Usery Mountains Day 2

This morning we decided to take a little walk after breakfast around the campground. We thought that after yesterday’s snake sightings we may see some more. Well we did come upon one that we thought was dead as it didn’t make any movement as we approached it. We saw that something was protruding from his mouth and thought he may have suffocated while feasting on a mouse or something. After talking with the park ranger we later learned that snakes remain very still and motionless when eating and  we were very fortunate to have witnessed it. We returned later to get pictures and found that he had moved on. Later we did see our fifth snake, a large one that crossed the street directly in front of us.

This park has many trails to hike from .5 miles to 7.5 miles and from easy to difficult. We decided to hike the wind cave trail which is also the parks most popular trail. The trail is 3 miles and considered hard. It’s a climb of 812 feet the first mile and half and then the return is the descent of 812 feet. It was a pretty trail with beautiful vistas of the Phoenix valley.

Notice the large lump in his throat

How he looked when we first spotted him

View along the trail

View along the trail

Large Saguaro's

More Saguaro's

Cactus in bloom

Cactus in bloom

Cactus in bloom

Cactus in bloom

Looking south toward Apache Junction

Looking west toward Phoenix

Finally the top

Back to the Desert

We left the resort life and returned to the desert. We are in Maricopa County at Usery Mountain Regional Park. When we arrived this morning we unhooked the car and drove through the park so we could choose the site we wanted before registering. On our drive through the park we saw two large snakes warming, I’m guessing, on the warm blacktop of the road. We had been talking about going as far as northern Arizona but even down here they have cold snaps and for the next four or five days highs for that part of the state are only in the 60’s. We decided to stay in the Phoenix area where the weather will be in the 80’s. This park has large spacious sites with plenty of room between them. Electric and water hookups at each site, the restrooms offer flush toilets and hot showers. We will miss the pools, hot tubs and the rest of the amenities offered by the resorts but it is hard to beat the beauty of the desert.

We had to run into Apache Junction for some supplies this afternoon.  The great thing about this park is that it is only 8-10 miles from town.

P.S. while sitting outside just before supper I spotted my third snake of the day, I'm getting a bit spooked now.

View from our campsite

Our backyard

Large campsites

Pretty at dusk

Sunset

My favorite

Mesa Regal RV Resort, Mesa Arizona

We got a late start this morning leaving Tucson but only had to drive to Mesa which is just east of Phoenix.  We checked into Mesa Regal RV Resort. I feel we should be writing reviews on the resorts we have visited

this trip.  This is really a huge resort with over 2000 RV and park models. I cannot believe how busy this place must be during the peak season. It’s nice now because most of the snowbirds have headed home.

 From here we may head up to the Flagstaff area where the weather will be a little cooler because of the higher elevation.

Entrance to the commons area

Main entrance

Nice shaded outdoor seating area

One of two large pool areas

Nice place to spend a 89 degree afternoon

Roses all over the place add a nice touch

Yet another night at La Mesa RV

Well we finally got custody of the new RV. Our walk through went well and because we are familiar with most of the systems already it only took an hour and a half instead of the two that were scheduled. So at 2:30 we started moving everything from the old rig to the new one. Our goal was not to spend another night on their parking lot. As long as we could get everything transferred from the old to the new by 6:00 pm we were free to leave, however, after 6:00 the gate is locked and you are there until morning. We didn’t make it by 6:00 pm so we spent another night at La Mesa RV.

This morning we took our time getting ready to leave and spend time visiting with some of the other people that had spent the night there as well. One couple has been there for eight days now; they are waiting for a part on their coach. I say coach instead of rig or RV because we are talking about some very expensive motor homes.

We want to stay in the Tucson area for a couple of days until we are comfortable with the RV and know that everything is working as it is supposed to. So we moved a short distance to Ricon East RV Resort. Last week we were staying at their sister resort , Ricon West. We spent the remainder of the day rearranging things from yesterday and then hit the hot tub and pool before supper. 

If the weather doesn’t change soon in Minnesota we may never make it home. We keep expecting to hear that spring has sprung but it sounds like it may be a spring less year and jump right into summer.   

                                                                          The new ride

 

                                                    Left side showing front room slide out

                                                Right side showing the bedroom slide out

                                                                  Inside looking to the rear

                                                                  Inside looking forward

                                                   So much more comfort then what we had

                                                               Sofa sleeper and dinette

                                                                   View from bedroom

                                                      Actually a large bathroom for a RV

                                                                      Bathroom sink

                                                                          Large shower

                                                             Nice bedroom, bad picture

                                                        Bedroom TV and vanity area

                                                                 Ricon East RV Resort