To Tucson Via Picturesque Dragoon to Benson Stretch

Aloha Everyone,

For approximately 12 miles or 18 minutes by car to Benson, we were treated to arresting rock formations. Located within Cochise County, one area even had a sign that read, "Texas Canyon."

Tucson located in the Sonoran Desert is the second largest populated city in Arizona after Phoenix. According to the 2010 US census, estimated population of the metropolitan Tucson area is close to one million. We ran into traffic and impatient drivers weaving in and out of lanes.

We returned to the now familiar Whispering Palms RV Park.

Healthy lunch in Honu and J.J. and I shared a quarter of a delicious 6" pecan pie. We are trying to consume the content of our freezer and refrigerator. For dinner, J.J. cooked a steak and stirred fried shrimps. I made a side dish of spinach with roasted sesame seeds.

Aloha -- Cathi

To Lotdsburg, New Mexico

Aloha Everyone,

Gorgeous weather! Clear, blue sky and no pollution! El Paso looked inviting and alluring. But now that we are on schedule to return to California before Sunday, I was satisfied with appreciating the passing scenery including the University of Texas El Paso architecture.

Back to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Following a recommendation of the New Mexico tourism information volunteer, we stopped at the Historic Town of Mesilla. Andele Restaurant has no curb appeal. The building actually looks like a budget motel. The spacious parking lot was getting full and it was only 30 minutes to noon.

J.J. ordered their specialty of mixed plate but I chose a simple burrito filled with beef and potato stew which was excellent.

Whenever we dine in a restaurant, I always request for a very hot cup of water with wedges of lemon. Sometime I get a plateful of lemon and on other occasions, just a thin slice.

Our server, Raul was very kind and attentive and offered me a second cup of hot water and more lemon without my asking for them. He was also curious and interested in our travels. He wants to travel. We gave him a few ideas on how to travel and get paid. One example is working for a cruise ship.

J.J. and I wished him well in pursuit of his dreams and happiness.

Honu got a good car wash and cleaning to get rid of the accumulated dirt and remains of bugs and insects.

Lordsburg KOA is still operating as a KOA franchise. Powerful hot shower is always welcome. The temperature is expected to go down to 37.

Here is an interesting contraption devised by a tent camper.

Aloha -- Cathi

Overcoming A Couple Of Bumps On The Road

Aloha Everyone,

A night of heavy rain and lightning brought a bright, beautiful morning. Songs of Cardinals and Black-Capped Vireo sent us on our way from South Llano State Park, one of our favorite Texas state parks.

We ate our picnic lunch consisting of roast beef sandwich and avocado with Texas corn chip at a rest stop on I-10 in the city of Iraan. Yum!

Our original destination of Balmorhea State Park camping ground was full. J.J. and I did not realize that some Texas public schools are on their spring break this week. We reluctantly left the place. This was especially difficult after a ranger told us not only Grorge, the roadrunner, is still greeting campers in the park but he now has several off-springs following him around!  C'est dommage! J.J. and I made mental notes to make reservations in the future and to return and see George and his brood.

Balmorhea State Park with American Coots

Van Horn KOA was our next destination. Not being able to located KOA as mentioned in their directory, I telephoned to confirm their address. The RV park apparently is no longer a KOA (Campgrounds of America) member. It has been converted to a Good Sam's licensee. Reduced amenities and deferred maintenance facilities. We made the best of our situation. J.J. and I enjoyed our dinner of pasta with pesto and garlic sauce plus a large salad of baby spinach, avocado, blueberries, strawberries, tofu cubes and roasted almonds.

Aloha -- Cathi

Bird Watching At South Llano River State Park

Aloha Everyone,

They are skittish, they easily get spooked, and even if there seems to be no imminent danger in sight, when one takes flight others do the same.

We followed the signs which led us to one of the four bird blinds in this state park.

Patience, calmness, stillness and mindfulness are important ingredients in successful birding. J.J. and I spent about 40 minutes watching and waiting in silence and saw perhaps a dozen different species of birds plus two rabbits who came to forage with their winged friends. It was meditative.

Honu seemed to have disturbed a female and her nest. We heard a light "bonk, bonk" sound. It stops, then it repeats. She keeps bumping the side of Honu pushing with her head. When I told J.J. that hopefully the darkness will cause her to stop attacking Honu, his answer was, "Or it will stop when she gets a headache."

Aloha -- Cathi

Lively San Antonio River Walk

Aloha Everyone,

The San Antonio River Walk is one of the "bucket lists" of many people we've met along the road. It is actually a network of walkways along the banks of San Antonio River. J.J. and I fondly recall our first visit when we were still newlyweds. We were not disappointed. The vibrant colors, interesting restaurants and the music are all intact.

Designated as a public park, the restaurants, bars and shops occupy the River Walk on parallel sidewalks of the river. The Alamo and major hotels are located one story above on the street level. 

J.J. and I returned to the La Playa fish restaurant for hot soup. Here is Alma serving King's Soup for J.J. and Sopa de Pescado (fish soup) for me.

We use propane gas for Honu's stove. We can use electric for floor heating but if we are in a national park camp site with no electric hookup, then it can be switched to propane.  In Texas, to be certified to handle propane, one must attend a 10 hour course offered in Austin by the Texas State Department of Railroad. We were nearly empty and loaded the maximum capacity of 12 gallons. Cost was $34.

Aloha -- Cathi