February 22-28, 2017
I really am on my way home, but there’s no hurry.
For almost three weeks I’ve been moving back and forth between Darby Well Road free camping on BLM and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument at $8/night with my Greezer discount, which I’ll take thank you. So when I left the monument for the second time it was back to Darby again, just for one night. Bill and Emily, who I just recently met, had discovered another double crested organ pipe cactus and I just had to see it, and them. Off a little side road, you really have to just wander the desert like Bill does to almost, but not quite I hope, trip on these anomalies.
I donated some fresh frozen Canadian salmon for dinner, given to me by a friend back in the Kofa, and Emily BBQed it to perfection. Stayed so long chatting after walking over that Bill had to drive me home in the dark.
Before I left in the morning Bill wanted to show me something he couldn’t explain not far from their site. So we walked across the road, scrambled through some dense brush and found some softball-sized what could only be dried gourds wedged into bush branches. Four of them, plus one on the ground—the only one I took a photo of. That’s it. Haven’t seen gourds growing anywhere nearby. I have to guess the wind brought them in.
Thursday I drove to Quartzsite and found a whole different and almost empty desert to camp in only six miles south of town off La Paz Valley Road within sight of where I’d been a month before but this time without 1000s of my new best friends. That night I finally figured out and downloaded “Google Now” so I can talk and search, talk and text, talk and comment on FB, and could maybe even talk a post which I haven’t tried yet. You all probably do this, but sometimes I resist the tech.
Because of this tech I was able to request a map from google to my desert location and email it to Berta. Neither of us do GPS (don’t rush me). With a few extra phone instructions I guided her in to my off road location and we played in Quartzsite Friday after brunch. Did I buy anything? Of course, that’s why I stay away from there. All but one strand of beads is NOT turquoise. The cabochon is Sonoran Sunrise Jasper from Mexico, a blend of bright aqua-green chrysocolla, red cuprite and black tenorite. Plus an obsidian blank for a friend who knaps arrowheads.
Then after Berta left for home I moved my location north of Quartzsite on BLM Plomosa Road not far from Kim, another friend met through blogging. She’s kind of let her blog go but was at Blogger-Fest 2017 where we ran into each other again this year. As usual, I forgot to take pics of Kim but she took one of me.
Saturday I finally had the pleasure of meeting Jodee, Bill, and Tessa the fluffy dog. Been following these three since before they hit the road, was it almost two years ago. Deja vu. Like the new/old friends we are conversation rolled along faster than our RVs do. Of course I liked them instantly. They took me to lunch at Taco Mio where I took one not so good photo of Bill and Jodee in the restaurant. But Jodee got the best selfie at their RV park after lunch and I took the shot of Tessa.
Returned to the Plomosa Road camp and went for a short walk with Kim and Barb. So much amazing rock I find myself staring down all the time. Found, quartz, chalcedony almost roses, jasper, and more I don’t know or look so much alike because of the dark desert varnish.
Then Solar Johnny showed up to swap out my old readout panel for a brand new digital model because he collects all things old solar.
Sunday I was finally on my way home. Didn’t leave early because of possible morning rain which didn’t happen and it’s only a two drive. Stopped at Berta’s for a hug and to pick up mail. Was a pretty sunset in Kirkland but I was too tired after unloading to go out and take photos. Monday gray and rainy all day and Tuesday more of the same with late afternoon clearing.
And rain brings flowers. But clear for Wednesday when I leave again for Valley of Fire State Park to meet up with some more new, and old friends.
I believe your ‘gourd’ is a ‘saguaro boot’ created from a bird nesting hole. I just learned of them at the Mission Trails VC in San Diego. Odd things, but the local Kumeyaay used them as water containers. Beautiful pictures, as always. Safe travels home!
Thanks. These were actually gourds complete with seeds. I have seen the saguaro boots.
I just read about the “gourd like” things on someone’s blog (I’m sorry but I don’t remember whose it was). As I remember it, they are called “saguaro boots,” and they are formed when a bird makes a hole in a saguaro for nesting. In turn, the saguaro secretes something resinous that hardens and seals off the nest, which is good for both saguaro and bird. Eventually, after the saguaro dies, just the shell of the “boot” remains and lies on the ground, looking like a gourd.
I just posted about the Saguaro boot. But these were definitely gourds.
Oops, sorry. I had opened your blog post and then got distracted, after which I came back and posted about the “boots.” However in the meantime, Jeff had already identified them (but I didn’t see his post as I had not refreshed the page).
Cool phenomenon – I’ll have to watch for them next time I’m in saguaro country.
You explained much better, Luna. I was going to make Gaelyn work for her Jr. Ranger Badge!
I always work for my Junior Ranger badges. 😉
Boy you have really been the social butterfly. I can’t keep up with all the folks you meet. A sweet set up to go back and forth between Darby and Oregon pipe. Love the picture of you and Bill and Jodee.
This really has been a social winter and it’s not over yet. I too love the selfie Jodee took.
Good morning Gaelyn.
I was out with a friend yesterday who used to live in Lake Havasu. I had told her of your beautiful photography and your work at the Grand Canyon.
She was wondering if there are still mule rides down to the bottom of the Canyon. I didn’t know but told her I would ask you.
Thanks as always for the gorgeous photos.
Rosemary
Mule rides go from the south rim to the bottom by concession. Check the park’s website for more info. Thanks Rosemary.
It’s great to meet so many blogging friends — I’m in awe! You scored some lovely purchases at Q….
I really try to meet bloggers. I feel like I already know them so it’s the natural next step.
You are a gal on the go, Gaelyn! Love reading about your adventures and seeing the desert landscape. We skied Vail today – blue sky and sunny with new snow. Perfect!
Sounds like good times on the slopes. In my mind, winter is for travel and play in warm places.