11/15-11-23
Oh dear where does the time go? Today is Thanksgiving and I’ve been in Tucson over a week. Found a very nice area to camp, Madera Canyon. Twelve miles east of Green Vally which is 20 miles south of Tucson. Perfect spot, good water, plenty of sun and a bathroom that is within a quick walk. The campground is high in the canyon so internet access is two bars. Ten campsites and I’m #2. A very nice two mile walk with a couple of hundred foot elevation gain/loss is right outside the schooner. There are 3-4 more hikes that i can do from the schooner, up to 5+ miles. Nice stream in the canyon and nice views on the hikes. Still chilly. Heater is on this morning, around 44F in the schooner.
I’ve been getting a little golf in. Hit more buckets than actually golfed. But got two rounds in, bogey golf, it seems to take 7-8 holes to get comfortable but still pleased. Golfed with a Orthodontist from Albuquerque, 82 and a good golfer. A bit gabby for my taste but i didn’t have my ears in, so did a lot of smiling. He didn’t care if i could hear him or not. The guy inspired me to stay in shape and keep playing. I hit a couple of nice drives and he had me by 10-15 yards each time! I like it!
Been going into Tucson. Found a couple of nice roads that parallel the interstate and that take me to the east of Tucson. Tucson is half a million and the megalopolis is just over a million. Done a little shopping and had dinner in a few Mexican restaurants. Nice area.
There are 4 of us who have been camped here for the last week and so we have intro ourselves. I’m using “John”. It interesting being called John. It was interesting on the golf course when i was talking to myself using “ God damn it, Harry.” My partners gave me strange looks. But John it is till Austin.
Going to leave here Sunday, 11/27 headed to Guadeloupe NP in Texas. I plan to stay there a couple of days and visit Carlsbad Caverns. The Caverns are about 60 miles away from Guadeloupe NP. Once finished in that area I’ll decide to do Big Bend Ranch State Park then Big Bend NP or go to Austin. I don’t like to rush.
Should been in Austin before 12/12 and fly home for the holidays on 12/16. Then back to Austin on the 30th and head to the Gulf of Mexico. I want to be back in Missoula beginning of March.
It’s 10:30 Thanksgiving morning and I’m going to have breakfast and go on a hike to Kent Springs. Thinking golf tomorrow and maybe Saturday. I’m finally settling in too traveling. It has been a different mind set this trip. I like staying put for longer times and exploring the area. A little over a month on the road and about 2500 miles. I have a lot of pictures ( I think) to post. I have been …..busy. Busy doing nothing but busy. Going to do better job on blog. Going to do better on pictures. Going to continue to have fun!
