Members of this FMCA chapter gathered for rallies at Cactus League spring training and at a renaissance festival.
By William Massey, F504824
May 2023
The Southwest Sun Chasers chapter’s Major League Baseball spring training adventure, Cactus League-style, started on February 22, 2023, with Pat and Bill Mayberry and Janet Walker traveling from El Paso, Texas, to the Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson, Arizona. Merle and Linda Parman, along with William and Cindy Massey, already were in Apache Junction with Bob and Kathy Linville visiting the Arizona Renaissance Fair – more about that in a bit.
Everyone was happy that their drive to our meeting place in Goodyear, Arizona, was not too long, as high sustained winds of over 30 mph with 60-mph gusts made driving our coaches difficult. All arrived at the Cotton Lane RV Park in almost good condition. The Mayberrys lost one slide topper in the high winds between Tucson and Goodyear. However, we found the RV park to be very nice, with some excellent amenities. Several Arizona chapters recommended this park, and they were all spot on!
Pat Babjack had plans to leave early from the El Paso airport on February 23 and fly into Phoenix to join the MLB festivities. Apparently, Pat is easily distracted, as she was sitting at one of the airport restaurants and missed her flight! She was able to catch a later flight and eventually made it to the campground that evening. The rest of us enjoyed a relaxing day and potluck meal at the park.
February 24 brought a 30-minute drive to the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria. The day was perfect for watching baseball. Bill had picked out some excellent seats just behind first base. We were treated to a game between the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners. The teams played veterans and new recruits, swapping players almost every inning. The game was exciting, with no score after the first few innings. Then the Mariners put some points on the board. In the ninth inning, with bases loaded, it looked like the Padres would take the lead and win. It was not meant to be, as the tying and winning runs were left on the field, and the Mariners captured the spring training day win! We were bummed, as all of us, being from El Paso, are Chihuahua fans (the AAA club for the Padres). The day ended with a nice dinner meal at Claim Jumper in Avondale.
We went to Surprise Stadium in Surprise on February 25 for a game between the Texas Rangers and the Mariners. We thought the Rangers would rally in the end, but that didn’t happen. The evening ended with the group enjoying dinner in Avondale again.
February 26 was our departure day, and it brought a new set of challenges and decisions. The forecast called for heavy winds, rain, and snow along our route from Goodyear to El Paso. The group decided to stop in Tucson and figure out what to do. Sustained winds of over 25 mph were predicted for all of New Mexico, with a chance of snow and rain. Everyone stopped to spend the night at the Pima County Fairgrounds, except Pat, who flew back to El Paso. All were happy with the decision, as winds topped 60 mph in the Las Cruces and El Paso areas. Some people enjoyed a nice meal at Hotrods Old Vail in Tucson.
Everyone agreed the trip was fun, and we discussed doing a five-game rally for 2024. Watch our website, Facebook group, and newsletters as plans develop!
Before the spring training outing, several of us met for a visit to the Arizona Renaissance Festival. The Masseys and Parmans traveled together from El Paso to Apache Junction. The Linvilles left a bit earlier and blazed the trail. Unfortunately, others who were planning on attending had to cancel.
Upon arrival, we received important reminders about traveling in an RV: Use a departure checklist, and call the campground to confirm reservations. Yes, we have several stories from this trip, but we will save them for when we are sitting around a campfire someday!
The Arizona Renaissance Festival was fun and interesting. If you haven’t been, put it on your bucket list. The costumes of attendees and entertainers were fabulous. The food was good, plentiful, and reasonably priced. Parking was free and well organized. Be prepared to wait in line on the highway to get into the facility, and be sure to wear good walking shoes. We found that one day at the festival was plenty.
After the festival, the group visited Goldfield Ghost town, a very short drive from the KOA in Apache Junction. We walked through the shop, enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Superstitious Mountains, and read about the history of the town. Just before noon, everyone was getting hungry, so we decided to drive 45 minutes to Tortilla Flat, an old stagecoach stop located near Canyon Lake.
Apparently, many others thought going to Tortilla Flat for lunch was a good idea, too. Parking was a challenge, and the wait for a table was well over an hour. The drive to Tortilla Flat was beautiful, though, and the lunch made the wait worthwhile. Back at camp, we enjoyed several evenings at the Linvilles’ coach and sitting around the campfire before heading for the MLB part of the adventure.
Please visit our website (southwestsunchasers.weebly.com) for more information and to see pictures of our spring training and renaissance fair adventures!