Time to leave Tucson for Port Townsend

We had a great winter in Tucson with friends we have made at Desert Trails. This time of year means lots of goodbyes as people head to all parts of the country. Tomorrow is our turn for goodbye. We head out in the morning with a two night stop in Palm Springs. Then a fairly direct route home up the I-5 corridor. We have left a few extra days in our schedule for bad weather and may need to use them. A big storm is headed for northern California and the NW today with lots of snow in the passes. Hopefully, by the time we get there the roads will be clear. A short stop in the Portland area and then on to Port Townsend by April 6th.

Goodbye Desert Trails until next year....... even the critter stopped by to say so long.

 Palm Springs has a great state park.    Hard to believe that just a tram ride away from the desert is a snowy pine wonderland.

 And then on the other side of Palm Springs is a lovely oasis.

 And finally we made it to Port Townsend and had a gorgeous day with amazing views of Mt Baker from our Fort Worden Campground.

Birthdays in Vancouver/Portland

March is birthday month in our clan. First Erik on March 13th, then Jenn and Izzy on March 18th and Elaine on March 25th. Grandma flew home with Shannon and Izzy to celebrate with the family. Izzy loved here maracas and blocks/truck.

Shannon and Izzy visit Desert Trails

Izzy is 1 year old on March 18th. She is walking already. March in Vancouver is rainy and even snowy this year. A perfect time to visit Tucson with sunny and 80 degree weather.

7 pools hike, wildflowers, Organ Pipe Natl Monument

The 7 pools hike at Sabino Canyon is a favorite. So is Organ Pipe National Monument.

Guaymas Mexico is a large port town with a fun mercado

Guaymas

Fun trip to San Carlos, Mexico with Tom, Sheila, Kirsten Cline

San Carlos and Guamas Mexico are gorgeous. National Geographic rated a beach near San Carlos as the most beautiful ocean view. Tom & Sheila rented a house for 2 months and invited Kirsten, Cline, John and I down for a visit. Good food, red wine, chocolate, walking, sightseeing, hiking, and an all around great time!

More pictures from Desert Trails 2011-2012

Fun trip with the gang from Desert Trails to Gammons Gulch, a movie set outside of Tucson.

OK so we got to Tucson and I let my blogging lapse

Yes, we got to Tucson and I just quit blogging. Time to get caught up as much as possible. Christmas at Shannon's was wonderful. All the Portland area family was there. Izzy got heaps of fun gifts and we all had fun watching.

Winter at Desert Trails is a very busy time with biking, hiking, exercizing, dances, and entertainments. Great time with friends made over the last 4 years. A favorite hike was Cochise Stronghold.



Kathy and Bill came to visit with friends Greg & Barb. Fun long weekend at Rancho Vistoso. Visited the DeGrazia home and Gallery, Mission San Xavier del Bac, and Old Tucson Studios.



This year John and I did some exploring at the University of Arizona. We took a campus tour and attended a lecture series at the University of Arizona on Living Beyond 100 which was very interesting. Kirsten and I volunteered at the Tucson Festival of Books (400 authors, 2000 volunteers, 100,000 attending). What a cool event with kids area, science area, culinary, writers workshop, authors round tables. We saw Diana Gabaldon, Terry Books, JA Jance, T Jefferson Parker. Super event.