A Couple of Repeat Stopovers On Our Way to New Territory

Our primary destination for late winter is Texas, but to get there we've got to go through some places we've visited before. First we spent a few nights in Yuma, AZ where I struggled to get back into the habit of taking photos after my long blogging hiatus in San Diego!

In Yuma we took care of our annual dental cleaning across the border in Los Algodones. Dr Eva Urena did a great job (including a minor filling for Hans) for a great price. I had a small troubling spot on my gums that needed to be looked at by the endodontist next door, Dr. Hernandez, so we had to stay in town for a couple more hours to get it looked at (all turned out well fortunately).

I also got my hair cut for the second year in a row in Los Algodones and was once again very impressed at the quality of cut I got for $5. A fraction of the cost I pay at a chain in the states.

Usually we are in and out of Los Algodones by 10:30am and don't experience a line at the border. This year due to my unexpected visit to the endodontist we didn't get in the border exit line until 1pm. It took us about an hour and forty five minutes to cross back home! By the time we got through the crossing, the line had stretched far beyond the shade covering provided for the line and the people at the back of the line must have been roasting in the sun. Come prepared with a hat and sunscreen if you intend to stay well into the afternoon!

The next day in Yuma we spent with our friends Cliff and Sharon who are spending a few months at a nearby RV park. We had a really fun day playing pickleball (with our pickleball mentors) and pool volleyball.

We topped off our last day in Yuma with a fun evening with other RVers: Debbie (non blogger), Jim (eyes closed!) and Gayle of Life's Little Adventures, Iain and Kate of The Scenic Route, and Suzanne to Take to the Highway. It was great seeing all of these wonderful people we've met on the road once again!

Our second stop since leaving San Diego was Tucson, specifically Catalina State Park. We were only able to get two nights at this busy park but that was enough to allow for a nice hike in the beautiful Sonoran desert and dinner with friends Dennis and Sheryl who live in nearby Oro Valley and are constantly recruiting us to buy a house in their community. Though we aren't ready to buy anywhere just yet, we had a great time visiting with good friends.

The hike we took was mostly a mix of unnamed trails in the State Park. Though the Sonoran desert is naturally quite green due to the annual monsoons, the abundance of rain this winter has kept it greener than we've ever seen it in the past couple of years. After the sparse brown desert of Yuma, this area was a feast for the eyes.

We saw two white tailed deer on our hike...the first time we've seen them here!

The campground, center right, is dwarfed by the Catalina Mountains.

Today we head into new territory for us with a long drive to Deming, NM. It's good to be back on the road!