Jan. 13,
We checked out of our mini estate at the Arroyo Robles in Sedona, packed up the RV and drove to the kennel to pick up Jack. He was over the moon excited to see us. The owner insured us that he was a very good boy all week. He had a nice bath and was smelling good. We missed him too but we were able to do a lot of things in Sedona that we couldn’t have done with a dog. All is well and we are back in traveling mode.
Spending two weeks in Sedona was lovely. It truly is a beautiful area and we will mis it. We were not able to connect with our friends from Great Diamond, the Doyles, because they are in Florida now. Jim was kind enough to give us a great list of things to do and places to see in the area and we took full advantage of his list. Thank you Jim!
The drive to Tuscon from Sedona is a little over 3 hours which is about the maximum time we care to drive in one day. We did a grocery run and found our RV site. It is not as nice as the Sedona RV site but we are only here for a few days and we will be gone most of the day sight seeing so we can put up with a place not as beautiful. Basically, all I care about is that they have clean showers with hot water.
On Sunday morning we visited the Desert Museum. George Gordon had told us to be sure to see it. He was right on. It was an amazing place with two and half miles of desert walkways. It is a natural environment with cacti plants well marked with information about each variety. We listened to a lecture on two venomous creatures that inhabit the area, the Gila monster and the western rattlesnake.
Both animals were placed on display on a large table in close and clear view. The desert environment is a tough one for plants and animals so each has its own distinctive way of protecting itself. The Gila monster is actually quite a beautiful lizard. It has small beady eyes with bright pink or orange with black spots on their skin. It has the appearance of bumps all over its outer skin which are actually bones that are for protection. The venom of a Gila monster is not deadly to a healthy human but their bite is strong and should be professionally cared for. The rattlesnake is a pit viper with a venom that can kill a human if left untreated in about six to forty eight hours. There is an antidote for a rattlesnake bite but it is about $2,000 per vile and one could need up to 20 viles if bitten. Fortunately, there are few deaths from the rattlesnake.
The desert area around Tuscon is very different from the deserts we have been through so far. It has green vegetation and forests of Saguaro cacti. This area is closer to the Sea of Cortez which brings summer rains, giving the plant life much needed water supply. The desert landscape is a harsh one, even here. The soil is sandy and dry but the cacti grow to be very large with incredible long thorns. Hiking through the desert is not my choice; it is easy to get lost, it is hot, the plants are scary and dangerous to get near, and of course the presence of the ever threatening rattlesnakes and other poisonous animals. We were happy to be able to walk the 2 miles through the Desert Museum where we could learn about the flora and fauna of the area without worry of getting lost, touching something poisonous, or passing out from the heat. George was right this was a worthwhile day trip.
We took a drive through the heart of downtown Tuscon and the University. The University has a lovely campus landscaped with trees and green grass. It is centrally located with neighboring restaurants alive with music and laughter. Tuscon is a young person’s city with quiet streets and neighborhoods that are pleasant and walkable.
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