Day 1 - Home to Green Valley, Arizona

Up early and out of the house a little after 7:00. Been awhile for some time on the road, so we were a little anxious. We have made most of this drive before and it’s nothing to get excited about. Lots of nothing between home and Gila Bend. Did pass the Joe Foss Shooting Complex, which is were I’ve spent the last few Saturday’s. Eastbound Interstate 8 from Gila Bend to Interstate 10 was more of the same, except for one horrific wreck on westbound lanes.

I don’t like Interstate 10. Too much traffic, especially a lot of truck traffic coming out of LA. And the need for speed is everywhere. Did manage to find a Starbucks in a no-name town just before Tucson. Once South of Tucson on Interstate 19 traffic ws light. Interstate 19 in only 66 miles long and end at the Mexican border in Nogales, Arizona.

The object of our drive today was the town of Tubac, Arizona, known as a shopping town for all things Southwest. Didn’t turn out that way. Barb put the hammer down on the budget buster purchases I sought out. Probably for the best. Lunch on the other hand was outstanding. A Mexican place called Elvira’s. I know, that name doesn’t make sense to me either, We shared a chicken quesadilla and the world’s best guacamole.

After lunch Barb wanted to see the border, so a short drive took us to Nogales. Careful not to get into the line of cars crossing the border, we managed a fine view of what must have been a twenty foot steel barrier, topped with some of the best razor wire I’ve ever seen.

Heading back to Green Valley we successfully past through the border check station and made our way to Quail Creek for a look see. A Robson retirement community it’s nice, but not for us.

Our overnight in Green Valley was at the Canoa Ranch Golf Resort. Nice place and nice room once they brought us a key that would work.

Barb did her thing with the internet and searched for a highly rated Mexican dinner restaurant. Manuel’s at six o’clock was choosen. Arriving at the chosen time we found a large crowd waiting entry. Needing gas I found a gas station and filled up while Barb renewed her search. She called El Patio and finding no wait we headed there. Food was decent, but what really set El Patio apart from any other place we’ve been was the music. It was a four person amateur night, complete with Mexican dress and instruments. Violin and singing were both a little off key, but overall I kinda enjoyed it. After each song Barb applauded and wondered aloud why others didn’t.

Tomorrow we are off to a day in Tombstone, Arizona.