Welcome to windy spring in the desert Southwest

I almost called this post “Dust in the Wind” because that’s what happens during spring in the desert Southwest.  Yes, it’s a reoccurring theme and you might be tired of reading about the wind and wonder why I come here at all.  I think it’s common for spring all over to be windy as the weather patterns change.  But truly, I’d rather watch dust fly at 60° than snow at anything below 40°.

Sunrise over Kofa Mts

After several days of visitors stopping along their travels I felt like I should go somewhere too.  Maybe there would be flowers blooming somewhere announcing spring in the desert Southwest.

But then the temperature warmed and, dare I say, the wind slowed down enough to spend time outside just enjoying the views.

A rather skinny ground squirrel appeared and chased up a large beetle that got away.  A few lizards scurried from bush to bush.  I was almost ready to seek shade at 85° but instead, like a lizard, I soaked up the apricity like the sun worshiper I am.

Then there’s the clouds drifting over the land to bring patches of light and shadows.

And a blazing sunset.

Too good to last as winter tries to hold back spring in the desert Southwest.  Winter’s north wind clocks around into summer’s south wind and spring is hold onto your hat, go fly a kite, time of year.  Temperature remained in my comfort zone but the wind blew obnoxiously.  I tried unsuccessfully to sit outside for a while and read.  All windows and door open on the camper made that comfortable until the strong wind caused me to close the door.  Hair, dirt, and dust blow everywhere. I see motes in sunrays.  The dust has my sinuses acting up.  Did manage to get out for a gorgeous sunset.  March came in like a gentle lamb, briefly, and then turned into an angry goat.  I suspect it will go out like a lion.  Especially as my birthday is the end of March and I was born in a snow storm.  So if I’m somewhere it can snow, it will.  I really don’t want to be where that could happen.

The next morning started with no clouds as I watch the shafts of sunrise on the Kofa Mountains.

Then the clouds blew in and continued putting on a show.

A few teasing sprinkles of rain fell but not enough to wash away the dust in the air.

And the wind blew, and blew, and blew.

(possible calendar shot?)

I managed to get outside just a few times to snap some photos.  However, most of the day’s shots were taken through the dirty window and some with my phone.

With daytime temperatures in the mid 60s and fierce wind blowing I again considered a change of location.  But in order to stay warmer than anywhere north of here I would still have to deal with the winds of spring in the desert Southwest.  Besides, I try not to go anywhere on a weekend.

So, another day of indoor photography, including a fuzzy window shot of a Loggerhead Shrike balancing on the wind blown tip of an Ocotillo.

Sunday, I once again have company.  Bob, from northern California, finally made it to the Arizona desert after brake work on the way down.  He pulled into camp Kofa in the afternoon and thankfully the wind had dropped enough to sit outside chatting under the warm sunshine.  Now we’re both talking about boondocking south of Ajo but not until after a few more days exploring the Kofa Mountains back roads which can be done in his classic conversion 4×4 Chevy van.

Then last night, just after sunset Bob spotted a Kit Fox in camp and managed to get a great photo.  I was already in for the night having dinner.  Damn.  You may remember the scat I found on my outdoor welcome mat a little while back and thought perhaps fox.

I am more than ready for winter to be over, as I’m sure are many of you.  I wish there’d been more rain on this parched land.  Seems like time to find a few wildflowers.  Also time to move further south once again for a little more warmth, a little less wind, and more signs of spring in the desert Southwest.