We rolled into Oro Valley on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, right on schedule at about 4:30 p.m., which in RV terms qualifies as both punctual and mildly miraculous. We tucked the trailer neatly into our son and daughter-in-law’s driveway and were immediately greeted by a full welcoming committee—kids included, energy levels high, and hugs abundant. After some catching up and a good dinner, we did what any seasoned travelers do after a long drive: we went to bed early and called it a win.
Thursday was intentionally low-key. We lingered around the house, inspected the in-progress chicken coop (which is shaping up to be nicer than some RV parks we’ve stayed in), and met the resident chickens, who appear to be on the brink of fulfilling their egg-laying potential. That evening, we secured a babysitter and the adults slipped away for a double feature: dinner followed by a visit to the Tucson Arizona Temple—a peaceful and meaningful way to spend the night.
Friday brought a bit more action. We took care of business with an oil change for the truck—because even road warriors must occasionally be responsible—then pointed ourselves toward the mountains and headed up to Mount Lemmon. We hiked a few miles along the Incinerator Trail, climbing steadily to a high vista that delivered the kind of sweeping desert views that make you forget you’re slightly out of breath. Lunch at the top felt well-earned. After descending, we drove up to Summerhaven with dreams of cookies or fudge, only to discover both shops were closed. A minor tragedy. We consoled ourselves later with frozen pizzas and a quiet evening.
Saturday was family adventure day. We went for a bike ride, which quickly turned into an impressive display of parental strength and determination. Our daughter-in-law carried one child in a bike carrier and another in a backpack—an arrangement that looked like a CrossFit event disguised as a family outing. Our son had their oldest secured in a child seat on his bike. Linda and I pedaled along in admiration. We managed two spills total, which, given the complexity of the operation, felt like a statistical success. No injuries, so we’re counting it as a clean ride. Immediately afterward, we headed to their church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, building for an Easter walk—an interactive, reflective experience walking through scenes that highlight the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It was thoughtful and well done. We wrapped up the evening with Thai food and conversation, which is quickly becoming one of our favorite traditions.
Sunday was Palm Sunday, and we attended a sacrament meeting centered on Easter themes. It was a meaningful service and a good reminder of why we celebrate the season. The rest of the Sabbath was spent the right way—resting, visiting, and enjoying time with family.
On Monday, we took a day trip out to Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior. If you ever want a masterclass in what survives—and even thrives—in a hot, dry climate, this is the place. Many of the cacti were in bloom, which added unexpected color to the desert palette. We saw a towering Century Plant (often called a “century cactus”), proudly sending up its once-in-a-lifetime bloom stalk. Despite the name, it doesn’t actually wait 100 years—but it does bloom just once before calling it a life. The arboretum is beautifully maintained, and walking it with family made it even better. It was warm enough to make you appreciate every patch of shade, but a light breeze kept things comfortable.
Afterward, we made what might be considered the real objective of the day: a stop at the Florence Fudge Shop & Cafe in Florence. We ordered sandwiches and salads, which we all understood were simply formalities before getting to the fudge. The fudge did not disappoint.
We spent the evening back at the house, talking and mapping out the next leg of the journey, which is always a mix of logistics, weather-watching, and mild optimism.
By Tuesday morning, it was time to roll again. We said our goodbyes and pulled out around 11 a.m., heading toward Hidden Oasis RV Park near Wikieup. We’re now in “strategic retreat” mode—making shorter travel days as we work our way home, carefully avoiding the kind of winds that turn a pleasant drive into a white-knuckle experience. Our rule is simple: anything over about 15 mph gets our attention, and several upcoming stretches are forecasting 20–25 mph. So we’ll continue to leave early, drive smart, and be parked comfortably before the afternoon gales show up to ruin the mood.
| Nights | Total Nights | Miles | Total Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 393 | 241 | 34489 |