From Arkansas we passed through eastern Oklahoma, then to San Antonio to visit with friends, my boss from Vietnam days and his wife, before we headed further west to Arizona. They took us to a nearby campgroud that they belong to and we had an enjoyable time feeding the deer. We continued south through Big Bend National Park for a few days of relaxation, hiking and birding and then headed west. We made it to Tucson where we spent about a week enjoying the 
Arizona sun. Tucson is a great town. We stayed at the Fam Camp at Davis Monthan AFB and know why it is the number 1 rated military campground. During our short stay there we had three of our RVing friends whom we haven’t seen in well over a year, stay in the campground. The visit was short but fun. Sandi and I went up into Sabino Canyon in the Sonora Desert and also drove the Mount Lemon road to where either chains or four wheel drive was required somewhere near the 6000’ foot elevation point.
They were forecasting 22’ of snow above 7000’ and we did not want to see snow that bad. Back in the valley I managed to get in a few more rounds of golf including one with Gen Don Sheppard, my former boss and one of the best supervisors I ever worked for.
We left Tucson for Douglass, Arizona where we rendezvoused with members of an RV group we belong to – Escapees, Chapter 8,”The Mexican Connection”, for an annual rally into Mexico. We spent several days preparing in Douglass with some great food and special events in Douglass and Agua Prieta, Mexico, Douglass’ sister City across the boarder. They are actually one city that has an international boarder passing down the middle.
Sandi and I were team leaders so we got to lead a six RV caravan from Douglas to Guaymas, Sonora. It was a non eventful trip with most of it being on either four lane highways or very good and straight two lane roads. This is a trip we’d take again if we could convince any of our RVing friends to venture into Mexico.
In addition to acquainting folks to Mexico and the wonderful Mexican people, one of the missions of Chapter-8 is charity. This year we will give between $10,000 and $12,000 to various needs that our charity committee finds. In Agua Prieta a home for the elderly and a rehabilitation center each received gifts from us. Each of these are projects supported by the efforts of volunteers and both had needs that few of us can imagine. At the rehab center, men in one room slept across beds that were just patio chairs with a few blankets and pillows. At the old folk’s home, the patients lay naked between their sheets on wash day when their only set of clothes is washed.
Our mid-point overnight stop was in a town called Benjamin Hill. Children came out in droves to see us. The younger ones very eager to walk people’s dogs and the high school aged kids wanting to practice English, some carrying Spanish-English dictionaries. The town threw us a festival with cultural dances and singing in the town square, a part of every Mexican town I’ve ever been in. We visited the church and heard from the priest through an interpreter. He has a daily kitchen for the poor and feeds 40 – 65 people a day, many children. For most, this is their only meal. When our charity chairperson asked him what we might do to help, he said his greatest need was for beans for the kitchen. Each day he never knows if he will have any food to serve on the next.
We made it to Guaymas (way’ mas) and played and partied and ate to excess. Located on the Sea of Cortez, this place is beautiful. Mountains meet the sea and birding has been exceptional. Some of our group went fishing and except for one tuna and a handful of smaller fish that were served up on the boat in fish tacos, they caught several Humboldt Squid. These Giant Squid (up to 30’ I’m told) have been known to attack divers. Needless to say, calamari is a common menu item around here.
We will head further south and expect to stay in Mexico until about the end of March when we will head north toward Yellowstone National Park. I have been offered and have accepted a position at Madison as a seasonal ranger and Sandi is hoping for a volunteer position at the Junior Ranger Station at Madison.
We’re having fun but miss seeing you all. Keep in touch.
Jay & Sandi
Arizona sun. Tucson is a great town. We stayed at the Fam Camp at Davis Monthan AFB and know why it is the number 1 rated military campground. During our short stay there we had three of our RVing friends whom we haven’t seen in well over a year, stay in the campground. The visit was short but fun. Sandi and I went up into Sabino Canyon in the Sonora Desert and also drove the Mount Lemon road to where either chains or four wheel drive was required somewhere near the 6000’ foot elevation point.
They were forecasting 22’ of snow above 7000’ and we did not want to see snow that bad. Back in the valley I managed to get in a few more rounds of golf including one with Gen Don Sheppard, my former boss and one of the best supervisors I ever worked for.We left Tucson for Douglass, Arizona where we rendezvoused with members of an RV group we belong to – Escapees, Chapter 8,”The Mexican Connection”, for an annual rally into Mexico. We spent several days preparing in Douglass with some great food and special events in Douglass and Agua Prieta, Mexico, Douglass’ sister City across the boarder. They are actually one city that has an international boarder passing down the middle.
Sandi and I were team leaders so we got to lead a six RV caravan from Douglas to Guaymas, Sonora. It was a non eventful trip with most of it being on either four lane highways or very good and straight two lane roads. This is a trip we’d take again if we could convince any of our RVing friends to venture into Mexico.
In addition to acquainting folks to Mexico and the wonderful Mexican people, one of the missions of Chapter-8 is charity. This year we will give between $10,000 and $12,000 to various needs that our charity committee finds. In Agua Prieta a home for the elderly and a rehabilitation center each received gifts from us. Each of these are projects supported by the efforts of volunteers and both had needs that few of us can imagine. At the rehab center, men in one room slept across beds that were just patio chairs with a few blankets and pillows. At the old folk’s home, the patients lay naked between their sheets on wash day when their only set of clothes is washed.
Our mid-point overnight stop was in a town called Benjamin Hill. Children came out in droves to see us. The younger ones very eager to walk people’s dogs and the high school aged kids wanting to practice English, some carrying Spanish-English dictionaries. The town threw us a festival with cultural dances and singing in the town square, a part of every Mexican town I’ve ever been in. We visited the church and heard from the priest through an interpreter. He has a daily kitchen for the poor and feeds 40 – 65 people a day, many children. For most, this is their only meal. When our charity chairperson asked him what we might do to help, he said his greatest need was for beans for the kitchen. Each day he never knows if he will have any food to serve on the next.
We made it to Guaymas (way’ mas) and played and partied and ate to excess. Located on the Sea of Cortez, this place is beautiful. Mountains meet the sea and birding has been exceptional. Some of our group went fishing and except for one tuna and a handful of smaller fish that were served up on the boat in fish tacos, they caught several Humboldt Squid. These Giant Squid (up to 30’ I’m told) have been known to attack divers. Needless to say, calamari is a common menu item around here.
We will head further south and expect to stay in Mexico until about the end of March when we will head north toward Yellowstone National Park. I have been offered and have accepted a position at Madison as a seasonal ranger and Sandi is hoping for a volunteer position at the Junior Ranger Station at Madison.
We’re having fun but miss seeing you all. Keep in touch.
Jay & Sandi
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