Thankfully not snow like many received even in Arizona, my week of watchable weather came in the form of clouds, wind, temperatures in the 50s, and rainy days boondocking by the Plomosa Mountains.
Awoke to rain and a plan to meet friends at the “Big Tent RV Show”. It poured, so we walked up and down the uncrowded aisles in the big tent avoiding puddles of water flowing under the artificial turf. Masks were required and mostly worn correctly. Other than kitchen froofroos, generators, portable solar, and back massagers, there really wasn’t all that much RV stuff. Felt like avoiding hawkers at a carnival. Just not my thing. I did buy a 10 foot power cord for my phone which might be overkill in a 12 foot camper but… Wandering outside during a rain lull the smell of BBQ drew us all in to buy lunch to go and we took it a couple miles down the road to Bob and Fran’s large 5th-wheel.
Although dressed for the weather I still caught a chill so went to bed early and woke up OK and to a much sunnier day. Good thing, as Mary came out from visiting friends in Quartzsite in the afternoon. I stayed at her place last spring on my way north back to Bryce Canyon.
Brutally windy days I just don’t go outside. I am grateful to have my comforts met in this tiny camper-home. With enough power, I spend entire days trying to catch up from a year ago labeling photos. Funny thing, sometimes the view is the same a year later.
The next day not too windy, I can feel the clouds call and go out for a walk. As much as I love sunny and warm for my body I also love watchable weather in the form of clouds that create light and shadow on the land.
I discovered this Barrel cactus and upon careful but closer inspection discover it is basically hollow, dead yet dangerous. The desert is full of surprises.
Later in the afternoon, I practice caution going in and out of the camper for a lot more photos. There are distant RVs in much of my view, yet not as many as houses in a subdivision. It really is a lovely neighborhood.
I saw virga at sunset and wondered if rain would follow.
Gentle but consistent rain over night left the ground damp and the air filled with the lovely smell of petrichor. The moisture also enhanced evidence of human activity.
Yet with temps in the mid-40s I didn’t stay outside for longer than a few photos.
And yet even under cloudy skies the solar panels were charging and provided at least 4-5 hours of power a day for computer and phone.
More dark clouds the next day with wind so strong I could barely open the camper door.
Rained on and off all day.
This followed by a clear windy day with the only watchable weather being the flag blowing stiff as a board. I again spent the day inside. Lessons learned about flying a flag attached to the camper in high wind: 1. don’t want one any bigger; 2. slapping and flapping is very annoying; 3. difficult to take down; 4. truck cab the only place it can fit and not live with it.
Several chilly rainy days boondocking meant using more propane for heat. With only 1/4 tank left I knew it was time to head back into town and take care of the usual business of dump and fill tanks.
Fallstreak hole cloud
So I headed to Shady Lane RV Court in Quartzsite in the morning while thinking about where to be for the full Wolf moon rise.
That was a very interesting week of weather indeed. We were over near Mesa, AZ and got snow. Rain all day turned to snow for a few hours. I have photos of 2″ of snow on my truck camper and white on the ground. That did not last long, as the snow changed back to rain. I enjoyed your photos and story as always.
Thanks. Sounds like your weather was more “interesting” than mine.
I know what you mean about seeing the same view from one winter to the next. I come back to the same places in Florida. From the sounds of your weather, I’m glad I’m here and not in AZ. Temps in the 70’s, mosty sunny days, some rain but mostly at night here. But I have to say, while I love being tucked into the woods, your skies and the clouds are magnificent and the immediate access to sunrise and sunset fantastic. Maybe I can look for someplace warmer in winter in the desert.
Most people get the same view out their windows every day, so at least our changes more than that. Cloudy this morning at 56° not bad. Might have to go to Mexico to get a warmer winter.
Your cloud photos are intriguing. I’m experienced the same weather as I’m in the Palm Springs area. You must have a very large hard drive for all your photos. I’ve been organizing my photo files and haven’t even labeled the photos.
Same storm systems. I have multiple external drives and am anal about labeling photos.
Your beautiful photos are bringing back so many memories of the changing weather around Quartzsite.
Even as cool as it is we’d love to be there. Much colder here.
Be Safe and Enjoy the beauty of nature.
It’s about time.
Thanks. Q is an interesting place of changing winter weather but definitely warmer than where you are.
That rain should bode well for a spring wildflower bloom! I saw that little flooded maze – I wonder who made it? (Aliens? 😳) The clouds over the vast desert are so mysterious. Snow is supposed to start tomorrow morning – I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
We need so much more rain but will take what comes with a smile. I pray for more snow your way.
Stunning set of photos, just love the first two they are very special. One, ten and twelve photos I could happily look at every day. Having said that, your February calendar photo is magical to look at for this month, but March is teasing me in the corner.
Take it easy keep warm and stay safe, Diane and Nigel
Thanks. Feels special to look at this landscape over many days.
‘Watchable Weather’ that’s a term that needs to catch on. The news just has the term ‘Weather Watch’, which is not nearly as positive. Wonderful pictures of the changing desert.
Thanks. Have I coined a new phrase? I like to watch the weather as long as it’s not snow or ice.
What a life! Amazing photos.
Thanks. Actually seems like a boring life to me lately.
You sure found a great place for taking photographs of the sky and mountains. Spectacular!! I used to do all the boat, rv, car, and other shows at the fairgrounds but not during this pandemic. Still a high percentage of deniers here who refuse to be cautious, so I take care of myself.
Love your flag, I know the flapping bothers you but here we still got a bunch of MAGA flags flying.
The desert is full of awesome places for photography, even if I don’t seem to be moving around much. I rarely do shows of any kind any more, especially with COVID. Couldn’t believe how many hat wearing MAGA folks were wandering around. Thanks, I do like my flag just not when the wind is really whipping.