To Jerome and Tucson, Arizona

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. and I thought Jerome, Arizona was going to be an artist town where we can walk around the quaint sidewalks and peek into art studios and galleries. Often reality is different from stories you hear. Jerome has been referred as "America's Most Vertical City" and "Largest Ghost Town in America." It reminded us of hilltop towns in Europe with houses built next to the road and no sidewalks.

We left Prescott Valley this morning and took 89A, a winding, scenic route to Jerome located between Prescott and Flagstaff on top of Cleopatra Hill. It is a former copper mining town. According to the historical account, Jerome's population in the 1920's was at 15,000. The 1930's Depression slowed the mining operation. The city was designated a National Historic District by the federal government in 1967. Today it is a community with a population of about 450. With no parking stalls long enough for Honu, J.J. drove slowly through the narrow main road so I can take photos.

Rob from Cornville, AZ approached us at a rest stop on I - 17 South. He was curious about Honu and asked several questions. He told us that he and his wife have been thinking about buying something similar. I am sure we were quite convincing about our love of Honu that Rob stated that he will pass our "endorsement" to his wife.  Here is Rob showing off his muscles and me doing my "happy dance".

Sakana means "Fish" in Japanese. We have been looking for an excellent restaurant that serves grilled salmon. The minutes we walked in, J.J. and I knew that we will find what we have been looking for. The place was packed with local business people. J.J. ordered the daily lunch special of Sakana Sushi.

I asked for Grilled Salmon.

I started to get filled with complimentary miso soup followed by sharing J.J.'s green salad.

The side order of Calamari Tempura was perfect.The calamari pieces were piled on top of green jalapeno peppers which was placed on top of shredded cabbage and green leafy vegetables. I love jalapeno pepper.

By the time my main course was served, I took one bite and asked for a box to take out. J.J. truly enjoyed his lunch so much that he asked for the same dish to take-out for his dinner. He said that it was the best sushi he has had since we left California.

Joshua, our server from Phoenix with J.J.'s Sakana Sushi.

Tonight we are staying at the Whispering Palms RV Park in Tucson. Tucson is the second-largest populated city in Arizona after Phoenix. It is located 108 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the US- Mexico border. This is also home to the University of Arizona. This area is arid. The temperature was 92 degrees when we arrived and we are now running our AC.   

Aloha -- Cathi