A few more photos from my hike....

Our Location: Saddle Mountain BLM, Tonopah, AZ

 

 

After a bit of wiggling and jiggling I've been able to get my cord to work again tonight. I should have a new one by Wednesday morning. If all goes well. The nice fella at Saddle Mountain Ranch has graciously allowed me to have my package sent there at no charge for the use of his address. 

 

 

 I crossed this wash while on my hike.

 Some campers way down over there.

Always interesting to see where folks park. 

 

 

Today Riley and I headed into Buckeye for a few things. A stop at the TA for trash disposal, Lowe's to check on a couple of items, we bought one and decided to wait on the other. A stop at Walmart had us dropping a great many of our hard earned dollars for a number of items. Today is the second visit to this Walmart and the second time my debit card hasn't worked there. They need new machines. It's worked everywhere else this winter except this store. 

 

 

 I am not sure what that is, we cannot see any water from the roads but it could be an irrigation pond way off the road.  

 Those folks are all camped off Courthouse Road.

 

 

Back home we put everything away and will be doing a bit of work in the future with the items we picked up today. However the rest of the day was  restful. Very few flies around us, and we are happy about that. The door, windows and vents open most of the day to catch the little breeze that was helping to cool off the heat. Mid 70's today in the heat of the afternoon. Close to the 50F mark in the mornings now. 

 

 

The photos today are still from my short hike up the edge of Saddle Mountain a few days ago. Only my zoom lens, so I don't have many panoramic views.  

 

 

 It is much steeper and longer than it looks. I walked up and down this area.

 The White Lion, Vaughn  and the Igloo way off in the distance.

 I went a bit higher than this point.

 

 

Chatted with my dad today, he called to say the snow has stopped and it was a nice sunny day, not warm but sunny. Supposed to warm up tomorrow with more snow on the way. Winter in Northern Ontario, isn't it just wonderful? Chatted also with daughter Courtney for a while. Left messages on a couple of other machines as well. 

 

We have had a bit of a change of plans and will be staying in the area for another week before we head off. We are slowly figuring out our route home and with certain dates in mind we are working out our route to allow us to plod along at a nice leisurely pace.

It doesn't look it but on top of that rock is where I stood, it's quite large in size. I took most of the higher up photos from that spot. Even the one above it which shows the saguaro that I mentioned climbing higher than.

 

 

On that note, I'm going to say goodnight. Hope all is well with everyone out there in blog land. Thanks for stopping by. 

 Pretty, isn't it? 

That is the area I climbed, to the top of that slope. 

 

 

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

Deb

Busy day today.....

Our Location: Near Tonopah, Arizona

(The last of my hiking photos)

 

 

A nice warm night in the history of our time here, we stayed above 50F/10C all night, yeah us. The sky didn’t look too promising this morning and so we decided to do a rainy day thing and do some errands. Little did we know that the day would turn out very warm, full of sunshine and spectacular.
 

The snow on that mountain peak is now gone.

 

After a ham quesadilla (of course with many other things as well, blended cheeses, salsa, celery, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and eggs too) for breakfast we loaded up the water jugs, garbage and ourselves heading toward Buckeye. I had an errand that wasn’t on the list but it was the first thing we did, I had the Big Dog’s tires rotated, I’ve been meaning to do it for a while now and today I just made up my mind. From there we headed off to Walgreens for water from their nice outside dispenser, and then to Fry’s for fuel ($2.65 per gallon), and some groceries. After that it was a Walmart stop for haircuts, and numerous other things, including groceries. We managed to find most things on the list and enjoyed the exercise. 

Not sure if it's a Saguaro family or a single, I didn't go check it out.

 

Heading home we veered off of I-10 before we reached our Tonopah exit and instead jumped off at Wintersburg exit. They have a Dollar General and I wanted to pick some cleaner that our friend Lorne (A Place Called Away) mentioned. We found it in the big bottles but not in the spray bottle. No problem we’ll just use one of our empty ones. After that it was home and time to unload the Dogsled. 

The shadows make the views so interesting.

 

When we got home the Igloo was swarming with flies, inside and out even before we got the groceries and water inside. We managed to get the groceries away and then I started with the swatter and the Raid can. I don’t normally use any bug spray but this was ridiculous, as it was last night just after dark, they seemed to find a way inside. So I closed the bedroom doors, vents, and windows, sprayed everywhere, and most especially around the slides. We didn’t spray in the living room/kitchen area as I don’t like doing so around food. Eventually I think we got most of them and then settled down to eat, do you know it was 4:30 pm? Where did the day go?

It's gravel or sand on those rocks.

 

After about an hour I opened the doors and vents to air the spaces out and sure enough it seemed to have done the trick. This evening I took the swatter outside and started around the door and took the spray to the underside of the slides again. Hopefully that helps us tonight. It’s crazy the number of flies here.

Look at all that yellow, it's all flowers.

 

So there you have it, our busy day and it was very busy. We hope you enjoyed your day where ever you were and doing whatever you were doing. Thanks for stopping by. 

Nothing quite like this view.

 

Until next time… take care, be safe,

Deb

Rainy errand day.....

Our Location: Near Tonopah, Arizona

 

A text message from a friend at 5:17 AM ended my sleep. It was very sweet of him to wish me Happy Valentine's Day and I would like to wish all of you out there a Happy Valentine's Day as well. 

 

I'm sure there will be even more colour in the desert soon.

They don't look intimidating from this distance but get closer and see how it feels.

 

The rain was still falling in spits and spurts as I listened to it dancing on the roof. A very dull over cast day with continued rain off and on was the weather story of the day. 

 

It's a very steep climb and I'm very careful around those rocks I think snakes might like 'em too.

That white dot off in the distance is the Igloo.

 

We had a quick easy breakfast and caught up with blogger buddies before Riley and I started getting ready for the day. Today was a day of errands and we accomplished them all. First we sorted the laundry and loaded it along with water jugs and trash into the Dogsled. We headed off down the road around 10 AM. A late start for us but oh well, we didn't have any other plans today except errands and with the weather yukky like it was, it was a perfect day to do them. 

 

I followed that almost looking path.

It's not as level as it looks from down below on the desert floor.

 I've mentioned before how our RV GPS takes us out of the way and sure enough she was determined to do so again today, I simply ignored her and headed off in the way my memory told me to go. I managed to get us to within a few blocks just by memory, after that I needed help and the GPS provided it.  When we left the Coin Laundry she took us 10 miles around to get us 4.5 miles from the laundry. I think I'm going to start using a different one.

 

I just love the little blooms on these guys.

 

It's not smooth out there.

 

Desert Coin Laundry on Monroe Street was our destination and we found it easily enough. A small lot with plenty of vehicles but we managed to slip in and find 5 machines we needed to complete our laundry. It's not the newest or the nicest but it's clean and the folks are friendly. There are two full time attendants that also do any laundry that is dropped off and are there to offer any assistance needed. It is unusual to find two attendants in these places so this one must be very busy. A couple of hours later we were finished and loading the clean laundry into the Dogsled. Riley informed me that she had seen a dumpster and had gotten rid of the garbage while on one of many trips to the truck from the laundromat. So we had completed two tasks already. 

 

So many wind worn holes in these rocks.

That flash of light caught my eye from a long way  off. I think it's something placed on the rock. One day I may go look.

 

We pulled next door to the Family Dollar to use their water dispensing machine and within a few minutes we had three chores accomplished. That left groceries and lunch as it was pushing to the top of the clock near the position of the 1. Definitely time for something to tide us over. 

 

Amazing the difference in the rock formations.

 

A stop at Walmart had us checking off the last two items on the list. It didn't take us too long before we were finished with the list and in the check out line.  We picked up some potatoes wedges and a rotisserie chicken for lunch. So we had completed the entire list. Yeah us. 

So close but yet so far away.

Back home we unloaded the Dogsled, put away the groceries and had some lunch. It was then we discovered a couple of items missing. I'm sure they must be in the Dogsled somewhere and I'll look better tomorrow. Oh well, unless they fell out when we were packing the truck I know they were in there. 

How can two mounds of rocks be so different yet so close together? Makes you wonder doesn't it?

The rain continued off and on all day, the fog or clouds hugged the mountain tops out the window but it was too dull to take any good photos. So today's photos are left over from a hike. We finished the day reading and resting with the heater turned on low as the air feels damp and cold. Hopefully it clears up soon as our batteries could use the juice. If not I'll have to run the generator tomorrow.

I just make another trip to this location and climb up there even though I know what's on the other side.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you had a wonderful day. 

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

Deb

A visit to Buckeye .......

Our Location: Tonopah, Arizona

A bit more rain this morning but nothing major. I heard it when I woke up around 5:30 AM, I also noticed it wasn’t as cold as I expected. We’ll take all the warm days we can get as it’s supposed to cool off to the mid 50’s in our area mid week. Hopefully we don’t get it but oh well.
 

Not much rain. The top left picture shows small little muddy spots that might be puddles if you really squint. You can see the line under the Igloo where it dripped down but not under. So green in the wash.

 

A late start to our morning, it was 10 AM before we headed out the door to Buckeye and some much needed errands. We had a very long list and numerous stops on that list. We first scouted out another location or two just in case we feel the need to move. It was then I noticed that there are numerous children here. I’d say 5 or 6 fairly big rigs with numerous children each. They all seem to be parked together in tow behinds and toy haulers. I would say probably a group of 5 or 6 rigs. Packed in very tightly. I’m guessing at least 8 or 9 kids. The two little fellas on the quad the other day are part of this bunch. 

Fog on the mountain top yesterday.

  

We headed off to Buckeye with a stop at the TA Travel Centre for garbage. Next we headed on into Bealls Outlet. I don’t think we’ve ever really shopped at a Bealls, or if we have I don’t recall. Not much of interest for us there. From there we went next door to Lowe’s where we wandered around picking up a thing or two but mostly looking for ideas for a couple of projects I have in mind. 

 

You can see the mountain tops peeking out of the fog in the bottom picture. That big grouping of rigs is the family circle.

 

From Lowe’s we hit a Dollar Tree but didn’t find a whole lot of what we wanted, which was scotch tape. Can you believe that you have to buy it in a roll that goes in an old fashioned tape dispenser? We didn’t buy it of course but I found it strange that they had no other scotch tape. After that we moved on over to Walgreens to collect some water from their water dispenser. Price this year, $1.50 for 5 gallons, or $0.35 per gallon. Did you know they take credit cards now? A $0.10 fee for using a card is tacked on to the price. 

 

Bales of cotton as we head toward I-10. A few stores and such in Buckeye. We didn't see the Bayfield Bunch at the Cracker Barrel. 

 

From there we headed to Walmart where we spent a great deal of time. We had a number of things to check out and finally found our way to the grocery section where we proceeded to empty all of the shelves. Okay, not all of them, we left the rice cakes and the mustard shelves full. Just kidding, but we did have what seemed like a lot of groceries. We left a sizable donation at the store.

All things come in camouflage except the duck, he just comes with sunglasses.

 

Next we stopped a short distance away at Poppa John’s pizza where we ordered a pie to bring home. It didn’t make it home. We shall leave it at that. A stop for fuel at Circle K with the Big Dog drinking it up at $2.65 per gallon. For some reason it shut off before it was full and I had just assumed it was full and never thought to check it. Oh well, it’s back into the comfortable range of over 3/4 full so I’m happy. 

Interesting modes of transportation. Fighter jet,  a Toyota Tundra, and an old school bus.

 

Back home I unloaded the Dogsled while Riley kept the doorway clear for me to pile more bags. We had things put away and I was reading my book by 4 pm. Yes we have been gone most of the day, getting home around 3:20 pm. No wonder we devoured the pizza. 

 

Fire in the sky tonight behind the mountain to our west.

 Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit. Today’s pictures are a mix I’ve taken over the last few days, some with my phone, some with my camera. 

Goodnight from our house to yours.

 

Take care, be safe,

Deb

Moving day......

Our Location: Superstition Mountain BLM, Apache Junction, AZ

 

 

I was awake this morning before 6:30 am and managed to haul myself out and get the day started just around that witching hour. Riley was up shortly after and together we had things all ready to head out at 8 am. We had discussed with Doug (Miss Adventure Travels) that we'd leave around 9 am but we sent him a text saying anytime he was ready we were too. We agreed to meet at the motel in Tonopah within the half hour. Riley and I headed out and arrived in time to stretch our legs and just do a walk around to check things over before our 100 mile drive. It wasn't too long until Doug & Yuma were coming down the road.  They pulled in and we agreed to caravan to Love's for the dump station, water, propane and of course we dumped our trash as well. 

 

Doug heading back to climb into his rig at Tonopah, AZ

 

Love's was very busy, Riley and I used the facilities while Doug & Yuma headed off to find propane. We had just about finished when they pulled in behind us. Bit of a mix up with keys and locks but after they used the facilities eventually we were back on I-10 East heading toward Apache Junction. Riley and I led the way in the Big Dog and the Igloo moving right along with Doug & Yuma keeping pace behind. It was a pretty straight shot  through  Buckeye, Goodyear, Phoenix, Tolleson, Tempe, Mesa and finally we arrived at Walmart in Apache Junction. In that mess of cities we slipped onto the AZ 202 Loop East (although Pheobe - our RV GPS- wanted us to take the 202 HOV road which I thought wasn't a good idea and so ignored her and took the regular loop instead) getting off at University Dr, and making our way to Apache Trail. 

 

Heading into the tunnel....

 

 

Riley really enjoyed the tunnel....

 

Into the Walmart parking lot we made it, shut 'em down and let out a sigh of relief. We were much closer to our destination now. We all headed off in our own direction agreeing to meet when we were all finished and deciding what to do from there. About 45 minutes later we were all outside comparing notes and discussion Lorne's (A Place Called Away) GPS coordinates. My GPS didn't agree with his coordinates and had it somewhere around Scottsdale, but Doug's phone agreed with Lorne ( I smell a male conspiracy here, don't you?) and so I lead to N Hackamore Road, and then Doug took over. 

 

City skyline...I think this might be Tempe...but I'm not sure, I can't remember.

 

When we pulled onto this road the first part was paved and looked pretty good. Pretty soon I pulled over and we decided Doug would go ahead solo and check things out as he's much smaller than we are and could turn around in a much smaller spot. So we stayed put while we watched Doug & Yuma driving away. It wasn't long until Doug sent a text saying to come on slowly as the road was 'rufffffffffff'. Well we started off slowly and soon were going even slower, at one point I thought Riley might have to get out and push and we'd have to hook HRH Miss Kitty to harness in front of the Big Dog to help pull but we made it without resorting to those extremes. 

I have no idea what kind of fake tree this is, or what it's purpose is..but hmmmmm......interesting, don't you think?

We pulled in to where I'm pretty sure that other crew had parked, Doug and I went off in the jeep to check a few more options and didn't go far until we came to the end of the trail. Turning around we headed the short distance back to the where we'd left Riley, Kitty and Yuma but found a perfect spot just before getting back. Long story short, we are parked, leveled, and enjoying the views by around 3 pm.

Decorative overpass and sound barrier displays add an accent of beauty, whimsy and humour to the drive...

We invited Doug over a cold lunch, we were all pretty hungry and the food was good. Thanks again Miss Riley for all your hard work making salads yesterday, and getting lunch out and ready while we set up outside. Macaroni Salad, Bean Salad, meatloaf, bologna, bread, wraps, pickles, cheese, lettuce, a few condiments made up lunch. We sat around outside our door munching away and enjoying the conversation and the views. 

These beautiful touches add character to the roadsides and certainly offer an interesting view....

After lunch Doug headed home, and we came inside to do a few things more in the setting up process. I called my dad again and we chatted for a while before I headed out to catch the sunset. Not spectacular but pretty nice all the same. 

Doesn't that just look so inviting? 

 

Tomorrow may be a short walk here or there but I think we'll take the day off. I'm exhausted, so is Riley and I think Miss Kitty may be pretty tired as well. 

This is the view out our doorway....

Our spot is beautiful, we are literally surrounded by various forms of cacti, tall, short, round, skinny, living, dead and dying. Care must be taken to ensure we don't bring any into the Igloo for little paws to step on. They stick into tires, shoes, skin, etc. 

Just a bit different view...

The view out the door is spectacular with Superstition Mountain looking back at us. It is tall, striking, imposing, inviting, and greenish. The sprawl of human kind at it's feet is interesting, not distracting, not unattractive but also not expected. It appears as if humans have encroached right to the very edges of the upward slopes. However tomorrow I'll have a better look and give you a much better idea of what I see.

Some of the things we noticed today.....

Mr. Green, I can see why you spent so much time here. It is indeed a very special place. We've seen one horse rider going past our campsite, and one red trolley which stopped just past our roadway and pointed while I'm sure I heard the tour guide saying," I thought we were rid of those Canadians and now look what's here, MORE." 

We are parked in among all cacti.....

So there you  have it, our moving day from Saddle Mountain to Superstition Mountain. A good day, a nice spot, not far from a good friend. Life is pretty good!!! 

Thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoyed your visit. Feel free to leave a comment if you like. 

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

Goodnight from Superstition Mountain BLM, Apache Junction, AZ

Deb