Sun - Mar 11/12

George, My RV neighbour has returned from the Mardi Gras in New Orleans, LA. He had accidentally left his awning out when he went away. A group of neighbours moved his furniture into a more protected position near the RV when high winds came in. John and Herb helped me get his electric awning in. I figured we could jump the motor (12 V) and get it to retract. Now that George had returned I went over to help him extend it and reconnect returning it to normal function.

My next plan was a "picnic" day. First step - I went to Subway in the mall across from our park for 3 "Foot Longs" and a dozen Macadamia Nut Cookies. Charlotte and Catherine had packed drinks in the cooler and had taken Potato Chips, Almonds and Hersheys Chocolate Nuggets for a snack.

The girls did the Art Show in the parking lot while I ordered the Subs.

Then we were off to the Casa Grande Ruins for our picnic. An Ancient Desert People's (Hohokam) farming community and "Great House" is preserved at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This was created as the nation's first archeological reserve in 1892 and declared a National Monument in 1918. One might think, by the name, that the ruins are in Casa Grande, AZ; however, they are not. The Monument is about a half hour drive north of there in Coolidge, AZ.

Farmers have grown crops in the Salt and Gila River valleys for over 2000 years. The Hohokam produced corn, squash, beans, and cotton by creating a flood irrigation system with over 1000 miles of canals. Today modern irrigation canal systems still allow the same crops to flourish in the desert.

This is a great place for a little history and a quiet picnic in their great facilities. We picnic here at least once every time we visit Arizona. (The only charge is to go on the tour - the picnic area is free).

After the picnic we went to our next destination - SkyDive Arizona - at the airport in Eloy, AZ. We set out our folding chairs and spent the next few hours watching hundreds of skydivers jump (some in formation) land just yards away.

We were so close we could here the "whoosh" of their parachutes as they zoomed by.

There were a few dozen "Tandem Jumpers" in the mix. A larger percentage of ladies were jumping today compared to the last time we were here. This is the premier site for this activity in the world. It has one of the largest specialized aircraft fleets and the largest drop zone in the world. The weather offers more sun, more fun and more jumps than any other facility in the world. This is why many  World and National Champions have chosen to train here. Not only do they train here, but many of them offer opportunities for individuals to be coached and trained by them. It is easy to see why this skydiving resort has become the Mecca for the skydiving community!

We also overheard many languages. They fly the flags of the nationality of the jumpers at the entrance. Sometimes nearly all the flagpoles are in use!

After leaving the jump site we stopped at the Casa Grande Outlet Mall. It was nearly empty of both customers and stores. Of the few opened we did manage to make a couple of purchase before heading back to Canyon Vistas via I-10 and the Loop 202. Being it was late Sunday afternoon and nearly dusk the trip was fluid for the full length - something unheard of during rush hour.

We each ate the remaining half of our picnic sub in the RVwhile watching a PBS special (60's music - our era). We had a busy day with plenty of fresh air and sunshine. We all "hit the sack" shortly after 9 pm - tired; but happy!