Visiting friends today.....

Our Location: Oakdale Campground, Quincy, Ohio

A warm night for sleeping and we enjoyed the quiet once more. This is a great place to rest and catch up on our sleep. 

Winding our way down the country roads today.

With the morning skies overcast and a chance of rain in the offing we didn’t really know what we wanted to do today. So after a quick walk I contacted George & Suzie (Our Awesome Travels) to see about getting together today. 

Some of the fields waiting to be worked up.

After a quiet morning Riley and I climbed into the Dogsled to head north to Wapakoneta for a happy hour with George & Suzie. The windy road lead us across the country side and within a short time we were pulling up to the campground security gate. Before long we were parked and chatting with George & Suzie. Thanks folks for the movies and the books. We appreciate them very much. Riley & I enjoyed the afternoon a great deal and before we knew it the clock was reading 5 pm and time for us to go home. 

The skies were overcast today.

 Back at home we slipped into the campground and settled down for the evening of watching a movie or two. The perfect end to a nice day.
 

Suzie, George & Riley.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit. 

 

Suzie, George & Deb

Until next time… take care, be safe,

Deb

Day of visiting, Happy Birthday Riley.....

Our Location:  BLM Plomosa Road, Quartzsite, AZ


I think the good night’s sleeps are becoming a habit and I’m enjoying them greatly. It makes me think perhaps I’ve solved the insomnia issue. Keeping my fingers crossed. Of course it’s also very quiet here where we’re located. I think I could hear the breeze through the coyote’s fur coat as he passes by if I listened hard enough.
 

I love the antlers.

 

We were undecided about what to do today but a quick text message remedied that. A quick text to Patsy (Chillin’ with Patsy) and we had a drop by time of around 11 am. We headed out the door around 10 am as we had things to do before dropping  by the Suites. A stop at the transfer station, then on to fill water jugs, a propane tank to fill too, and then we checked out a vendor for firewood but he had only scraps left and $17 for a bundle was too much for slivers even if it was hardwood. After that we were heading south along AZ 95 toward La Posa South. 

 

L to R: Tom's friend, Tom, wife of Tom's friend, Suzie. I have no idea where George went, he had been standing beside Tom's friend. So unfortunately I have no pictures of George today.

 

Just around the 11 AM mark we pulled into find our friend Patsy with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. I think she may have been happy to see us. Soon Bill (On our way) arrived as well, and after hugs we had a very nice visit. Such a very sweet couple, warm and friendly, lots of laughs and some interesting conversation. 

Bill, Patsy, Rob and Pat.

 

Soon we noticed a fella wandering over in a nice tye dye shirt and a big 10 gallon hat, sure enough George ( Our Awesome Adventure) came strolling over. Some more chin flapping and then Miss Suzie came along as well. From there Rob and Pat (Patsy and Bill’s traveling companions this year) came along and we realized we have a little in common with those folks too. Soon Deb and Tom ( Celebrating the Dance) stepped out of the Stinger B to join our little chattering circle of folks. Shortly there after friends of Deb & Tom’s showed up for a visit, and I can’t recall their names, sorry folks. Shortly after that the party broke up a bit and we grabbed our chairs and had us a quick sit down with George and Suzie back at their motor home. 

Patsy, Rob, Pat and Deb

 

Soon we said our goodbyes, hugs and see you again, safe travel etc all around. Nice folks, we enjoyed our visit. Next time perhaps we’ll get a chance to sit down with Deb & Tom as well. Although I’m not sure we’ll be in the area long enough for it to be this time.
 

Beginning of sunset.

 Back home Riley and I enjoyed a lazy lunch and spent the remainder of the day doing a few little puttering things. We did truly enjoy our visit with the folks at La Posa South even though it was a quick one. Another time we’ll manage a visit of a bit longer duration I hope but maybe not until next year. I think everyone is soon going to scatter like the sands in a windstorm.  

The middle of sunset.

 

A call to my dad to see how things are going. Sister Jan has bronchitis but seems to be feeling a bit better now. Hopefully they get rid of the flu bug and get over all of this sick stuff before long. A call from daughter Courtney as well tonight to chat with her sister Riley and of course me for a bit. An interesting note as I look out the window tonight. We can see Quartzsite now off in the distance and before we couldn't see it there were too many rigs blocking our view. They have been leaving fast and furious for the last number of days and there are now big open space that before held hundreds of rigs.

 

Sunset at it's finest moment tonight.

 

A happy birthday to Riley. She is has reached the ripe old age of 27 years old today. Riley is a wonderful traveling companion and I’m very fortunate to have her with me. She is a sweet young lady with a big heart. I love her dearly. Happy Birthday Magoo.

 

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you  had an excellent day where ever you may be and whatever you may have been doing.

Until next time… take care, be safe,

Deb



 

Leaving La Posa South for more BLM camping.....

Our Location: Quartzsite, Arizona

I had a hard time dropping off to sleep last night but finally put away my iPad around 1:30 am. Nothing on my mind just didn’t seem able to sleep. I may have had a 10 minute snooze at some point in my sitting down process late yesterday afternoon, but I can’t swear to it though. Some times I’ll be reading along and suddenly find myself dozing or just nodding off. No idea why but it just happens.

Moon and stars greeted me as I stepped outside this morning....

Still some puddles left ......

I woke up at 4:30 am and had a silent conversation with myself about it being a ridiculous time of the morning to even think about getting up or staying wake, in that two way conversation I must have agreed because I soon fell back asleep. The next clock sighting was around 5 am and so here I  sit with the opening lines of tonights post already in hand at 3 minutes past 5 bells.

Sunrise is beginning....

That glow is getting brighter...

  
Moving day today but only a few miles so it’ll be a quick thing, except perhaps the dump station but who knows, and truly it isn’t a big deal as long as we don’t get impatient. Then it becomes a tough day. 

I have no idea what would crack rocks but there are numerous of them around....

Two cacti growing side by side touching, a hole in one of the skins leads to a hole between them. They aren't growing into one cactus but are tight against each other. Note the spines under the hole.

I was out the door before 7 am to take my last sunrise pictures at La Posa South for a while at least. It was nice, nothing to spectacular but I got a few good shots. It was coolish and my hands were aching by the time I got back inside. My mini gloves in my pocket, DAH!! Some days I’m totally clueless.

Nothing like that pink/purple colour off in the distance...

The sun has started colouring the mountains with it's rays...

We enjoyed our hot drinks, finished packing up the outside, then the inside, put her HRH Miss Kitty into her carrier and proceeded to hook up. Lots of dew so the back window wasn’t easy to see out to line up the necessary places. Yes, I know I could have cleaned it off but honestly I wasn’t about to climb into the back of the Dogsled and crawl over a ton of stuff in the box, just to wipe the window. On our second try we hooked up, so it wasn’t so bad. 

These things dot the landscape everywhere.....

See that first hint of the ray?

After our usual checks, and walk arounds we were able to put the Big Dog into tow, and 4 x4 until we got out onto the roadway, and of course the letter D indicating we were ready to go. We slowly proceed to the main road, rolling along until we came up to a familiar looking 5’er and Motor home with a Stinger ‘B’ near by. Pulling in we noticed Miss Patsy (Chillin’ with Patsy)watching for us. We stopped to deliver some books we’ve finished reading and hope someone else will enjoy them also. While we were saying our goodbyes George and Suzie (Our Awesome Travels) came along as well. Hugs, smiles and well wishes for safe journeys all completed we climbed once more into the Dogsled to head off to empty/fill/leave behind the the necessaries (tanks, water, garbage/recycle). While filling up with water a familiar big black Ford pulled up and Bill’s (On Our Way) smiling face greeted me. We chatted for a few minutes, said our goodbyes before he was off home.

Information about Quartzsite with the La Posa North welcome center in the back ground...

Quartzsite city limits...

 

Climbing into the Dogsled after having completed our chores we headed for the long drive to Dome Rock. Perhaps 20 minutes later we were sitting at the camp host spot filling in paperwork. We chatted with the nice fella for a few minutes, and then headed off to our previously scouted spot. It was indeed still empty, although it’s not any longer.

The beginning of sunset at Dome Rock.

I just love this wood...

Across from us are a couple of folks in a couple of tents. I realize that it’s always interesting when  new people come to town but is it really necessary to walk out behind your vehicle to stare? Me, I waved. Hahahaha, he had no option so he waved back and disappeared. I’m not leaving pal, I want this spot and I”m going to take it. I’m far enough away not to bother him in any way so he can just stand there across the big road and stare as long as he likes. He’s farther away than our neighbours had been at La Posa South, so I think he was trying to intimidate us hoping we’d leave and find another spot. Obviously he doesn’t know me.

Sunset shadow's cast upon the surrounding mountains...

See the shadows?

We got set up and settled in, I parked the truck at an angle so the folks in the tent can’t see us without walking a fair distance one way or the other. I know I’m petty but oh well, that’s me. 

The sun's fading rays making this old tree light up...

Can you see the sun's rays shining thru some of the holes?

I called my dad to tell him we’d survived our long trek, he was out and so I spoke with Marion and she promised to forward the message. It was now time for lunch and we were hungry. Riley made herself a salad, I still hadn’t had mine from yesterday and with no dressing on it, it was still fresh. We enjoyed our salads while the chili was heating up. I can tell you folks, we were wise to make it yesterday. It had a chance to ‘blend’ over night and it was very good. A couple of pieces of toast and that was lunch!! Good stuff. 

Been with me all day....

Love that baby arm nestled in the crook of the other one...

We cleaned up, then headed out for a walk. I have no idea how far we walked but it was a good half hour probably. It was very nice to see new spots, mountains, and valleys. We met a couple of Razor’s motoring along, they slowed right down so as not to cause any dust or flying stones. Very considerate of them. 

Back home we both headed off to read or whatever. Mine ended up being whatever, I did however started off reading but soon was snoring away making the curtains flap and the Igloo shiver. No, not really but I did have a nap. Riley called me around 4:30 pm. Oh my, that was a 2 hour  nap. Too long but nothing I can do about it now. 

This cactus is starting to get a green tint to it...

Might those be buds ?

We chatted about a number of things before I headed outside to take sunset pictures. Our future plans are starting to come together nicely. We’ve decided to stay in California a bit longer than first planned.

The sun's just peeking around the edge...

Love this picture....

Outside I walked around snapping pictures of numerous things, but the sunset itself was disappointing. Unless we have cloud cover the sunsets won’t be great here. Oh well, we’ll manage to take pictures of something. I once again enjoyed the light/shadow contrast on the surrounding mountains. I snapped some pictures of interest to me, probably not to anyone else but I’m just getting to know my camera a bit better and so I’m enjoying experimenting with focus, light, etc. 

Shadow's starting become evident...

I think Chevy or Keystone should be paying me for these pictures..

Before the sun was totally set the coyotes started to howl off in the near distance. Riley came outside to see what it was making the noise. She’s heard them many times of course but not quite the same kind of yapping as tonight. Almost sounded like an audition as each tried to out last the others. Very loud, meaning quite near. The camp host told us they are very aggressive here so we’ll be keeping an eye out for them and not going anywhere without our sticks.

Back inside as the air was cooling down quickly we shut the windows, vents and shades. We like keeping the heat inside, or at least I do. I called middle daughter Bradey to chat for a few minutes. Bradey works with autistic children and loves her job. She and her fiancé David have a beautiful Sheltie cross named Leia. It seems Leia is having a foot issue and has been to the vet a few times. Hopefully they get it cleared it up soon. Always nice to chat with the girls and get caught up on what’s happening. 

Looking up a row of spines on a tall cactus...

Those are baby arms way up there....

 
After that I called my Dad to chat for a few minutes. He was happy to hear we’d made our long trek without any issues. He informed me it was raining there on Manitoulin Island with a high temp of 5C/ 41 F. He says another cold spell is on it’s way within the next few days. I hope it doesn’t last too long as winters up there are damp and when it gets really cold you just can’t put enough layers on.

See the boot?

See the irregularities in the ribs of this cactus?

After that I started editing pictures and continuing this post. It’s been a busy day, not a tough one at all except that we’ve said good bye for now to our new friends Bill and Pat, as well as friends George and Suzie. Riley and I hope to meet them all down the road some place, and wish both couples safe travels and sun filled days. 

So there you have it, our moving day. Nothing exciting but a new place is always interesting. We’ll get better acquainted as the days go by. Thanks for stopping by, feel free to leave a comment, I will read them.

Amazing colours over there..

Until next time…. take care, be safe, 

Courtesy of Bill Richard's drone yesterday. Approx 150 feet above us...

Approx 400 feet high....

Same height, different angle.

Thanks Bill!!!

Deb