Last night I took one final look around Cactus Country RV park in Tucson. That’s where I’ve been these past few weeks. Nice spot and reasonable rates. No, not making an ad for the folks there. But when I’ve been happy with a spot I try to pass it along. The best deal there is the monthly rates. If you’re every looking to spend some time in Tucson with your RV, I’d suggest checking them out.
This morning I gave myself a slow start. Only a few hundred miles to go today, so no rush. I dumped the tanks, had a full fresh tank ready to go, and unhooked the cable! Yes, I’ve seen real TV again. Mostly though, I only used it to see Heroes (really digging that show). I’ve gotten used to being without TV, even though I can watch it on my laptop. The few things I’m interested in can be downloaded via ITunes anyhow. 
The drive out of Tucson wasn’t as cool as I thought it would be. Some road work has started this week, and lanes were full of cones. So, everybody was off their stride today going through Tucson.
Prior to getting to the construction areas I had my first truly terrifying near miss in my travels. Doing 65 in a 70 zone, fair amount of cars in front of me and to my left. A Jeep was in the passing lane 20 or 30 feet ahead of me. And we were all slowing down. In my side view mirror I could see a tractor trailer flying up behind the Jeep. As I watched and braked I could see that the tractor hadn’t noticed everyone braking. I checked to my right in the brakedown lane, just in case.
Cars continued slowing. Brake lights everywhere. The tractor trailer did not. Finally half way along my trailer, he noticed we were going from 65 to 30 quick. He hit the brakes hard, came right up on the Jeep, and then veered to the right (where I was). Nothing was to my right, so as he attempted to plow into my trailer I got out of the way.
In the end, I was driving in the brakedown lane, the tractor trailer was half way into my lane, and the Jeep driver was one lucky person. Through Tucson, the tractor trailer stayed far back from everyone, and seemed to linger in my sideview mirror. Glad dash cam wasn’t on……there was a ton of language in my cab this morning! Whew!
Heading out of town I noticed a train off to my right. It was passing the traffic. I was doing about 60 - 65. And the train passed me by. Neat to watch. There are many trains going through Tucson at all hours. It’s a busy place. Planes, military planes, and trains. There’s always some type of engine noise in the distance in Tucson.
After clearing Tucson the next big spot was Phoenix. Traffic was pretty thick there. The air also looked a little thick too. So I didn’t bother to stop in the area for gas or a look around.
Finally, by 1 MST I’d reached today’s goal. Quartzite. It’s a hot spot for RVers during the winter. Many LTVA’s here to camp in on the cheap. LTVA means Long Term Vistor Area. Currently, I’m parked in a free one. 14 days max stay, no hookups, no charge. Very interesting.
As I write the winds are really knocking me around. I’ve been amazed by the winds here in Arizona. I shouldn’t be too surprised though. Open areas with little to cut down the wind. What should I expect.
I was planning a few days in the area, but I think plans are changing. Got an interesting idea in my head about a side stop, so I think I’ll go for it tomorrow (you’ll just have to read about it then).
Quartzite looks pretty interesting. People come here from all over. From what I’ve heard, it’s very flea market like during the height of the season. I’ve arrived shortly after the big events here, and sorry to have missed out. Maybe some other time. 
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