Day 1 - Jim Kortsen West Pinal Park

Today was Day 1 of my New Mexico trip.  After bidding farewell to Joe and my wonderful friends, Kara and Chris Udziela, I finished packing up the van and hit the road!  I can't believe we didn't take photos!!! I stole this one from Kara's Facebook page.

I drove to Quartzsite first and delivered a pet portrait of her beloved dog, Kefa,  to Joyce Feganchick. It always feels so good to make people happy!  I was a little embarrassed, having driven in the heat to QZ and in great need of a shower, but Joyce didn't seem to mind.

Stopped by the Roadrunner market and picked up some milk and chips, 

then on toward Tucson.

Tonight I'm camping at Jim Kortsen West Pinal Park.

It costs $10/night.

More than I like to pay, 

but the free spots I checked on before this one

just didn't feel safe.

Sometimes you have to just listen to your gut.

Tomorrow morning, 

my plan is to have coffee,

then go to the Lighthouse YMCA in Tucson 

for a shower!

After that, I need to stop at my bank

and deposit a check.

I used to live near here, in Sasabe,

when I was younger 

and worked at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge.

So I've seen Old Tucson Studios and much of the town.

I do think I'll take a look at the Miniature Museum

(if they're open on Mondays!)

and the Xavier del Bac Mission tomorrow.

Maybe I'll sleep at the Casino,

then continue on to New Mexico on Tuesday.

Here is a photo of my campspot tonight.

These are nice spots.

No water or toilets, but covered tables

and an official presence.

Happy Trails!

Annie