Now That We’re Settled

All systems remain in working order as we mark the end of our first week as temporary residents of Tucson, Arizona. The RV park is well run and Reg’s phone pings several times a day with reminders of activities meant to create a community feel. We went to trivia night – a disaster for our self esteem, Bingo night – I won three rounds taking home tickets for a free 12” pizza, a six piece chicken wing order and a one hour free bike rental. The Friday night patio wine social was fun-$6.00 bought a generous portion of red or white wine to sip under the heat lamps with fellow campers. So, it’s beginning to feel like home.

Since arriving, we’ve managed three hikes. Monday was our favorite, located in Tucson Mountain Park, a bonanza of hiking trails. 

We chose the Yetman Trail with a connector to the Rock Wren Trail. Along the way we passed by remains of an old rock home Sherry Bowen and his wife Ruby built when homesteading 2,000 acres in the 1930s. It was hard to imagine how extremely harsh desert life must have been back in their day.

While the rewards of desert hiking are numerous, we’ve learned there are some dangers to watch out for. While rattlesnakes are the first threat that comes to mind, there is one, far more aggressive predator to watch out for. 

The jumping cholla, also known as the hanging chain cholla are quick to attack. We had been warned about these desert predators, but obviously hadn’t given them the respect they deserve.  I found out the hard way when I accidentally brushed one while directing Reg into a parking spot. The sharp spines of a tennis ball-sized segment grabbed on to my shoulder causing an incredibly painful predicament. Reg and I both wrestled with it, eventually saving me from serious injury. Now that we’re a bit more educated, we’ll be more careful to stay the suggested three feet away.