Hangin’ in the heat

We set up camp in an RV park (one of thousands) in the Mesa area.  Located just east of Phoenix, Mesa is a growing community.  I read somewhere that it’s population is 39^th in the US.   I’m not sure if they are counting all the baby boomers who run around in golf carts for 6 months out of the year, but there are a few of us.  In rather daunting numbers, I might add!  Our site is a south facing one, which I didn’t realize when we were assigned our spot, but that’s a lesson to be learned when you are moving through the south in an RV (something we’ve never done before).  The sun can make it practically impossible to sit out on your deck between noon and 4 o’clock even with the awning out (at least for my timid skin).

Of course there are many social groups in these RV  “resorts”, composed mostly of folks who return year after year and form southern friendships during the winter.  The resorts try to provide lots of activities (including the traditional shuffleboard!).  I have attended a couple of yoga classes and the instructor is very good and right up there with Yoga Northwest.  Friday, I was the only attendee in a bird watching class, and later hooked up with the instructor at a riparian water refuge here in Mesa to identify the birds with some very experienced birders.

We’ve enjoyed some good hikes, got an opportunity to watch Jessi White, Patti’s daughter-in-law, play golf in a semi-pro tournament,

Jessi’s drive in the Cactus tour

and just weave a schedule together as we please.   There’s a good community of hikers in this area, all about exploring the Usery National Recreation

Superstition Wilderness in the Tonto National Forest

Area and the Superstition Mountains.  We’ve enjoyed several opportunities to get up into some elevation and catch the vista over the valley.  It’s important to plan your timing so that you can get back to your vehicle around noon, because, as I mentioned, it really heats up, especially for the pooch.

Cisco isn’t sure what to make of this dry desert climate.  We found a dog park with a small lake that he thoroughly enjoys.  It only took him one encounter with a prickly pear cactus to understand that no matter what wonderful odors are coming from them, you don’t just go up and stick your nose right into one!

Future plans include hooking up with more friends who winter down here, getting into Phoenix for the Chihuly exhibit at the Botanical Gardens, getting on our bikes (which we brought all the way down and haven’t ridden once!), more hiking, and watching Jessi golf in the Symetra LPGA tour.  Fun in the sun!!