Today we drove up to McDowell Mountain Park. It was a very aggravating drive. Extremely aggravating. Fountain Hills has an enormous paving project going on. We found ourselves approaching a major intersection, with the cross road closed. The road crew had placed barriers and lane markers forcing traffic turn turn either left or right. We were in the right lane, and there was no way we could make that turn. When you have a big RV, you have a wide swing when turning. Jim was forced to turn into the oncoming traffic lane. Half the road had been torn up, the remaining lane was serving both directions. Fortunately, there were no cars coming toward us, and we had a break in the lane markers in time to move back in to our lane. Four cars behind us followed us, apparently equally confused as to where we were supposed to be on the road. Anyway, while making the turn, we dragged the truck along a barrier. It creased the sheet metal. Jim is very upset about this.
We are now at McDowell. It's a lovely park. It's very quiet here; no sirens, no motorcycles, no helicopters. We are having to be conscious about water and internet usage. In Tucson we have sewer and DSL, unlimited resources as it were. Here, we must practice conservation.
The buckhorn chollas are set for an epic bloom. They've just started, and there are buds everywhere. These are my second favorite cactus. The
trico cereus is my favorite.
See the green bug in the flower? It was an iridescent green.
So we're here for seven nights. We have to move sites mid week, which is kind of a bummer, but they're really full. It will be hot, riding will have to be done early. Sunday is forecast to be 93 degrees. That's really hot.
I can't believe I arrived in Tucson today from McDowell. I probably passed you on I-10! So sorry about the truck...ouch! But hopefully it can be mended! Enjoy McDowell MRP! Hiking the Scenic Trail the 2 hours before sundown was my fav while there!
ReplyDeleteI know! I am so bummed that we were like ships passing in the night.
DeleteSo sorry about the truck! We made one trip up that way to hike from Apache Junction and didn't return because of the terrible traffic. One day we will have to try to get it together and get a reservation. I must say that I am glad to be in Prescott at 5200 ft. High temps are suppose to be in the high 60's. Sounds like heaven after 90 in Apache Junction. Enjoy your time!!
ReplyDeleteReservations have become a must. There is not one single open site in the entire Maricopa system. That was surprising to me.
DeleteThat's a bummer about the truck. I am so enjoying all the desert blooms from all you RVers still in AZ! At least since you have to switch sites midway you have an opportunity to dump!
ReplyDeleteThat is just too hot for me...
I'm not looking forward to the 90's. I'm ok in the 80's but that's about it.
DeleteSorry about the truck. Wish we had stayed in the desert a little longer to see more of the blooms, but high of 70 and sunny in San Diego is so much better than the 90s!
ReplyDelete