Scary Ride to Tombstone

We are back at Tombstone Territories RV Resort earlier than we anticipated.  We were taking our time getting here, sort of waiting out the 100 degree weather still going on, and our next stop would have been about 2 1/2 hours drive south of Needles to Tonopah, Arizona.  We were amazed that just two weeks ago where we were, they are having horrible wet/snowy weather.  We hooked up the RV yesterday morning, got it all buttoned down and ready to move, Grace in the car in her box, tested the lights - check, Tow Package engaged - check, mirrors out and extended - check, the last thing Dave does is start up slowly then engage the brakes to make sure they work (special hookup between RV and truck) and no brakes.  None, zilch, nada.  Oh boy.  The trailer weighs about 15,000 pounds and moving down the road at 60 plus miles an hour, in close to 100 degrees in temperature, with no brakes is a disaster waiting to happen.  But, we made the decision to go anyhow.  Too far from the dealer, nothing close for 300 miles or so. Very scary ride, hoped the truck's towing power and the truck's brakes will hold the RV back if need.

Colorado River in Needles, CA

Colorado River in Parker, AZ

One of the major things we decided to do - add an hour and 1/2 driving time in order to bypass driving through Phoenix.  Very concerned that the way people cut in front without leaving enough room, or having traffic tie ups, would make it even more scary.  

Left Needles, traveled south on US route 95 which is a one lane each direction road, no cities, no towns, just wide open desert.  We passed over the Colorado River two times during the day - very pretty, but very low. Continued on south and did a jig-jag east, south, east, south, until we got to Quartzite Arizona which is a haven for winter snow birds - RV park after RV park after RV park.  And cheap.  This town is built for the RVers, nothing else to see or do.  Got on Interstate 10 towards Phoenix (east) but dropped off of it again before reaching Phoenix and headed south about 40 miles.  Again, zig, zag south, east.  Got on Interstate 8 and we knew this route has very little traffic so felt that we didn't have to worry about crazy drivers.  Zig, zag - picked up Interstate 10 again in Casa Grande and headed south (east) to Tucson.  

Picacho Peak RV Resort - winter home

Waved at Picacho Peak RV Resort (our winter home) as we drove by it and then on towards Tucson.  Big concern was it was getting near rush hour of Tucson and hopefully could get through without too much problem.  And was successful.  Drove another 2 hours and got to this campground and was set up for the night by 6:30pm.  Phew - long day. 438 miles driven (the most we have ever done in one day), 8 1/2 hours of driving time (Grace in her box for 9 1/2 hours! -poor girl), drove in 95 degrees most of the day. 

Arizona - yep, dust swirls 

Thankfully nothing happened, we are secure.  Now we enjoy this last hurrah of the trip, unload the RV and get it to the dealer within the next two weeks.

Chiricahua Mountains - view out window