The sky was still black as we headed from Apache Junction west toward Quartzsite.
Not long and we were in the "I10 deck park tunnel" in downtown Phoenix. For those of you who wonder why there is a tunnel in flat desert Phoenix it is because when Interstate 10 was being completed to connect the west coast (at Santa Monica) to the east coast (at Jacksonville, FL) the only part left to complete was a 20 mile section through Phoenix.
The City was in a quandary as to exactly where the freeway would run through the city. The ideal pathway would take it right through historic neighborhoods just north of downtown Phoenix. The residents of the area were very disturbed with the thought that their neighborhoods would be divided by this huge strip of concrete, whether it was built as a sunken roadway, creating a huge canyon, or above ground creating another obstacle splitting their neighborhoods.
After years of wrangling between the city, the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Federal Government and the local residents, a wonderful solution was created. Why not run the freeway through a tunnel beneath ground level and actually enhance the neighborhood by creating a park-like setting above the tunnel with recreation and other amenities for the residents. This solution would actually better the neighborhood area, instead of destroying it. So, that's what they did. It was completed in 1990. Above the tunnel is a Japanese Garden and other recreational facilities.
The sky started to lighten and show off the pretty pink and purple clouds. We were on our way to Quartzsite to meet Sylvia, David, Tresa & Jerry to get a bit of the "Quartzsite RV Experience". Our full calendar didn't allow time to hook up Gypsy and pull over for a few days to camp so we headed out for a one day road trip.
All of the photos in the post were taken from inside the car. Most from 70+ miles per hour. Be prepared for blurs.
The traffic was light for the approximately 2 and 1/2 hour trip.
The desert was beautiful in the early morning light.
It was spectacular when the bright blue sky appeared.
We have arrived. There's the Q. And a light cloud cover filled the sky.
Yes, we see the big tent.
And the Michelin Man was giving us a thumbs up.
We had just arrived and Tresa, Jerry, Sylvia and David pulled up and we headed into the Big Tent to see what the vendors had to offer. Everything RV and more. Must be a lot of us old folk RVer's in pain because there were booths and booths offering pain relief from the top of your head to those aching feet. Lots to see and lots of walking up and down the aisles to tire us out and a break for lunch was in order.
Followed them to their campsite past RV's parked everywhere in the desert.
Their spot was great. Flat, gravel covered, no dust and no close neighbors. Thanks Tresa and Sylvia for such a great lunch. We were definitely spoiled.
Then back past the rows of RV's to the Tyson Wells Swap Meet. More booths full of must haves and booths that have you wondering who would ever want those things. We did our share of purchases.........2 new camp chairs, a collapsible rake, a pad for Walt to kneel on when he has to do things that require being on the ground, a new glass nail file for me and the requisite kettle corn. No time for the rocks and minerals that were the start of the Quartzsite experience and no time to drool over the million dollar RV's on display.
Soon we were on the road back to Apache Junction. The desert scenes flew by in a blur.
The sun dropped lower and gilded the scene with a golden glow.
The beautiful sunset was behind us. No stopping for a photo op. I hope no one was watching as I twisted and turned backwards in the seat while trying to keep my seat belt on so I could get the picture. They would have really wondered what that crazy old lady was doing. Good thing traffic was light. I admit for the next picture I took my seat belt off and told Walt not to crash.
A perfect end to a perfect day.
A Day Spent With Friends Is Always A Day Well Spent!
Not only did we get to spend Friday with friends on Sunday we were able to spend the day with Joyce and Paul. They live in Albuquerque but are in Scottsdale for a couple of months while Paul undergoes a bone marrow transplant. His spirit amazed us and we know he will sail through this and our hope is that if there is a wave or two it won't be too high. He and Walt do need to keep in mind that the girls day will come and we will beat them at Canasta.
To top it off on Tuesday afternoon Charlotte and Carl stopped by for a visit while they were in town. It feels like we have won the grand prize in the friend department.