Tucson, part II

Whew! we're approaching the end of our second week in Tucson, and are seeing the "relaxing" part of the stay getting closer. Of, course, I posted last time about how cold it was, and how busy we had been cleaning the motorhome. The weather has changed dramatically, but we're still at the "work" part of things.

We had started on the GPS antenna replacement job last week, and fought that for days. The antenna is on the roof, with the wire snaking across the roof through the framing and insulation, down the side of the windshield, through the firewall, back into the dash, and then to the GPS unit. We finally got it completed today! Six days, off and on, many bruised knuckles, and a whole lotta luck got it done. The other major problem had to do with the adjustment on the full wall slide. It had gone completely bonkers, with huge gaps and strange noises, so we made an appointment at the local Newmar dealer, Freedom RV for yesterday, the 10th. We jockeyed Nessie through rush hour traffic and left her for the day while we did some errands, had a nice lunch, and a late afternoon cup of coffee. She was all done when we returned, but we were informed that they ordered a part that won't be delivered until next week. Again with the rush hour next week….. At least the list of repairs is getting shorter!

While we were waiting for Nessie, we had lunch at BK Carne Asada & Hotdogs on 12th Street. Since this has been one of the stops on Food Networks' Triple D, and since Yelp gave it 4 stars, we had to try it!

We each ordered a plate of three different tacos, chicken, pork and beef. Styled in the street truck method, they were delicious!

We also ordered a Sonoran Hotdog. We didn't quite get the Sonoran angle, but it was good nevertheless, with all the fix in's, like a chicago dog with a grilled pepper on the side!

Today, later in the morning, we went to one of the 40'some venues of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. Held every year, the show is going on literally all over town. The venue we chose was at the Kino Sports Complex, where spring training baseball was held a few years ago. The teams have moved closer to Phoenix, and Mexican, Cuban, and Japanese teams now practice there. The show encompassed a half dozen tents, with everything from jewelry, woven baskets, carvings and wood work, to mass produced, made in China, beads and necklaces.

Several of the tents displayed gems and gemstones in either raw of polished form from all over the world. Many fossils, crystals, and geodes were being sold by the kg.

In another tent, a craftsman was displaying a number of lamps made from natural materials. Using manzanita, redwood, and juniper, along with either paper, copper, or cowhide shades, he has made some beautiful pieces.

A late lunch was next on the "menu", so we stopped at one of the many Mariscos Chihuahua locations and enjoyed seafood in the mexican style. Donna ordered bacon wrapped shrimp.

And I was fortunate to enjoy several fish filets marinated in Chipotle sauce and sautéed with onions and vegetables. I complete forgot to take a picture, because I was so hungry!

Tomorrow we hope to attend a BBQ Cookoff at one of the local RV dealers. Some neighbors have told us about it and promised to provide details in the morning. The way Nessie is acting, we just may come home with a new rig! Not!