Made it to Tucson, Arizona Finally
Friday, December 6, 2019
Before I get to today, I wanted to mention that I have stopped at the Walmart in Deming three or four times and have always looked forward to my stay and the security they have. When I arrived yesterday, there were no RVs or trucks in the normal places, and when I looked around I saw a sign saying "No Overnight Parking". I went inside and talked to the greeter and he said they were no longer allowing overnighters.
He was nice enough to tell me that the old K-Mart to the east of Walmart was closed and I could stay in their vast parking lot, so I drove one driveway over and sure enough there was a huge empty parking lot except for one MH and four or five trucks.
I had a very quiet and peaceful night except for the train tracks that were very busy. That is also the noise I used to hear at the Walmart, so no big deal.
Woke up early again and we were on the road around 9 AM after breakfast and reading blogs. Only a three hour drive for 216 miles today with my destination being Rio Del Sol in Tucson. Lots of flat desert but also lots of mountains.
There were lots of signs saying beware of sandstorms, but the sand appears to be water. Guess they have had quite a bit of rain recently.
Went over the Continental Divide but didn't get a picture. The elevation was 5356 feet if I remember correctly.
Lots of barren mountains.
The sign says it all.
Getting closer. I believe Al will know the name of those mountains.
This was a very long train.
Finally, I made it to Arizona.
This is a zoomed shot showing the only mountains with snow on them.
When I pulled into the Rio Del Sol parking lot I was shocked to not see any RVs. I did see some up towards the road and I went back out and turned right to see why they were all up there.
I saw a sign saying RV Park, so pulled in and there was a gate that would not open. Walked inside the gas station and asked what was going on. They told me RVs could no longer stay in the parking lot and now must pay $40 a night plus $4 tax. Highway robbery I thought since it used to be free.
I decided to bite the bullet and shell out the money. At least I get full hook-ups and a shower.
I guess everything changes so I need to adjust. Bad thing is it is changing for the worst for RVers.
See you later.
Those might have been the Pyramid Mountains Doug. When we were last at the Casino Del Sol nearly a year ago we had a feeling that was going to happen when we saw all the construction going on and heard they were putting in an RV Park. Too bad and from things I've read the overall RVing experience for Boondockers is indeed shrinking. Borrego Springs is just one of the current examples. I think there are some other areas closed east of Yuma but I don't know where.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. I was really disappointed because Deming and the casino del Sol were a couple of my favorite places. Oh well, on to Aho. Hope it's still there.😁
DeleteBoondocking in California is indeed shrinking! In March 2019 the Alabama Hills became a 'National Scenic Area', it appears this will limit dispersed camping. :(
DeleteSad to har about the boon docking areas closing down, always areas we enjoyed over the years , keep looking Doug and hope you can still find more free areas to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThanks George. Great to hear from you. Hoping Aho is still the same. You're always in my thoughts as I travel this winter.
DeleteSorry to hear about he Walmart and casino. We have stayed at Snyder Hills outside of Tucson several times and never had an issue.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'll put that in my notes to check out for next time.
ReplyDeleteThat's too bad about Walmart and the casino, you can certainly see time is sure changing things. Sure is beautiful country!!
ReplyDeleteYes it is. I am heading to Ajo today for a couple of weeks. Looking forward to settling down.
DeleteWe stayed in that lot but last year it was signed for no overnight camping. No one was parked there, not a single truck or rv so we moved on. Not far from the Walmart on one of those back streets is a fuel station, gas on side, diesel on the other side of the building. We always have to go inside to get a clerk for the diesel pumps. However we parked in their lot overnight. The lady told us to just back up in the long spot and we'd be fine. I can't recall the name of the station.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the warmth!
It was a surprise to me. They had always been so friendly and security conscious. Heading to Ajo for a time I hope.
DeleteWe stayed in the area close to that casino for about six weeks.....middle of Sept to the end of October. We loved it there. Very beautiful area. Sorry about no free parking.
ReplyDeleteI have only spent a couple days in Tucson. I should explore the area more but have always moved on to Ajo.
ReplyDeleteAs you mentioned things are changing and not always for the best for RVer's just looking for a quick overnight spot. Good to know about the Deming Walmart is has been one of our go to places when on that route. We would agree $44 for a night is a little steep, plus, I am guessing they still hope people will go in and spend money. Another place to take off the list. Hope when you and Yuma got there Ajo was still there...lol Enjoy the next couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteWas a little disappointing. I really liked the Casino Del Sol. Won't be going there again. Ajo is just the same. Roads are just as wash boardy as ever.
ReplyDelete