Windy, cold day........

Our Location: Coyote Howls East, Why, Arizona

Woke this morning around 6:30 am, not as chilly as yesterday morning but the Igloo was swaying a bit now and again as the wind gusts rocked. I did my usual morning reading, commenting and emails before rolling out of bed and making my way downstairs. I fed HRH as her dish was empty and one would think that she hasn’t eaten for a year by the way those sad eyes look at you then back at her empty food dish. Since it was only yesterday morning we went through the same ritual I’m pretty certain she isn’t starving to death. She is such a drama queen. After that I settled down with my hot chocolate and book to enjoy some peace and quiet. 

 

Going to go back here some day...

 

Riley made her grand appearance around 8 am, the next 40 minutes or so were spent with her readying herself for the day and me just reading. We both read and chatted for a bit about what to do today and so on. Around 10 am we headed outside to brave the winds and blowing bits of dust to do a few chores that we needed to do. One was propane for the Igloo, one of our big tank went empty a couple of days ago and I never like to leave them empty for long. So this morning’s chore was to fill that tank. We headed off to the busy metropolis of downtown Why. We of course reached it within a minute of leaving the driveway of the campground. The Why Not Travel Store. It is one of about 5 buildings that constitute the town. The tank held 6.8 gallons of propane for a grand total of just over $24 US. I’m seriously debating filling the two small tanks before we go as well. As they are both getting pretty close to empty. 

 

Just love these views...

 

Back home we installed the tank and then headed off to Ajo (pronounced Ah - ho), short distance up AZ-85 to the north. We took our time dropping in at a few stores along the way. We filled the Big Dog’s drinking bowl  with 22.058  gallons of diesel at $3.01 per gallon which is getting close to the most expensive drink per gallon  the Big Dog has had on our journey so far. We then proceed to the Family Dollar for a browse around, next door we ventured into the Radio Shack, and then Napa/RV Supplies was next on our stops.  We didn’t lighten our wallets at any of those stops but managed to do so at Olsen’s IGA. We needed few things to tide us over until we pass through a bigger locale on Saturday where we will stock up on a few items we’ll need. 

 

How can you bet these sunsets?

Back home we put away groceries, debated about cooking doors and finally came up with a plan that had Riley finding her own lunch after the salad course. I just wasn’t hungry and our menu was for outdoor cooking which she didn’t want me to cook for her indoors.

 

So pretty, aren't they?

 

I take my arthritis drugs on Wednesday’s and Thursday and since my Rheumy Specialist doubled one of them I’ve been struggling a day or two a week. Including lack of appetite and nausea, the other major symptom seems to be exhaustion. Today is that big struggle day. Between the side effects, the wind, and the Igloo shaking a bit I managed to grow myself  a headache which is rare for me. I decided I’d rest a bit, crawled under a blanket to read around 1:30 and before I knew it it was 4 pm. I slept the afternoon away. I’m feeling better but I dislike sleeping so long. 

 

The sky turns red....

A Happy Birthday greeting goes out Marion. We hope this day has been filled with all good things for you and that you feel the love and affection of family and friends. 

 

And then it's gone....

So there you have it. We didn’t really do much today, a few errands but nothing exciting. Thanks for stopping by, feel free to drop a comment.

Until time…take care, be safe,

Deb

A little exploring today.....

Our Location: Coyote Howls Campground, Why, Arizona

A wonderful night for sleeping with the windows open. A full or nearly full moon kept the desert floor looking pretty bright.The coyotes yapping off in the distance gave the night a rather amusing bit of entertainment.

Looks fuzzy and soft, doesn't it?

Awake shortly after 3:30 am I spent some time reading blogs, writing emails, etc. I think today we will head out exploring in the area, checking out a few more boon docking locations. Iput in time on the computer until about 6:30 am and then started puttering around in my part of the Igloo, quietly of course. Finally around 8 am  Riley staggered out of her room. 

Wouldn't catch me setting a dish up in there.

I made pancakes for breakfast this morning as we were heading out for a few hours and didn't want to be overly hungry when we got back. A quick clean up and we were on our way out the door around 9:30 am. We headed north toward Ajo finding our way to Darby Well Road. We'd heard there was AT&T service there but we couldn't find it. We scouted out a number of boon docking spots but truly without cell service nothing in there was of interest to us. It's too far away from people if something should happen.

No idea what this is but I think Rick would like it for his collection.

We did chat with a few fellows, one a fellow Canucky from Flin Flon, Manitoba. They assured us that parking was fine as long as it was on an established road. We drove for over an hour, winding our way here and there, enjoying the sights and discussing the 'what if' there was cell service.  Riley didn't like it, didn't feel comfortable and so after that we just enjoyed the scenery. If we both aren't comfortable we don't stay anywhere. 

Pretty pink Cactus

The road we followed swept around and into the back side of Ajo. We kind of tumbled down into the little town, seeing numerous residential areas with a great deal of southwestern flavour. Many had cacti gardens, curved arches, wrought iron here and there, many rounded corners, and bright colours. Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures as we were busy looking for Olsen's Grocery on the GPS. 

Arizona Snowman....er cowboy man....er....cowboy mud man...

We found it, and I'm surprised to say we also found Olsen's Ace Hardware. It was part of the grocery store, with about 4 or so aisles of hardware between the groceries and a row of freezers along a wall. It was very odd. They even had shopping carts for each, small ones with Ace Hardware, and bigger ones like a regular grocery cart. Truly it was different. 

Heading toward Darby Well Road and the town of Ajo, Arizona

We noted a number of homes with Christmas balls atop of the cacti in the gardens. It was very cute and I'm sure when the sun catches them, quite a sight to see. 

Looks like he's confused on which way is up

A couple of beautiful churches along our drive in the little town of Ajo, we managed to snap a couple of pics but didn't stop. We had freezer items in the back and even though they were in a 'freezer' insulated bag, I didn't want to have them sitting out in the heat. 

Interesting as the middle two are touching in some places  but not growing together.

We didn't find Gunsight Wash today but we'll catch it tomorrow. Just to say we've had a look around and take a few pics as well. 

Just lovely to look at.

Home around 1 pm or so, we read for a bit before BBQ'ing lunch. Today was a green salad, mixed veggies with a squeeze of orange juice and a nice ham steak. It was pretty good if I do say so. 

The road we followed into the back side of Ajo

Tidied up, headed out for a walk. We didn't walk the entire perimeter but we probably dud a little more than half, so I'm thinking probably we've put in about a 1 1/2 miles today. We enjoyed some of the many sights here in the park. Each individual has a unique style for decorating their spots, we even found one themed for the beach complete with sea gulls, a pelican and mooring posts. 

Coming in the back door at Ajo....

We are enjoying the various types of cacti, and the interesting uses to which they are put. We've seen a few places that have placed empty glass bottles upside down on some bushes, I'm wondering if they are some kind wind chime to deter something from eating the garden. I'm not sure and I didn't see anyone to ask. 

Interesting looking, don't ya think?

On our walk around the park we checked out the laundry room, very clean, the machines are nice, $2 to wash (top loads only), very reasonable. Big drums so they will hold a good sized load. I didn't see the price for dryers but I have seen a few clothes lines around the park. The showers and washrooms are old and need some serious refurbishing as the hard water is playing havoc with the ability to clean anything. The rusty build up in the shower bottoms indicates more than just a hard water problem. Riley and I won't be using them, we both came to that conclusion at the same time and a look between us was all that was necessary. 

A very pretty church.

On our walk we passed George and Suzie, as they were sitting outside reading their e-readers and enjoying the nice weather. We stopped for a few minutes, George giving us good instructions to get to Gunsight Wash tomorrow and Suzie filling us in with regards to the Event Calendar we were given upon entrance to the park. Thanks again guys. 

Sunset starting tonight....

We trekked onward to the clubhouse and were amazed at the number of books they have there. We will be going through our own collection and perhaps offering up an exchange before we leave. They had no movies that interested us though. Their collection wasn't too big. A nice puzzle that Patsy would like I'm sure. Plenty of room to work on it. Doesn't look to me that anyone has done anything since George posted his picture the other day.

Then it went to this pretty sky...

Back home we slipped inside for a bit. I edited pics and then came outside to catch the sunset and it was amazing tonight. The sky was on fire!!! The coyotes were yapping off and on as it went down. Truly a nice night. 

The read increased and got darker....

I'm still outside at 6 pm with short pants and a sweatshirt typing my blog. I'll have to go in soon to upload some more pics and edit them as I used my phone for tonight's sun set pics. The door is still open, the vents and windows too. The temp reads 70F/ 21 C. A truly wonderful evening. 

And this was the end.....

So there you have it. Our day of getting out and looking around. Nothing earth shattering or life altering but fun for us and we enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by, feel free to leave a comment, or send money. Which ever suits you.

Until next time...take care, be safe....

Deb