Saturday, January 20, 2024

We are still here….

 

Our Location:

Ogilby Road, Winterhaven, California 



There is nothing like the desert. It brings forth strong emotions in people. We either love it or hate it, there doesn’t seem to be an in between. What brought this thought about you ask? Riley and I were discussing our lifestyle, what we like, dislike, would change, etc.  To be honest, except for having this rig totally repaired, solar on the roof, new tires on both the rig and truck, we truly can’t think of anything we would change or do differently. We wouldn’t go anywhere different, not our end destination at least. A different route, sure, a different time of year, like earlier in the fall, or a bit later in the spring, sure, we would adjust those things if possible but it really isn’t. We are truly happy here in the southwest desert of California. We love our summer spot, it offers almost everything we could wish. It is truly a very good life. We are fortunate.


Pics from our ride with Deb and Tom. Not a great pic but I love the colours.

I never tire of this open pit mine view.

The tailing pile is showing signs of erosion.

It is an interesting view as you approach, don’t you think?


When last I wrote a post, we were newly alone, our friends had engagements elsewhere but we had some of our own right here. Ours however, have been delayed due to a lingering cough, which I can say is now pretty much gone.


The desert loves all things pointy.

I love the colours.

It is a weave of colourful sharp needles.

The prickly pears are  covered with nearly invisible little sliver like spines.


We have done a little strolling around the area, nothing too strenuous though. We have discovered that the Rest Area on I-8 that we use for fresh water and garbage disposal is closed for some unknown reason. It has been over a week now. There are no signs anywhere saying it’s closed, one only knows when approaching as the ramps are blocked with orange traffic cones, a sign among the cones stating “RAMP CLOSED” is the only information. I can find nothing on the internet either. Ah, the mysterious unknown. 


A visit with Nancy.

We had a great time Nancy, thanks for coming out.

No, it’s not the Dogsled, but Nancy’s Chevy.

We have of course been into Yuma a couple of times. We have visited the Arizona Marketplace twice now in the past 2 weeks. We purchased a number of items, including new LED lights for the Igloo, two new light fixtures, and a bar for holding shoes in the closet. The closet is so skinny and tall, it is pretty much useless so we came up with a possible use, other than key storage. 


One of two blankets we purchased for our chairs.


We purchased an Air Fryer.

Our time here has been brightened considerably by a visit from Nancy Kissack ( Kissack Adventures ). It seems we have been missing each other for sometime now and it so happens we were all in the same area for a very short time. We managed a visit here on Ogilby Road, the time slipped past as quickly as snapping one’s fingers. I almost forgot to get a pic, otherwise no one would believe it. I had to flag her down in  a cloud of dust! It was a very enjoyable couple of hours. We hope to do it again in the future.


This is the best use for the closet, it is so tall and skinny.

I installed two of these and disconnected two pot lights. We like these better.

Riley and I visited Mexico to exchange a blanket we purchased. We enjoyed lunch out, chatted with a number locals and just had a great time. We found a new to us place to eat. We were told about it a few weeks ago while standing in line coming back. I will admit, we didn’t try it yet but we at least found it.


Los Algodones, Mexico

We didn’t stop in, but we will next time.

Chatting with folks back at our summer spot, lots of snow, seems like it snowed for a number of days in a row. Very cold as well. Everything is hanging with several inches of snow. It is impossible to get off the plowed or blown trails as one just gets mired. No wood cutting for that reason.


Those metal works were shining in the sun, the camera didn’t pick it up.

I love these little alleys.


Nephew Jason flew home for a while but will be heading back to Revelstoke, BC to continue his adventures. I’m sure they are all very happy to be together once again. 


Not sure it’s very comfortable.


The temps have been much improved here. We are sleeping with windows open most nights. When I do that you definitely know it’s nice!


Bloody Mary and Double X beer.



As promised I added a few pics from our ride into the Cargo Muchacho Mountains with Deb and Tom.  


Thanks for stopping by, I hope you are all having an awesome day.


Until next time….


Take care, stay safe,


Deb







19 comments:

  1. Glad to hear you are doing okay. Those new lights should be brighter then the old one, l like the blankets also.
    Our temperatures have been warmer also though it looks like three days of some rain.
    Take care .

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    1. Thanks Bill. I just installed the new lights today. I’m certain we will like them.
      Yeah we have rain in the forecast over the next few days as well, starting tonight.

      Deb

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  2. I love the chair blanket!

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  3. Nice pictures of your adventures :-)

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    1. It’s been pretty quiet overall, and I often forget to take pics. Getting old and forgetful I guess. lol.

      Deb

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  4. That's an awesome blanket on the chair! I found this info on the CDOT site for the Sand Hills rest area:
    "Status: Closed due to Miscellaneous Work
    No estimate for when facility will re-open."
    The Chevron on Sidewinder Road has Dump and Fill (fee).
    Good to hear you're doing well and loving your life!

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    1. I wasn’t sure what the area was called, I thought it would be connected to the Imperial Dunes and could find nothing. There is absolutely nothing happening there, no equipment, no workers, just the cones.
      I am aware of the Chevron Station. It is only this year that they have non potable water available again, for the last few years they’ve had no water, not even for rinsing. The dumping fee is up to $15 now.
      It is a good life!

      Deb

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    2. The Sunbeam Rest Area west of El Centro is open with a services. Get gas in Yuma! CA prices wil really put a dent in your travel budget.

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    3. lol. We always fill up in Yuma! It’s just habit. Thanks Jeff.

      Deb

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  5. You do have the best of both worlds down south and up north. I cannot believe that you got to see Nancy! We missed her last time we were down there. You are going to love the air fryer. We left ours at home and already missed having it a couple of times.

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    1. We do have it good, I admit. We were fortunate to be in the same area for a few days, just like when we met you and Barb. It was simply the right time, everything aligned, nothing fell apart, blew up, screwed up, messed up or left…for a few short hours all was in the right place! Lol

      Deb

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  6. Glad you are still Enjoying the Southwest. We want to go back.
    Hope those are LED Lights you are installing. They use a lot less Battery Power.
    Be Safe and Enjoy the adventures.

    It's about time.

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    1. As I type it is raining and I can smell the desert. It is a smell that lingers and fascinates. Stay warm up there in Ontario.

      Deb

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  7. We are, it is and we hope to see you guys again.

    Deb

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  8. So glad the weather is warm now. Looks like you have been enjoying yourselves and relaxing. A few purchases too. Take care.

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  9. Beautiful pictures Deb! Glad you're enjoying your time with Riley! Looks like you're getting some things done too!

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    1. Thanks. We are enjoying the time. I am accomplishing a few things as well.

      Deb

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