Arizona with the Stocks in Feb.-March, 2013

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Dean & Linda Stock

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 30, 2006
Posts
1,195
Location
Cypress, California
We're off on an Arizonan adventure--looking for interesting sites, interesting animals, and interesting birds.  I had planned on starting my log sooner, but we received a notice (which turned out to be a fake) that our Earthlink account had been corrupted, so Dean wouldn't let me near the computer.  We only had WiFi because there was only one long site available and we were next to a tall tree which blocked our satellite.  Our choice at the Wickenburg park was having electricity or having satellite, and we chose electricity. Dean didn't want to address the hacking problem until he had satellite-access because that's more secure.

Please let me know any suggestions you have about places to stay, sites to see, or places to eat in Tucson, Yuma, Anza Borrego, or Palm Springs (Palm Desert).

This monthlong trip has two goals--fun and a "shakedown" for our Alaska trip in May.
 
Feb. 22, Friday Day 1

We traveled from Las Vegas to Wickenburg, AZ.  We arrived at Desert Cypress RV & Motorhome Park at 5:58.  They will not park you after dark, which they told us was 6:00, so we arrived 2 minutes early!  WHEW!  Management was very nice and let us park our Jeep in their carport.  They have cable TV, WiFi, 50 amps, a place to walk your dog, asphalt roads, and level concrete pads.  It's an older park, but the coaches are well kept and the people are a happy group.  Cost was $36

Feb. 23, Saturday Day 2 Wickenburg

We set the alarm for 6:00 so we could be at Hassayampa Preserve at 8:00.  We hoped to see lots of raptors, resident birds, maybe some migrants flying through, and perhaps mule deer, javelinas, or lizards.  We had 16 mph wind, and it was cold.  The animals had more sense than we did and chose to sleep in. 

We did hear a woodpecker in the distance.  We tried to find him, to no avail.  A duck somewhere gave us one quack.  We got glimpses of a few birds flying quickly through the trees.  And we got to see some Anna's hummingbirds (which we have lot of in our own backyard).  One male did bring a smile to my face when he flashed his magenta throat at me.  However, the feeders were in the shade, so the pictures don't show the beautiful colors.

Hassayampa is owned by one of my favorite groups, The Nature Conservancy.  They only have 1.5 paid personnel, and there were 15-20 volunteers working hard at clearing brush (brush is great for birds but bad for fire prevention).  The office volunteers were anxious to share their knowledge, but I think we just chose the wrong day.

We were done so quickly, we'd seen the one movie that was playing, and we had time for Dean to do repairs.  We had new carpeting installed, and that necessitated taking out the chairs and re-installing them.  On the drive to Wickenburg, I found myself swinging back and forth in my seat with no way to stop it because I'm too short for my feet to touch the floor.  Funny for the first 2 minutes, not so funny after that.  Dean got the chair off, learned how it's put together, but it still swings to and fro--after 6 hours of work.  Poor guy!

Stayed at Desert Cypress RV & Motorhome Park.

Feb. 24, Sunday Day 3 Phoenix

We traveled from Wickenburg to Phoenix, with me sitting on the couch behind Dean's seat.  My solution worked out well.

We didn't have enough time for a major destination, so we headed to Scottsdale to an Indian museum I'd been told was good.  The Huhugam Ki Museum has very few exhibits, and it is free, but not worth the trip.  There are some old pictures, a few pieces of Indian art, a few pieces of jewelry, and a few sentences of peoples' memories.  We both got the idea that their history has been lost, and they are trying to resurrect it.

We stopped at their Arizona Casino, hoping to find Indian tacos.  They didn't have those, but they had a great menu, low prices, delicious food, and I don't have to cook dinner tonight because there were so many leftovers.  I would highly recommend their Willows Restaurant.
 
QUARTZSITE !  Ok, you want serious suggestions.

Salton Sea. Lots of birds. Interesting 50s So Cal history. Geothermal power plants at the south end. Nifty mud pots.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Spectacular and it's just getting to flower season. The metal sculptures around Borrego Springs are great. Pick up a map at the Chamber of Commerce. Lots of interesting drives in the area. Run up the hill to Julian for pie.

Phoenix. It's baseball spring season. Who could ask for anything more?

If you were going to be in Yuma next weekend (3/8, 3/9), it's the Yuma Lettuce Festival. Lots of interesting about the agriculture in the area and some good eating, too. And there's the Yuma Marine Corps base air show on 3/9. It's fascinating to run around the area seeing the crops and how quickly they turn them over. Mittry is another good birding spot near Yuma.

North of Phoenix is McDowell park, a county park with a campground with hookups. Very nice spot.

How long will you be in Phoenix? We'll be there the 14th. Yuma until then.
 
Forgot Tucson. Haven't you been there before ? If not, Sonora Desert Museum absolute must see. Davis-Mothan air museum, especially the boneyard tour. Saguaro National Monument (or is it a Park?).

Wendy
 
Hi Linda, we are in Apache Junction, AZ just east of Phoenix at the moment and will be heading to Palm Springs this coming Friday.  Here are some suggestions for both the Phoenix and Tucson area:

Phoenix:
  • Heard Museum which is the home of Native American artifacts and art.  This is very nice.  We were there a couple of years ago
  • Visit Tequilla Flats
  • Drive the Apache Trail 75 mile loop leaving Apache Junction, going up a very nice 25 mile dirt road to Roosevelt Dam, onto to Globe and then back to Apache Junction
  • We are staying at Shiprock RV, very-very nice, friendly, small and EXPENSIVE.  ;D
  • Gilbert's Riparian Preserve.  Wheelchair accessible lots of small wildlife
  • Organ Stop pizza.  You get pizza and a show with a Wurlitzer of 6,000pipes....great fun!
Tucson:
  • Kit Observatory south of Tucson
  • "Sonora Living Natural Museum" lots of raptors in flight, Javalinas, butterfly walk in facility, all sorts of animals and wheelchair accessible....excellent (I may have the name wrong)
  • Saguaro National Park
  • A nice electric/water RV park is the one the RVForum uses for their New Years Rally: Catalina State Park.  Excellent, big sites, huge saguaro, birds and shopping very near.
Have fun!
Marsha~
 
Kit Observatory south of Tucson

Kitt Peak is west of Tucson, an easy day trip and worth a visit.

There's also the Whipple Observatory south of Tucson near Amado.  While down there stop in Tubac, a popular shopping experience.

The Pima Air and Space museum is a must see if you like aircraft.  It takes at least a day to visit, and a second day if you take the Davis-Monthan bus tour.

The only park we stay at in Tucson (other than Catalina SP) is Mission View, south of I-10 and just east of I-19.  Just a short distance from the mission just east of of I-19.  It's on Indian land so no taxes.  Large, level sites.
 
The Cactus Fly-in is this weekend at the Casa Grande Airport.  Lots of vintage aircraft to see and enjoy.  Casa Grande National Ruins (actually located in Coolidge, AZ) are interesting and IMO worth the trip.  I visited for the first time yesterday.  The Titan Missle Museum in Sahaurita is also interesting. 
 
Tucson - An absolute must is the Sonoran Desert Museum.

Anza Borrego - food!  Pablito's Mexican restaurant has WONDERFUL traditional shrimp cocktails.  Terry B. got me hooked on them!  These are not at all like our Norte Americano shrimp cocktails.  If you like avocados and shrimp you'll love them.  One of these and a cheese quesadilla is more than enough to fill you at dinner.

We stayed at The Springs at Borrego Springs.  It's pricey but a nice environment.  We also checked out the campground at the state park.  It looks okay and has 30 amp only.  Ask Barb about it because they stayed there.  The others boondocked at Pegleg Pete's which you pass on the way into town from the east.

We had never been to Julian and it's a cute little town with lots of interesting shops.  Even I, the non-shopper, found something to buy!  We found out later that we missed where the locals go for the best apple pie.  Also, the restrooms behind the Chamber of Commerce are 25 cents or get a token inside at the Chamber.

ArdraF
 
We stay at the Anza Borrego state park campground every fall for a month. It's a nice campground. Nothing fancy but very peaceful and full hookups (30 amp).  And it's half-price with a California State Park Disabled card. If you stay there, be sure to explore the old resort area nearby. Don't know about the restaurant there (Red Ocotillo) but the menu looked ok. We like Jilbertos for fast food Mexican. I am in love with their pickled carrots.
 
Lots of good ideas there. In Tucson, we stay at Desert Trails RV Park, west of the Tucson Mountains, north of Ajo Highway. Call first, it may be full. We just left there today for Catalina State Park. They now have a reservation system, which the host told us can create difficulties for drop-ins. Some folks have to move from site to site virtually every day, because there are no sites that aren't subject to reservations. The place looks pretty full just now. And beautiful!

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is our top attraction on the west side, and not far from it is the west unit of Saguaro National Park. We love the video in the Park's theater, and just hiking around. Some mentioned the Pima Air and Space Museum, which is great. Last I checked (a year ago) you can get a combination ticket for there and the missile silo, which is a ways south of town off of I-19. (Footnote: I-19 south of Tucson to the border is marked with kilometer signs, not miles. Go figure.)

Sabino Canyon is a fun park, on the northeast side of town in the Santa Catalina Mountains. There's a tram, but you can hike all you want up the valley by the creek. Very pretty. If you get a chance to drive down by Sierra Vista, you could visit and hike at Ramsey Canyon, a major wildlife preserve. A few years ago, we stayed at Tombstone Territories RV Park, a ways north of town, which was fine, not sure how it is now.

Phoenix is a major shopping town. I won't even get started! We do like Heard Museum, and it's as authentic as they get. Since you are in the east valley, you can save some driving hassle by taking the train, which stops right by the Museum. Reasonably inexpensive and a good ride. Ticket machines are on the platforms, be sure to get one. We used to drive in to the station east of McClintock Drive, the tracks run down Apache Blvd. at that point as I recall. They have maps and info online. There's lots more but this is long already.

Have a great trip!







 
I realized that my disappointment in Hassayampa overshadowed the fun I had titling my hummingbird pictures.  So, I decided to share the fun.

Picture 1 -- "The Thinkers"

Picture 2 -- "May I Please Join You?"

Picture 3 -- "Ladies First"
 

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Feb. 25, Monday Day 4 Phoenix

Arizona built its first permanent capitol in 1901, when it was just a territory.  Arizona is the 48th state, admitted in 1812.  The capitol is made of stone, and it has lots of windows (imagine Phoenix in the summer!)  (Picture 1) It has a copper dome because Arizona produced lots of copper.  Winged Victory perches atop and is also a wind vane which moves around and faces the wind.  I wish we had seen it 2 days ago with the 16 mph winds.  Today was calm.  The cost was $135,000, ($4-5 per square foot).  When they built the new Senate and House, it cost $200 per sq. ft.9

When they built the new capitol, they and made the original into The Arizona Capitol Museum.  It sits between the current Senate and House, with the Governor's Office in a building at the rear.  The governor functioned out of the old capitol until 1975.

They give tours at 10 and 2, so we went to the 10:00 tour.  Our guide took us to the new Senate building first. (Picture 2).  This picture of a senator's desk shows the party symbol,  an elephant, so this senator was a Republican.  Democrats made major strides this last election and are now only down 4 seats, 17 Republicans to 13 Dems.  If a senator wants to speak, she/he presses the yellow RTS button (request to speak).  When the leader gives the OK, he turns on your mike.  Everyone's name comes up yellow when it's time to vote (yellow means "abstain"), and the senator can change by pressing the red (nay) or green (yea) button.  Senators are elected for only 2 years.

Senators and representatives only make $24,000 per year.  According to the Arizona Constitution, their pay can only be raised by a vote from the people, and we were told that it's put up on the ballot every year and rejected every year.  Both senators and representatives may only serve 8 years, solo or combined.  The governor has a 4-year term, and he also leaves after 8 years.  All elective offices may be recalled, including judges  Taft, who was President when Arizona petitioned for statehood, was a retired judge, and later a Supreme Court justice.  He said Arizona couldn't enter the U S unless they got rid of the recall, so they passed a law banning the recall.  Less than a year later, they reinstated it, when they wrote their state constitution.

The legislature meets every year from mid-January to April for 100 days.  The governor or they themselves can call a special session, and in reality, they usually meet 5-6 months a year.  Out-of-towners receive a per diem for housing, and there is no governor's mansion.  They also economize by not having a lieutenant governor.  If the governor dies, the secretary of state takes over.

We returned to the museum and saw the Old House Chamber, which they have tried to restore to the original by using old photos for guidance. (Picture 3)  There are 60 House members.  The lamps pointing upward were gas lights.  The ones facing down were fed by electricity.  The state provided the desks, but each representative had to bring his own chair. (Picture 4)  The seating and size of the desks reminded me of a crowded classroom.

The lobby had a mosaic state seal in the floor. (Picture 5) It was assembled in Ohio and was supposed to have the "5 C's" (Climate (sun), Cotton, Copper, Cow, Citrus).  However, there are several problem areas--no cow, no citrus tree, and the copper miner shouldn't have cuffs on his pants.  The motto "Ditat deus" means God enriches.

The lobby had a display honoring the Buffalo Soldiers.  I learned that they were called "buffalo" not from the area they patrolled, which was what I thought. They were called "buffalo" because the "nappiness" of their hair reminded the army of the hair on buffalo.

Next, we visited the old governor's office (Picture 6), which did have electricity.  The figure is modeled after George W P Hunt, who was the governor 7 times.  He's be voted in, voted out, then in, then out.....He sounds like he was very well-heeled.  He was the ambassador to Siam, and he toured Egypt.  He arranged to have a pyramid-shaped tomb built at the site where the zoo is, and he, his wife, his daughter, and his daughter's family are all buried there.  If you look carefully, you can see a wire hanging down from the chandelier.  If the governor wanted to use the lamp or fan, he had to plug into the chandelier.

Picture 7 is a wall hanging of the state seal as it was designed, with the cow and the citrus tree.

At the end of the tour as the guide bade us farewell, one of the tour group said, "Aren't you going to show us the Merci Room?"  I'm so glad she spoke up.  Our guide left us there, and we discovered these stars.  (Picture 8)  Many French citizens had nothing after World War II, but they were very grateful to the Americans who liberated them.  To thank us, they painstakingly cut, colored, and sewed hand-crafted stars out of whatever materials they had available.  Hundreds of these stars with messages of thanks were sent to their American friends.

There were also gifts that were sent to Arizona from the Merci Gratitude Train.  The U. S. had instituted the Marshall Plan to help get Europe back on their feet.  A few years later, the French sent 49 wooden railroad cars that were 20' x 8'.  They were called Hommes 40 et Chevaux 8 because they could carry 40 men or 8 horses.  They had been used during WWII to transport troops.  Each state and the District of Columbia received one railroad car.  Citizens of France had donated gifts from the heart and family heirlooms--a wedding dress, war medals, an expensive but worn Peugot bike, and personal treasures.  They donated 52,000 items. When these wooden cars arrived in New York, they were put on flatbed railcars, and one was sent to each state.  In Arizona's car there were over 1700 items.

Staying at Phoenix Metro RV Park, $33/night, has everything, wonderful, we'd highly recommend it
 

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[/color]
Wendy said:
QUARTZSITE !  Ok, you want serious suggestions.

You made Dean and I both laugh out loud with this one.


Salton Sea. Lots of birds. Interesting 50s So Cal history. Geothermal power plants at the south end. Nifty mud pots.

This is why I love the Forum.  I've been to Salton Sea 3-4 times, but I thought it was too dry and salty now, and stinky, too.  I'll have to check it out!
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Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Spectacular and it's just getting to flower season. The metal sculptures around Borrego Springs are great. Pick up a map at the Chamber of Commerce. Lots of interesting drives in the area. Run up the hill to Julian for pie.

It's been ten years since I was there, so the suggestion of stopping at the C of C is appreciated.

If you were going to be in Yuma next weekend (3/8, 3/9), it's the Yuma Lettuce Festival. Lots of interesting about the agriculture in the area and some good eating, too. And there's the Yuma Marine Corps base air show on 3/9. It's fascinating to run around the area seeing the crops and how quickly they turn them over. Mittry is another good birding spot near Yuma.

Betty said she was going to the Lettuce Festival, so if we can get there on 3/7, which means an early exit from Tucson, we'll check it out.  We are definitely planning on seeing the T-Birds.  We went to the Blue Angels every year until they closed El Toro, and we've driven to see the T-Birds.  It's a priority for us; Dean gave up a NASCAR race here in Phoenix to be able to move along to Yuma for the Air Show.  Mittry is new to me.  Thanks.



North of Phoenix is McDowell park, a county park with a campground with hookups. Very nice spot.

We've run out of time, but I'll add McDowell to my Arizona file and try it next time.

How long will you be in Phoenix? We'll be there the 14th. Yuma until then.

We may see you in Yuma.  We'll be there for sure on the 9th, 10th, 11th, and probably the 12th.  Call me, and we'll get together.
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I tried something new and responded within your message.  We'll see if it works or not.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
 
Wendy said:
Forgot Tucson. Haven't you been there before ? If not, Sonora Desert Museum absolute must see. Davis-Mothan air museum, especially the boneyard tour. Saguaro National Monument (or is it a Park?).

Wendy

In our youth, we went to Tucson annually.  Then, along came kids, and we go back intermittently--usually the first weekend in February for the Gem and Mineral Show.  I agree about the SDM; it is spectacular and #1 on our list to see EVERY time.  Dean's asleep now, but I'll tell him about the David-Mothan air museum.  SNM is new to me, but I think I read about it somewhere (in relation to birding???).  I'll investigate that one.  Thanks for the tip!
 
Marsha/CA said:
Hi Linda, we are in Apache Junction, AZ just east of Phoenix at the moment and will be heading to Palm Springs this coming Friday

When do you leave Palm Springs?  I figure we'll be there around Mar. 12 or 13.

Phoenix:
  • Heard Museum which is the home of Native American artifacts and art.  This is very nice.  We were there a couple of years ago
I so agree.  I think it is the best Native American museum in the U S.  I still have to finish my write-up about it.
  • Visit Tequilla Flats
Next time.  I should have done this Q & A before we left, and I was having so much fun at home that I didn't get it done.
  • Drive the Apache Trail 75 mile loop leaving Apache Junction, going up a very nice 25 mile dirt road to Roosevelt Dam, onto to Globe and then back to Apache Junction
We'll do it next time.  I put it in my Arizona file. 
  • We are staying at Shiprock RV, very-very nice, friendly, small and EXPENSIVE.  ;D
Everything in the Phoenix area is expensive, except the Art Museum.  I balked at $27.50 each at the World Wildlife Zoo.  I donate $100/year to the San Diego Zoo, but I hate to be ripped off, and $55 + extras was highway robbery.  I think I talked about the popcorn & coke combo at the movies--and I'm not talking a bucket of popcorn, just a "large" sack, at $13.75!
  • Gilbert's Riparian Preserve.  Wheelchair accessible lots of small wildlife
OUCH!  Missing this one hurts.  I am hungry for seeing wildlife--even a javelina.  I know we'll see them at Tucson.  We've put this in our Arizona file, and we'll definitely go next time.  It's new to me.
  • Organ Stop pizza.  You get pizza and a show with a Wurlitzer of 6,000pipes....great fun!
Next time for sure.
[/list]Tucson:
  • Kit Observatory south of Tucson
I actually checked out this one because I want to do their star-gazing, but at this time of year I'd turn into a popsicle--even if I were wearing "Nanook."
  • "Sonora Living Natural Museum" lots of raptors in flight, Javalinas, butterfly walk in facility, all sorts of animals and wheelchair accessible....excellent (I may have the name wrong)
Could it be the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum?  If so, it's my #1 place to visit again.  If not, let me know, and I'll try to find it.
  • Saguaro National Park
  • A nice electric/water RV park is the one the RVForum uses for their New Years Rally: Catalina State Park.  Excellent, big sites, huge saguaro, birds and shopping very near.
Catalina sounded great, but there are 2 problems.  The first was the killer--it's booked solid.  I've been checking and checking.  The second is a $15 daily fee for the Jeep. 
[/list]Have fun!
We are.  I hope you are, too.  Are you doing a Palm Springs log?
Marsha~
Happy trails to you until we meet again, Linda
 
Ned said:
The Pima Air and Space museum is a must see if you like aircraft.  It takes at least a day to visit, and a second day if you take the Davis-Monthan bus tour.
Dean has done the Pima site, but I think Davis-Monthan is new to him.  (He's asleep now, but I'll pass this on to him.)
The only park we stay at in Tucson (other than Catalina SP) is Mission View, south of I-10 and just east of I-19.  Just a short distance from the mission just east of of I-19.  It's on Indian land so no taxes.  Large, level sites.
Thanks, good to know.  I chose Desert Trails because we stayed there before and we loved its natural setting.  Mission View was my #2, and it cost a little more, even though they don't have taxes.  It's nice to have MV be a known now, too, and I'll add that to my notes. 
 
Danno9 said:
The Cactus Fly-in is this weekend at the Casa Grande Airport.  Lots of vintage aircraft to see and enjoy.  Casa Grande National Ruins (actually located in Coolidge, AZ) are interesting and IMO worth the trip.  I visited for the first time yesterday.  The Titan Missle Museum in Sahaurita is also interesting.

I knew of none of these.  Thanks so much.  I will be looking for more info on all.  Dean awakened and got excited when I mentioned the Titan Missile Museum.  He recently visited a missile silo, and this is a biggie.  Thanks.
 
ArdraF said:
Anza Borrego - food!  Pablito's Mexican restaurant has WONDERFUL traditional shrimp cocktails.  Terry B. got me hooked on them!  These are not at all like our Norte Americano shrimp cocktails.  If you like avocados and shrimp you'll love them.  One of these and a cheese quesadilla is more than enough to fill you at dinner.
I'm up for it!  We'll definitely do it.  Avocados & shrimp--I love them and Dean hates both.  Any second choice suggestions for him?

We stayed at The Springs at Borrego Springs.  It's pricey but a nice environment.  We also checked out the campground at the state park.  It looks okay and has 30 amp only.  Ask Barb about it because they stayed there.  The others boondocked at Pegleg Pete's which you pass on the way into town from the east.
I don't like any of the choices.  Dean wants 50 amps, so we'll probably end up at The Springs.  I checked it out before we left home, and I did contact them.  I remember gagging at the price.  Dean doesn't like to reserve, but I know we are going to be there at their peak.  We may end up boondocking out of necessity. 
We found out later that we missed where the locals go for the best apple pie. 
So where is it that the locals go for the best apple pie?

ArdraF
Thanks so much!
 
Wendy said:
We stay at the Anza Borrego state park campground every fall for a month. It's a nice campground. Nothing fancy but very peaceful and full hookups (30 amp).  And it's half-price with a California State Park Disabled card. If you stay there, be sure to explore the old resort area nearby. Don't know about the restaurant there (Red Ocotillo) but the menu looked ok. We like Jilbertos for fast food Mexican. I am in love with their pickled carrots.
Thanks.  The state park sounds nice, as well as inexpensive.  You're a good friend to go through the files in your brain and give us so much info.
 
Pierat said:
In Tucson, we stay at Desert Trails RV Park, west of the Tucson Mountains, north of Ajo Highway. Call first, it may be full. We just left there today for Catalina State Park. They now have a reservation system, which the host told us can create difficulties for drop-ins. Some folks have to move from site to site virtually every day, because there are no sites that aren't subject to reservations. The place looks pretty full just now. And beautiful!
Thanks for the heads up!  We made reservations today for Desert Trails for our whole time in Tucson.  We tried for reservations at CSP 2 months ago, and they were full.  It's good to know that it's worth making the reservation way in advance.

Sabino Canyon is a fun park, on the northeast side of town in the Santa Catalina Mountains.  If you get a chance to drive down by Sierra Vista, you could visit and hike at Ramsey Canyon, a major wildlife preserve. A few years ago, we stayed at Tombstone Territories RV Park, a ways north of town, which was fine, not sure how it is now.
We are looking forward to Sabino Canyon; it's new to us.  We love Ramsey Canyon.  We stayed 2 nights at the Ramsey Canyon B & B, right next to the preserve, and it was heaven on Earth.  We went in August, and while it was 125? in Quartzsite (the Armpit of the Earth), it was a nice 80? in Ramsey Canyon.  We saw a bear within 150 feet of our B & B; Dean and our daughter encountered a dancing fawn and a doe on the trail; hummingbirds of every make and model abounded.    The lady who runs the B & B has won 100+ blue ribbons at the state fair for her pies, and we enjoyed every minute there.  We didn't take our RV, so it's good to know of an OK park.  Thanks for taking the time to respond, especially since you're a new friend. 
 
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