a beautiful day, cooler than yesterday. No other vehicles for miles and miles as we cruise across the desert.
The crew wakes up, I pull over, and we take a little break.
“Lonesome” Route 286, looking south
On the road again, we pass a Border Patrol checkpoint.
Not asked to stop when you’re going toward Mexico . . .
Near the entrance to Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, I slow to a stop and take this photo through the passenger window (after Reggie has a good look!).
Altar Valley and Baboquivari Mountains
We stop at a kiosk near the entrance of the refuge where I pick up a few pamphlets and a map. Thirty-four miles from where we gassed up at Three Points, the Perfect Tow Vehicle turns east onto Arivaca-Sasabe Road.
Arivaca-Sasabe Road and the Las Guijas Mountains
Ever since I read about boondocking in Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge a few years ago, I’ve wanted to come here. I remember popular bloggers camping on a low ridge overlooking the grasslands. I recognize the ridge!
There it is!
I position the Best Little Trailer with her big back window towards the valley and the Baboquivari Mountains. We’re about fifteen miles, as the crow flies, north of the border with Mexico.
Baboquivari Peak (elev. 7,734)
The crew will return in the next post . . .
Along with photos of our new camp!
rvsue
NOTE ABOUT COMMENTS: I turn the comments section over to you while I take a break. Please answer questions that may arise and welcome newcomers. Thank you.
NOTE ABOUT THE TITLE: Buenos Aires translates to “good air” or “fair winds.”
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First ?
yes… beat me by a minute… Good job Jeff…
Again stopped lurking… love your blog… AZ was good but hot… now back in NoCal with rain… lots and lots of rain… ready for Oregon in May… thanks for all you do.
HOT? Wait till July! Avg Temp 108. 115 not uncommon.
3 RESPONSES HOT DOG
Looking forward to hearing about this boondocks. We had this on our list this winter but it was too cold. Have a great week, Blogorinos!
4th?
How it that possible. I JUST finished replying to the last blog and there’s a new one and I’m already 4th. Boy, these guys are GOOD!!!!
No kidding! Easy to get mixed up!
Yikes! I hate driving in crosswinds…vivid memories of Nevada and Windy Wyoming. Glad you found your way. Pretty mountains. Love the last photo!
Any other blogorino watch “Aerial America” on the Smithsonian Channel?
I have a ROKU box and do watch The Smithsonian Channel. Haven’t watched “Aerial America”, I will look into now.
It features the States…today was Alaska.
I like “Aerial America.” It’s a good mix of scenery and history.
Hi Sue, I’m liking your new spot…..looks very peaceful.
I’m still counting the days (or years) till i can join you out there.
Be safe out there and rock on, judy
Hi Sue and Crew !!Enjoy the quite and the peace!! My home base is in Diamond Bell,just South of Three points!!
It is a wonderful area…Arivaca is little and nice too!!!
Hugs to the pups!
Views are great…mountains are magnificent out West!! Hope you and the crew have fun exploring the new camping spot.
BTW…your Great Niece Elly and her team won the Mississippi Class 3 State Basketball Tournament and brought home the Gold Basketball!!
Big hug to you and the crew.
Yea, yea Blue Devils
Congrats to Miss Elly and her team! ?I hope she gets a gold basketball charm to match that trophy; like a super bowl ring
Well done ELLY and team!!!
WOW…good for Elly and her entire team. That is great!
Congrats Elly. Job well done and I’m sure all your hard work feels like it’s paid off.
And thanks to your famous great aunt you have now received congratulations from the 4 corners of the country and Thailand!!!
I’ll bet you’re the only gal on your team that can say that!
Congrats to Elly and her team! Whoo-Hoo!! 🙂
Yay Elly!
Hip, Hip Hoorah – Good Going Elly and Team.
Deena and Miss Mollie
How very sweet of all of you!!!!! Thanks so much for your comments about Elly and her team. We are proud Nana and Papa, that’s for sure. I will make sure Elly sees your posts!!!!
That area is a little higher than some places in Arizona, so should be a bit cooler. I am guessing cell and internet access is a little weak, however.
OMG, this post sounds like something out of my own navigational handbook.
I think I’m pretty good at figuring things out, reading a map, driving a vehicle, but get me rattled with one too many Sanders/Sanderio mix ups and I will begin to doubt my own name.
Sue, I know you are very adept at navigation. Thank you for letting us see the human error, that we all sometimes make, in you. It makes your blog relatable and you, vicariously, approachable.
Jeep teardrop trailer frame under construction.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/mickent/DSCF0280_zpsaro97e9p.jpg
Mick is this going to be for you? I couldn’t see everything but got the idea. Looks totally awesome.
It is designed by and built for friends, Tim & Janis. The Jeep RV will be similar to the Moby:
http://moby1trailers.com/moby1-xc/
Oh my gosh, I am 15th!! I haven’t ever been this close to the top, giggles.
LOL! Congrats on #15. ???
Wow, what a rough travel day, sorry you had a rough time, but you got there! Yeah!!!!
For a second there I thought you were going to Mexico, maybe you felt that way too.
I lived in northern Vermont and can relate to driving close to the border. Once I missed my exit and turned around in sight of the border crossing. Yikes! Thankfully this was pre nine eleven, who knows what might happen now. Hmmm, maybe we’ll visit CA when we are on the road. 2018 is the 50th anniversary of the Boler trailer and a gathering is being planned. Later blogerinos.
I’ve always wondered….if we’re following along on the map and you get lost, do we need to get lost too?
oh that made me chuckle!
I can’t make it out of our garage without my GPS!!
?
I have gotten lost right off the interstate before! Whenever I’ve stopped for gas, potty, or lunch and then gotten back on, I’ve gone 5-10 miles THE WRONG WAY before saying to myself “…hey…wasn’t I supposed to be going NORTH on I-75?!”
I hate when I do that. It is easy to do though.
A few years ago we passed a sign that said Atlanta 50 miles
when my husband said he was afraid he’d fall asleep & ask
if I’d drive for awhile. Sure I said, pull over & let’s switch drivers. When he woke up & ask where we were I said well
not real sure, of course at that moment we passed a sign that
said Atlanta 50 miles, he said I’m not even going to ask. ☺ we’ve laughed about that one for a long time.
Sue
We love BWR and have boondocks there a coule years ago for 5 nights. Only human we saw was border patrol. And no jets overhead either, plus good Veirzon. Enjoy the quiet!
Kent — who met you in New Mexico and Alabama hills.
looks like a nice place to camp for a week or so………..
stay safe being that close to Mexico……
chuck
Sue,
That sure is a pretty area! Those mountains look almost prymid-like. Nice that you got to go there after so long of wanting to.
The shower, a sit down shower is nice at times. Just taking in all that fresh water and soaking a bit is almost as good as a long hot bubble bath.
About those new drawers…
May try using refrigerator strapes over and under each set of drawer units. Those strapes are heavy duty and flat for that kind of use. Easy to open up in the front so once you have them in place they can stay there and simply be unbuckeled as needed. That would hold them from coming open in transit. Now holding the units in place from tipping over…not sure what to do there. I guess my main concern would be the dumping over-time next to the fridge. That can’t be too good for the fridge’s workings, I would think maybe. Are you thinking of taking them back and finding something else? If so, I bought some storage drawers at Big Lots for my van (to store clothes, crock pot, pots and pans, etc.) and love them. The drawers are heavy cloth but the base unit is metal. I use a motorcycle helmet netting around the fronts to hold the drawers in place when driving. But I wouldn’t know how to hold them on a ledge like you have yours located. Maybe a tall piece of plywood at the floor level held by a cross rod (side-to-side) on the floor would do the trick. Say from one side to the other side of the isle as a main brace. I hope I said that right. I can see it working but hard to discribe it. I hope you find a work-around, I know you liked them so much.
While I am certain that Sue will find a solution that works best for her, I am enticed to join in the problem solving conversation.
I think you may be on to something here, Pamela K.
If three straps (one for each set of drawers) goes around each cabinet, over the top and buckling in the front; then couldn’t the back of each strap get velcro-ed to the bench?
I would not want any solution that was not visually appealing as well as functional. Especially after going thru the trouble to redecorate!
It’s my understanding that there are Command products that are pretty heavy duty. I just saw some Velcro products that are supposed to be able to hold your TV down in an RV. A hidden section of the strap could be adhered to the bench so that nothing would show but the straps and buckle. When unbuckled, the ends of the strap gets tucked away.
Of course, none of us are in the BLT to know for certain the feasibility of this – only Sue could determine that. I guess is IS her’s after all.
Even if a messy adhesive had to be used, it is possible that the adhesive could be cleaned up and removed at a later date.
…Just thinking out loud here …
I think today I’m somewhere in the top 25. Still not bad for the sometimes 100’s of replies that often occur here. I really enjoyed reading this blog. Of course I say that with everyone of them. I felt your pain of getting turned around. I sometimes do that and DH says, “let me see those directions”, and we are straight. Imagine getting turned around towing a 35′ Fifth Wheel?! We have to be very careful and if we aren’t sure of an area, we camp in one that we know for sure, then scout out the new area with our TV (tow vehicle). Looking forward to your report on this new spot.
Oh Sue! Looks like you’ve done it again–found an excellent campsite! We are heading west to a free campsite in the Lakeland/Tampa, Florida area later this week. It’s hot here in Fla, so hope we will be able to find a shady spot, keep the air flowing and the camper cool.
Where do you camp for free near Tampa?
Gosh, you are so brave!
Wanted to say how much Bridget kissing Reggie, right was you were remembering her kissing Spike, touched my heart. Made it skip a beat and I wasn’t even reading your blog when Spike was around. When something like that happens it is so special. Thanks again for your blog and to everyone else for their comments. This is the first and only blog I have ever read and I love it.
YAY! Enjoy exploring the new camp.
Drawers; Vertical alignment of holes drilled through the plastic, insert any type of fitting rod. This can be done on the drawer lips. the rod will keep drawers from flying open. Or hook a bungee to top hole and bottom hole will do the same thing. I had to do this to my plastic storage as well. I am sure you will figure out what works for you. Take Care Sue and Crew!
Good morning Sue and Blogerinos!
Hey Chey! Have a good day to all
Hi, Chey,
I’ve thought of you often since your last comment. Have you been fit for the prosthesis yet?
In three weeks the prosthetic fitting will begin. Meanwhile I’m trying to master the commode from the wheelchair. Terrifying, ha ha!
After I asked that, I saw that you wrote that the fitting is later. Wheelchair to commode — I’ll never again grumble about having to get up in the middle of the night!
Hi, Chey! 🙂
Dear Chey, your comment about the ordeal you’ve been through is at once heart rending and inspirational. I’m so sorry for what you have been and are going through. You wrote sounding brave and indomitable, it’s wonderful that you expect to adjust and still fulltime! I hope you continue to let us share your successes and struggles going forward. Sending all the best your way,weather
Dear Chey-
Sorry about the delayed comment but I am wishing you well from Illinois!
I cannot imagine the hellacious trip that you’ve been on these last several months. And now to find yourself recovering in a nursing home must seem like one more of Dante’s 7 circles to pass through. It’s got to be tough to keep your sunny side up!
You and I are about the same age, I’ll turn 60 at the end of May. I was planning my fulltiming retirement to begin then but a few things have cropped up that encourage me to put my plan on the back burner until perhaps later this summer or early fall. By that time I hope to hear that you are fully operational and putting your right foot to the metal and getting on with your full time plans at the same time as me.
I look forward to hearing about your ups and downs here on RV Sue’s blog. I am sure that all the Blogerinos would agree that we are with you on this rough road and well as the east streets!
**I cannot type!** That should say: easy streets
Sue….You were correct turning left on Avra Valley Road, it is just that you missed the right turn (south) on Sandario Road, and went all the way to the interstate! You had me fooled…I thought you were heading to Gilbert Ray c.g.( as recommended by blogorinos), but you just surprised me and kept on heading south!
Looks like a wonderful area….Arizona Highways magazine featured the NWR in its July 2015 issue…also “Ruby” is supposed to be an interesting ghost town. You and the crew should enjoy exploring this area.
Hi fellow Blogarinos,
Does anyone remember what road Sue took once somewhere near Roosevelt Lake or the town of Superior, that she never wanted to drive on again? I was sure I marked an X through it on the map, but now I can’t find that map. I’ll be leaving here soon and may head northeast, but I don’t want to accidentally get on that road while towing! Maybe someone familiar with the area remembers?
Thanks!
http://rvsueandcrew.net/page/3/?s=roosevelt+lake
Thanks Mick! I didn’t remember that it was a dirt road at all. I’ll X my Benchmark map this time!
Hi, Micky,
Here’s an excerpt from an article at dangerousroads.org
“The Apache Trail is an amazing journey located in the US state of Arizona. The track goes through the Superstition Mountains. The road is mostly paved winding steeply through rugged desert mountains and links Apache Junction (Greater Phoenix area) and Theodore Roosevelt Lake.
“It’s a real challenging road and a true test of your vehicle and your stamina because the road abounds in twists and turns with wheels sometimes hanging above the precipice. The road was named after the Apache Indians who originally used this trail. A drive on the Apache Trail is one of the most scenic drives near the Phoenix area. This well-traveled road affords visitors an incredible view of canyons, geologic formations, desert plants and trees, desert and lake views, and wildflowers in season. The narrow, winding road is unpaved from just east of the town of Tortilla Flat to Roosevelt Dam; there are steep cliff drops and little in the way of safety barriers. It’s 40 miles (64 km) long.”
Apache Trail is Route 88.
We took the Apache Trail road only as far as Tortilla. I couldn’t believe there were trailers out there. We would never tow over that road. It was very scenic but it seemed like there were so many power lines I could never get a decent photo.
We gave up at Tortilla Flats in our minivan. The notion of towing a travel trailer or fifth wheels that far is beyond me.
Hi Sue, oh, good to know about dangerous roads.org! And thank heavens I was on 87, not 88 to get here to Payson. It was a beautiful drive for the most part, though I realized I was gripping the steering wheel too tight when the fingers in my left hand began to cramp up. ?
Thank you Marilu and Calvin!
Hi Micky!
I think you’re referring to AZ State Route 88 also known as The Apache Trail. It’s AZ oldest highway and a former stagecoach trail. Don’t delete it from your realm of possibilities! It’s also one of America’s scenic byways and truly a beautiful drive through the Superstition Mountains. From Lake Roosevelt I have towed my Scamp back to Apache Lake campground (Burnt Corral is about six miles from Roosevelt Dam ) many times and don’t think that stretch is that bad. Now, towing the entire 22 miles is something I would not like to do but driving it in my truck (a sedan is fine, too) is just another adventure in some stunning, backcountry AZ desert. The road is “rustic” but good for travel in any vehicle and well maintained. You’ll never forget the scenery if you do try a portion of it.–Audrey
Ok Audrey, but if I try it at all I won’t be towing. I accidentally got on a way scary road when towing once, and believe me, once was enough!
Your new site looks amazing!! Will be looking forward to hearing more about it. We go pick up our vintage Airstream this coming weekend. Looking forward to start the remodeling on it it’s been a long time coming. Good things come to those who wait — right?!
Fifteen miles can feel much longer while fighting crosswinds on a highway. I’m glad your destination was that camp, what’s around you and the view . It looks gorgeous, private and like a great place . Having recently done laundry, stocked, filled and emptied what needed to be I guess you’re all set should you choose to stay through the 14 day limit. With time enough to let the wildlife become accustomed to your presence maybe you’ll see types you never had before. The temps seem cool enough to sleep and enjoy mornings. Altogether it seems like a great call to have headed south instead of begin a northern trek this soon,and likely encounters with cold and crowds. I hope Bridget, Reggie and you are well and happy there.
Thanks for the new post Sue! What a treat to get two posts so close together. I’ve had a good time observing the mourning dove nested on my back patio. She must be sitting on her eggs, as I never see the nest empty. My cats (indoor only) haven’t seemed to notice her as they usually avidly keep track of birds back there.
Hi, Sue,
Hope you and the Crew are enjoying your new camp. After camping in more populated areas recently, I am sure you will savor the solitude. Soak in the beautiful mountains and peace that surrounds you. Thank you for sharing the pictures!
Spring report from my yard: both pear trees are starting to pop with white, fluffy blooms. The ornamental peach, planted in memory of my Dad, is slowly unfurling its pink, carnation-like flowers on dark burgundy foliage. The cherry, crabapple, and redbud trees and azaleas are full of buds which will soon be bursting with color….waves of beauty!
Wishing everyone a great week! Enjoy your break, Sue! Sending you and the Crew hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Well Sue I think you drove right by my house. I live on Sandario street,in the Valley of the Sun mobile home park, which offers overnight if you ever need a spot in this area again.
So many places to explore in AZ, if I ever get healthy enough to do it.
Still struggling with nausea….can barely eat. Other than that, I’m doing ok. Hugs to all.
Congrats on the Gold Basketball. Good job to you and your team.
This didn’t post earlier, now it is in the wrong place. Should be up under Pauline’s post about Elly
Hang in there DG, everyday is a triumph after what you have been through. Keep posting and we’ll keep praying.
Glad to hear that you’re doing OK Ginger. Hopefully the nausea will pass. Hugs back at ya.
Hi Ginger, I lost 30# when my gut was toxic and lost my appetite. I’m now on a liquid once a day to stimulate appetite called Megestrol, It’s a cannibis product and works gently with no side effects. Regular prescription Good luck. I also drink three Ensures a day.
Thanks everyone.
Thank you for the beautiful mountain views. I am looking forward to the “return of the Pups”. Enjoy your peace.
Deena and Miss Mollie
DG, I hope your nausea subsides soon. I am glad you are doing so well. Stay strong, all will work out.
Sue This wildlife refuge is beautiful with the grassland and the fantastic mountain range in the background. It looks so peaceful.
I’ve been there! My wife and I lived in Tucson for a couple of months. One day we drove down that way. We stopped several times to look at the scenery and bask in it. The Route 286 and Baboquivari Peak pictures are in my mind as well as in your post. I was not aware of it as a boondocking spot. I want to spend time in and around Tucson, so I’ll be looking for the practical information on that. I already know about Snyder Hill and a couple of other places in the area.
Hi Sue! I’m still following your journeys but it’s been a while since I’ve added my two cents worth. Arrow and I just got back from camping west of Sandario Road on Avra Valley Road…. We had a wonderful time camping in the desert. The coyotes came in at night and Arrow slept through it all. Our Casita was wonderful! I’m anxious to get out there again! I’m writing just to check in…
Hi Reina! Welcome back.
Hey, I’ve been there myself with going the wrong way. My little app on the iPhone saved me more than a few times. Looks like you have a great spot to camp … enjoy.
GOOD MORNING, BLOGORINOS!
As always, thank you for being here!
Chey in Washington has had a rough time (to say the least) and her struggle is not over. Several of you may have missed her update under the previous post. I repost it here so that she may receive your encouragement and support. On behalf of Chey, I thank those who have already responded. — Sue
Chey wrote:
“It has been several months since I’ve commented and I’d like to share why.
After medical scares for bladder cancer, then ovarian cancer; (both inaccurate and a 3 month waste of time) it turns out I had diverticulitis. Dec 26th my rectum exploded and I was helicoptered to Harborview Med Ctr in Seattle with a poisoned gut.
On New years eve a blood clot in my left leg resulted in an above the knee amputation.
I’ve been in a rehab facility since Feb 17 learning how to stand. I have Foley and a colostomy catheters. Prognosis is to be fitted with a prosthetic at the end of the month and develop the strength and balance to use it.
I have not given up on full-timing, after all it’s my left leg that’s gone, and I’ll drive an automatic. I’m 60 years old and the hard part is this nursing home and the full-time residents.
So anyway, that’s where I’ve been.”
Happy Birthday, Sue and Reggie….and many, many more.
Oh yes, the stress of taking a wrong turn. Well, you got where you wanted to go, so it’s behind you now. Looking forward to the pics.
My back is much better. I’ve been doing a series of stretches called “the classic stretch.” I will remain committed to them, as I have been having some localized pain, and I refuse to live in pain. The stretches are making a huge difference in how I feel after only a couple of days. Saw this woman Miranda Esmonde-White on PBS (fundraising). She’s almost 70 and moves like a 30 year old. It’s painless and very effective. If you’re stiff or have pain, give it a try – can’t hurt.
Gas is cheaper there then here in Mid MO. We jumped to $1.99. Stay safe out there and I am no a wind fan either!