Reptiles

The weather is warming up.  Lower 80's today.  Upper 80's tomorrow.  Higher temperatures mean the reptiles are coming out.  Here are a few that we have seen in the last couple of days.

These two guys were along the main trail.

This guy was crossing the parking lot  near our trailer when I was walking the boys

Kartchner Caverns

   Yesterday we drove 3 hours south to visit Kartchner Caverns State Park.  It is a prospect for our next winter's volunteer gig.  Took one of the two tours.  Met with the volunteer coordinator.  Filled out an application while we were with him.  Met and talked to two couples that are current volunteers there. Both sets spoke favorably of the place and the management.  Also drove around the areas where our trailer would be parked.  I have seen better.  I've seen worse.  There are no laundry facilities available so that is a minus.  When we were at Cape Blanco we had to drive into Port Orford to do our wash so it is not unheard of.   I think part of the reason is that the park is many miles from public water so doing laundry for 16 rvs would probably overload the system.
   Bottom line on the visit.  I emailed 5 professional references to Kartchner.  I am seeking a copy of background checks from a previous work source to send in.  Otherwise we go forward with everyday chores for another month at BTA. 

Flowers

Flowers are popping out everywhere.  These happen to come from the bunches of succulents.

Three days to piece of mind

   Last Sunday I took care of a potential travel problem with the trailer.  Remember the wheel bearing trouble we had coming down here?  Replacing the rear axle in Susanville eliminated that problem.  But the front axle still have not been touched.  A nagging problem that was in the back of my mind since we got here.
   So Sunday my neighbor, Mark, with me standing close by helping, jacked up front axle of the trailer and removed the two hubs.  Monday I took them to a shop in Gilbert to have new Neva-Lube bearings installed.  While I waited for a call from the shop, I took care of several other errands.  If you follow Family Circus in the funny papers you know the circuitous path that Billy takes when he goes on an adventure.  Well my path on Monday was just like that.  Computer shop. Ace Hardware, Costco, and  couple more.  At Noon I received a call from the shop.   The hubs were done and ready to go.   Time to head back to BTA.
   Tuesday morning, Mark came over and we reassembled the front axle.  We actually had time to hook the trailer electrical connection to the truck to check the brakes to see if they operated properly.  They did.  We finished in time for me to hurry over and help Randa with the 10am General Tour.

    It's such a comforting feeling to not have to worry about the wheel bearings and brakes for the trip back home.  Thank you to Mark Waterman for his mechanical abilities.
     

Plant sale

Boyce Thompson Arboretum  has a plant sale twice a year.  The spring sale is nearing the finish.  Lots of plants were sold.  There are still a good selection available.

Vultures Return

Saturday was "Return of the Vultures" to celebrate of the vultures to Boyce Thompson Arboretum.   A professor ( and birder) from ASU conducted a program at 7am while the black birds were sunning themselves on the ridges above the park.  Randa and I were entertained by the talk and learned  additional facts about these unique birds. 

A Cardinal made his appearance as well.

Alpen glow

Stopped at the grocery store in Superior tonight at sundown.  Looking east down Main St. toward Apache Leap.  The color on the rocks was amazing!