April 9 – Benson, Arizona

We’re heading to Tucson to our friends from Alaska Kathe and Stan. We visited with them last summer in Fairbanks. For the past few years they winter in Tuscon. We plan to arrive tomorrow yet we don’t have a long distance to travel. We decide we’ll look for free camping somewhere not far from Benson, Arizona. Our friend, Michael, who we’ve not seen in over 30 years lives in Benson. We contact him and we meet for lunch at the Horseshoe Café. Great place for lunch. Michael wanders the natural environs to experience the nature of things and suggests the Dragoon Mountains south of Benson not far from Tombstone. He offers to lead us there into the National Forest.

With the temperature in the nineties in Benson we look forward to cooler temperatures in the mountains. First, it’s several miles south on pavement then ten miles of gravel road over ululating desert which slowly climbs in elevation. Next, we hit the mountains and the road climbs the temperatures moderates to the high seventies.

After a few challenges in finding a suitable location to camp we arrive in the woods. It’s beautiful all around. Soon we thank Michael and bid farewell and he treks back to Benson. Once we set up out come the cards and beverage as we enjoy our surroundings.