We had a short drive (less than 200 miles) yesterday from Casa Grande to Fort Huachuca (pronounced Wa-chu-ka) in southeastern Arizona. It is an old (1877) Army post about 25 miles from Bisbee (mining boom town in the 1880s) and Tombstone (of OK Corral and Wyatt Earp fame). It is a National Historic Site and Landmark. It sits at the base of the Huachuca Mountains in Cochise County and overlooks a huge valley. At an elevation of 5,000 ft. it has quite a view. We heard about the campground from other RVers and it has a very high rating in the Military Campground Directory. It is one of the better maintained military places we've stayed and has 50 sites. We are supposed to be here for one week.
We pulled in mid afternoon yesterday to find that we had no reservations. The woman who runs the campground (for the last 10 years) had forgotten to put our name in the schedule. She had been "out and about with nothing to write on" when I had called and then spaced the conversation. "It's the first time anything like this has happened. I feel so stupid." The place is full. Apparently it always is - all year. It's a very popular place. We ended up on a gravel patch at the end of a row but we do have electric and water. We are facing the opposite direction of everyone else so we can reach the utilities and it has Roger all weirded out - he likes things lined up properly :-) The plan as of yesterday is to move us to a real site (paved, picnic tables, sewer connection, etc.) tomorrow (Sunday). In the meantime, someone has pulled in this afternoon and parked in the site that we are supposed to get tomorrow. It had been reserved for tonight and that's why we have to wait for it. These folks weren't the ones who reserved it, though, so this could get interesting when the ones that do show up. We would like to stay and not get messed over on this reservation issue as there are things to see and do here and we really don't want to move on yet. Watch this space to find out our fate!
As I said earlier, we gained a lot altitude yesterday and the temperatures definitely reflect it. (It's about the same altitude as home.) We are back to long pants, long sleeves, and sweatshirts. It was in the mid 40s last night and won't make 70 today but the sun is shining. Later this week we are supposed to get into the mid 70s, but who knows. We brought the wind with us, unfortunately. This afternoon TWC says it is blowing at 25mph but we could swear it is higher. The gusts have got to be in the 50mph range. The RV is shaking when the gusts hit broadside. Not enough yet for dramamine, but it is a bit disconcerting. Maggie's walks are short ones with her ears flapping in the breeze looking like Dumbo. She hurries and when she is finished with her business she heads home. She doesn't like it either. Hopefully it will ease up during the night and be tolerable tomorrow.
Despite the reservation issues, we are pleased with the base. It is historic and has some cool looking old buildings, a museum, and I noticed a little park area dedicated to the Buffalo Soldiers. We want to go exploring later in the week. Photos another day - I didn't want to get out in the wind today. We expected a little dumpy army post out in the middle of nowhere (kind of like the Navy Base at El Centro). It is a pretty large post, well maintained and landscaped, and is the home of the 111th Army Military Intelligence Command. (I know - oxymoron there). The Army NCO school is also here, as well as some other commands that didn't sound quite so impressive so I don't remember the names. There is a large commissary and exchange as well as other facilities (chapel, bowling alley, etc.), for the troops including one of the largest day-care facilities I've seen. Overall it wouldn't be a bad place to be stationed. There are several active duty folk here in the RV park - probably here for a school or short assignment.
Nothing else really going on right now. We stocked up on groceries again this afternoon. That is the issue with a small fridge and pantry - we are always going to the grocery store! The weather is calling for hot soup for dinner so will be making my pesto/bean/potato soup. It's pretty yummy!
Will let you know what happens to us tomorrow.
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