Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sprinkles
One half hour of sprinkles during the night. No evidence of it in the morning except that smell that the desert gives off after a rain. Cool today, even a few clouds. By afternoon, back to normal.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Scottsdale
We’re in Scottsdale visiting friends. Yesterday we went to lunch at a local restaurant. It is located in a shopping center nearby. As we parked the car I couldn’t help but notice the variety of vehicles in the lot. We parked next to a late model Jaguar sedan, walked past a beautiful black Bentley and several shiny Porsches.
Not a Prius in sight.
Truly a different sight from a parking lot in Eugene.
We’re in Scottsdale visiting friends. Yesterday we went to lunch at a local restaurant. It is located in a shopping center nearby. As we parked the car I couldn’t help but notice the variety of vehicles in the lot. We parked next to a late model Jaguar sedan, walked past a beautiful black Bentley and several shiny Porsches.
Not a Prius in sight.
Truly a different sight from a parking lot in Eugene.
The hike up Grass Canyon sounded like fun. A route that I had heard of, one of the rangers had done his evening program on it. Lots of great scenery. Some mountains to be close to. A place where most people do not venture.
I had loaded my pack the night before, adding the food just before we left. That afternoon I took three packs out of the storage area of the trailer. Which one should I carry?
The first is a fancy fanny pack that has a pouch for water at each end and a small stowing area in the middle. Too small for an all day jaunt.
The second one is a nice small day pack with a NPS insignia on it. It could probably work but the waist strap is a bit wimpy.
The third was the largest and oldest. It also had a most miles on it. It has many miles on it, been on many mountain summits and a few turn-backs as well. I chose it. Then I needed to fill it. I chose the bare essentials, plus WAY too many other items. But it was packed.
We gathered up on Wednesday morning, two other volunteers, B and R and a driver, and headed north on Hwy 85. After dropping one vehicle at the Alamo Canyon trail head, we hopped into the other and drove to our drop-off spot on at the wayside a few miles north on Hwy 85.
7:45 As our driver headed back south toward the visitor center we doffed our packs and turned to the east. The first two miles follows an old mining road that aims almost directly at the target, Grass Canyon. When the road ends it is still fairly easy going walking around the creosote and hanging fruit cholla.
Then the gentle rise that we have been traveling on ended and we started to climb the south side of the canyon. There was no trail so it was a “choose your own route” climb. Above one boulder, below another. Climbing through one side canyon, and fifteen minutes later, climbing through another. Always steadily ascending. Passed several caves on the way.
11:45 Arrived at the saddle at the top of Grass Canyon. Too windy and cool to spend time up there so we found a sunny, calm spot were we could relax and reflect on our journey. A great view of the wash far below.
Then began the difficult descent. Scree to negotiate, rocks to climb around and under. Down climbing is as challenging as ascending. Gravity is trying to increase the descent speed so it up to the hiker to stay under control. Down, down, slowly, sliding, ducking under brush, finally reaching the wash.
At last we were for some walking on flat ground. Not for long. A dry waterfall, climb down, more walking, another waterfall, more descent.
A small tinaja, then another, a large one, and small one. Ten, twenty, more as we continued. The recent rain had filled most of these, but some were remote enough and large enough to be water supplies for the creatures of the area. The rocks of the waterfalls were well worn, meaning a long time of erosion, especially considering that it only rains hard during the monsoon season of summer.
2:30 pm Finally, we arrived at the Grey’s cabin in Alamo Canyon. The best part was the trail to the parking lot and the waiting truck. The hot shower and nap were most welcome.
I had loaded my pack the night before, adding the food just before we left. That afternoon I took three packs out of the storage area of the trailer. Which one should I carry?
The first is a fancy fanny pack that has a pouch for water at each end and a small stowing area in the middle. Too small for an all day jaunt.
The second one is a nice small day pack with a NPS insignia on it. It could probably work but the waist strap is a bit wimpy.
The third was the largest and oldest. It also had a most miles on it. It has many miles on it, been on many mountain summits and a few turn-backs as well. I chose it. Then I needed to fill it. I chose the bare essentials, plus WAY too many other items. But it was packed.
We gathered up on Wednesday morning, two other volunteers, B and R and a driver, and headed north on Hwy 85. After dropping one vehicle at the Alamo Canyon trail head, we hopped into the other and drove to our drop-off spot on at the wayside a few miles north on Hwy 85.
7:45 As our driver headed back south toward the visitor center we doffed our packs and turned to the east. The first two miles follows an old mining road that aims almost directly at the target, Grass Canyon. When the road ends it is still fairly easy going walking around the creosote and hanging fruit cholla.
Then the gentle rise that we have been traveling on ended and we started to climb the south side of the canyon. There was no trail so it was a “choose your own route” climb. Above one boulder, below another. Climbing through one side canyon, and fifteen minutes later, climbing through another. Always steadily ascending. Passed several caves on the way.
11:45 Arrived at the saddle at the top of Grass Canyon. Too windy and cool to spend time up there so we found a sunny, calm spot were we could relax and reflect on our journey. A great view of the wash far below.
Then began the difficult descent. Scree to negotiate, rocks to climb around and under. Down climbing is as challenging as ascending. Gravity is trying to increase the descent speed so it up to the hiker to stay under control. Down, down, slowly, sliding, ducking under brush, finally reaching the wash.
At last we were for some walking on flat ground. Not for long. A dry waterfall, climb down, more walking, another waterfall, more descent.
A small tinaja, then another, a large one, and small one. Ten, twenty, more as we continued. The recent rain had filled most of these, but some were remote enough and large enough to be water supplies for the creatures of the area. The rocks of the waterfalls were well worn, meaning a long time of erosion, especially considering that it only rains hard during the monsoon season of summer.
2:30 pm Finally, we arrived at the Grey’s cabin in Alamo Canyon. The best part was the trail to the parking lot and the waiting truck. The hot shower and nap were most welcome.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
RAIN
Twenty percent chance of rain was the forcast from the Phoenix TV stations. The weather people were all excited.
This morning I was awakened by sprickles on the roof. Then more sprinkles. Then light rain. Then real rain!
This morning I was awakened by sprickles on the roof. Then more sprinkles. Then light rain. Then real rain!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Shindig in Ajo
Today was the Sonoran Shindig in Ajo. So of course, we had to check it out. I suppose it happened last year too, but we worked Friday, Sat, Sun and Monday so we did not get to enjoy week-end events. This year we have Thur, Fri, Sat off so into town we went. The lupines were bright and purple and lining the highway along the way. The bright blue sky was a nice contrast to the varied green of the cacti and palo verde trees
There was the usual stop at the Border Patrol check point just outside of the park boundary. "Where are you coming from? Are you US citizens? Have a nice day. "
A short stop in Why to check a yard sale. Two more paperbacks for R.
On to the big city. The event was being held in the town square. Booths selling jewelry, photos, pottery. Informational booths from ORPI, Cabesa Prieta Wildlife Refuge, Barry Goldwater Bombing Range, USAF, Border Patrol. And of course the much needed food booths, burros (burritos), Indian fry bread, tacos, curley fries, Kettle corn. A typical small town event with a SW flair.
Then it was run a couple of errands, get groceries and head back home. A good time, good food, great weather (probably nearly 80), shorts and t-shirt weather, friendly people.
Tomorrow, our week begins again. R and I are excited because we give our first program together. It is on the Turkey and Black vulture. We did not want to do the "normal, This the vulture. This is how it looks. This is how it flies, blah, blah, blah. We are doing it in costume. Tell you about it after tomorrow.
There was the usual stop at the Border Patrol check point just outside of the park boundary. "Where are you coming from? Are you US citizens? Have a nice day. "
A short stop in Why to check a yard sale. Two more paperbacks for R.
On to the big city. The event was being held in the town square. Booths selling jewelry, photos, pottery. Informational booths from ORPI, Cabesa Prieta Wildlife Refuge, Barry Goldwater Bombing Range, USAF, Border Patrol. And of course the much needed food booths, burros (burritos), Indian fry bread, tacos, curley fries, Kettle corn. A typical small town event with a SW flair.
Then it was run a couple of errands, get groceries and head back home. A good time, good food, great weather (probably nearly 80), shorts and t-shirt weather, friendly people.
Tomorrow, our week begins again. R and I are excited because we give our first program together. It is on the Turkey and Black vulture. We did not want to do the "normal, This the vulture. This is how it looks. This is how it flies, blah, blah, blah. We are doing it in costume. Tell you about it after tomorrow.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Wednesday Feb 9, 2012 Going to QBQ
Long day yesterday. Meet at the Visitor Center at 7:45am. The LEs have the first part of the briefing telling how things are going to happen followed by a few annoucements and after getting the "OK" from our security, we loaded up the park staff and volunteers for the trip. Four mile of pavement followed by twenty of dirt, dust, washboards, dips, and some real holes ment an hour of slow going. I was glad that I was driving and not sitting the back. I'm not sure my stomach could take it.
More than an hour was spent touring the area and getting the details of the history and biology of this oasis in the desert. Then lunch. Then back in the vans for another hour of dust, dips, and bumps with a stop halfway to pick up litter. We stopped at an area that seemed to be a busy place because we picked over a dozen large bags in a relatively short time. Another trip could gather another dozen bags easily. This litter can not be blamed of legal park visitors, but either blew in from Mexico which is four feet away or was brought over and discarded by "illegal" park visitors. The terms is UDA ( UnDocumented Alien) Since the installation of the listening devices the numbers of UDAs in this area has dropped significantly. Other areas..... the opposite.
End of the litter patrol and back in the vans and home followed by a quick shower and off to the campground. For the last few days the campground has been nearly filled to capcity. A couple of Escapee camping groups have been fulling us up. Years ago, the campground of 220 sites were full every night this time of year. In the morning, campers waited at the gate for units to leave so that they could take their sites. Since the border issues and troubles in Mexico have developed, the numbers have dwindled. Sixty to seventy was a big night. It's a sad thing because you will not find a prettier desert campground anywhere. The sites are large, well-spaced, pull-thrus. Every spot has several cacti and other desert plants in it making each one unique. The only down side is the lack of electrity at the sites. The bathrooms have power and flush toilets and solar showers, and water is close. Generators are allowed for two hours in the morning and evening to help recharging of batteries.
Getting back to the story, last night was a cattered dinner for all of the Escapees and we volunteers were invited. Great people, wonderful Mexican food, we all felt very welcome there and went home with smiles on our stomachs.
This morning most of the Escapees loaded up and drove down to Puerto Penasco ( Rocky Point) which is on the Gulf of California. This particular Escapee group leads trips to Mexico every year to help newcomers learn that is is safe to travel there and the ins and outs of the trip. They have reservations in one of the many RV parks in town and will spend about ten days looking around before heading out. Most will drive the 60 miles back up north to the US, but some will continue to explore Mexico.
It sounded very tempting to me. There is strength and security in numbers.
The lower photo is of the pond at Quitobaquito. If you look at historic pics of the pond you will see the cottonwood tree then. This is what is looks like now. It is nearly dead but no one has the heart to kill it just yet.
More than an hour was spent touring the area and getting the details of the history and biology of this oasis in the desert. Then lunch. Then back in the vans for another hour of dust, dips, and bumps with a stop halfway to pick up litter. We stopped at an area that seemed to be a busy place because we picked over a dozen large bags in a relatively short time. Another trip could gather another dozen bags easily. This litter can not be blamed of legal park visitors, but either blew in from Mexico which is four feet away or was brought over and discarded by "illegal" park visitors. The terms is UDA ( UnDocumented Alien) Since the installation of the listening devices the numbers of UDAs in this area has dropped significantly. Other areas..... the opposite.
End of the litter patrol and back in the vans and home followed by a quick shower and off to the campground. For the last few days the campground has been nearly filled to capcity. A couple of Escapee camping groups have been fulling us up. Years ago, the campground of 220 sites were full every night this time of year. In the morning, campers waited at the gate for units to leave so that they could take their sites. Since the border issues and troubles in Mexico have developed, the numbers have dwindled. Sixty to seventy was a big night. It's a sad thing because you will not find a prettier desert campground anywhere. The sites are large, well-spaced, pull-thrus. Every spot has several cacti and other desert plants in it making each one unique. The only down side is the lack of electrity at the sites. The bathrooms have power and flush toilets and solar showers, and water is close. Generators are allowed for two hours in the morning and evening to help recharging of batteries.
Getting back to the story, last night was a cattered dinner for all of the Escapees and we volunteers were invited. Great people, wonderful Mexican food, we all felt very welcome there and went home with smiles on our stomachs.
This morning most of the Escapees loaded up and drove down to Puerto Penasco ( Rocky Point) which is on the Gulf of California. This particular Escapee group leads trips to Mexico every year to help newcomers learn that is is safe to travel there and the ins and outs of the trip. They have reservations in one of the many RV parks in town and will spend about ten days looking around before heading out. Most will drive the 60 miles back up north to the US, but some will continue to explore Mexico.
It sounded very tempting to me. There is strength and security in numbers.
The lower photo is of the pond at Quitobaquito. If you look at historic pics of the pond you will see the cottonwood tree then. This is what is looks like now. It is nearly dead but no one has the heart to kill it just yet.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Taco Dinner, Later
The Taco Dinner, as good as it was, did have it's effects.
Tacos at Noon equals toots in the evening.
Tacos at Noon equals toots in the evening.
Friday, February 3, 2012
A Day in Ajo
Today we decided to hit the big city. Well, Ajo, anyway. I needed a haircut. In fact, I have needed one for several weeks so that was our first stop.
Then we drove down the main drag which is Hwy 85, stopped for fuel ( $3.89 for diesel). As we drove by it we noticed an interesting "open" sign in front of a place we had never noticed before. It turned out to be an art studio in which the artist uses recycled materials, spoons, shovels, bedsprings, hubcaps, etc. It was fun to walk around and see figures and forms mades from throw-away materials.
We also found out that there was an art event happening in town today and tomorrow. There were booths in front of several shops along the hwy. In addition, several studios were open for tours. Having absolutely no art talent myself, it is amazing to see what others can produce. Fastinating.
Lunch time found us at the local Assembly of God church for a Taco Dinner.
Homemade rice, refried beans, and three tacos for $6. Good food at a good price. The more shopping. No new art to bring home, however. A good thing about being in a trailer.
Then we drove down the main drag which is Hwy 85, stopped for fuel ( $3.89 for diesel). As we drove by it we noticed an interesting "open" sign in front of a place we had never noticed before. It turned out to be an art studio in which the artist uses recycled materials, spoons, shovels, bedsprings, hubcaps, etc. It was fun to walk around and see figures and forms mades from throw-away materials.
We also found out that there was an art event happening in town today and tomorrow. There were booths in front of several shops along the hwy. In addition, several studios were open for tours. Having absolutely no art talent myself, it is amazing to see what others can produce. Fastinating.
Lunch time found us at the local Assembly of God church for a Taco Dinner.
Homemade rice, refried beans, and three tacos for $6. Good food at a good price. The more shopping. No new art to bring home, however. A good thing about being in a trailer.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
We are at ORPI
We arrived Monday at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The trailer is parked two spots from where we were last year. The volunteer building with it's washers and dryers is close by which is appreciated.
This is what we see from our dining
room window.
This is what we see from our dining
room window.
Deco Liner
Driving through the campground we came upon this vehicle.
The builder, from southern Oregon, purchased a 73 GM motorhome and did some "slight" modifications to get this result. It is a show stopper! Everyone who drove by stopped to check it out. Here are a few pictures. Notice the upper cockpit. The vehicle can also
be driven from the upper driver's area with a attachment of a steering shaft extention.
If you are interested, it is for sale at just under $500k.
The builder, from southern Oregon, purchased a 73 GM motorhome and did some "slight" modifications to get this result. It is a show stopper! Everyone who drove by stopped to check it out. Here are a few pictures. Notice the upper cockpit. The vehicle can also
be driven from the upper driver's area with a attachment of a steering shaft extention.
If you are interested, it is for sale at just under $500k.
Views of La Posa South Campground
Here are some views of one of the six areas that BLM has set up for camping near Quartzsite, AZ. La Posa South is the area we parked our trailer. This area has a camping fee for it's use but others allow you to stay for up to 14 days free. It's $40 for 14 days or $80 for 28 days but if you want to stay for an extended period, it's $160 for 6 months. Some folks actually stay all winter.
The permit holder has access to any of the other camping areas in the Quartzsite and Yuma areas. The permit also allows access to the dump stations and water faucets in the park. Dump stations and water spots are few and far between in the desert.
Where you camp is strictly up to you. Just find an area that looks good. Many folks come back to the same area each year. It's fun to travel and around and see "what they brung". The amount and variety of equipment is astounding.
The permit holder has access to any of the other camping areas in the Quartzsite and Yuma areas. The permit also allows access to the dump stations and water faucets in the park. Dump stations and water spots are few and far between in the desert.
Where you camp is strictly up to you. Just find an area that looks good. Many folks come back to the same area each year. It's fun to travel and around and see "what they brung". The amount and variety of equipment is astounding.
Quartzsite at Last Jan 7th
We are parked and enjoying the desert at Quartzsite.
First night at Anderson.
Second night at Anderson because of the slide problem.
Third night in Bakersfield.
Fourth night in our spot here on the Mojave.
We have a great spot, with several Ironwood trees around us and a big Saguaro outside our kitchen window.
The nights are spectacular! I had forgotten about the stars. Living in Eugene, your chance at seeing the sky in the winter is poor. Add to that all the ambient light from the city and even on clear nights, the darkness is limited. Not here!
Orion is overhead. There’s Sirius. The moon is a fingernail sliver with Venus, Jupiter, and Neptune in a line. ( I have Google Sky to help me.)
Our trailer is parked in a great spot with several Saguaros and Ironwood Trees.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)