Saguaro Cacti, Tombstone Cowboys, & Sunny Desert Adventures in Tucson, AZ.

At long last, we’ve arrived somewhere the weather actually welcomes us—hello, southern Arizona! After more than 4,500 miles on the road from chilly Massachusetts, it feels

 Large Saguaro Cacti, Saguaro National Park

like we’ve finally hit the jackpot. Mornings may start off cool and brisk—think mid to upper 40s—but by afternoon, it’s a perfect 70-something, with gentle breezes that practically beg you to stay outside. Evenings settle into a refreshing coolness, making sleep a dream. It’s no wonder people flock to Tucson this time of year while the rest of the country shivers under winter’s grip. Of course, I have to remind myself occasionally: summer here is a whole other story. With daytime highs over 100 degrees and nights that barely dip below 75, it’s a dry sauna—not exactly my kind of paradise! But what makes Tucson truly special is its stunning backdrop. The city sits nestled in a desert valley, surrounded by five impressive mountain ranges—the Santa Catalina to the north, Rincon to the east, Santa Rita to the south, Tucson Mountains to the west, and Tortolita up in the northwest. These peaks soar up to 9,500 feet above Tucson’s 2,400-foot perch, serving up panoramic views that’ll take your breath away. And then, of course, there’s the legendary Saguaro cacti—those towering green giants that seem to wave at you from every direction. Some stretch skyward over 50 feet tall, their arms twisting and posing in ways that make every cactus a contender in a desert beauty pageant. I found myself mentally rating each one as we passed, with bonus points awarded for any Saguaro hosting a bird’s nest. (A rare sight, but always a treat.) And speaking of style—don’t be surprised if you spot a Saguaro wearing a sunhat! Out here, everyone’s in on the secret: the Arizona sun doesn’t play favorites, not even with the locals.

Judy and Eli @ Top Golf

Our Tucson trip was memorable, thanks to reconnecting with friends who know the city well. Eli, a University of Arizona student we've known since his childhood, took us to Top Golf for some lighthearted fun. Alan, Judy’s first principal in Massachusetts and now a part-time resident, gave us tips on the best sights. With such a packed itinerary, our week flew by and barely covered all that Tucson has to offer. Here are a few highlights from our busy visit, made possible by our knowledgeable friends.

Sweetwater Wetlands

Alan stopped by the RV Park to get the 411 on our RV lifestyle and reconnect with us before we accompanied him to Sweetwater Wetlands, a renowned bird sanctuary. Covering 30 acres, this free public park offers wildlife habitats, walking trails, ponds, and riparian vegetation, and hosts over 300 recorded bird species.

Tombstone, Arizona

Our day trip to Tombstone, AZ—affectionately called “The Town Too Tough to Die”—was a riot from start to finish. About 75 miles southeast of Tucson, this small city is bursting with Wild West personality. We jumped on a trolley tour that whisked us past all the must-see sights: 

Office out back at the OK Corral in Tombstone

the infamous Bird Cage Theatre, the imposing Tombstone Courthouse, Big Nose Kate’s Saloon (once a hotspot for gamblers and colorful characters), and, of course, the Boothill Graveyard. But the real highlight was returning to the historic O.K. Corral. The site buzzes with energy, especially during the live reenactments of the legendary shootout between the Earps, Doc Holliday, and the Clanton-McLaury gang—performed several times daily by some seriously talented (and, in at least one case, very good-looking) historical actors. The actor playing Doc Holliday was so dashingly handsome that Judy insisted on a photo—and for a moment, I thought I’d be heading home solo while she rode off into the sunset with Doc! Beyond the action, the O.K. Corral features a fascinating museum, an authentic 1880s stable, vintage buggies, and a real working blacksmith shop. We also took time to explore C.S. Fly’s legendary photography studio, right next door to the Corral. Fly’s collection of Western photos is a treasure trove, including some of the most iconic images ever taken of Geronimo and his Apache clan. All in all, our visit to Tombstone left us grinning, full of stories, and just a little worried I might have to tip my hat and say, “Goodnight, Doc, take good care of Judy!” 

Judy with that Dashing Doc Holiday at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, AZ.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Alan, a proud member of The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, generously insisted we use his complimentary tickets for our visit—an offer we simply couldn’t refuse! Not only did Alan make sure we got inside, but he also enthusiastically encouraged us to catch the Raptor Free Flight demonstration, describing it as a “must-see.” He wasn’t kidding. The show featured native hawks, owls, and falcons soaring freely just overhead, so close that one Harris’s hawk actually brushed past my head and ruffled my hair, leaving me both stunned and exhilarated. Watching these raptors swoop and dive mere feet above us was absolutely unforgettable. Afterwards, we spent a wonderful hour wandering the museum’s scenic walking trails, passing animals and beautiful biospheres, all under the bright Arizona sun—a perfect morning in the Sonoran Desert.

Saguaro National Park

Not too far from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, we traded the curated trails and animal exhibits for the wild beauty of Saguaro National Park. The moment we hit the dusty paths, we were greeted by a cast of desert characters: the stately Saguaro cacti—towering everywhere you looked—kept us company at every turn, while Teddy Bear Cholla, Fishhook Barrel, and sprawling Prickly Pear added their own thorny personalities to the mix. The scenery was so breathtaking that it almost made us forget we were putting in the miles—until we realized our leisurely exploration had become a solid 4.5-mile hike. And with so many spiny neighbors lining the trail, I made sure to keep my footing; one misstep and I’d be picking cactus spines out of some unlucky appendage for the rest of the trip—a souvenir I was definitely not eager to take home! 

Catalina State Park.

Alan & Judy in Catalina State Park

We enjoyed yet another wonderful morning with Alan, whose home is nestled north of Tucson by the scenic Catalina Mountains and Catalina State Park. Thanks to Alan, who had already shared so many helpful suggestions, we felt like insiders as we explored the park on a lively Saturday, when the Nature Program featured a fascinating live reptile exhibit. Alan led us along his favorite 2½-mile Canyon Loop Trail, which winds over and back across the Cañada del Oro Wash. To our surprise, the wash actually had water flowing, making our hike even more memorable as we navigated its crossings together.   

                               

As memorable as the sights of Tucson were, the awe-inspiring Saguaro National Park, the thrilling Raptor Free Flight at the Desert Museum, and even swinging away at Topgolf, what truly made this stop memorable was reconnecting with old friends. There’s a unique joy in sharing the road with those we’ve known and having our journeys intersect in surprising ways. Meeting up again with Alan and Eli were the highlights, the kind of meaningful encounter that makes RV life so rewarding. You never know when your paths might cross again, and that’s what makes these reunions so special. And with that, we invite you to join us, as we tell… the rest of the story.