Arriving in the States from Mexico |

 

A few days ago, I made my way to the Nogales border crossing from San Carlos, Mexico.  It was a typical trip, border crossing went OK and then I drove about another hour to my first stop in the States in over four months.  As I did on the way south, I stopped at the Desert Diamond Casino, just a few miles north of Green Valley, Arizona.  

 

This casino has been very helpful for RVers who are headed south for Mexico as well as the ones coming north in the Spring.  As you can see in the first photo above, there were quite a few RVs in the parking lot, and this was only a portion of them.  Tractor trailers also stop here for lunch, or for overnight.

 

They have multiple restaurants inside, and the little café has food that is quite good.  And, of course, there are always the slot machines or tables.  The grounds are well maintained and everyone is welcoming.

 

 

The foliage is typical Sonoran desert - I find the cactus above very interesting.  The spines are curved at the end, the popular name for this one is Fish Hook.

 

I know everyone appreciate the fact that we are allowed to stay for a few days to rest up, eat, and have a little fun after a long trip.  Thank you, Desert Diamond Casino, for being a great host.

San Carlos | Mexico | Winter season coming to a close.

I had a good season down here in San Carlos.  One of the things I enjoyed again was ceramics, and it's a good social time.  I made the tile above and plan to get a wooden plaque to mount it so I can display it at my camp.  I'm not crazy about a few of the colors, but you don't know exactly what shade it will be until it comes out of the kiln.

One of the great things about this area is that there are people who care about animals and help with fostering and adoption.  Through San Carlos Pet Adoption, I was lucky this year and fostered a little kitten that I named Chico.  He was a fun little guy and he was with me about 7 weeks.  A very nice local man adopted him and I could tell by the way he acted with the kitty that he would give Chico a good home.  I sure do miss that little guy, but I've decided to travel without an animal.  Of course, if he had not been adopted, I most likely would be leaving town with him.

This little guy was adopted by my neighbors, also through the Pet Adoption - a real cutie.

For a few days, I was able to dog-sit for one of the dogs I took care of last season.  He's a sweet dog and easy to take care of, and he has really pretty flowers in the garden.

The scenery here is great, no matter what time of day.

There is all sorts of music here, most of the larger restaurants have live music and I was able to see quite a few groups.

I'm leaving this weekend and have been doing all my chores to get ready.  My tires are all aired up, fluids checked and my truck even got a wash and wax.  Adios, San Carlos!  Hasta la vista!