NORTH RANCH, AZ

North Ranch is an Escapees park between Wickenburg and Congress, AZ. This is a huge park with mostly long term lease holders several of whom have built homes here, not just park models. We decided to stay here for a couple of nights on our way to Alamo Lake in order to meet Jackie & Charlie in person. I've corresponded with Jackie for a couple of years about fishing and they belong to a group called Roving Rods. So she invited us to Alamo Lake to enjoy the fishing and the group.

North Ranch has this beautiful small park that is taken care of by volunteers. It was just starting to bloom when we were there and I'm sure it is gorgeous by the end of April.

The girls really enjoyed walking through here and taking time to smell all the great smells such as the lizards and rattlesnakes. It cooled off while we were there so the snakes stayed hidden and I am so grateful. The desert does offer some challenges.

MY AUNT

This is Norma Mercer, my aunt, who lives in Mesa, AZ. She was married to my Dad's brother, Don, who is deceased. Growing up she was always Aunt Happy to our family. She and Don lived in Billings, MT where Norma taught grade school and Don was the first Montana State Highway Patrol Officer. One of the great things about this life style is being able to have the time to stop and visit.

EXCITEMENT!

We are back in Apache Junction, AZ at the KOA. One of the nicest KOAs we've ever stayed at. About 8:30 p.m. we were watching TV and all of a sudden we heard this noise. I turned to Jim and said, was that a gunshot? And he said, yes it was. Sure enough, two cop cars showed up.

Jim went out to find out what was going on. Seems a guy three campsites over from us had gotten drunk and accidently shot off his gun. He told the police he was going to put the guns away and go to bed to sleep it off. I guess that's what he did because we didn't hear anything else from him and the next morning he was gone quite early and didn't come back while we were there. Thank goodness.

This sign is at the exit to the KOA as a reminder to RVer's. Be sure to read the last item on the list.

ANOTHER MUST - PICACHO STATE PARK

We had checked out this state park when we were in Casa Grande (it's 10 or 15 miles south of there) and could not believe how beautiful it was. Like all Arizona State Parks, it offers both dry camping and sites with electric. Big pull throughs. Relaxing. Clean restrooms and showers. And the peacefulness. Lots of room between rigs. Quiet. Wonderful. Another beautiful sunset.

MUST VISIT - STOUT'S IN WILLCOX, AZ

Do you like apple pie? And I mean APPLE PIE! Then you have to stop here when you're in southeastern Arizona. I heard about this place when we went to Boot Camp last year in Gillette, WY. People were talking about places that were not to be missed and several people mentioned Stout's. I had no idea where Willcox, AZ was but suddenly found ourselves there.

We ended up with 3 pies, fudge, and some apple butter. That apple pie had to be the best pie I've had in years. My Mom and Dad really made some good pies and this one ranks right up there with theirs. That truly is a tribute.

A definite must stop!

TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS

We spent the night in Lordsburg, NM which is a very small town in southwestern NM. Shakespeare Ghost Town is located about two miles from Lordsburg, so Jim and I went out there. This ghost town is privately owned and is only open on the 2nd Sunday of each month with tours at 10 and 2. So we didn't get to visit. Billy the Kid used to hang out in this area.

However, we did find this wonderful Veterans Park. This park is a beautiful desert park and extremely well taken care of. I thought it was a wonderful tribute to our Veterans like my Dad. Thank you to all of you for giving us this great land to live in.

CEDAR COVE RV PARK - ELEPHANT BUTTE, NM

We liked this RV park so well that we made a reservation to spend a month here starting the middle of April. It is so clean and nice and lots of room. The view out of the living room window is beautiful - day or night.