Friday, November 7, 2014 (Travel to McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Fountain Hills, AZ)

We had said our goodbyes to Dale and Ruth; Red and Pam...and were just about to head out this morning when we were surprised by Jesse and Sherry. They had popped by to say goodbye...so nice to have been able to spend time with them. We have really enjoyed our mini RV-Dreamers gathering!

After a stop at the sani-dump, we were on the road. We took highway 260 south and connected with I-17. We climbed up and out of the Verde Valley...

 And then down again...

We stopped at Sunset Point Rest Area...

Spectacular scenery! The pictures just don't do it justice!

We're seeing our first Saguaro Cactus...

We left I-17 and took the 101 loop east (and south) through Scottsdale...

...and eventually east to Fountain Hills...

Nice house...

That's the lake where the fountain spouts every hour....

This is a picture taken back in 2011...just thought I'd show you a picture of the fountain spouting...

We arrived at the entrance to McDowell Mountain Regional Park at about 1:00...

The Ragnar Relay Race is being held at the park today and tomorrow. What is Ragnar, you ask? Well..."Ragnar Trail Relays are naturally inspired overnight running and camping adventures that make testing your limits a team sport." The road into the park (and the campground) is lined for miles and miles with parked vehicles...must be a popular sport! They estimate there are around 3,000 people participating.

We found our site...#14 in the north loop. It was a little tricky backing into because of cement barriers on either side of the driveway but we managed. We have water and electric (50 amp) for $30/night...an increase from last time we camped here. But it is one of our favourite parks...so peaceful and quiet with great views and awesome trails for hiking or bike riding.

Our friends, Eric and Linda, are camphosting here this year. They were working the gate when we arrived. Their shift ended at 7:00, so it was about 7:30 when they came by for a visit...and a glass of wine!

Eric was the very first person we met and enjoyed a few happy hours with at Fidelgo Bay in Washington State when we first hit the road in 2010. At that time Linda was on a hiking vacation in Costa Rica. We've stayed in touch for over 4 year...very cool...