An Alphabetical, (Flower and) Garden Variety TR- V is for: Vida la Tucson! TR COMPLETE! (3/14)

[Steppesister]

All caught up here now, too!
Your new "tile" is great...love the colors and print.

Thanks!! I have finished painting a few of the walls white too so the whole place is starting to look fresher, brighter and more modern. I LOVE it!!

 

[Steppesister]

Glad you got one more chance!

YAY!! The WEDWay!!

You can have all of it.

OH thanks!!

That's where we stayed the one night we were there.

Did you like it?

Ugh. Why does this stuff happen to you?

Because I'm Class A1 Klutz!

See more magic!

 

[pkondz]

I've gotten some okay photos that way too.

Always a good opportunity.

I do have to wonder how often that happens. I think Disney adds stuff all the time and maybe we don't even notice except for a vague "awareness" that "something" is different.

That is probably true. Although I wouldn't be surprised if they're adding less lately.

Hey, why didn't I think of that?!

You nee people like me around to point these things out.

 

[Steppesister]

That is probably true. Although I wouldn't be surprised if they're adding less lately.

Covid, ya know.

You nee people like me around to point these things out.

Why, yes, yes I do.

 

[pkondz]

Covid, ya know.

 

[Steppesister]

V is for: Vida la Tucson!

​

Yep, it’s a full year later now, and I’m just getting around to finally finishing this TR and ending with where I was last year- the same location I am right now, which actually worked out quite nicely, even if it was wholly unplanned. Sorry, Trip Reporting is just a slow process these days.

With Disney behind us, Marcia and I had 3 days in Tucson to look forward to. The primary goal was to give me a chance to see the 5th wheel I’d bought almost a year earlier. I wanted to take some measurements and see exactly what I’d spent my money on. I wouldn't normally recommend buying something like this wholly sight unseen, but I got a smoking good deal and got lucky. It's in pristine shape for its age and worked out well for me. My new little home is the ONLY good thing that came out of Covid. #gottaloveovertime

​

We landed around 8:30PM and picked up our rental car which was a pretty easy process all told. Rentals are right there at the Tucson Airport, so no need to get a shuttle and all that nonsense. By 9:30 we had checked into our hotel for the stay. We chose the Casino del Sol’s Estrella Hotel and it was a perfect option. The Casino is about 5 miles from our RV park (Desert Trails, if you’re interested; COME VISIT!!!!) There was a Starbucks right there and one morning we ended up at the diner for breakfast. The room was very clean and comfortable and our hotel building was separated from the main casino complex and out of that nasty cig smoke and noise.

​

On a side note, when my parents traveled with me to help me with the drive this January, we also stayed there and ate at the Steak House which was incredible! Holy Smokes what a fantastic meal! Highly recommend.

Anyway, Marcia and I didn’t really have any firm plans but did want to take in the little town of Tubac which is about an hour south of Tucson. It’s a shopping district about 4 blocks square with tons of boutiques, pottery shops, Mexican stuff, restaurants, and high-end art galleries. We spent one whole day there and really loved it. On our way, we also stopped at the folks who sold me the RV. They are very sweet people and were ready to settle in a home again after full-time RV’ing. We had a nice visit. On our way home, we stopped and had a very nice dinner with some friends of Marcia’s who also bought a home in Green Valley (about halfway between Tubac and Tucson). It was such a lovely day!

​

The next day, we went to the famous historic restaurant, the El Charro- a downtown Tucson icon. Legend has it that this is where chimichangas were “invented”. Apparently, the owner was in a hurry and accidentally dropped a burrito in the fryer and voila! In honor of the humble chimichanga, Marcia and I ordered the chimichanga sampler that has 4 different kinds. My mouth is drooling right now thinking about how insanely delicious these were. YUM! Margs are mandatory with a good Mexican meal. I think the remainder of the day we napped and diddled around. Who knows, memory fades.

​

I do know that on our last day, we visited with some friends here in the RV park who live here year-round. Not my cup of tea, but they seem to really love it. The highlight of that day was taking a (very) short walk on our desert trails. HA, the trails our park are named after. I was a full 4 weeks post-surgery now, and could generally walk now without my walker. The spring bloom was full on and I was in absolute Heaven seeing the gorgeous colors of the desert cactus flowers. My real hunt was for a snake and I even got up early to be on the trails when I’d most likely see one, but no luck. But I was happy photographing the blooms and enjoying the warm desert air.

​

To say I was eager to be back again the following January would be the absolute truth. I have been so happy here this season and it’s hard to believe I only have 6 weeks left this year. Even with the crappy commute up to Phoenix it’s been absolutely delightful having warm, sunny days, gorgeous sunsets, birds waking me up AND putting me to sleep (the resident owls hoot every evening and are fun to watch), more taco trucks than $ixbucks, and gobs of new friends to share evening happy hours with. I’ve been incredibly busy doing my RV makeover and love how it’s turning out. I am so enjoying seeing my little She-Shack become a comfy, inviting tiny home. If you want a quick trip, I have room for 2 guests, can offer morning lattes, an outdoor oasis with a bubbling fountain, and a fun little getaway. And lots of margaritas...

​

Anyway, enough gushing about my Winter Home. I hope you’ve enjoyed this Trip Report and wish you all the very best wherever life has you right now. I will continue to update my Mega Move from Oregon to Kentucky TR which is about halfway done and then, hopefully start, what is sadly now going to be, a retro-TR for my WDW 50th Anniversary trip. Thank you for joining in on this one; it’s been fun to write and interact with those of you who chimed in. Until next time… Happy trails to you....

​

 

[Wood Nymph]

The spring bloom was full on and I was in absolute Heaven seeing the gorgeous colors of the desert cactus flowers.

I've heard that the desert is beautiful when it is in bloom. I have a feeling you are really going to miss it when you are back in Bowling Green.

 

[Steppesister]

I've heard that the desert is beautiful when it is in bloom. I have a feeling you are really going to miss it when you are back in Bowling Green.

Well, I"m staying here until the end of April and planning to do some road tripping around the area for a couple of weeks on my way back to Bowling Green. Some of the cactus is already blooming, as is the Ocotillo. The first snake spotting in our park was this morning, so Spring is definitely here. The next 6 weeks should be incredibly beautiful!

 

[pkondz]

Yep, it’s a full year later now, and I’m just getting around to finally finishing this TR

Slacker!!

Wow! That's gorgeous. Was not expecting that.

The primary goal was to give me a chance to see the 5th wheel I’d bought almost a year earlier.

I don't know how you did that. There's no way I'd go that long without seeing a purchase of that magnitude.

but I got a smoking good deal

Score!

and got lucky.

All right! Way to go!



We may be talking about two different things here.

You look so tiny beside it!
(Or Marcia. Kinda hard to tell.)

picked up our rental car which was a pretty easy process all told.

Whoa. That's impressive. I didn't think two ladies would be able to pick up a car. Very impressive. You gals must have some pretty huge arm muscles.

(Desert Trails, if you’re interested; COME VISIT!!!!)

I'll keep it in mind if and/or when.

There was a Starbucks right there

No! A Starbucks? How! They're so rare! You never see those!

Too bad you had just had surgery recently... otherwise I'm sure you'd have taken advantage of that slide.

On a side note, when my parents traveled with me to help me with the drive this January, we also stayed there and ate at the Steak House which was incredible! Holy Smokes what a fantastic meal! Highly recommend.

Thanks for the tip.

It’s a shopping district about 4 blocks square with tons of boutiques, pottery shops, Mexican stuff, restaurants, and high-end art galleries.

Not big on shopping, but... I think I might like this place. Sounds interesting.

we also stopped at the folks who sold me the RV. They are very sweet people and were ready to settle in a home again after full-time RV’ing.

Nice you got to do that. Hopefully you got some good tips on the new digs.

I hate it when you feel like the walls and ceiling are closing in and you have to hold them back.

The next day, we went to the famous historic restaurant, the El Charro- a downtown Tucson icon. Legend has it that this is where chimichangas were “invented”. Apparently, the owner was in a hurry and accidentally dropped a burrito in the fryer and voila!

Hello! I did not know this. I've cooked my fair share of chimis (back in the day) but never thought about their origin.

In honor of the humble chimichanga, Marcia and I ordered the chimichanga sampler that has 4 different kinds. My mouth is drooling right now thinking about how insanely delicious these were.

oh, man... I am so sold. I may take a trip down there just for that!

Perfectly good queso ruined by someone accidentally dumping a bunch of gross black olives into it.

Shame.

we visited with some friends here in the RV park who live here year-round. Not my cup of tea, but they seem to really love it.

Interesting comment. Not your cup of tea to live there year round... but your cup of tea to live there for a good chunk of the year...

But I was happy photographing the blooms and enjoying the warm desert air.

Really enjoyed those. This last one really surprised me. I don't picture that type of cactus with any flower.

I have been so happy here this season and it’s hard to believe I only have 6 weeks left this year. Even with the crappy commute up to Phoenix it’s been absolutely delightful having warm, sunny days, gorgeous sunsets, birds waking me up AND putting me to sleep (the resident owls hoot every evening and are fun to watch), more taco trucks than $ixbucks, and gobs of new friends to share evening happy hours with.

Very happy for you that you've enjoyed your time there so much.

If you want a quick trip, I have room for 2 guests, can offer morning lattes, an outdoor oasis with a bubbling fountain, and a fun little getaway. And lots of margaritas...

You certainly know how to sell it!

Whoa... want... <drool>

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Trip Report

Very much!

Thank you for joining in on this one; it’s been fun to write and interact with those of you who chimed in.

And thank you for taking the time to write for us. It's very much appreciated and always a joy to read.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I have loved reading along on your TR and your photos have always made me smile. I had no idea the desert bloomed in spring. Simply stunning!
Hope you enjoy the rest of your time in your rv and wishing you a smooth transition back to Bowling Green. So lovely to have a place to escape the winter weather.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Nice shots of the dessert blooms!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I enjoyed your TR, thank you for sharing! It was nice to see you on that trip even if it was brief.
I would love to visit you in your she shack. If you do the same thing next year, I will make plans to visit!
I loved Tubac we went several times and we use to go into Nogales many times before it became incredibly dangerous to step foot in there!
I bought so many cool southwest items there.
Have you been to the San Xavier Mission? Is it even still open?
We went there often as well.

 

[missjackiemcg]

This was such a fun TR to read!! I really enjoyed all of your amazing photography (as always!!) and the historical info along the way, too. Thanks for taking us along

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Ride the People Mover on the day it opened back up. The line was already 30 minutes long, maybe more, but since I had at least 2-3 hours I hopped in it. Well, I didn’t hop; I gingerly hobbled my way there. While I did feel a lot better than when we’d arrived at WDW a week earlier, I was far from “better”.

Always an underrated ride; I forgot it had been closed for so long.

It’s so classically Walt and takes me back to the Good Old Disney Days.

The perfect spot to rest your legs/feet while still being entertained.

Can't wait to ride this!

I had gotten my Bloody Mary and was trying to get settled in and situated in our little oasis while juggling my hat, purse, and drink. Tragically, I wasn’t successful, and my entire drink landed square on my tennis shoe… upside down. Of course. Now, not only was I dirty, I reeked like a frat house in September. There was booze and tomato juice completely saturating Roll-E running down through every crevice.

D'oh.

Did you buy the extra insurance?

Exasperated I made my way back into the bar to ask for some (ie. A LOT) of napkins and explained what happened. The hostess/bartender was super nice and said, “Oh dang! I’ll be right back!” She made me a new drink, smirked as she put a lid on it, and handed me about 4 inches of napkins.

Very nice of her! Would have been a boss move to grab you a sippy cup.

Sorry, Trip Reporting is just a slow process these days.

I hear ya.

It's in pristine shape for its age and worked out well for me. My new little home is the ONLY good thing that came out of Covid.

Not the only thing. They really shortened my daughter's graduation ceremony which was much appreciated.

Rentals are right there at the Tucson Airport, so no need to get a shuttle and all that nonsense.

Amen!

Margs are mandatory with a good Mexican meal. I think the remainder of the day we napped and diddled around. Who knows, memory fades.

Must have been a lot of margaritas.

Love this shot!

I have been so happy here this season and it’s hard to believe I only have 6 weeks left this year. Even with the crappy commute up to Phoenix it’s been absolutely delightful having warm, sunny days, gorgeous sunsets, birds waking me up AND putting me to sleep (the resident owls hoot every evening and are fun to watch), more taco trucks than $ixbucks, and gobs of new friends to share evening happy hours with.

I'm thrilled you've found a winter home! Sounds like you've become quite comfortable. That's really great to hear.

 

[franandaj]

Did you like it?

I thought it was too much like the southern California desert, I would have rather had a different area that wasn't so similar to a lot of what we have here, now with all the incentives to use native plants and desert landscape.

Yep, it’s a full year later now, and I’m just getting around to finally finishing this TR

Stuff happens!

On a side note, when my parents traveled with me to help me with the drive this January, we also stayed there and ate at the Steak House which was incredible!

Mmmmm Steak......

The next day, we went to the famous historic restaurant, the El Charro- a downtown Tucson icon. Legend has it that this is where chimichangas were “invented”. Apparently, the owner was in a hurry and accidentally dropped a burrito in the fryer and voila!

Interesting how many dishes are made by a mistake.

I was happy photographing the blooms and enjoying the warm desert air.

Very nice pictures of desert blooms.

Thank you for joining in on this one; it’s been fun to write and interact with those of you who chimed in. Until next time… Happy trails to you....

You're welcome!

 

[docsoliday1]

Yes, yes, I know I'm months behind...what else is new? Gonna try to get this one at least caught up this weekend, but may not be able. Heading to Garmisch with a co-worker and going to see Neuschwanstein and the Eagle's nest.

cotton in my ears. Maybe it's just me.

Not just you akthough your other solution is better.

I do wonder though if the flood of travel nurses and the trend towards that is finally going to push facilities into paying RNs what they truly SHOULD be making. There is NO WAY I'd do what I am doing right now for less than I am making. My health (that I KNOW this is affecting) just isn't worth it long-term

One can hope. I think I've mentioned I have a friend who is a traveling nurse and it's sad that's necessary for decent pay.

Walt would be very, very sad. Where is your childlike wonder?

It died when I was a child and heard that repeated over and over for 20 minutes!

I considered COP and WEDWAY to be Walt's babies, but they took away the name on WEDWAY which was what made it uniquely Walt's. Also, the train is most definitely his baby.. Hopefully, those things will continue, but then again, so much has changed for the worse, I don't have high hopes. I know the only constant is change, but so many changes are just money grabs and creates sadness for me.

WEDway will always be WEDway for me just like DTD will always be DTD.

I used to love Disney, but all the money grabs have taken my love hate relationship to hate hate.

I'm surprised this isn't more made fun of. Then again, I happen to know about a certain men's group around here who makes fun of it fairly regularly.

I'm sure I have no idea what you're referring to.

 

[docsoliday1]

A long-standing favorite of mine has been the Hollywood Brown Derby and there's rarely a trip that I don't make a reservation. I can’t recall the first time I tried it, but I am going to guess it was sometime as far back as 2017. What draws me there? Many things.

I've never been there. Thought about it several times, but either couldn't get a ressie ornother thing were more important.

UGH. It's just a direction I haven't appreciated like most, I guess. I would be very, very sad to see TOT re-themed. If they would just upgrade the track at RnRC, I'd be very happy!

Upgrade the track how? I understand this for space mountain because it's so bumpy, rickety, not fun anymore.

No. Your confusing swill with coffee.

How can one do that?...they're the same thing.

Be careful what you wish for. You may get just that on your next trip unless you're willing to shell out even more.

Aint that the truth? Disney is now the master of using the force like Obi wan did on the stormtroopers.

This IS the vastly overpriced and providing less service and less fun park you're looking for.

 

[docsoliday1]

So, without the drivel

I had a whole bunch of things quoted on Saturday and either the dis barfed or my phone did. Have no idea what this one was quoted for.

I'll try and get those up tonight as well

Yay!
Of course this was probaly 5-6 months ago now.

Know what?

Nope! But, I know who.
He's on first.

In hindsight another thing I came to realize and appreciate was how exhausting simply having to USE a scooter was.

I thought is was supposed to prevent it.
No, I know...it's exhausting being behind one as well...they just stop with no warning because someone just ran in front of them.

But that’s not really what this chapter is about.

It's not?

I have never in my life met someone who loses stuff more often than I do.

I find this hard to believe.

I can only laugh at this because I can be the Queen of Misplaced Things

Did she lose her undies?

Happy that Nakey-Lady didn’t throw up before they got her out of the bar area, Caroline had been texting her whereabouts

How did Caroline know her whereabouts if you were watching her get evicted from the pool area?

 

[docsoliday1]

He looks like he thinks it's duck hunting season

Wabbit season!

I know a lady like that! I've met her a couple times at Disney.

Wow! Me too. What are the odds?

I chose to work my way through the rainbow one color at a time.

You're eating skittles?

I said yes to a contract in Gilbert, Arizona. Major downside is that it’s a 2 1/2 hour drive from my RV. It’s good pay which somewhat eases the pain

Congrats! Belated, but still congrats.

Now without further ado: I give you…RED

I saw your beloved rice cream(shocked)
And the trains boss the trains.

I present to you: An Orange Menagerie…

Ummm, why do you have a stick in your mouth? Someone doing surgery on you in the wild west?


And it looks like you went to Uni...felt like saving some money and getting service, did ya?

 

[docsoliday1]

This new dis is worse than previous. Much harder to quote things on the phone.
Glad you got the shot on WEDway for blue
One of my must dos at MK.

Batch 2:

Best show on property.