Back to Beauty

Catalina State Park in Tucson, AZ, is our next stop. We wanted to catch up with Dave and Sue, and John and Pam, since we said good-bye the end of October. There was also an opportunity to meet some new friends staying in the area.

Another beautiful public park with 50 amp and water in large, level sites with incredible views of the Catalina Mountains - we immediately love being back in a natural setting. 

All sites are full but we have a lot of space

Dave and Sue stop by not long after we pull in - they're the best welcoming committee! With the nearby restroom and extra parking, we decide that our planned gathering can be here on Friday.

The rest of the afternoon we hang out listening to the birds and enjoying the views. Tessa and I take a short walk around the park and part of the nearby horse trail.

Catalina Mountains

Lunch with mountain views 

Winter trees in the Southwest

So much going on here! 

With expansive views out the front window, Site 7 is my favorite in Loop A

We join Dave and Sue at their site in B Loop for happy hour. At the back of the park, the unobstructed views of the saquaro-covered hills are lovely. Great fun getting caught up until the temps dip with the sun and we return home for the night.

A subtle sunset 

Just over the highway at the park entrance is a large shopping center where I head for groceries Friday morning. Back home I make chili for the gathering, read awhile in the sun, and listen to the birds. 

By 2:00 everyone has shown up. Wonderful to see John and Pam again, and to get to know Steve and Mona Liza, and Walter and Cindy P, with their daughter Geneva. With full-timing experience from five years to three months, the conversation is not only lively and often hysterical, but informative as well. I continue to be surprised and delighted at the instant camaraderie among fellow travelers, and look forward to our paths all crossing again down the road.

Bill, Sue, Dave, John, Jodee, Cindy P 

Mona Liza, Steve, Geneva, Walter - thanks for the pics Pam!

As much as we'd love to stay longer to explore the area and soak up the natural beauty, we need to continue east. We will definitely return to Catalina State Park.