Not homesick but sick on the road

Feb 11, 2022

Today I am writing from about 45 minutes east of Tuscon, AZ. We traveled yesterday from southcental NM to Benson, AZ. We are staying at our second Hipcamp location. This one is a horse ranch. We are the only visitors in the RV sites. This location is 5 miles down a fairly intense gravel road. I’ve got to brag on Benjamin’s driving for a minute - it is pretty amazing! Towing our large trailer is a BIG job, but then to maneuver it in all sorts of directions to get it backed into or pulled into the various sites takes exceptional spacial skills, confidence and patience. Yesterday he backed between a small aluminum shed and some trees so then he could pull forward into the spot. The man who owns the ranch came back to compliment Benjamin on his driving skills! I agree- Benjamin rocks! 

You may be wondering how the last week has been since it’s been quiet here on the blog and part of the reason for that is sickness. Gabriella came down with a fever Tuesday evening and was not well on Wednesday and I came down with the fever Wednesday night and was quite miserable yesterday (which was our traveling day). Gabriella seems to be on the mend and I feel a little better today than yesterday. I’m thankful to have my own bed, while on the road - it’s almost like being at home. I am hoping and praying we will be feeling better in the next couple of days so we can explore this area. We are near Saguaro National Park, along with some underground caves and more. Right now, I am sitting outside listening to the wind in the mesquite trees, the occasional bird song and sharing my thoughts with you. On our drive to the ranch yesterday I saw a saguaro for the first time I can remember; I may have seen some on a road trip to visit my grandpa in fourth grade but am not sure. The saguaros were a distance away but they were huge. I am excited to see them closer up in the days to come. 

Have you seen a saguaro before? If so, how would you describe it? 

Oh, good news - we were able to get our water systems working! It is so nice to turn the faucet on and to have water come out. While we think our hot water heater is working, it isn’t working very well, so there isn’t warm water, so still no shower but that’s OK, I will take cold running water for everything else. 

Random notes about our trip: 

1. Most nights it is below freezing so we run electric space heaters. The kitchen I usually in the 50s when we wake up. 
2. We figured out how to work the television in the RV and had a movie night last Friday. We surprised the kids. We all enjoyed Enola Holmes. 
3. We stayed at a Pecan Grove in NM; NM is second after Georgia for growing pecans if it hasn’t taken it over. We picked en entire bowl of pecans from under someones old trees. I am looking forward to getting a nut cracker so I can enjoy them. 

Some Thank you shout outs: 

1. Thanks to my sister-in-law Lindsey who bought me a key change of small utensils (pizza cutter, grater, bottle opener) for Christmas. It is small, can fit in the palm of my hand and is so handy on this trip. 
2. Thanks to my nephew, Shay, for the 2 extra large Nalgene bottle he got Benjamin and myself. They are HUGE which is handy when water is limited and we don’t want to carry around tons of little water bottles. 
3. Benjamin & Tomas for taking care of most of the RV take down and set up yesterday when I was feeling horrible. I love you guys! 

Blessings to you all friends. I hope you and your families are able to connect this weekend and enjoy some rest and relaxation. Ester 

                          (Our Valentine's Celebration - not quite fondue, but still chocolate.)

                           (Benson, AZ campsite. We are all hooked up and ready to head out.)

                         (A shot so you can see how narrow the road was in and out of our Benson Hipcamp.)