It’s the day before election day and I am taking a tranquilizer called camping. Top photo is BLM land Friday night October 30 2020. I think technically it’s Marana.  Well established and plenty of photos on the internet with only a few campers dispersed out.  I was alone, the kind of alone that made me feel like the only man on earth.

People are cracking up from Trump politics, coronavirus, unsure employment and the future. Find a way to walk away if only for a little while.

October 31 2020 I arrived at Gilbert Ray Campgroundat the Tucson Mountain Park which is 3 miles or so from Saguaro National  Park. It’s beautifully kept, $10.00 a night if you are tent camping.  Water, no showers, quiet and plenty of solitude.  My Garmin watch tells me we are 2472 elevation, cloudy with a wind.  It’s pleasant.

Road the bike up to Saguaro National Park Museum, about 4 miles, all uphill.  Garmin says heart rate up to 170.  When I arrived at the museum they wanted $21.00 for senior entrance.  While it looked good, I had to wonder what the heck was $21.00 good.
As the day winded down I started to watch Dr. No because Sean Connery passed.  Got about half way through and Dr. Sleep called.  19:00 and ZZquil later I was asleep till 07:00 am.  

In the morning a family of quail made their way through and at about 15:00 made their way back.  They look fat.  No predators?  I’ve seen coyote sign so who knows what the quail knows that keep them safe.

Part of the plan while here was to go to Blackrock Brewing.  I got a Groupon for a taste flight so drove 45 minutes thinking I’d find a brew that appealed to me and maybe a burger.  Brew yes, but it’s clear the virus as taken it’s toll.  This is in a bad location meaning no one will know where it is.  No drive or walk through traffic, but also there was no kitchen, no food, no people. Brew was good so I got a 32 oz can to go.  $8.00.  Seems like a lot to me.
Today I tried to hike.  Man this is disappointing and I have to come to terms with it.

I bought a pair of used Keens on Ebay, 1/2 size larger than normal.  They fit ok though could be wider.  I made it a mile before knees made a mockery of my manhood.  Time to think about this.

Got on the bike and went for a 4 mile ride, 1/2 down hill and of course 1/2 up.  Now that felt good.  I suppose one has to play to their strengths though I’m not ready to give walking up yet.

Camping neighbor stopped by.  Young lady being a bit of a nomad in a SUV. She looked at my layout and admired some of it.

Spent a restless night with upset stomach. It was pleasant enough to sleep with the back hatch open and a nice breeze coming through. 

Mondays here and while I’m supposed to stay another day, I opt to go home. Packing up is a real pain and always has been. Nothing fits right. Sleeping bag doesn’t go into sack etc.

This was exploration and I guess I got out what I expected. A challenge is designed to be hard and it is. You find a way around it and move to the next. What I found is that the arrangement I have now may work for a night or two, but not for long term. Long term like 4 months in Rosarito in summer. Or Leadville.

I’m thinking that the way to go is a cargo trailer built out. Maybe 6 by 12. You can find them on the internet. Dogs can come and go and this old man can live a little more comfortably.

I watch van living You Tube videos. Some will try to convince you this is their choice and they love it, most are dust bowl children unsettled by the economic challenges of 2010. This is not an easy life and not romantic at all. Not enough money,  coronavirus problems, break downs, loneliness. Lot to be said about community.

I think my plan is sound. Keep the home in Mexico, camp trip once a month or just a travel trip and get a camper built out and see if I can get out of the summer swelter.