Sabino Canyon | El Charo Chimichanga
Sunday - 24 November 2002: Tucson, Arizona
- What? We still in Tucson? One never knows... there is a lot to do here, a
lot of food to eat, a lot of RVs to see... As if the RV dealer connected to
this gigantic campground doesn't have enough selection, the one across the
street offers even more manufacturers. This morning, after a wake-up hot
tub, our shopping took us across the road! On this side of the road we
looked at Country Coach, American Eagle/Dream, Discovery, and Monaco.
(Goldie is made by Monaco.) On the other side of the street we viewed Gulf
Stream, Winnebago, Rexhall and Beaver coaches. I did not see one coach, in
three tries, that I would buy. This is seriously sad, because when you drive
on I-10, there is a good view of at least 1,000 RVs on these two sales lots.
Guess I am picky. I found several things I liked in several different
coaches... if only they could be put together into The One Perfect
Motorhome. Oh, wait... "we can do that for you" was the phrase of the day.
At least we know what we don't want! This will make it easier when we do
decide it is time for a new coach. Mostly, we are just confused and can't
remember what we liked/disliked about most of the coaches! According to my
Dad, we may be the first people EVER to escape Tucson without buying a new
RV.
And, to momentarily return to yesterday's subject - I had an email FIRST
THING this morning from our across-the-street neighbor Beavers. They have
requested I bake them a chocolate cake. The Civil War Bake-Off is tied.
After the RV "experience" we drove up to
Sabino Canyon. The Canyon is in the Coronado National Forest
and is a popular hiking, biking and picnicking destination. There is an old,
narrow road up the canyon, built by the WPA. Cars are no longer allowed up
the road - you must ride an open-air (narrated) shuttle. It is a beautiful
drive and you can hop on/off the shuttle at 9 different stops along the
road. When there is water in the river, this area is also popular for
swimming. At the Visitor Center, a ranger had a display of reptiles native
to Sabino Canyon - all of them alive and slithering away in jars and cages!
She blew into the jar holding the rattle snake and he began shaking his tail
and hissing away - incredible amount of noise from such a small critter! We
saw a beautiful white tailed deer as we were leaving the parking lot! It was
just a beautiful day in Tucson and we really enjoyed our drive and our
80-year-old-yesterday seat-mate.
Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon
We could see hikers on trails above the Canyon floor. People
were picnicking along the river - especially where there was a little water.
The canyon is home to Saguaro and Prickly Pear cactus, Ocatillo, Mesquite,
Feather Trees, Cottonwood, Palo Verde and a small spruce. Very green and
pretty.
After our visit to Sabino Canyon, we drove along Vantana Canyon, back to
Tucson and home. We had a rest in the afternoon and then went back to El
Charro for dinner. I just couldn't leave town without trying their
Chimichangas. I learned tonight a Chimichanga translates to
thingamajig in English.
El Charro has just published a new cookbook, with Jane and Michael
Stern. (The Sterns write about Americana,
Road Food, food culture in America, regional foods, etc. DT and I have
several of their guides and enjoy their tips on food and restaurants while
we travel. They are especially well-versed on Southwestern and Mexican food
and prefer their pie crusts made with lard.)
As requested - by Ricky - we asked for Ricky when we arrived at the
restaurant and the hostess went to see which section he was working in
tonight. Ricky was in charge of the patio, so we were seated outside. It was
just lovely outside! The courtyard is really large and open to the stars.
There is a fountain in the center - and heaters to warm customers on chilly
evenings. Tonight we tried the guacamole - very good, very fresh - but
nothing extraordinary. Since I have never had a chimichanga, I have nothing
to compare it to - but it was wonderful. According to the local legend, a
burrito was accidentally dropped in the El Charro deep
fryer and a new Mexican-food sensation was created. I had one chicken
chimichanga "enchilada style" - in red sauce. Ricky double-checked my order:
"Guac. Chicken Chimi, Enchie-style". I guess this is waiter-code-speak. I
also had another of the $7 margaritas, and again, one was plenty. Oh, did I
mention it came in a pint glass? Ricky, our new best friend, brought us a
complimentary dessert (lagniappe, even in Tucson). The cooks are
making pumpkins tamales for Thanksgiving and Ricky thought we should give it
a try. It was very different. Masa (corn flour) was used, along with pumpkin
and I am guessing egg, milk, cinnamon and other spices. It was cut open,
served on the corn husk and topped with a cranberry sauce and whipped
cream... and for some unknown reason, a birthday candle - burning brightly -
as Ricky placed the tamale on the table. The pumpkin tamale was very rich,
fluffy and very satisfying. Ricky is nearly finished with school, so he
can't guarantee how much longer he will be working at El Charro, so you had
better make your reservations now.
RV Park:
Beaudry's RV Resort
|