Casa Grande – The Arrival

The nights had been really chilly when we were in Tucson. A few were even in the 20’s. When we arrived in this southern Arizona town our propane tank was about 3/4 full. We had planned on filling it up before we parked but the place we stopped to fuel up didn’t have a propane tank. Not a big deal …. we thought. We didn’t ask for the cold front to come through nor did we expect it. It came anyway. Thus, we used way more propane trying to keep warm than we thought we would. When our little lights hit the first red we figured we might actually make it to the weekend. After all, the cold front had moved on and it was warm during the day. We didn’t though. We pulled out on Thursday instead of Saturday with a reading on our tank below the “red E”. Our destination – Casa Grande – 75 miles away. Of course, we knew we’d also be stopping at the Flying J first for fuel and propane.

The Casa Grande SKP park is about ten miles southwest of town. As we drove from Tucson towards our next parking place, Terry got a little worried. Casa Grande seemed to be going away and the vast desert was the only thing he could see. He thought we were really, really going to be in the boonies. Oh, there are some times we both enjoy the boonies but not right now. We have several trips to make to the airport in Phoenix over the next few weeks plus it’s December!! We have Christmas shopping to do.

The SKP park is definitely out of town. It’s far enough out that you can see the stars at night and the sunrise Friday morning was phenomenal. You could actually see it without structures in the way. However, just like every place else, there were quite a few utility poles in the distance. Why is it that poles and wires are always constructed where you want to take pictures? Duchess has been able to run and run. The pet walk is just out the back gate and she has acres to play. She’s loving it. We’ll be here a few more days and then move into the WHR park in town.

Our friends, Toni and Doug, are also at the SKP park. They’re actually going to be staying for about 7 weeks! I can’t imagine staying anywhere 7 weeks and being happy with it …. except, of course, when we've been in Washington close to our kids. Ms. Toni is quite an outgoing character. She drug us to Happy Hour and we met ALL of her friends. She knows everyone, of course. And, if we wanted a personal chef, she would certainly volunteer since cooking is her passion. Our first night we spent catching up on the last year of travels and family. It’s good to be in “friendly” territory.

Our reservations are for 3 weeks at the WHR park but who knows how long we’ll really stay. Some of the folks we know are starting to converge on this area. Jim and Sandie are already here, Jerry and Janice are heading in this direction from Texas and even Eric and Karla will soon grace the area with their appearance. What fun we’ll have! And, even though Toni and Doug will still be at the SKP park across town, I’m sure they’ll crash our party often. Shortly after, we’ll move on to Yuma and still more people will be around including my brother from Portland and cousins from Port Angeles.