Back from Vegas

On our way back from Las Vegas we stopped in Congress, Arizona mainly because there is a campground there run by the Escapees organization.  If you are a member, the fees for full hook-up are $15.50 to 17.50 a night.  We really didn’t know what to expect way out there in the high desert, and were pleasantly surprised by all the local color.  We even stayed over a couple of extra days due to the bright and shining jewels we found.  To begin with it was the perfect time of year: wondrous spring bringing forth blossoms of magnificent beauty: Saguaro high on a desert mountain silhouetted against a sunset, barrel cactus adorning rocky pathways and all the heads of the prickly pear baring witness to survival in an otherwise barren landscape. The annual blooming adds a certain mystery and anticipation.  Without the unfolding of these delicate blossoms, hopeful anticipation would sorely be diminished and the desert would truly become a no-man’s landscape. 

The Escapees North Ranch is a tribute to desert living.  Well appointed tree-lined RV sites, the neatly landscaped permanent neighborhoods, and the lovingly designed cactus garden offered the perfect oasis.  Jack rabbits inhabited the area and added to our enjoyment as we watched Phoebe’s doggy ecstasy during her chase after these illusive creatures.  

We took forays into surrounding areas and found the towns of Wickenburg, Stanton, and Prescott.  Wickenburg was delightful with its walking trail around town lined with whimsical bronze life-size sculptures. The Desert Caballeros Western Museum is one of the premier locations for the best western art available.  The town is only 60 miles north of Phoenix and only 15 miles from Congress so it is definitely worth the trip.
On the opposite side of the spectrum is Stanton.  We drove about 12 miles over a washboard dirt road to see the gold prospector/campers and ghost town.  Many people go up there to actually pan for gold and some find it.  That's why Stanton came into existence in 1863-gold in them thar hills.

We then took the most awesome trip to Prescott.  We began at about 2000 feet above sea level and climbed along a very winding road carved out of the side of the mountains to a little over 6000 feet.  The road had so many hairpin turns that there were signs prohibiting big trucks.  The country at that elevation levels out to plateaus with lush vegetation and many cattle and horse ranches.  Beautiful.  Prescott is a great town with a mixture of western and wholistic living, if that makes sense. I think Prescott College has a lot to do with that since they offer Liberal Arts degrees in Environment studies and Social Justice. Their programs send students all over the US and the world to get practical experience.

We very much enjoyed Arizona and look forward to a return visit.

Lookin' Back

Traveling out here in the ol' US of A is magnificent.  This spring we were in Las Vegas and had a blast.  As we traveled west our surroundings became more and more other worldly. The landscape morphed into rock; rock mountains and canyons that exuded their own type of beauty as far as the eye could see.  When we first arrived we made a beeline for our friends house in Henderson and stayed a couple of days with them.  We were only going to spend the night in their very lovely home and find a place to stay the next morning but unfortunately Vic came down with a nasty flu bug and we stayed on for another couple nights until he felt human enough to move us to Arizona Charlie's RV park and casino.  The next day I got the flu and was out of commission for several days.  Thank goodness Bob and Mary escaped the bug.  By the next weekend we were ready for some Casino fun. We all played the slots and ate well. I had the best time cutting up and laughing with our friends back at their place. I am so grateful for friends like Bob and Mary.  Not only did they put up with us being sick,  and our dogs eating their Cats' food, but our truck brakes needed repairs and Bob helped Vic for a whole day getting all that fixed. During that time Mary, bless her heart. tried to teach me how to crochet.   I did learn a few stitches and she sent me off with yarn and some crochet hooks to continue the hat I started.  Mary crochets hats and scarves for the homeless and I think she had about thirty sets finished for this coming winter.  She has a real talent, one I wish would have rubbed off on me.  I'll keep trying Mary.

I for one have always dreamed of going to  Lake Mead.  After we settled at Arizona Charlie's campground and casino we explored the area.  I was delighted to find  a paddle wheel boat tour of the lake near Boulder Dam.  We thoroughly enjoyed the ride between the rock mountains that surround the lake.  Enamored with the mountains and the subtle changes in color marked by eons of formation, we took scores of pictures.  We also visited Boulder Dam and climbed (in the truck) to the highest point.  Breathtaking.

For us it was a great place to visit and we have plans to return.  Vic had an opportunity to work in Vegas but we could not see ourselves living there. We are basically small town folk, not used to scores of homeless on the streets and razor wire on the walls to keep undesirables away from the downtown casinos.  Our dogs had a hard time adjusting their toilet to gravel, pebbles and little bits of grass they could find.  Alas, we said farewell to our good friends and headed back east in search of vegetation and smaller towns.