It’s been cloudy with intermittent blue sky over the Cargo Muchacho Mountains where I’ve taken a few walks exploring the terrain.
I love winter in the warm Southwest because I frequently wake up in time for sunrise. Clouds certainly enhance that morning experience but usually mean there’s some weather on the way.
The overnight rain was predicted to last all day but instead the sky cleared and I sat outside.
That night I kind of tried to shoot the alignment of planets using the cell phone as I was too lazy to get the tripod out for the big camera.
Morning light on Imperial Sand Dunes and snow on distant mountains
The next day was also cloudy over the the Cargo Muchacho Mountains with high wind that did open up a bit through the day but pretty much kept me inside.
Turned into a day of musing. I thought about going to town being almost out of ice cream. But I didn’t have the gumption to move. Instead I spent a bit of the day dreaming of summer travels. I’ve been trying to revisit the Pacific Northwest for over ten years. Last summer’s trip that didn’t happen would have included that and beyond if the fuel prices hasn’t gotten so high. I’m thinking north on the east side of the Cascade Mountains and back south down the Pacific coast visiting people, exploring hot springs and rockhounding along the way.
Window view
In the afternoon an RV pulled in and became a new neighbor parking, where I think, too close. There’s not many people camped out here so there’s lots of room around the Cargo Muchacho Mountains. My general boondocking rule includes parking at least 1000 feet apart when possible. Out of sight is even better.
Friday morning brought fog and low clouds with 98% humidity.
Yet it cleared enough later for a lovely walk into the Cargo Muchacho Mountains where I saw some pretty rock. Most likely chrysocolla but I keep looking for turquoise, or gold.
Long time friend and fellow blogger Doug stopped by with his dog Yuma and we caught up. They’ve been camped nearby.
A neighbor went to town and picked me up some ice cream. That saved me from having to move until next year. Upon his return he offered to fill my empty water jugs from the 100 gallon tank in the bed of his pickup truck. Sadly, the spare tire had fallen on and broke the spigot so there wasn’t much water left in the tank. I tried to help while he found a cap and felt like the Dutch boy with my finger in the dike. I actually ended up giving him a gallon of water for the night.
Sunrise
He returned to town the next day to replace the spigot and filled my water jugs after returning to camp.
Sunset
The last day of 2022 was a stay home day.
We went to bed long before midnight.
First morning of 2023 brought light rain that either cleared off or was blown away by the 30mph wind that rocked the camper all day long. I barely got out the door to put away the chairs and table before they ended up on top of the Cargo Muchacho Mountains. I waited for a brief lull to get back inside.
Even with most of the clouds gone later, the western horizon was obliterated by a sandy haze. I made a video through multiple windows greeting the New Year.
The next day, no wind and a pretty sunrise. A boondocking neighbor had to call an ambulance for a visiting friend who got sick. Basically they were dehydrated and got a saline drip. Glad it was nothing more serious. Nice to know emergency vehicles can find us in these remote areas. All campers within sight came together to offer assistance if needed.
Finally, the third day of the new year I got out for a walk. I had in mind to find a different place to park without the too close neighbor. I followed a large wash that might give options for wildlife, or at least some birds.
But even though access was good it’s right next to the fenced cemetery and I didn’t feel comfortable with that. Cemeteries don’t bother me but I figured people would want to visit it so might get traffic.
I decided to stay in the same site for the full moon rise over the Cargo Muchacho Mountains though it seemed a good possibility clouds might obscure the view.
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Speaking of full moons, I plan to be at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge for February’s full moon. Join me for this Geogypsy Journey Tour, Sharing the Kofa Light February 2-6. From morning to moon, early February light dances with the Kofa Mountains located south of Quartzsite, Arizona. Join me to explore the Sonoran Desert life, geology, and history. RV/camp for free on BLM public land adjacent to the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. More information here.
Wonderful set of photos and I am impressed with the night shot of the planets, I must try that out with my phone which I very seldom use for photography.
Only 14 days to go before we leave here on the 25th. I will be so glad to get away from the continuous rain we are having. 90% rain every day!!!! Hmm, I wonder if the sky will ever clear for a night shot!
Keep well and enjoy the mountains. Hugs from us both, Diane and Nigel
Thanks. Sometimes phone shots are at least worth a try. Wish I was going along but Sierra says not this year.
Despite people moving in close which I also don’t get, being so much room, it’s so good to hear of boondocker comaraderie. Some of the mountain terrain reminds me of our moon and it’s grey.
But oh man, loosing 110 gallon water. Let alone making another trip in, what about would that cost? Glad you’re enjoying it out there. Preference of ice cream make or flavor?
RVers are typically friendly and watch out for each other. There’s a place by the Imperial Sand Dunes where water is free. Hard to believe in the desert. But still. I prefer Hagendaz but settle with Tillomock, vanilla with fudge and or caramel swirls is my favorite.
I have never understood with an entire area free and open to you why does 1RV decide to park right on top of another one. I completely understand the desire for ice cream but not having the gumption to go out and drive to get it. This is possibly the only thing that keeps me from consuming far far more sugar than it’s good for me. I envy the possibility of a Pacific Northwest summer. I would love to do that but should have started planning long ago and I’m afraid it is just so far away from where I am. I am no longer as adventurous with this old rig as I was when David was my copilot and could fix anything.
A lot of people are afraid of being alone. Have to remember for me to go to town means taking the whole house, 30 minutes each way plus shopping time. I won’t be making reservations for any RV journey I take, just can’t travel that way or afford RV parks. I’ll take my chance boondocking on national forests, driveways, or wherever. Much easier for me to be stealth than your rig.
Happy New Year! Always great photos to enjoy, then I have to go back to read the blog!
LOL! Thanks for enjoying both the photos and story.
You got some neighborly neighbors!! At least that day. If I was boondocking and there was plenty of space I would try and stay out of sight of other people when I picked out a site.
That last photo with the moon is spectacular. All your photos are spectacular.
Wishing you a great 2023!!
Thanks. That too close neighbor left, and came back, twice now. I’ll be leaving Tuesday. Join me at Kofa for a moon like that in February, I hope.
It’s good to have privacy and quiet (and I envy you that) but It’s also nice to read about how people come together when needed . Neighbor shopping for your vital necessities (and ice cream is that, I agree), the water adventure, mutual help for you and that neighbor, and how everyone would help if needed in an emergency .
Yes, as much as I like to be secluded it is nice to know others are watching out for each other without being nosey.