Monday, March 26 we headed back into Springerville and found Oaks RV repair who promised us a new potty. After researching which brand and whether plastic or porcelain we chose the porcelain. The owner and repair man couldn’t work on it until about 4:00 pm so we did our washing. Another person washing looked like Sean Connery. So much so, Olivia asked if it was he. He denied it. He was also traveling around except he was on a recumbent bike! He planned to go to Alaska leaving soon.
We still had time to kill so we drove out to the town of Greer sightseeing. Back in town we decided to see the advertised “Western Drug & General Store.” Much to our surprise we found a full supply
6 mile hill and commented it sure would eat the gas if we were going uphill. At the bottom we discovered an RV turnaround as there were short hairpin turns to come. Drats! It wasn’t as if we could just detour a few miles. We had to go back to Alpine and go into New Mexico and parallel 191 then back west.
We gassed up in Alpine again as the detour didn’t have many stations. We turned east on 78 and started back to our route. As we crossed back into Arizona here was another big sign about the next 20 miles had hairpin turns. We had already decided to spend the night along this road so we stopped in a large pull-out along a dry creek. There was very little traffic and we are so glad we had the experience of camping along the road going to Alaska, as this is exactly what we were doing here. By 6 pm, there was no traffic.
Wednesday, March 28 we were early risers and were on the road before the traffic started. It wasn't long until we made several
large switchbacks with wide shoulders.
4th street where we strolled around window shopping as well as visiting the goodwill store, a co-op and several vintage clothing stores. When Resa arrived after work we went to eat Mexican food.
curled earrings.
tram up the canyon. The CCC group build the road and narrow bridges, so only foot and tram traffic was allowed. Usually the creek is dry, but because there had been resent snow the
creek was flowing.
We still had time to kill so we drove out to the town of Greer sightseeing. Back in town we decided to see the advertised “Western Drug & General Store.” Much to our surprise we found a full supply
gun shop in the back corner. They also offer snacks, candy, ice, beverages, ammo, tackle, bait crafts, fabric, souvenirs and gifts. Olivia even found her discontinued mascara.
Oaks RV Repair finished our job and allowed us to spend the night on their property.
Tuesday, March 27 we departed the repair shop and headed south. We knew the highway 191 wouldn’t have gas for a long time and we had gassed up. This part of 191 is a US scenic highway and we were looking forward to a nice drive. About 30 miles south we went down a
6 mile hill and commented it sure would eat the gas if we were going uphill. At the bottom we discovered an RV turnaround as there were short hairpin turns to come. Drats! It wasn’t as if we could just detour a few miles. We had to go back to Alpine and go into New Mexico and parallel 191 then back west.
We gassed up in Alpine again as the detour didn’t have many stations. We turned east on 78 and started back to our route. As we crossed back into Arizona here was another big sign about the next 20 miles had hairpin turns. We had already decided to spend the night along this road so we stopped in a large pull-out along a dry creek. There was very little traffic and we are so glad we had the experience of camping along the road going to Alaska, as this is exactly what we were doing here. By 6 pm, there was no traffic.
Wednesday, March 28 we were early risers and were on the road before the traffic started. It wasn't long until we made several
large switchbacks with wide shoulders.
As we passed through a little community we were feeling pretty good about the road, when it narrowed a little and made several sharper curves. Fred was able to stay in our lane because he was traveling slow. By the time we reached the valley floor we had only met one car and the stretch of road limited to under 40’ was behind us.
By mid afternoon we were in Tucson and landed in the Cactus RV park just north of their fairgrounds. The carnival group had already taken over the campground in the fairground.
Daniel and Resa came out to the camp and we served them supper. It was very good to see both of them as it had been a year since seeing them.
Thursday, March 29 was a day off for Daniel so we picked him up and prowled the town. We started on
4th street where we strolled around window shopping as well as visiting the goodwill store, a co-op and several vintage clothing stores. When Resa arrived after work we went to eat Mexican food.
Friday, March 30 we talked to Anna Kay and she had put beautiful flowers on Fred’s mothers grave as it had been a year since Lillian had passed. Teenya also sent a video of her in some of Granny’s jewelry. It was very touching.
Both Daniel & Resa were working so we were on our own. Olivia attended aerobics and class jewelry classes at the campground. She made Resa a pair of
curled earrings.
Resa’s sister and brother-in-law invited us to a BBQ supper of fancy hamburgers & hotdogs. It was really a party as there were others there also.
Saturday, March 31 we picked up Daniel & Resa early and drove to the Sabina Canyon. We just thought we were early as the parking lot was FULL. Fred continued to circle and finally found a spot. It is a very popular spot.
Saturday, March 31 we picked up Daniel & Resa early and drove to the Sabina Canyon. We just thought we were early as the parking lot was FULL. Fred continued to circle and finally found a spot. It is a very popular spot.
We purchased tickets to take the
tram up the canyon. The CCC group build the road and narrow bridges, so only foot and tram traffic was allowed. Usually the creek is dry, but because there had been resent snow the
creek was flowing.
The driver pointed out the scenery along the way.
As the road rose up the mountains we could look down and see a
waterfall.
As the road rose up the mountains we could look down and see a
waterfall.The driver pointed out the 
many formations up the
many formations up thecanyon. Many of the riders jumped off at the end of the road to climb or hike around the rest of the canyon. We decided to ride back to one of the other stops so we could walk down hill on the nicely paved road.
It wasn’t long until we
It wasn’t long until we
waded and played in the creek.
At the bottom of the road we enjoyed seeing one of
theSaguaro cacti up close..
The ocotillo was in bloom and it was fun to see through their
long stems to see people climbing on the rocks in the background. Yellow flowers were also blooming. We could just imaging what it looked like when all the cacti was blooming.
We were invited to
Resa’s parent’s home for “Ugly Steaks” and twice baked potatoes. Southern hospitality isn’t just in the old south it continues out west also. Olivia was introduced to a new wine also. It was New Age and is a bubbly white served over blackberries with a twist of lime. Fellowship was on the
back patio before and after the meal.
Organ Stop Pizza for “Pizza and Pipes” so we treated them to awesome pizza and a very entertaining organ recital. This is a two story pizza place, with pipes surrounding the place. The
organ came from an old theater and reminded us of the Majestic Theater in Dallas. This mighty Wurlitzer has 6,000 pipes, numerous percussions and countless traps. To see more go to www.organstoppizza.com
And the pizza put Shakey’s to shame!
Tuesday, April 3, Olivia went to Betty’s to borrow her sewing machine and when she arrived found tornados had hit Lancaster and Dallas, just 25 miles north of Waxahachie. She was glad to see the pictures on CNN to discover if Waxahachie was ok.
On the way back to the trailer, we detoured to see the Saguaro National park and took the eight mile loop up, down, and roundabout seeing LOTS of different forms of cacti. Of course the Saguaro was the star. We had learned this morning that for the Saguaro cacti to grow an arm, it had to be at least 75 years old. Just how old
were these?
were these?The ocotillo was in bloom and it was fun to see through their
long stems to see people climbing on the rocks in the background. Yellow flowers were also blooming. We could just imaging what it looked like when all the cacti was blooming.
We were invited to
Resa’s parent’s home for “Ugly Steaks” and twice baked potatoes. Southern hospitality isn’t just in the old south it continues out west also. Olivia was introduced to a new wine also. It was New Age and is a bubbly white served over blackberries with a twist of lime. Fellowship was on the
back patio before and after the meal.
We told Daniel goodbye, as we were leaving the next morning. We had a very good visit with Daniel and Resa and hope to see them in Texas sometime.
Sunday, April 1 we attended church in the campground community building and heard a fantastic sermon by a young preacher waiting for a home. We are sure he will be called to any church that hears him preach.
We departed Tucson and headed to Mesa. This is where last year we visited with Olivia’s cousin Betty and Nelson Brinkerhoff. Again we wanted to see them and she had aided in gathering her siblings and their families to see us. They are all heirs to Lon Burton and one has inherited their share of Oklahoma rights.
We found our friend Renee’s campground where we stayed last year, Val Vista.
Monday, April 2 we called Teenya and told her Happy Birthday.
As our fruit and vegetable supply was nil, we went to the Superstition Ranch farmer’s market. We had visited there last year. Our stomach was larger than our refrigerator when we left. We came away with 5 extra large sacks. Now we need to cook instead of eating out.
However, the B’s wanted to eat at
However, the B’s wanted to eat at
Organ Stop Pizza for “Pizza and Pipes” so we treated them to awesome pizza and a very entertaining organ recital. This is a two story pizza place, with pipes surrounding the place. The
organ came from an old theater and reminded us of the Majestic Theater in Dallas. This mighty Wurlitzer has 6,000 pipes, numerous percussions and countless traps. To see more go to www.organstoppizza.com
And the pizza put Shakey’s to shame!
Tuesday, April 3, Olivia went to Betty’s to borrow her sewing machine and when she arrived found tornados had hit Lancaster and Dallas, just 25 miles north of Waxahachie. She was glad to see the pictures on CNN to discover if Waxahachie was ok.
Wednesday April 4 we arrived at Betty’s at noon and all went to pick up Betty’s sister Margaret then all drove to see their sister
Ruth Burton Kalisz and her daughter Janet. After a nice visit we went back to Betty’s where
Ruth Burton Kalisz and her daughter Janet. After a nice visit we went back to Betty’s whereRobbie, Ava, Sienna and Cynthie Burton arrived to have supper and talk Oklahoma oil. We arrived back home in time to see the
palm tree lights at the entrance to the park.
Thursday, April 5 we again thought of Fred’s mother as this had been her birthday. We recouped from the busy day before and only left the trailer for cappucino and a couple of groceries. Later in the day we took advantage of Val Vista’s lovely air conditioned laundromat which came equipped with a treadmill, scales, an ironing board and two irons. We only used the scales.
Friday, April 6 we had heard about a huge flea market, so Olivia drug Fred to the Mesa Flea Market on the east end of town. The sign said this was the greatest “recreational” shopping place.
We found four rows of covered paved shopping with space between for vendors parking. There was a little breeze blowing through the vendors shops. Olivia made two of the rows, but that was plenty for her to find five pair of sandals, a brightly patched zippered hoodie and a rolling tweezers. She tried on many shirts like she finds on Harry Hines, in fact the same brand. The selection was a lot better, but none worked for her. Fred ventured in long enough to find a new reptile billfold.
palm tree lights at the entrance to the park.
Thursday, April 5 we again thought of Fred’s mother as this had been her birthday. We recouped from the busy day before and only left the trailer for cappucino and a couple of groceries. Later in the day we took advantage of Val Vista’s lovely air conditioned laundromat which came equipped with a treadmill, scales, an ironing board and two irons. We only used the scales.
Friday, April 6 we had heard about a huge flea market, so Olivia drug Fred to the Mesa Flea Market on the east end of town. The sign said this was the greatest “recreational” shopping place.
We found four rows of covered paved shopping with space between for vendors parking. There was a little breeze blowing through the vendors shops. Olivia made two of the rows, but that was plenty for her to find five pair of sandals, a brightly patched zippered hoodie and a rolling tweezers. She tried on many shirts like she finds on Harry Hines, in fact the same brand. The selection was a lot better, but none worked for her. Fred ventured in long enough to find a new reptile billfold.
That was enough excitement for one day. Later our daughters kept the phone exploding with texts and videos of their newly mowed yards so we joined in the fun by videoing the pea gravel around our trailer.
Saturday, April 7 was moving day, after we revisited
Saturday, April 7 was moving day, after we revisited
Superstition Ranch market for to go supplies. We hit the freeway around Phoenix then northwest to Wickenburg where we found another cousin and her family.
Charlene Burton 
is the widow of Robert Burton, the brother to Betty, Margaret, and Ruth. She is also the father of Rob and Rosalyn. Both of them and their families were there for Easter Sunday. We were so busy with all the Easter activities Olivia forgot to take pictures so she took one of the Smith’s family picture. We enjoyed the
little girls again from Rob’s family and enjoyed chatting with 
Steve, Roselyn and Steven. Steven is now ten and very interested in history and is taking an advance class in that subject. It was very enlightening to talk to him about Gettysburg and other historical subjects.
After Rob & Rosalyn’s families left and the house quieted down, Charlene opened her safe and brought out her
is the widow of Robert Burton, the brother to Betty, Margaret, and Ruth. She is also the father of Rob and Rosalyn. Both of them and their families were there for Easter Sunday. We were so busy with all the Easter activities Olivia forgot to take pictures so she took one of the Smith’s family picture. We enjoyed thelittle girls again from Rob’s family and enjoyed chatting with 
Steve, Roselyn and Steven. Steven is now ten and very interested in history and is taking an advance class in that subject. It was very enlightening to talk to him about Gettysburg and other historical subjects.
After Rob & Rosalyn’s families left and the house quieted down, Charlene opened her safe and brought out her
turquoise and other Indian jewelry. WOW! Over the years she and Robert had accumulated quite a collection of museum quality jewelry.
Olivia learned to keep silver in tissue paper to prevent tarnishing.
Olivia learned to keep silver in tissue paper to prevent tarnishing.
The necklace second to left is actually Sara Coventry, much to Olivia’s surprise, it was a good replica of Indian. All the rest was authinic Native American Indian.
Charlene and Olivia really hit it off as they found they were the same age and had lots of similar loves. In the second picture, as Charlene was putting the jewelry away she gave Olivia the
pendant on the bottom right between the belt buckles. What a generous gesture to a cousin. Olivia will treasure wearing it.
In the third picture Charlene told of the thunderbird necklace being made during WWII of old records or old tires. It was actually very light weight. This was from one of her grandmothers.
Charlene and Olivia really hit it off as they found they were the same age and had lots of similar loves. In the second picture, as Charlene was putting the jewelry away she gave Olivia the
pendant on the bottom right between the belt buckles. What a generous gesture to a cousin. Olivia will treasure wearing it.
In the third picture Charlene told of the thunderbird necklace being made during WWII of old records or old tires. It was actually very light weight. This was from one of her grandmothers.
This was all drool city! Thank you Charlene for sharing. This was a real treat. By the way she has vintage items on etsy.com
Monday, April 9, on to Nevada. We drove all the way to Las Vegas and found the Western RV park near downtown Vegas and within walking distance for Fred to play Texas Hold’em.
We love to receive mail, so click on our addresses and let us know what’s happening on your end.
olivia@bobheck.com or fredharrington@yahoo.com
olivia@bobheck.com or fredharrington@yahoo.com
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