Catch up post....

Our Location: Empire Ranch, Vail, AZ

 

 

Yes, we've moved. We had a few glitches but we have finally settled in for a while now. However I wanted to share some photos of our rainy day back at Saddle Mountain BLM and so this post will be filled with those photos.  Some how I missed counted the photos and paragraphs, and I have no patience today to fix that issue. Lots of photos in the first half and few in the second.

 

 It was so foggy we could barely see the mountains, and at times they disappeared. 

 Then it rained, and rained and rained some more. 

 You can see it pouring off the roof of the Igloo. I took this through a rain soaked window but you can see the stream off the roof. 

 

We left Saddle Mountain BLM yesterday, Monday, Feb 24, stopping at Saddle Vista Ranch to dump our tanks and Wintersburg to top off the Big Dog's drinking bowl. By 10 AM we were on our way because we only had a couple of hours to drive, around the 100 mile mark. The plan was to stay at Why, AZ for a couple of weeks but those plans didn't work out. No cell service from Bell Canada which teams with AT&T. So after a quick stop at the Why Not store, we continued our journey. 

 

 What appears to be a river is actually only a minor dip in the ground, it's just that everything is slanted in this area, a very slow gradual slant but it collects water easily 

 It tricked us a few times, looking brighter and starting to clear only to have more clouds move back in with more rain drops falling as well. 

 It's starting to break up now as you can see.

 

We haven't been to Why since our first year travelling to the southwest and one of the reasons is cell service.  We changed to Bell Canada last fall as it seemed to have better coverage of the southwest but I have to say, I'm not sure it's any better than our previous carrier. We parked near friends that year who had service with Bell Canada and could use their phone. Now being fair to Bell, we didn't try T-Mobile connections until we were a few miles out of Why, but I'm pretty certain it would not have worked anyway. So we've written Why, AZ off as a place to visit in the future. 

 

 The sun finally came out.

 

 

 

I love the drive between Why and Tucson. There are so many varieties of cacti to see. Prickly pear, teddy bear cholla, buckhorn/pencil, barrel cactus, saguaros and a lot more that I'm sure I missed while driving at 55 mph. They are just haphazard along the road side, very abundant in places. The Teddy Bear Cholla looking almost like a small forest it's so thick in some areas. The saguaros looking like matchsticks as they are so plentiful. I would love to stop and explore but yesterday wasn't the day for that. 

 

 One would think I could remember the name of this town as they are so few on that drive, but the truth is, I can't recall. 

 Riley liked the metal sculptures. 

A bug splattered window makes its self visible in some of these photos. 

 

 

A few places with slow downs as construction season is in full swing. Nothing too much, nothing too rough, and nothing too drastic. Tucson was a bit of a nuisance for a minute or two. The exit we wanted was closed and we missed the detour sign to catch it a bit further along. However we managed to go in a straight line for another mile or so and fix the problem. Yeah, we like easy fixes. 

 

 

 We stopped to check cell service, and had none. The Why Not store in Why, AZ.

The scenic route to Sonoita, AZ is a lovely drive but I didn't like hauling the Igloo along however it was much shorter than going all the way around to come in a less twisty, windy road. We found Empire Ranch easily as it was in the same place it was when we visited before.  However cell service was spotty on the way into the ranch house, so we dropped the Igloo there and with the Dogsled we ventured to a location where we have parked before. No service, no stay. We tried to go to a different area where the horse events are located but with a flooded road we decided to forget it. We called Dad from the area of the ranch house as there is cell service there, just to let him know we have arrived safely and will figure out the parking issue after the call. 

 

 

Saguaros, Teddy Bear Cholla, Prickly Pear, and on and on. 

 

We had planned to park just one night between the ranch house and the road where cell service is good but with a spot for group camping and a kiosk. A flatish area near the kiosk would do for one night, but I decided I'd walk down to the group site to check it for a night. There are two other spots not connected to the group site, and so we parked in one of those, we have cell service and are close to the hard top road. Bonus!! At this point we are planning on two weeks here but we'll see how we do with the wind.

 

 

Chatted with a nice young fella for a few minutes. He had the strangest tent. His mode of transportation was a bicycle and the tent was excellent for his purposes. It was about 6 1/2 feet long and about 3feet or so wide. It fit him perfectly with no extra space. It was high enough for him to sit up with no issues.  Pretty cool but I didn't get a photo and he left before I opened the curtains this morning.

 

 Kitt Peak ahead of us.

 

So we have now changed plans from staying in Why for two weeks to staying here for two weeks before moving on. We aren't certain where we will move on at this point but we will slowly continue our way east. 

 

Yep, that is Tucson, AZ ahead. 

  

Thanks for stopping by, we hope you are all having a wonderful time, doing whatever it is you are doing and being where it is you are. 

 

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

 

Deb

 

 

Last day here at Quail Ridge ........

Our Location:  Quail Ridge Rv Park, Hauchua City, Arizona


Rain fell most of the night and still a bit after sunrise but soon stopped and while the sun came out it wasn’t very warm all day. The wind was brisk and at times seemed to be picking up vigor but suddenly just stopped. Not sure how that happened but it did. 

Big leaves makes my hand look small.

 

Today is our last day here in Quail Ridge Rv Resort so we spent some time outside doing all those pre-travel things we all do before pulling out. We chatted with the fellow next door for a bit as well. After that we simply stayed in out of the wind. 

Even at the point it's very big.

 

We used our electric hook up wisely and made a pot of chili today for the travel tomorrow and  a few future meals this week. We were going to pre make a shepherd’s pie as well but just didn’t think we would use it quickly enough and yes we could freeze it but we prefer it freshly made. 

 

The big cacti have had all their leaves chopped off.

 

So our last day here as I said which prompted a call to dad to tell him for the next number of days we will be without cell service but we will have internet service. We are heading to Why, Az and learned last year we have no cell reception there. 

 

Piggy family.

 

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit. Some of my favourite pictures taken here in the park. Repeats of course but I still like them.

Until next time…. take care, be safe,

Deb

New place to call home, amazing sunset....

Our Location:  Saddle Mountain BLM Land, Tonopah, Arizona

A trip to the clubhouse last night to post my blog, no one was there. It was quiet but the net lagged so I used my own jet pack to post but for just doing face book and email the free wifi was great. 

The view out our front door.

Up this morning around 4 am, think I'm finished sleeping for the day. Read some blogs, made some comments, did a little internet surfing.  The coyotes are howling at 5:30 am, not yapping, just howling. Sound pretty far off in the distance but who knows. 

Coyotes hanging around Why Not Travel Store

Not as cool this morning as it has been lately. The wind has died away now and that's always helpful with over night temps too. Today is moving day so we'll be up and about earlier than usual. Or at least Riley will be, I'm usually up between 4 - 6 am here. 

HRH Miss Kitty

I think I'm kind of getting used to the time zone thing. I'm usually an early riser back in Ontario as well. At 4 am here it is 6 am back there, which is usually when I'm getting out of bed at our summer location. I'm out the door, walking the 1/4 or so mile to Dad's house for morning coffee by 6:15 am. I think the 4 am thing makes me tired just thinking about being up so early. Know what I mean?

Near Buckeye, Arizona, very green....

We left Coyote Howls East around 8:30 am, after dumping and dropping our tag off at the office. As we just finished dumping George popped around the corner to wish us safe and happy travels. Bye George, safe travels ahead for you and Suzie!!

Barry Goldwater Air Force Range area....

 
We stopped around the corner at the Why Not Travel Store for propane, filling our two small cylinders. It took just about the same as the big tank did, and we were happy to leave with all four propane cylinders full.  Two coyotes hanging around the gas pumps weren’t easily scared away and kept returning hoping for a hand out. They were still there when I last looked in my rear view mirror. 

Look more like jagged teeth and mountains.

We pass through the little town of Ajo (Ah -ho) and continued along AZ-85 toward Gila Bend, (He - la) we were enjoying the amazing scenery. We passed through the Barry Goldwater Air Force Range and the mountains were literally standing on end, looking more like jagged teeth than anything else. It was an amazing sight to see. 

Standing on end ....

We neared the suburb of Buckeye (out laying area of Phoenix) and missed the turn for Salome Hwy, but no worries we just picked up I-10 toward Los Angeles. The interstate isn’t the smoothest ride we’ve been on but it wasn’t the worst either. Lots of big trucks passing us by at a very high rate of speed. 

Medium between the two roads....

We pulled off in the little area of 441 Ave in Tonopah. I was surprised there was no public area with an outdoor spigot and we finally asked at a fuel station if we could fill with water and they agreed. Seems they are all on wells in this area. Another time I’d fill in Buckeye, I’m sure it would have some where public to fill up. Needless to say we will be frequenting that fuel stop while in this area. 

We aren't far away now....

Off we headed down the road looking for Courthouse Road. From there it was easy to find the BLM land at the base of Saddle Mountain. We checked out all three roads and settled in the first spot we had liked on the first road taken. Isn’t that just the way?  We have a strong AT&T signal here, and first thing after setting up and starting the Weber to heat up,  I called my Dad, chatted for 15 minutes. 

Sunset shining on the mountain behind us...

We have an amazing spot with a breath taking view out our side door, and all around us in fact but the view out the door is truly the reason we picked the spot. We can see I-10 from our location but can’t hear a thing. A few noises here and there like shooting or something way off, but nothing to bother us. We have a huge site all to ourselves, with our nearest neighbour more than shouting distance away. 

Looking toward the north east....

We went for a walk after lunch, I have no idea how much distance we covered but we were gone for about an hour. When we returned home I started doing some clean up around our site but broke my little folding rake so I had to stop. I’ll pick one up in Buckeye on our trip in there and continue at another time. The roads here are pretty good, with a few that are unfit for long rigs to traverse but they are far back near the base of the mountain.  I think these roads join each other back at the base of the mountain and aren't necessary to travel as each road can be reached from Courthouse Road. The only other issue of any kind might be the exit from the hardtop to the dirt road. Like most of the BLM lands I’ve driven in so far there is quite a lip from the flat surface to the dirt road. However there are a number of different kinds, shapes and heights of vehicles here including some large and small motor homes, some tow behind campers and of course a few 5’ers as well. As they all seem to be parked and staying perhaps the lip is not a problem. Lots of spots, most of them are pretty good, maybe need a wee bit of leveling but nothing too drastic. 

The sun is heading down....

We’ve seen no evidence of coyotes but I’m certain they are around. It’s quiet, peaceful and inspiring. As it is BLM land we can only stay 14 days but according to a fellow we chatted with, no one has been around to check and he’s been in the area for a while. I didn’t ask what a while is but it sounded like at least a week. 

Sinking further and further...

It is now 5:40 pm, the sun has gone down and I’m still sitting outside in shorts but with a fleece sweater typing my post. The windows and vents are shut but the big door is open. The temp reads 63F/ 17C. Not a bad way to spend our first evening here. 

Streaks of red in the night sky...

Our first impression, excellent. I’ll let you know in a few days if our first impressions were correct but I’ll tell you right now I can hear absolutely NO noise from any of the rigs parked here. We can’t hear the Interstate and nothing except maybe a few crickets. Should be nice sleeping here.

Sunset over the Dogsled and Igloo

So there you have it, our travel day. We left Why, Arizona around 9 am and arrived  at Tonopah, Arizona right around 11:30 am. We traveled a bit over 100 miles/ 160 km. It took us a while to select a site, set up and set the Igloo to ‘home’ status again. However I was cooking lunch and chatting with my Dad by 2:15 pm. The drive was easy, no major towns, or no major interchanges to deal with and it was scenic as well.

The last gasp.....

Thanks for stopping by, feel free to leave a comment.

Until next time…take care, be safe,

Deb


 

Our last day at Coyote Howls East, and happy hour with George & Suzie.....

Our Location: Coyote Howls East, Why, Arizona

Riley and I went to the clubhouse last night to post my blog and plug in for a bit. The clubhouse location didn't improve the wifi speed and the reason was obvious once we settled down into a couple of chairs. At least two people were streaming tv shows in the clubhouse during what would be peak user times for the internet. It was unbelievably slow and I should have taken our own jet pack with us. I wanted to take advantage of the plug in capability as my laptop dies fast and at times will just shut off even at 50% battery life left. I had the battery replaced last year but I think I'll have to figure out something else like perhaps getting a second external battery to use as well.

  

A full moon a few nights ago...

A warmer night last night than it's been for a while. I slept late this morning and didn't open my eyes until almost 8 am. What a sluggard I'm becoming!!

I'm pretty certain a math whiz lives here....

I spent some time sorting laundry, changing my linens and doing my morning routine before settling down with a cup of hot chocolate. Riley made her appearance just about  9 am and together we discussed our plans for the day. Since it's a pre -travel day we aren't going to do much except hang around the Igloo. 

You could easily miss him.....

About 9:30 am I loaded the laundry into the Dogsled, headed out to the laundromat here in the campground. The machines are clean, inexpensive and do a good job. Washing price is $2 per load, and drying in the dryer is .25 cents for 8 minutes. They also have a line outside and supply clothespins to use as well. However they were in use and so I opted for the dryer. 

Riley loves the colour....

Back home after putting things in the washer I managed to do a few little tidy chores in the outside cubbie as things have accumulated in all the wrong places while we've been here a week. By the time I had those put away properly it was back to the laundry to move things to the dryer. 

A dead Teddy Bear Cactus with Xmas lights....

Back at the Igloo George stopped by for a quick chat on one of his walk abouts. Always nice to chat with George, he's very knowledgeable about many things and offers helpful hints or ideas and places to go to purchase, or have work done. After George departed back to the laundry again, this time to bring it home. We folded our four loads back here at home and put them all away. Always nice to have the laundry done! 

Sure is beaten up, but still green....

Riley headed outside to read for a bit and I started prepping lunch. Nice green salad, along with spaghetti squash (Italian herbs/butter) and a mixed veggie packet as well with Oregano, and Thyme, topped off with Bourbon Chicken Breast. I can tell you, it was wonderful. 

This is a mural beside the Shell station in Ajo

A quick tidy up, we grabbed our chairs and headed down to spend Happy Hour with George and Suzie. It was nice to sit down and chatter away for a while, getting to know each other a bit. Soon it was time to say good bye, hope to see you on down the road and we were off back home to the Igloo. 

 

Blurry, taken with my phone, but see the coyote?

We packed up most of the outside stuff, leaving a few things for the morning. With two of us working at it we were finished quickly.  A brazen coyote walked down the middle of the  road next to ours as we were packing up. We also seen one earlier while we were arriving at George and Suzie's (Our Awesome Travels). They are certainly not afraid of people. 

On a building in Ajo

Tomorrow morning we have a few chores to handle before pulling out but we hope to be on the road before 9 am. A short haul tomorrow, only a couple of hours, a bit over 100 miles. We're looking forward to seeing new places, and setting up home in a new location. 

Before packing up....

So there you have it, our last day here at Coyote Howls East. We've enjoyed our stay here, the area is certainly interesting and if our cell service ever gets better in this area we would certainly stay longer. 

  

After packing up....

Thanks for stopping by, glad to have you. Feel free to leave a comment. 

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

Deb 

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