Still in the desert, our next stop was Tucson, AZ. The drive from White Sands National Park took us two days, with an overnight stop in Bowie, AZ. There, we stayed at a quirky little RV park right off the freeway, run by a spirited 98-year-old woman named Judy. She had moved from Alaska years ago, bought a modest patch of land, and decided to turn it into the Alaskan RV Park. When we pulled in, Judy greeted us with a warm hug and a golf cart escort to our site. The cost? Just $20 cash—no cards, no checks, no exceptions. It was simple, hassle-free, and perfectly suited to the offbeat charm of the place.
Tucson holds a special place in our hearts. When our kids were young, we visited often to spend holidays with my mom, who lived there. Now that she and my stepdad have both passed, returning felt bittersweet. This time, we experienced Tucson through a new lens—one of relaxation and reflection. Without the usual hustle of parenting or work on our minds, we found ourselves appreciating the beauty and serenity in a way we hadn’t before. Being there stirred up fond memories, and I felt a strong connection to my mom, missing her deeply as we explored familiar places.
One of Tucson’s greatest treasures is its access to National Parks. Saguaro National Park is split into two sections—one on the east side of the city and the other on the west. Then there’s the stunning Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, also managed by the National Park Service. Our National Park pass proved invaluable, granting us entry to these breathtaking landscapes with their towering cacti and sweeping desert views.
David’s sister, Nancy, and her husband, Steve, now spend several weeks each spring near downtown Tucson. Though our trips didn’t overlap, they shared some fantastic recommendations for hiking and dining.
For our stay, we booked a HipCamp spot—a sort of Airbnb for campers. Instead of a traditional campsite, we parked our camper in someone’s driveway, just outside the eastern entrance to Saguaro National Park. It was a unique and convenient setup, offering a peaceful home base for our Tucson adventures.
I'm enjoying the trip! Keep it coming.