The Best Drive On This Trip So Far

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We had spent the night in Tijeras just outside of Albuquerque.  It was very cold the last few days and we wanted some decent internet.  I found an rv park that seemed reasonable.  It was too cold to boondock and we wanted something comfortable.  The park I had chosen was pretty much run down but the services were good.  The manager admitted that things hadn’t been going well but the interesting part is that the place was packed.  So goes choosing an rv park off the internet. 

The next day we were headed to Springerville.  We had to do the I-40 for a short distance and it wasn’t too bad.  The winds were low and started to pick up.  We exited onto Hwy 36 towards Quemado.  What a fantastic drive through the Malpais Conservation area.  The sights were breathtaking. 

The highway wound its way down and around the rock.  The road was smooth and easy to drive the winds dying down and behind us.

We saw about 10 cars total during the drive that took us on to Springerville from Quemado.  Gas was expensive in Quemado so we got enough to get us to Springerville. 

We spent the night at a Passport America park.  When we arrived no one was there and the new thing is to use the QR code.  Good luck though should you have a problem.  The QR code connects you to a website and lists the discounts available including Good Sam, military, Taco, etc.   However, PA was not listed.  We went ahead and paid anyway and over the next few days I emailed back and forth with the owner who refunded the cost.  She said that the host must have been out running errands.  That said, it’s a sloppy way to run a business not leaving a phone number to reach the individual.  In the end it was all good. 

The next day we ran a few errands ourselves.  We had one of the propane tanks filled.  Of course the tank was expired and needed an inspection which was an additional charge.  No other choice, she ran her hand over the tank, poked it with a screwdriver on a rusty spot, bang, poke, and tap tap.  Then she put the sticker on and filled it up. 

We went to the pharmacy/general store to poke around and I found some very good wool socks for 50% off.  You can imagine what the color was!

Our next destination was the Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction just outside of Phoenix.  What a great park!  The rangers are very friendly and eager to give you details of the park and places to hike.  We spent the night there before heading on to Quartzsite.  Amazing sunsets and good showers.  It’s a rustic park and the rates are very affordable.

(Although we have now been in Quartzsite for a week, we will be leaving on the 31^st for the Roadrunner Campground which is a BLM site down the road.  On the 1^st, we will head back to the Lost Dutchman for two nights and then head south and southeast).  I’m slowly blogging my way to the Big Q, so hang on).