January 2 - 17, 2016:
Happy New Year to all from the desert southwest !
 |
| Another trail view |
Twinkles went with friends on a ceramic shopping spree, buying a few new plates and bowls although our cabinets are now full. She claims that some old ones will go, I've heard this before, we will see about that ! I actually like most of them and they are cheap.
 |
This is a pattern made exclusively for the "Ahwahnee"
Lodge in Yosemite National Park |
It was then decided to make our first visit to the local “Casino del Sol” where we wagered our usual $20 on the slots and walked out with about $75. We are on a winning streak, so why not buy a few “Power Ball” tickets ? I am not deterred by the million to one odds of winning, it’s healthy in this world to have hope.
We then stopped at another local institution “Tiny’s Saloon”, first time this year, for dinner. I’m happy to report they haven’t ruined the character yet with a new healthy menu or excessive cleaning and renovation.
It is a “El Nino” year which is giving us colder than average temperatures and more cloudy and rainy days. The weather forecast shows this trend continuing well into February. We even have had water flowing in the local washes (arroyos) and the Santa Cruz River lately. The Catalina Mountains now have some snow coverage and are a beautiful distant sight.
 |
Entrance of the Santa Cruz River Park
|
 |
The Santa Cruz is flowing
|
 |
| The snow covered Catalina Mountains from a hike |
I am loving the quantity and quality of live music in Tucson, there is something about every night. I go to Monterey Court for a singer songwriter, Joe Marson from NYC who puts on a great show, great guitar playing, voice and stage presence. Of course, I do my usual Wednesday night at LaCocina with Miss Lana and Kevin joined by Willie for a rousing rendition of “Geronimo’s Cadillac. Willie is a local who is really quite good and often gets up and plays a few tunes. Then back at Monterey Court to hear Nancy McCallion, Danny Krieger and Heather Hardy perform. It’s then the monthly Tucson songwriters showcase again with a cast of 9 local and touring songwriters performing. There were two exceptionally entertaining musicians, Jamie Anderson and Eric Hansen with amazing bio’s. Lastly I go to the “El Casino Ballroom” for a fund raising concert for the Tucson folk music festival which takes place in April.
 |
| Willie, Kevin and Lana at La Cocina |
We took a ride to the town of Oracle, about 35 miles north of Tucson to look around. It is considerably higher elevation and there was a little snow on the ground in places. It’s mostly ranch land surrounding the town with beautiful views of the Catalina Mountains. We found an interesting antique shop where I bought a September 1975 issue of Arizona Highways. I wanted to stop at the biker bar for some local atmosphere, but Twinkles rejected that idea, sometimes it’s better if I do these explorations solo ?
 |
View outside of Oracle
|
 |
Old metal outside the antique shop
|
On the hiking front I have been out for several hikes with several people, but when I hike I still prefer to hike alone. There are several hiking groups here, lots of road bikers and mountain bikers, from mild to wild, a most active group of seniors.
 |
Totally beautiful !
|
I am in the middle of cleaning and waxing the RV exterior, applying UV coating to the roof and cleaning the batteries. I also need to do something with the decals on the rear that are fading badly. The front ones are also starting to fade. I may attempt to remove the rear ones, but it’s only a matter of time before the side decals will go as well. The answer in another year or so may be to paint the RV, I’m thinking a custom color job without those goofy RV graphics.
I am finding it more and more awkward to do a travel blog when I’m not really traveling so I may stretch these posts out to about two weeks for the next couple of months.
Stay tuned for more,
Twinkles and Slick
