February 12, 2005
Raining. Have colds. Drove to Tucson-A bar A campground in Marana.
February 12, 2005
Went back to part of gem show. Obtained souvenirs. Learned difference between Mexican Velvet Obsidian and Mexican Rainbow Obsidian. Obtained piece for Victor. Saw some huge carved rock turtles.
February 13, 2005
Went to Picacho Peak State Park, the site of the westernmost battle of the Civil War. Hiked a few trails. We weren’t in shape to do the 3.1 mile hike to the top. It’s very green. Wild flowers are blooming. Some of the barrel cactus appear to be uprooted by all the water. Thinking about using the parks campground if we get back to the area in the future. $20 electric hookups, spaces are spread out, scenery beautiful.
After visiting the park we took a look at the ostrich ranch. Took nearly a hundred pictures there. Was fascinated by the birds; however, think they’ve got a horrendous attraction set up. Birds are kept in large enclosure with 6' fences. Admission is purchase of a cup of feed. This allows you to go into area with fence that doesn’t have lattice work woven through it. The ostriches recognize the feed cups and mob the feeding trays attached to the fence. They are 7 to 8 feet tall and can reach over the top of the fence to peck at the top of one’s head. Scary to have a dozen or more large birds mobbing a small feeding tray, bumping against the fence. Most of the area one has the full height of the fence between oneself and the birds. However, there is a viewing platform where the feeding trays are on top of the fence rail. One can’t reach over to dump the food without having a dozen beaks attacking one’s hand, and within two feet of the fence it just isn’t safe on the platform. Thought it terrifying rather than educational.
They also have some deer that are feedable. Saw a snake there.
February 14, 2005
Drove to Phoenix. Keiko recognized the rv park. Nap took over the afternoon with the intent of getting over colds.
February 15, 2005
Went to ballpark and found some nice deals at the fan shop. Had delicious pizza near the ballpark. Went to Savers and picked up some jeans to replace the traditional holy kneed ones.
February 16, 2005
Went to the new Bookman’s. Truck was hit by several golf balls as we drove by the golf course. Went in and complained. Sounds like it is a common occurrence.
February 17, 2005
Spent the day relaxing. Part of day was spent in the pool and the hot tub. Keiko met Fred the chocolate lab a couple trailers down. A 18,000 lb dry weight 5th wheel pulled in today-duel wheels double axel...pulled by a duel wheel F350.
February 18, 2005
Adventures of the Veterans. After a 2 hour wait, met with really nice helpful administration person who was knowledgeable , knew how to navigate the computer, but the ease of things was short lived. Then it was off to the individual who didn’t know there was a Washington State could barely speak English, didn’t know what methotrexate is, why one would need blood tests, wanted to know how close Seattle is to DC, then how close to Alaska, how a doctor in this Washington could be wanting blood tests....once a doctor got involved the orders were given. Lab techs were fantastic at drawing blood. A pencil drawing got done during the multihour wait.
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