Tuesday, January 23, 2024

A rainy night and day….

 

Our Location:

BLM Ogilby Road, Winterhaven, California 


Last night’s sunset and today’s rain.

Sunset January 21, 2024




Happy Birthday Courtney, I love the hair. Her hair is usually a very pretty auburn colour but she had it bleached in preparation for some additional bright colours!




Last night it started to rain off and on and it has continued all day. These were my wet forays outside this afternoon. I hope you appreciate how wet it was out there for me take these photos for you!


The wash is dry at 1:51 pm.

Lots of water on the high


It is no longer dry at 2:51 pm.

The high ground is also starting to have little rivers.


A different view of the wash at 2:52 pm.


It is now 3:35 pm, there is a strong current present. 


From this to…

to almost nothing in just 30 minutes.

A very odd shaped cloud as the rain ended.

Clouds over the Cargo Muchacho.

The rain is over….it’s almost sunset.



It is completely dry now.



I did nothing to any of the sunset photos. No editing of any kind.












I hope you enjoyed today’s photos.


Until next time….


Take care, stay safe,


Deb






Saturday, January 20, 2024

We are still here….

 

Our Location:

Ogilby Road, Winterhaven, California 



There is nothing like the desert. It brings forth strong emotions in people. We either love it or hate it, there doesn’t seem to be an in between. What brought this thought about you ask? Riley and I were discussing our lifestyle, what we like, dislike, would change, etc.  To be honest, except for having this rig totally repaired, solar on the roof, new tires on both the rig and truck, we truly can’t think of anything we would change or do differently. We wouldn’t go anywhere different, not our end destination at least. A different route, sure, a different time of year, like earlier in the fall, or a bit later in the spring, sure, we would adjust those things if possible but it really isn’t. We are truly happy here in the southwest desert of California. We love our summer spot, it offers almost everything we could wish. It is truly a very good life. We are fortunate.


Pics from our ride with Deb and Tom. Not a great pic but I love the colours.

I never tire of this open pit mine view.

The tailing pile is showing signs of erosion.

It is an interesting view as you approach, don’t you think?


When last I wrote a post, we were newly alone, our friends had engagements elsewhere but we had some of our own right here. Ours however, have been delayed due to a lingering cough, which I can say is now pretty much gone.


The desert loves all things pointy.

I love the colours.

It is a weave of colourful sharp needles.

The prickly pears are  covered with nearly invisible little sliver like spines.


We have done a little strolling around the area, nothing too strenuous though. We have discovered that the Rest Area on I-8 that we use for fresh water and garbage disposal is closed for some unknown reason. It has been over a week now. There are no signs anywhere saying it’s closed, one only knows when approaching as the ramps are blocked with orange traffic cones, a sign among the cones stating “RAMP CLOSED” is the only information. I can find nothing on the internet either. Ah, the mysterious unknown. 


A visit with Nancy.

We had a great time Nancy, thanks for coming out.

No, it’s not the Dogsled, but Nancy’s Chevy.

We have of course been into Yuma a couple of times. We have visited the Arizona Marketplace twice now in the past 2 weeks. We purchased a number of items, including new LED lights for the Igloo, two new light fixtures, and a bar for holding shoes in the closet. The closet is so skinny and tall, it is pretty much useless so we came up with a possible use, other than key storage. 


One of two blankets we purchased for our chairs.


We purchased an Air Fryer.

Our time here has been brightened considerably by a visit from Nancy Kissack ( Kissack Adventures ). It seems we have been missing each other for sometime now and it so happens we were all in the same area for a very short time. We managed a visit here on Ogilby Road, the time slipped past as quickly as snapping one’s fingers. I almost forgot to get a pic, otherwise no one would believe it. I had to flag her down in  a cloud of dust! It was a very enjoyable couple of hours. We hope to do it again in the future.


This is the best use for the closet, it is so tall and skinny.

I installed two of these and disconnected two pot lights. We like these better.

Riley and I visited Mexico to exchange a blanket we purchased. We enjoyed lunch out, chatted with a number locals and just had a great time. We found a new to us place to eat. We were told about it a few weeks ago while standing in line coming back. I will admit, we didn’t try it yet but we at least found it.


Los Algodones, Mexico

We didn’t stop in, but we will next time.

Chatting with folks back at our summer spot, lots of snow, seems like it snowed for a number of days in a row. Very cold as well. Everything is hanging with several inches of snow. It is impossible to get off the plowed or blown trails as one just gets mired. No wood cutting for that reason.


Those metal works were shining in the sun, the camera didn’t pick it up.

I love these little alleys.


Nephew Jason flew home for a while but will be heading back to Revelstoke, BC to continue his adventures. I’m sure they are all very happy to be together once again. 


Not sure it’s very comfortable.


The temps have been much improved here. We are sleeping with windows open most nights. When I do that you definitely know it’s nice!


Bloody Mary and Double X beer.



As promised I added a few pics from our ride into the Cargo Muchacho Mountains with Deb and Tom.  


Thanks for stopping by, I hope you are all having an awesome day.


Until next time….


Take care, stay safe,


Deb







Saturday, January 13, 2024

And there was one….

 

Our Location:

Ogilby Road, Winterhaven, California 


The days have been slipping past here on Ogilby Road in a kind of quiet rush that some how doesn’t seem to be in hurry. Do you know what I mean?


An all male chat. Kieth, Ken and Tom.

We had our last happy hour together, Deb and Tom, Ken and Kim, Keith, Riley and I on January 8. Riley and I supplied some goodies, various kinds of Jerky ( Riley is a big fan of jerky), and  Bloody Mary’s. It was a bit on the windy side and so we all moved over on the far side of Journey to get out of the cool wind.


Keith and Oreo pulled out first.


On January 9, our fellow Canucks all left the little neighbourhood, Ken and Kim, Keith and Oreo all headed out to move their homes to Q. We all said our goodbyes, hugs, see ya laters, and they were gone in a cloud of dust! Riley and I enjoyed spending time with all of them and truly look forward to meeting up again in the future! 


Ken and Kim pulling out next.


That left Deb and Tom, Riley and I here on home dirt. We all climbed in to the Baby B ( their new Jeep) and headed off back into the Cargo Muchacho Mountains on Wednesday but we could not find the way through. It was a fun ride anyway and I will show those pics another day.


Kieth in the lead, Ken and then Kim. A mini caravan!


Deb and Tom were supposed to pull out on Thursday, January 11 but with the wind gusts and the massive amount of dust in the air, they stayed put! Deb came over for happy hour, (Tom was resting) and we chatted and laughed the afternoon away. 


It was very dusty as you can see.


Before sunrise on Friday, January 12, the last of our neighbours pulled out. Hugs, see ya again soon, and they were off. I watched them leave as the sun was still coming up and hadn’t yet breached the horizon.  




Riley and I had plans for town and soon after the sun was up, we too climbed into a vehicle and head out, but the rig stayed put, we would be coming back. The Arco, Dollar Tree, Marshalls, Yuma Marketplace, Walmart and we were home. We need to return to Marshalls, and the Marketplace but we will do that next week. It was a very empty looking piece of home dirt but we are happy to be here and it will be like in our early years, just us. We have always enjoyed being in the desert, we feel safe, we like the peace, and since this rig is solar free yet, we have no worries that the generator will annoy anyone. It is small and fairly quiet but it’s still a generator. This will bring back loads of memories, just us!


We couldn’t see the Imperial Dunes for a lot of the day as you can see in the top pic.

I chatted with Dad last night. They have had a major storm a few days ago, buses didn’t run, lots of snow, rain, freezing rain, sleet, etc. I think he said they have around 8-10 inches, and it was staring to snow again with another major storm due to dump about that amount again today into Sunday. A very big dip in the temperature is coming as well. I believe winter is officially under way at the Rock in Lake Huron.


The rest of the neighbours are pulling out.


A side note for me, nephew Jason is back in Revelstoke, BC. The snow is deep and very light, they seem to be doing some better with the ability to get around. Jason took possession of his brand new Polaris upon his arrival on or about Dec 28, 2023. Less than 800 klm/500 miles later his machine has had a major breakdown. The sled needs to be airlifted from the mountain due to a major clutch issue among other things. It will be there two nights on the mountain before that happens.  Jason had to double up with friends to get off the mountain! Polaris has reached out to him, I hope they pay for the air lift! Good luck Jason!


The sun is not yet up! Bye guys, see you again!


A few other little notes, Alicia and Craig Young are proud parents of another little boy, I have no other details! It will be a brother for Tucker, another grandson for Keith and Brenda, and another cousin for Hudson and Lainey. A new nephew for Leah and Jason, Bobby and Maddie. Congratulations to all.



The three spots are empty….

SIL Janet celebrates a birthday tomorrow, January 14. Happy Birthday darlin’. As soon as this cough is gone we will be up to an Indian Wells to visit. We miss you like crazy!   Happy Birthday to cousin Craig, he celebrates on the 20th. He is real go getter and has tried his hand at many things but I think he loves driving as he seems always to end up doing a job that requires it.   Happy Birthday to oldest daughter Courtney as she celebrates another one on the 22nd. She is a vibrant, bubbly, exciting young lady, she is very enthusiastic about all things and loves to explore. We love you, miss you and hope you have a wonderful day sweetheart!


and there was one….


I believe we are caught up. We see warmer weather in our forecast and we are looking forward to it. There are a number of things we hope to do in the next few weeks, I will keep you updated. 


Until next time…..


Take care, stay safe,


Deb



Sunday, January 7, 2024

It’s going to be a windy day…..

 

Our Location:

Ogilby Road, Winterhaven, California 


Well we are comfortably into the new year now. Although I will admit it’s pretty much business as usual here on home dirt.


Deb D purchased new glasses in this alley at a shop called Norwest.


Riley and I had a visit with friends from back home a few days ago. Willie and Rick came by the Igloo for a couple of hours and after we all headed into Yuma for dinner and more visiting. I didn’t take a single pic. I can’t believe I forgot. It was a fabulous visit and we enjoyed it greatly.


Taken last year in Mexico. Willie and Rick.

Deb, Tom, Riley and I ventured to Mexico for a few hours and enjoyed lunch out. We met up with Kim, Ken and Keith and chatted for a few minutes before they headed off home.


Lunch in Mexico.



Happy Birthday today to Sheila. I hope you have a fantastic day. Sheila is my cousin, we spent a lot of time together as kids. Also a birthday wish to my niece Amber, she celebrates on the 9th. She is my sister’s oldest child, and has 3 of her own. 



Sorry for the glare in the next three pics. Taken in the Jeep coming from Mexico.



The canal is just behind the weeds.


It looks like Jason and his pals are having a great time on the Canada-America border at Stewart, BC. They can stage/offload in Alaska and sled back over the mountains to Canada. It appears they are exploring some interesting places. Have fun, stay safe guys!


A better shot of the canal.


Riley’s cough is now gone and mine is almost gone. We hope to be cough free and visit SIL/Aunt Janet soon. The forecast is for rain and wind today, we’ve tucked away the chairs and things as the winds will be getting up to the 20 mile mark. There have been a few drops of rain already as have been writing this post. An inside day I think.


Until next time….


Take care, stay safe,


Deb



Wednesday, January 3, 2024

A nice few days….

 

Our Location:

Ogilby Road, Winterhaven, California 


I trust we all survived the end of 2023 and have now settled into 2024. We passed the evening and the day with good friends Deb and Tom  , Ken and Kim, John and Brenda(they were here for New Year’s Eve only), and Keith. A good time was had by all.


New Year’s Eve happy hour.


Sunset, New Year’s Eve.



We really haven’t done anything exciting or interesting in the past few days. I’ve chatted with everyone back home once or twice, they report a light dusting of snow but colder temps in the future. Nephew Jason and a number of his friends who were in Revelstoke, BC sledding have  moved on to Alaska due to poor snow in the area. It’s nice to be young! Have fun, stay safe guys.


More sunset pics.



We did have a few adult libations.

Cooler weather has us wearing more long pants and looking forward to warmer temps. Tom and Ken left early yesterday (Jan 2) for an adventure of their own. The rest of us managed to amuse ourselves for the day.


Sunrise this morning, Jan 3,2024


And now it’s popped over the hills.

Today our friends Willie and Rick from the Rock in Lake Huron will be in the area and we will be getting together for a visit of some kind! We are excited to see someone from home.


Today’s pics are an accumulation over the past few days.


Until next time…..


Take care, stay safe,


Deb