After staying the winter in Arizona at the Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort we are headed back to the east coast, specifically to Maryland. Mary Lynn’s mom is having surgery in mid-May and we want to be there before that happens so we will spend the next ten days driving from Arizona to Maryland. By way of Tulsa, Oklahoma of course so we can spend a few days with our son & daughter-in-law.
Early this am, after spending the last few days getting everything packed, loaded, lubed, filled, checked, cleaned, tested, washed, etc., etc., etc, we hit the open road.
I wanted to avoid driving the same roads to Tulsa that we had used previously so I mapped out a course that has us travelling over US 60, basically from Globe, Arizona to Socorro, New Mexico.
I was a little concerned about the route based on conflicting reports from fellow RV’ers. Some said the route was fine: the road was good, beautiful scenery, some twisting roads but overall a very good route. A few others said it was way too mountainous with too many switchbacks for a long RV, and certainly not if you are driving a long RV and towing a car (which we always do).
In any event, the road was not a problem. Yes, you do descend into a great canyon carved by the Salt River and yes there are some switchbacks however the road is very doable. Just don’t take your eyes off the road to view the spectacular scenery. Take advantage of the many pull-outs to enjoy the breathtaking heights and panorama.
Oh, and the high wind advisory that was broadcast on Tuesday evening had me a little concerned as well. Turns out we did OK, just had to be prepared for sudden gusts trying to push you off the road. Actually not too bad when you are down in the canyon but very strong once you reach the high desert plateau on the other side. We battled those winds for about 160 miles.
We also passed the Very Large Array site located along US 60 about 40 miles before you arrive in Socorro, New Mexico. Very cool. There is a visitor’s center however we arrived after closing time so I can’t personally comment about the VLA visitors center although I’ve heard good things about the display. Actually, the visitors center is open till sunset however the gift shop closes at 4 pm, and you know Mary Lynn’s rule: No gift shop, no can do.
The VLA is a part of the National Science Foundation’s National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Radio Astronomy is the study of celestial objects via invisible radio waves. The images they produce of the universe are nothing short of spectacular.
As you can see from the pictures, the VLA site itself is, while impressive in its own way, not too exciting. Lots of big radio receivers pointed into the sky. Here is a connection to the VLA web site.
In any case, tomorrow, if the winds allow, we head off via US60 & I-40 to Amarillo, Texas. Should take about 7 hours. Another 7 hours on Friday puts us into Tulsa Friday afternoon.
See Ya!
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