Our last stop before heading to Casa Grande and the big soccer tournament was Payson, Arizona, a picturesque mountain town that delivered more scenic drives, warm hospitality, and a few wild surprises. Our one-night stay at the Oxbow RV Park, just outside Payson, quickly earned a spot as one of my favorite stops on the trip.

Small Park, Big Charm

Oxbow RV Park is tiny, privately owned, and full of character. The sites are back-in only and incredibly tight, which wouldn’t have been an issue—except the car battery was dead, and so was our battery booster. After exhausting a few ideas, we turned to our RV neighbor for help.

She was wonderfully kind, even though she admitted she’d never boosted a car before. John, the Rockstar Husband Laverty, got everything hooked up while we had a great chat, learning that the park was home to plenty of wildlife. Among the frequent visitors were javelinas—wild, pig-like marsupials notorious for rooting around campsites for scraps and hating dogs. Needless to say, we made sure our dog fence was secure before taking the chis on a much-needed sunset walk.

Grand Canyon Donkey and Javelina-Proofing

During our walk, we noticed a donkey across the street from the park. A friendly neighbor walking her dog told me his story: he was a retired pack donkey from the Grand Canyon, adopted by the kind folks across the road. His peaceful presence added a touch of whimsy to the already charming mountain atmosphere.

The javelinas kept their distance during our stay (probably thanks to the chis’ persistent barking), and the sunset walk was serene, even with the occasional growl from Casey reminding us he’s always grouchy.

Brake Drama (Again)

The mountain drive into Payson had been another breathtaking but brake-taxing experience. After parking, John noticed the brakes were acting up—again. A quick trip to town for supplies led us to Napa (which might as well be our official sponsor at this point), where he got what he needed to bleed the brakes and ensure we were safe for the next leg of the journey.

RV Roof Woes

That night, a new neighbour pulled in beside us with their shiny, relatively new Winnebago. While packing up the next morning, we got to chatting, and they shared some shocking tales about their RV adventures. Not long after buying their rig, they were caught in a windstorm that literally blew the roof off! Insurance covered the repairs, but not long after getting back on the road—it happened again!

The conversation was brief, as both of us were packing to leave, but John and I have been turning that story over in our heads ever since. What were the conditions? How does a roof just blow off? So many questions, so little time!

Farewell, Payson

As we packed up the Raven and prepared to head out, we couldn’t help but reflect on how much this short stop had given us: friendly neighbors, wildlife encounters, and a solid reminder to always keep an eye on the brakes. Now, onward to Casa Grande for some soccer and sunshine!