We've moved south and east.....

Our Location: Las Cienegas, Arizona

We woke this morning to a nice warm morning, the sun popping over the mountain to the east and a hint of excitement in our step. Today is moving day. We’ve stayed too long in this area due to weather around us but today we are moving on. 

Moving on down the highway...

 

So little traffic out here on these highways and biways.

 

Hooked up and heading out the pathway toward Salome Hwy by 7:45 AM, we motored about 3 miles to our first stop. Saddle Vista Ranch to rid us of our garbage and to empty our tanks. I know we dumped only a few short weeks ago but we would rather arrive empty than half full, if you know what I mean. We were once again on the road by 8:25 AM leaving Saddle Mountain BLM behind us for the last time this year. We pointed the Big Dog’s nose east and then north to reach the I-10 on ramp at Tonopah, making the connection for AZ 85 South Bound toward Gila Bend. We stopped in Gila Bend at the Shell station and checked out the water situation but decided against it and kept on  motoring. 

A tiny bit of construction but no slow downs or hesitations of any kind.

 

Mountains are starting to look different.

 No slow downs, no accidents, no issues and we motored right along on I - 8 until we jumped onto I -10 once more. We rolled on through Tucson, AZ and soon hung a right onto AZ 83 toward Empire Ranch. Within 30 minutes or so we reached the ranch house and there we chatted with camp hosts Nick and Jeannie who both offered us some good camp site ideas.  

A different kind of desert here along the I-8 corridor nearing Gila Bend.

Interesting vehicle. He was well packed and everything looked compact. Right hand drive as well.

We pulled into the Cienequitas campground area and although it’s pretty full we managed to find a nice little spot that we will occupy for a week or so. We had the Igloo (not the outside stuff) all set up and lunch warming up while I chatted with dad back in Ontario all around 2:30 pm. 

Such an interesting over pass.

 

Yep, it's snow on that mountain top over there.

 

It was warm here upon our arrival but as the sun fades into the western sky it cools off much faster than at the lower elevations. So we will be closing the vents, etc before the sun sets to keep some of the heat inside. The temperatures have dropped 9 degrees in the last 30 minutes. We are now sitting at 63F/ 17C with all indications of it continuing to drop.
 

Riley thought this guy was a hoot.

Heading toward Empire Ranch Road. Yep more snow.

 

This is our first time here and so we’re not sure what to expect temperature wise but we’re enjoying the change of scenery right now. Lots of mountains on our drive with a light dusting of snow on their peaks. Nick (camp host) told me they had about 10 inches / 25 cm a few weeks ago. Brrrr…glad we weren’t here then.  

 

Our spot for a week or so.

We are certainly in awe of the new type of desert we're seeing.

 

So that was our day today, we moved approx 240 miles, actual travel time was about 4 1/2 hours. We aren’t sure how long we are going to stay here but jello plans are just that,  jello plans. Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you enjoyed the visit. 

These are the views from near our spot.

Such an interesting view.

Some cows on this land as well. We spotted them on our drive in.

 

Until next time… take care, be safe,

Deb

A different kind of day...

Our Location: Near Tonopah, Arizona

 

A cold night, the freezing mark wasn't too far away but we managed to stay on the plus side, just barely. The wind once again made it's presence known this morning chilling one very quickly as it whistled through you. Even the sun couldn't warm things enough to be outside without some kind of warm sweater.

 

Lots of yellow on the desert floor.

You can see it every where.

 

After a quick few minutes of packing some things and piling some off to the side we hooked up the Dogsled with the Igloo and started out toward Courthouse Road on our way to dump our tanks. We stopped just down the way to tell the lady with the horses we'd be back but were going to dump. She was happy we stopped as she had been going to come and ask about where she might get some water for her horses. We chatted for about 10 minutes and I offered to ask the fella at Saddle Vista Ranch about the water. Off we went down the road to Saddle Vista Ranch (of course you knew that already) and squeezed our way past the gate and found the dump station just where the signs said it would be. I was impressed, the guy has a dump hose (very new looking) with clear ends and a hose holder to keep the angle proper for a downward flow when you're dumping. Free to use and it saves getting your own stuff out. 

 

Such a slope to the valley floor.

 

The fella came by and I forgot to get his name again today but he informed us it's $12.50 to dump without a fill up, $15 for a dump and water fill up. He takes garbage for about a buck a bag as well. We didn't want to fill the tanks but had some water jugs to fill and he charged us about $3 for 10 gallons. He mentioned once again about the milk, juice, eggs and soft drinks inside. He has a washer/dyer that is not coin operated but is $3.50 per load. He also is talking about getting propane for next year. We had a nice chat and I asked about gallon water price for our neighbour but he didn't have a price and so I left it alone. Our bill came to something like $17 ( dumped all the tanks, filled 10 gallons of water and dumped two bags of garbage) but I just handed him a twenty and was happy to have so much information. He promised to remember I've over paid and will give me a discount next time. I just smiled and told him to enjoy his day. Nice fella. 

 

This is where I shouldn't have been walking according to the sign I passed on the way out.

 

Back along the way to our campsite we stopped at the horse lady's trailer and filled her in on the news. Her name is Jeannie and she's a wonderful lady from Wisconsin that travels each winter alone with just her two horses, Magic, a 24 year old white Arabian, and Ranger, a 4 year old chestnut Mustang that was caught in the wild and needed a home. She was thinking she needed some hay and some water and thought about loading the horses and towing her trailer to do these things. I offered to horse sit with my book if she liked. She took me up on my offer and we agreed that once Riley and I had set up, and I had a coffee along with something to eat I'd come down and she could be off to do her errands. 

 

It's just so green.

 We set up in the same campsite but at a different angle this time. We found that with no sun at all on the door it was too cool to have the door open any time, and also without the morning sun on that side of the Igloo even for a while it took longer for the place to heat up and in this cool weather, heating up faster is better. So we weren't long in setting up and with coffee and a quick breakfast sandwich under my belt I headed off with my Kobo, camera, and a warm jacket over my hoodie to sit with the horses while Jeannie went off to do her things. Jeannie took the two dogs with her and I settled down in the sun and started to read. She has a small paddock with an electric fence but only one strand of 'electric' that wouldn't really be much of a deterrent as the current is very low. A dip of a head and they could be out from under there in a second. A couple of hours past before she arrived back home. She had secured some hay and water and had driven out to the Love's Service Station because a Ranger told her she could buy a BLM book there. Love's had no idea what she was talking about. Anyway, she snagged the hay and water at Saddle Vista Ranch, plus he had taken her bag of garbage all for about $55. Excellent considering the hay was $15 per bale. She got at least 130 gallons of water as well. She found out more information about the place with the horses in mind, so it was an excellent place to send her. 

 

I felt as if I was being watched.

 

Jeannie and I chatted inside her cute little living quarters for a bit and then she came with me to the Igloo to check out a few of our little comforts as well. By the time Jeannie left it was already past 3:30 pm and I had arrived at her place around 12:15 pm. So the day was finished for me in terms of walking or such. Instead we had a very late lunch, did some reading and then I chatted with Dad, and Courtney, but left a message on sister Jan's answering machine. Cold, snow, freezing rain, more snow, more cold, a warm up and then more snow. That seems to be the way it's going in pretty much the entire province of Ontario. According to Dad, this is the most snow fall in their neck of the woods since the early 1970's. The average depth of snow in the woods is 36 INCHES/ 39 CM. That's a lot of snow in the trees folks. 

 

This photo and next are of the same mountains.

 

So there you have it folks, another day here in the Saddle Mountain area, cooler by far than any we've had but still not snow and rain, so we're quite happy. We enjoyed the visit with Jeannie and we also enjoyed the new views out the window tonight. I'll share those with you another time as I will a photo of the horses. Today's pictures were taken on yesterday's hike. 

 

Shadow and light make such a difference

 

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you had a wonderful day where ever you might be and what ever you might have been doing. 

 

Pretty steep isn't it?

 

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

 

 

This dead tree in the arroyo caught my eye.

 

Deb

Blood work, park pictures, and a lazy day....

Our Location: Magic River Rv Resort, Long Beach, Mississippi

(all pics taken with my phone yesterday)

Rain last night and a cooler morning today. Others seem to find it warmer than I do and I think it has something to do with the dampness here. I'm either sweating or freezing, I don't seem to have an in between. 

Some palm trees have survived better than others over the years

Up at the fire shortly after 6 a.m. this morning, listening to the BS getting deeper and deeper soon I'm going to need some chest waders, I don't think hipster will cut it. ~laugh~ Although a nice touch today, which actually happened yesterday, Butch took Mr. Budd to the Gulfport airport to see some vintage WWII planes and they ended up going for a ride in a B-24 bomber airplane. Apparently the mechanic that keeps this plane going lives where Mr. Budd was stationed during the war. Mr Budd was at one point leading the group as almost a tour guide since he seemed to know his way around the airplane pretty well.  Mr. Budd was a pilot during that war flying 160 missions. They flew over Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, and campground as well. A good time was had by all!!!!

A shot of the campground from near the roadway.

Riley came to the fire this morning. It was nice to see her interacting with the folks. A big smile graced her pretty face as she seemed to settle in and enjoy the recognition. 

Spring is in the air, water lilies are blooming.

Home around 8:30 a.m. we had breakfast and headed off to 1110 Broad Avenue in Gulfport for my blood work, which I forgot about last week. It took a while and of course my address wouldn't fit in the little boxes on the program and it was a learning experience for everyone. ~laugh~ I did however manage to get it taken and paid for. I doubt I'll get the results but at least Dr. Bobba will get them. 

Looking toward the roadway with the campground on the right of the pond.

We decided against walking today. Truth is I just don't feel like it and I think Riley is happy to just skip it as well. We can always do a few laps around the campground if necessary. 

Some of the trees are setting their pine cones already.

Miss Jeannie and Chuck left today. I am truly sorry to see them go. I enjoyed her company a great deal. Charles and Roberta are also scheduled to leave today. So the campground will be a bit different again with the loss of these people.

Some other Canadians here at the park.

After lunch I found myself wandering up to the fire to chat with my buddy Ron who seemed to be as lost as I was. ~laugh~ We chatted for a bit but were soon joined by others and before long the ring around the fire pit (without a fire) grew to include most of the morning crowd. Riley came along a bit later as well. It was 3 pm before we left the fire pit and came back home.

This chain has been secured to the tree by the tree itself.

Reading took up the rest of the afternoon and since we still had sausage soup left over I didn't have to cook dinner tonight. I wasn't hungry and so only Riley had a bowl of soup. Only ONE bowl left and I'll have to start cooking again.

Pretty white single water lily flower.

We stayed home this evening as I've found that night time fires often leave me cold and I wonder if that might be some of the cause of my pain these days as the night air is cool, damp and invading. I'll have to give that some better attention over the next few days.

So there you have it, nothing exciting or life altering but a nice quiet day all the same. Thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoyed your visit. Until next time..be safe, take care. 

Busy Monday....

Our Location: Magic River Rv Resort, Long Beach, Mississippi

(all pics taken with my phone)

A much warmer night last night than it has been for a while. This morning was warmer as well and the day followed that lead!! We had no wind this morning, but it picked it up continuously throughout the day and died down a bit during the evening but still hasn't died out yet. A few rain drops tonight sent us all scurrying away from the fire and homeward bound but it stopped before it started. If ya know what I mean...

Rusty Pelican Parking Lot

Usual suspects up around the fire at about 6:15 a.m. and the new guy Jerry showed up as well. He's not new, he's been here many times before and I remember him from before. Mac, Buzz, Ron, Pete, Charles, Linda, Lisa, Jeannie, Jerry, Paige, and myself  were the morning crowd today. Mac baked cornbread and Jerry brought Zucchini Bread for the morning goodies today. 

 

Rusty Pelican Signage at the roadway.

 

Home around 8:15 a.m. and since it's Monday you know it's cleaning day. I try to keep things tidy thru the week and therefore it's not a major deal to actually clean the Igloo as I try to keep the drawers/closets/cupboards neat and often times clean up one or two a day during the week which basically leaves the vacuuming, dusting, washing floors, cleaning bathrooms to Mondays. Of course this morning we had dishes to handle as well and once again tonight I'm leaving the dinner dishes until tomorrow. Strange how I'm able to do that these past couple of nights. 

 

Colourful houses on US 90 West

 

After cleaning the Igloo we both had some breakfast and made plans for the day which included first thing...our walk. We climbed into the Dogsled and headed off to the Sports Complex for our daily couple of mile trek. We started at 10 a.m. and made 2 laps by 10:40 a.m. but Riley opted to call it a day. I took another 20 minutes and walked a third lap before calling it done. 

 

Back home we had about 15 minutes in which to do something before heading out to pick up our friends Ron & Sharon. We all headed to the Rusty Pelican for the Monday special, Red Beans and Rice. Not that everyone got Red Beans & Rice but that's the special today. Along with the four of us there was also Lisa, Buzz, Jerry, Carol, and Mac. I think only Buzz and I managed the special today. 

 

Angel Tree in Bay St Louis

 

On the way to the restaurant the Dogsled seemed to be shifting funny so I convinced Ron that he should drive on the way back home to get a feel for what it might be. He managed to get the thing to do the herky jerky a time or two but didn't think there was much to worry about. However calling the dealership was first on my list when I walked thru the door. The local dealership said this transmission is not the smoothest one and often times the drop from 2nd gear to 1st gear is not smooth. Said I could bring it in and they'd look at it but it's normal. Also told me the warranty is good to 100,000 miles and good for all of North America, so even if I decide to have it looked at I can do that back home in Canada. Good to know!!! 

 

 

Cold, dull and almost ominous 

 

Home after lunch, got my truck seat all back to 'right' for me after a guest driver had moved everything. ~laugh~ Riley and I headed off for a drive shortly after getting home since we needed milk and bagels anyway. US 90 West thru Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis left us with the impression of cold, murky waters that promised to be make a body shiver if they got too close. Taking US 90 East we returned to Walmart to do some groceries!! While we only needed two things we did manage to grab about a half dozen other things as well, our motto is always be prepared. No wait, that's the boy scout motto, our motto is always have lots of food on hand. ~laugh~ 

 

Bay St Louis bridge to Pass Christiam

 

Back home once again we unloaded the groceries and put things away. We had some time to read our books and I started prepping dinner about 4:30 pm. In fact I even BBQ'd dinner early  so we could go up to enjoy the fire with our friends and dinner would be ready to just warm up in the microwave later.  Dinner was Italian Potatoes, Orange Zest Veggies and JD Smoke House BBQ chicken breast. Riley enjoyed it, but I wasn't hungry when I got back from the fire, so mine is in the fridge, one of us will have it tomorrow. 

 

It's not a nice looking body of water.

As you've guessed we also wandered up to the evening fire tonight. Although on my way I stopped a few doors down and chatted with Donna & Malcolm, a very nice couple from Collingwood, Ontario. Leaving the fellow Canucks I made my way to the evening fire. A smaller crowd with just Ron, Charles, Jerry, Mac, Riley and myself for a while and then the deck shuffled with Charles, Mac and Jerry leaving but Lisa, Pat, Pete and Sharon coming to the party. Interesting conversations to be certain. Riley left before I did as she was hungry and came home for her dinner. Chatted with Ron as he noticed Riley has been chatting more the last few days then she did when we first arrived. Riley is becoming much more comfortable with most of the people here and enjoys being more independent and confident within this new lifestyle. I'm so very proud of her for making such enormous strides, it is my hope that she continues to hold such confidence and independence when we return to Canada. I suppose time will tell. 

 

Leaving the fire pit due to rain drops falling on my head I was certain the rain would pick up and we'd have a good downpour but alas by the time I got to the Igloo it was over. ~laugh~ A quick visit with Lisa to thank her for her assistance today and I was back home before 9 pm. Not hungry so I just readied myself for bed and writing this blog. I'm not sure I'll get it finished and posted tonight as I'm tired and having a hard time keeping my eyes open. I may just finish it in the morning. 

So there you have it, our Monday excitement. Thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoyed your stay. Until next time...be safe, take care.....

Overcast, warmish Sunday....

Our Location: Magic River Rv Resort, Long Beach, Mississippi

(all pics taken with my phone)

A much warmer overnight last night with a warmer day following in it's wake today. The wind wasn't as chilly and while we had little or no sun, along with a few rain drops there was a warmer hint to the air today. 

Up around the fire this morning shortly after 6 a.m. with the usual faces there to greet me and more of the usual crowd following at various intervals, the morning meet and greet was nice and I stayed late, until almost 9 am. I don't usually stay that long but we were all chattering and laughing, enjoying ourselves. 

One of the many things you can purchase at the flea market..

 

Home to make pancakes, have showers and do the dishes before starting the day. I will admit we didn't walk much today, just a short stroll but oh well, it was just one of those days. Just about 10:30 a.m. we headed out to the Dogsled, picking up our friends Ron & Sharon before heading off to the Long Beach Flea Market. While we weren't looking for, nor did we buy any fleas, we did manage to find a few other things to carry home with us. Just entering the market area we were in the produce/fruit section which of course held our attention. We chatted with the Mexican gentleman that runs the stand, he explained various kinds of fruits and veggies to us, gave us some samples to taste and was extremely helpful as well as knowledgeable about his goods. We bought something that is like a zucchini but is called something else, some tomatoes, a fresh pineapple and potatoes from his stand on our way out. Earlier on while wandering around we found a half dozen books we wanted to read and so for a few dollars we have many hours of entertainment in one small bag. ~laugh~  We all enjoyed the musician that entertained the crowd, he had a nice voice and a large variety of songs in his repertoire. A one man band with the help of a 'band' in a box while he played lead guitar. We dropped Ron & Sharon off before heading back home around noon. 

 

Need a cap? Many to choose from.

 

After that we kind of just relaxed the rest of the day, even managing a short nap this afternoon. The skies threatened but didn't really carry thru with it. The wind was still blowing but didn't manage to blow away the clouds nor blow in the rain, so I'm not certain if it was a productive wind or not. ~laugh~ 

 

 

More goodies to buy...

One of the long rows of vendors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Called Dad shortly after 6 p.m. our time, chatted for a bit, got caught up on the gossip and the news from the Great White North and the rock in the middle of Lake Huron. It was dark at his house but still light here at Long Beach when I made the call. The difference a few hundred miles makes is amazing, isn't it? 

 

 

More stuff....

 

Up around the evening fire we enjoyed the usual laughter, the stories and of course the fantastic people. Ron told us about Howard the Pot Bellied Pig, while Jeannie was comparing her running ability to that of Forrest Gump. ~laugh~  Jeannie also brought out her Rodent Repellent which she referred as to Sniff and Go but ended up being something else. ~laugh~  Lisa was quiet which is unusual for her, Buzz even put in an appearance. Charles and Roberta dropped by for a bit, Billy and Charlene were also there, as was Linda and of course Miss Sharon too. Riley and I completed the crowd.  As the evening started to wind down Ron & Sharon invited Riley and I over to bring home some pizza for tomorrow. Very generous of them to do so. Riley came away with a number of slices for her breakfast!! 

 

Wonder about those eggs...

 

The local black cat, whom Sharon has nicknamed Black Magic has been making their motorhome almost like her home. She enters when they open the door, climbs up on the furniture and just enjoys herself greatly. She goes to the door  yowls to be let out and follows them around like a puppy. She's a beautiful cat but will miss them when they leave, I think they'll miss her too!! 

 

I was looking at this bag of goodies but left it there...

 

After Riley collected her pizza we headed back home to have some dinner. I just snacked on some crackers while Riley had more chicken, veggies, and potatoes left over from last night's dinner. We're lazy tonight, we didn't even do the dishes. ~laugh~ I wonder how that happened? 

 

So there you have it, that was our day! We had a great day, enjoyed the time we spent with Ron & Sharon, as well as those around the fire pit. Thanks for stopping by, until next time...be safe, take care....

 

Great day....a motorcycle ride......and laughter...

Our Location: Magic River Rv Resort, Long Beach, Mississippi

(all pics taken with my phone on our walk)

Another cool night, followed by a cooler day as well. The wind was from the WNW but it had a bite to it that would chill you if you didn't stay wrapped up in a heavy sweater. 

Up at the fire around 6:15 a.m. this morning with the usual suspects and of course they staggered in at various times. Jeannie of course brought with her the usual ability to make us all laugh. She's a real character. ~laugh~ 

Some kind of berries on this bush...

Home for breakfast and jello plans ebbed and flowed with the wind. The one constant was our walk at the sports complex. We started about 9:15 a.m. circled for three laps or three miles finishing up about 10:30 a.m.  From there we headed off to the Dollar General store for a couple of things that would make life easier back at the Igloo. 

Home before 11 a.m. we both commented on the fact that it wasn't even close to noon. ~laugh~ We put things away, tidied up a bit and then sat down to read. Buddy Ron stopped by to ask Miss Riley if she would like to go for a motorcycle ride this afternoon. She of course agreed and is looking forward to it. 

New red leaves coming out....

Buddy Ron also stopped by a little later on their way to Wally World to see if we needed anything, which of course we didn't but it was nice of them to ask anyway. 

The sun is shining but it's not too hot outside due to the wind. Leaving the big door open but a cool breeze blows thru once in a while causing me to have a chill.

Lots of little buds and couple of little flowers too..

Sharon showed up shortly after lunch to see if Riley was ready to go for a motorcycle ride and of course she was very excited to go. Ron arrived shortly after and once Riley had her helmet on, she climbed on the back of Ron's bike and off they went. I didn't get a picture and I wish I had. Sharon and I sat and visited while they were gone. It was getting cool outside by the time they got back. Riley had a great time, truly enjoyed herself. Thanks for taking her Ron!!!

After that we came inside, closed the big door and busied ourselves with reading. We kind of let the rest of the day slip away from us. Around 5 pm I decided to make dinner, stick it in the fridge to eat when the urge hit us. Dinner was Italian Chicken Breast, steamed veggies and mashed potatoes. Cooked, plated and put into the fridge, we did the dishes, walked to the dumpster and headed over to the fire pit for a while. Ron, Sharon, Charlene, Billy, Jeannie and Linda were there. Truly some amazing company and we had a great time. Always a treat to meet folks with such humour!! Eventually Lisa came by after her winning evening at the Casino. However the party started breaking up shortly after 8, it was getting cold, some folks were getting hungry and it was just time to head inside.

Interesting name for a street don't ya think?

Back at the Igloo, Riley warmed up her dinner but I passed on mine, just not hungry for some reason. Soon we were headed off in our own directions for the night.

The close of another day, nothing too exciting but a great day all the same. Thanks for stopping by. Until next time..be safe, take care...