Move to Empire Ranch near Sonoita, Arizona

Location:  Empire Ranch in the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, Arizona

Woke up at 7 o'clock and was wide awake, so got up early this morning.  Went through my regular routine and while I was eating breakfast I decided I would move to the Hickiwan Trails RV Park in Why just down the road and stay for a couple of nights.  I have stayed there before and like the place.  As I was eating breakfast out front, I caught these two love birds on the top of a cactus.

Right after they left my House Finch stopped to say goodbye with a song.

After breakfast we took one last walk through a favorite wash.

And of course Black Mountain.

Yuma and I packed everything and then headed over towards Gaelyn's place across the wash.  She had heard me start the WL and started my way and we met at the wash.  Today is her birthday and I wanted to wish her a "Happy Birthday" before I left.  We talked a little bit and she gave me a virtual hug and I was on my way.

Happy Birthday, Gaelyn!

Before heading out towards Highway 85, I called the RV park just to make sure I could get a site for two days and to my astonishment, the person that answered said they were closed due to the Coronavirus.  They wouldn't even let me come in to dump and take on water.  What a bunch of bull!

So, I decided to go into Ajo and see if I could get things done there.  As I approached town I decided to stop and take a few more mural pictures and let Yuma walk on the green grass at the mall.

Not a mural but I just liked it.  Too bad they're closed.

I wasn't in a hurry because I was planning on staying the night in Ajo, but when I found they had increased their rates to $37.50 per night, I decided to just pay the $10 fee for the dump and water.  Then head over to Tucson and find a free place.

By this time it is 2 o'clock and it is a little more than two hours and I wanted to stop at a Walmart and stock up too.   We headed south out of Ajo and turned east onto highway 86 for Tucson.  This highway goes through the Tonoho O'Odham Nation Reservation.

Houses at one of the villages.

Highway 86 to Tucson.

Kitt Peak dead ahead.

When I got to the Walmart in Tucson they had everything I needed.  No signs saying one item only or anything.  It was stocked just like normal.  But they don't allow overnight camping and by this time it was going on 5:30.

Because I only know West Valencia Road and that it crossed I-10 East, I decided not to fight city traffic to find a place to spend the night and just head to my final destination, Empire Ranch.  It's only about an hour further east and I'm familiar with the area in case darkness catches me.

Wasn't long before I took the highway 83 exit heading south to the Empire Ranch about 20 miles down.  Got here just as the sun was setting.

Lots of plan changes today, but it all ended well.  Hopefully, I'll stay for a week or so before making the trek home.  For now, it's time for a late supper and bed.

See you later.