Last stop in Arizona

Hi all,

We are settled in a very nice RV spot in Safford, AZ.  This park was not on the Adventure Cycling list, but we found it in a directory of RV parks in Smith's van.  It is right on the cycle route and next door to a Walmart.  What more could we ask?  

It was a hard day of cycling for Dave and Mike as the winds were very strong -- both cross and head winds.  Some uphill as well but then nice downhill areas to follow.  The rain seems to be all around us, but we did not have any directly on us yet.  The winds are continuing to blow hard tonight and sprinkles have begun at 6:30.  Driving the motorhome in the wind was a little scary but I managed to stay off the yellow line and the rumble strips most of the time.  The last few miles into Safford the wind switched and became a tailwind.  They liked that a lot!  The mountain peaks to the south of us have snow on them.

One of our stops for rest today was in St. Thomas.  Paula and I just pulled off the road to wait for the guys and across the street was a kind of memorial park, small in size but very manicured (made it stand out from the rest of the area).  I walked over and it was a memorial to Melvin Jones, the founder of Lions' Club International.  He was a resident of St. Thomas early in the 20th century.  There was a brick walkway that contained engraved bricks (like the one in downtown West Chicago) from different Lions' Clubs around the world.  I looked for WC but didn't find it. Some were from individuals as well as clubs.  I was very impressed by the simplicity yet the sincere sentiments displayed.

Mike grilled hamburgers outside and Paula made guacamole for supper tonight.  It tasted really good.

I am proud of my ability to back this rig into a very narrow slot today.  We had help from another visitor and the manager with hand directions.  Paula and I can now unhook the trailer and get completely hooked up by ourselves.  We still don't like to back up with the trailer still connected.

More laundry tonight and maybe a trip to Walmart if it doesn't rain too hard.

Oh, forgot to tell you about a stray dog we encountered in Peridot, our first stop this morning.  He was the saddest looking animal--a pit bull that has been through many fights.  His face and head were a mass of scars and he hung around the motorhome while we were parked.  We gave him several morsels of food. He liked the attention we paid him.  He just stood there wagging his tail and we talked to him and pet him. It was an interesting grocery store there.  Paula and I were the only caucasians in the place.  All the patrons and clerks were Apache and Navajo Indians.  There were even Indian words on the walls over the different sections of the store.

All for now.  Into New Mexico tomorrow.

Love and blessings,

Lana