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

Nice visit with family today.....

Our Location: Walmart Front Lawn, Hamilton, Ontario 

(all pics taken over the last two days with my phone)

The overnight was a bit chilly but the heater warmed us up pretty quickly. Of course the rain drops were loud on the roof but it wasn't too bad. The rain came and went most of the day but toward late afternoon it seemed to end and while things didn't really clear up it at least seemed to be getting a bit less wet outside.

We spent some time this morning sorting thru our purchases from the US. We needed to get some separated as we have a few things that need to be given away while we're here in Southern Ontario. We've now managed to sort, bag and label all the goodies for easy giving when we arrive were they will be handed out. With two weddings on the horizon we brought back a bit more stuff than we normally would have but at least we are assured that the gifts will be unique, truly one of a kind. 

St. Catherines Skyway Bridge.

Shortly before 11 am we locked the door to the Igloo, climbed into the Dogsled heading toward an appointment in downtown Hamilton. However as we were just pulling out at the end of the row sat a mini van with the hood up, booster cables attached to the battery but sadly the other end was just sitting waiting for someone to offer a boost. I stopped, popped the hood, shut down the Dogsled and gave the guy a boost. Seems he left his tablet plugged in and drained the battery (that was his story at least). He cranked it over and after a couple seconds it came to life!! He unhooked his cables, dropped my hood, and we were off. Our good deed for the day accomplished. 

The canal that runs under the sky bridge in the above photo

Riley's 11:45 am appointment was in the Font Bonne building at St. Joseph's Hospital with a Dr of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology. We arrived right on time but waited for an hour before getting in to the doctor. Dr Braga is originally from Brazil but now lives and works in Hamilton. This is Riley's second appointment with her. Blood work for this appointment showed improvements, she's happy with the weight loss and wishes to be kept updated with the rest of the appointments with the Gynecologist (when we have an appointment with the new one), wants to see Riley again in 6 months time. We were hoping to be finished with Dr. Braga but appears that isn't the case. We're booked again in late October which will be on our way when we head south again in the fall. 

 

In Hamilton this little bump is referred to as 'the mountain'

 

From there we headed to our old pharmacy to drop off a couple of scripts, one for Riley and one for me. We'll pick them up tomorrow. After that it was a matter of getting back to the Igloo for lunch. We were both starving. Left overs were the only things on the lunch menu today. 

 

That ugly brown is actually Lake Ontario, it's very churned up but the brown is actually water!!

 

The afternoon found us at the Dollar Store picking up a few little things that we needed, finding some other things we didn't know were available here in Canada but have purchased and used in the US. It's a moisture collector that helps to reduce some of the moisture content in the the Igloo especially in the closets. We also have one just sitting on the top bunk in Riley's room. The air circulation doesn't seem to be too good in Riley's room at times and a definite mustiness can be detected at times. These little containers have helped to rid the room of that problem. In the US they are called Damp Rid, I didn't notice the name here in the Dollar Store but the container shape caught my eye and it's the same kind of product. We're happy knowing we can buy them here in Canada as well. 

 

Not much green here is there?

 

We spent the rest of the time reading and just unwinding. I finished the book by Bette Lee Crosby called Spare Change. It was okay, not the best but not the worst either. A feel good, chuckle at times kind of read. I would read another book of hers if given the opportunity because I think she could truly settle into being a fairly good writer with more experience. 

 

I called this home for about 30 years, Riley was born here.

 

A couple of text messages between Bradey  (middle daughter) and I brought us to Wimpy's Burger Place on Queenston Rd at 6 pm for dinner. Bradey and David arrived right on time. They even parked next to the Dogsled in the lot. Since neither have them had seen the new truck I asked how she knew it was mine. With a big grin on her face she said, "First, it had no front plate,  second, the back plate was an Alabama plate and third, I looked into the drivers seat and saw all your cushions! With that many cushions it HAD to be your truck.". She must take after her father because I would never think to say such things. ~laugh~ 

 

We know these roads very well....

 

They both look wonderful, David will be getting his front teeth in late July. David lost some of his front teeth last summer playing baseball in a rec league. It's a long story but needless to say a painful one. He has only just recently had the posts implanted to hold the teeth that will be implanted in July. It's been a long process. 

 

Bradey is enjoying her work, and moving upward in the company. She works with Autistic children and enjoys the challenges they present. It's always a treat to watch her face light up when she speaks of different children (never by name or location) attaining a new skill, or level of advancement. She's always excited about different ideas for introducing new items to learn or play, new ideas for songs, etc. It's an area in which I wouldn't have thought she would have an interest but as she's matured she seems to have a found the perfect calling. I'm very happy for her and so very proud of her achievements. Bradey was recently given more managerial responsibilities which she seems to also enjoy and is looking forward to the future with this company. 

 

The fog was curling down over the edge of the mountain this morning

 

David is doing well also. He is enjoying his new job in which he wears many different hats and I don't want to give specifics in case I get it wrong. ~laugh~ David spent some time between graduation and this position looking for just the right place. It seems he's found it as it sounds as though he is well liked, well suited for and truly enjoys this job. I'm happy to know he's found something that suits him, that he enjoys and seems to be excelling at. 

 

We discussed a number of possibilities for their upcoming vacations and the July wedding this summer. They will of course be traveling to the Island for Jason and Leah's wedding. They will stay with us in the Igloo but will have to leave their dog, Leia behind for the weekend. Leia is a sweet thing, she is a Golden Retriever/Sheltie cross and is full of energy!!! A very pretty dog!!

 

Not as thick in some places....

 

After dinner at Wimpy's they followed us back to the Igloo where we visited for another hour and a half. Discussing various things, David even took the Dogsled for a little run, just to check it out. ~laugh~ They finally decided they had to leave shortly before 9 pm, taking with them a bag of goodies we brought back for them. Hugs all around, it would have been nice to have another visit with them before we leave but they are busy folks. 

 

It's greener in the city...

 

After they left we tidied up a bit and headed off in our own directions. Again, not a lot of excitement for anyone but us in our day but we truly enjoyed it. Plans for tomorrow will have us doing some work, visiting some old friends, old neighbours, and a trip to the dentist. Hope it doesn't rain tomorrow. 

 

Thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoyed the visit. Until next time...be safe...take care...