At the end of my first summer season at Oregon Caves National Monument I gave away the cheap car to a fellow guide and hit the road to continue on with my gypsy life.
Me leading a cave tour at Oregon Caves
Darl joined me with her own motorhome and we caravanned south to run away from winter and sell at flea markets. The first place we set up was in Yucca Valley, California where we could sell on weekends and stay set up and live on site all week.
.jpg "Darl models jewelry Yucca Valley CA")
Darl at Yucca Valley flea market
Darl decided to go to a conference in Las Vegas, so we picked out some nice jewelry for her to wear. Unfortunately her motorhome blew a rod on the way there; she was towed in, enjoyed the conference, and then was towed back to Yucca Valley by a friend.
.jpg "Gaelyn at Joshua Tree NP CA")
Me at Joshua Tree National Park
I met a local man who sold jewelry at the flea market. We spent some time hiking in the area. One day he brought me flowers, boxes of flowers. He wanted me to remember him as the man who brought me the most flowers. And I do.
.jpg "Gaelyn surrounded by flowers Yucca Valley CA")
Me in RV with the most flowers
After visiting friends selling in Vicksburg, Arizona we decided to join them. Darl sold the dead motorhome and bought a little trailer in Vicksburg. We loaded all her stuff, personal and merchandise, into my motorhome and moved on New Years Eve.
.jpg "Flea market Vicksburg AZ")
Our set up in Vicksburg
This flea market was open seven days a week, if you wanted, and we lived on site at a crossroads in the middle of nowhere desert, just beyond Hope.
.jpg "Sunset Vicksburg AZ")
Ah, the winter desert was beautiful to walk through and the sunsets were spectacular. Yet as spring approached I knew it was time to return to work at Oregon Caves.
I was looking forward to this weeks episode…but yet another cliff hanger.
I worked one winter season at Joshua Tree, (at the time), National Monument. I followed and counted Desert Tortoises and created a little report reccomending where to set up additional permanent study plots. So is Joshua Tree where you will be working this Winter/Spring?
Once again a very interesting blog I love the Joshua Tree photo and who dosen’t love receiving flowers? Happy New Year – Judith
My husband and I have thought about doing some sort of semi paid volunteer work at a state or national park..havent yet done it but will someday…
What a great lifestyle this fulltimeing is!
Happy new year!
Very interesting — I can’t wait for the next installment. The sunset picture is gorgeous.
Sounds like such an amazing way to live and travel. Sometimes I look at trailers and motorhomes and actually think about doing something like that. Great post.
🙂
Thanks for the memories love. I'm so greatful to be your friend & a part of your journey. Love & later, Darl
Hmmmm, I am wondering if Flower Man did not have a bit of a crush on you. Very nice!
What a romatic man. Love all the flowers and the sunset. I really love all the big boulders you are sitting on the most!
Great sunset photograph. I loved the story about the flowers.
Nice story, and the pictures too.
Yes, the last pic – Sunset is my pick.
Happy New Year 2009!
Great photos and story, looking forward to the next installment.
Darn, you break off just when one is settled into a good yarn. Love the flower man, what a thrill!
Great adventures you are having.
A very Happy New Year to YOu!
A lovely part of the world to dwell in.
We just went through Hope, to beyond Hope, yesterday. We really do need to get together for lunch in wickenburg soon!
Wonderful landscape ! I have travelled through Arizona in the 90th and still remember the beauty of this State !
I wish you a happy New Year !
Lost of people have mentioned Joshua Tree. When I lived in Southern California it was a favourite place to go star watching. It was nice to see some warm shots on this cold, windy Canadian night. – Margy
What a fun story – we’re hooked! Love the photos too – the last one of the sunset is stellar!