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Category: Geogypsy Journey

18 January 2022

Walk, talk, read, and write while camping near Kofa

desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe temperatures and clouds have been ideal for camping near Kofa.  I walk, read, and write under the most beautiful of light.  Of course, I’m taking photos.  Plus I’ve been fortunate enough to engage in several conversations, talk and type.

I am not more than 100 feet from the Palm Canyon Road and camping near Kofa National Wildlife Refuge on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) public lands.  Yes, there’s some traffic but it’s not rush hour.  It’s lovely and would only be better if I could have Shared the Kofa Light with others on my first scheduled Geogypsy Journey.  Maybe next month.

bus conversion BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAfter the van/bus/RV gathering began to break up, the desert went back to its quiet nature.  The bandwidth also increased but I never expect that to last.  Every day more folks pulled out, some returned, a few buses stayed.  Thought this one was rather unique.  I even had a van neighbor within sight on my “road” for a couple days.

Saguaro cactus desert Kofa Mts clouds last light BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaYet none of that really changes my daily routine while camping near Kofa.  If the wind hasn’t made it too chilly I try to get out for at least a short walk.  You know I’m not working on miles or steps at my sauntering pace.  Instead I meander between the vegetation avoiding the prickliest taking photos of the landscape.  The land is braided with small washes to cross (and look for pretty rocks), dry now but there’s plenty of evidence that water sometimes flows.  Debris caught against bushes and larger rock versus small pebbles tells that story.  Happens when I’m not here.

Saguaro sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Saguaro sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI often walk in the late afternoon anticipating the golden hour light and sunset.

Jackrabbit Cholla Saguaro cactus Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaStartled a Jackrabbit on the way back to camp.  They run and freeze, blending into the dusky landscape.

Sierra cat gives me the tap BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI also try to spend time every day writing, with help from my assistant.  I’m working on 1000 words a day.  Always journaling (200-400 words/day), often blog post writing (500-1200 finished post), and remember I’m working on a book, sometimes.  Though I will admit the last doesn’t happen daily but in spurts.  I am easily distracted when camping near Kofa.

Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaEspecially when there’s colorful sunrises unique to every day.  I am glad first light respects a decent hour during the winter while camping near Kofa.  Although there’s still a chill in the air it’s worth adding another layer and making coffee wait just a little longer.  It’s rather sad that I’m in such a beautiful place and I don’t go anywhere else but instead sit day after day at the same place.  I am happy not to have to move for two weeks. And that’s not really very long in the whole scheme of life.  Yet it’s one of the reasons I miss Joann as a neighbor as she gets me out and is willing to drive as well. Not to mention some very interesting conversation.  So I am glad there’s enough signal for us to chat online, each from our remote desert locations.  Enjoyed an extended phone call from a California cousin.  Even a windy day that pretty much keeps me inside turns out good.

desert sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAnd the sunsets caused me to at least get in and out the door, carefully down and up the step, several times.

desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAnother nice sunrise.

desert rd mt clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThen later with no wind I walked under cloudy skies but the light was dull so I focused more on close things.

cactus desert clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe Saguaro cactus is a known icon of the Sonoran Desert along with numerous kinds of Cholla cactus with spines that seem to glow under almost any light.

barrel cactus BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBut also give wide birth to the red and yellow spines of the Barrel cactus providing an occasional break in color from the olive-green creosote that is everywhere.

Palo Verde bark BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Palo Verde bark BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI am always drawn to the shape and color of Palo Verde trees.  Their unusual green trunk and branches with scaly bark perform photosynthesis.  I find all this and more camping near Kofa.

desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

campfire BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAs the wind stayed down I watched sunset over a small campfire.  Then the temperature dropped and it was back inside for the night.

desert Kofa Mts clouds sundog BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAlthough I didn’t get up for all the pretty sunrises hardly a day goes by when I don’t take a photo of something, usually with the big camera but the phone will do in a pinch.  And even though warm enough for the door open by 11am, I saw a tiny sundog which says the upper atmosphere holds ice.

flag desert Kofa Mts BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe calm 70° day was simply made for sitting outside reading in the desert apricity.

desert Kofa Mts reverse sunset clouds moon BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI would have been very busy had anybody signed up for my first Geogypsy Journey: Sharing the Kofa Light.  Lesson learned, don’t compete with anything January in Quartzsite and advertise further ahead.  An amazingly beautiful day would have welcomed anybody camping near Kofa, clouds put on a show for days, and the moon…  I did my usual, enjoy the view and spend some time outside photographing and reading.

possible Badger through screen window BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAt one point motion caught my eye and I saw an animal about the size of an over large ciabatta loaf hustling along.  The one photo I took was through a window screen and then it was gone.  I wracked my brain for a bit thinking, it had to be a badger.  Only the second time I’ve seen one in the wild—first at Bryce Canyon—and never in the desert.  Many desert mammals lean toward nocturnal lives to avoid daytime heat.

desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAnd of course more sunset.

red Ocotillo flower BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI do see birds when camping at Kofa, yet not plentiful, and way too fast for my camera.  I hear Ravens and Phainopeplas.  A hummingbird approached a red light cover above the door on the camper before flying off to the one surviving cluster of Ocotillo flowers they prefer.  Guess I could put up my window feeder for hummingbirds.  Gypsy brought a high school friend to visit, along with zucchini bread, and of course I took no photos.  I am terrible about people pictures.

Saguaro desert Kofa Mts last light clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAs I worked on this post over the weekend, I got carried away with a ramble about conversations, real time, online, and anytime.  So I posted it separately from here.  BTW, thanks for all the comments.  As Jodee said, I hit a nerve.  No surprise that many of you of similar age identified with my jaunt down memory lane.  And although some would also like more comments on their blog posts, many of you made a good point about too many comments, especially as I answer them all, working on the conversation.  If everybody that read a post, commented on the post, I’d spend all my time responding to comments instead of walking, talking, writing, and reading while camping near Kofa.

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Arizona, Geogypsy Journey, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, RV life, United States camping, photography, Sonoran Desert, sunrise, sunset 15 Comments
11 January 2022

Creating an image that’s in focus

Saguaro desert clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaFor me, as a recently retired Park Ranger, 2022 is about creating an image of myself, the future, and with the camera.  I want to fill the year with travel, laughter, and fun.

Saguaro desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWish you could have been here to share the cloud dances on the eve of a new year.  What will the new year bring, we ask.  What can I expect?  What image have I created for my immediate future?  Right NOW, today, I am still thoroughly enjoying my desert experience, the apricity and deserquies.  I see myself sharing desert passion with a small friendly group of like minded people.  We are camped barely in sight of each other without blocking views.  A centralized firepit, chairs, and a few small tables.  After a morning meeting of the minds, each of us organize ourselves for a short ride to the end of the road and a half-mile Palm Canyon hike. Bring water, snacks, camera, and childlike wonder to this Geogypsy Journey.  We arrive to the actual overlook of a side canyon shortly before noon when the overhead sun lights up the only known native Palm trees found in the state.  Only one reason this is the preserved Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.  (I saw a gathering, more later.)

Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaFirst day of this new year and it was a little chilly especially with a brutal north wind that kept me inside most of the day only stepping out briefly for a quick yet colorful sunset.  I’ve been struggling with my camera creating an image that’s consistently in focus.  Seems I’ve had this problem before.  Research tells me the Nikon D5600 takes about 7 seconds to focus.  That’s long.  I bracket my shots and it does seem the second, also darkest, is often the better focus.  I usually make landscape photos, a scene that isn’t moving much, so I’m reminding myself to slow down, recompose, take a stance, keep my elbows against my body, and hold my breath for the click.  Yet the camera is heavy and after a few hours of shooting I feel the burn in my left and worse shoulder, and both wrists.  I want a lighter camera but that will have to wait for price drop and income increase.  I’m creating that image too, a lightweight mirrorless camera around my neck.  Can you see it?

Sierra cat & Gaelyn in camper BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Gaelyn & Sierra cat in camper BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI paid for those clear skies the next morning when I got up the first time to 34°, then turned the heat on before crawling back under the covers.  I fell back to sleep by creating an image of me being warm.  Later in the day, playing with the phone, I tried creating an image of both Sierra and myselfie.  I only recently started taking more photos with my phone but I’m not finding it easy to hold still with the phone while creating an image.

Saguaro desert trees Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAlso started notes for a book idea as a Forest Ranger at Mt St Helens.  So many stories.  Now I’m creating an image of me actually writing the book then marketing myself doing presentations while I travel.  Did get a pretty sunset.

camper desert Kofa Mts BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaHope I’m not creating an image of me only sitting inside the camper all the time, surrounded by the beautiful desert nature around me.  If it’s too cold that may be true.  I do spend a lot of time on my laptop and that just isn’t comfortable working outside with glaring sun or chilly shade.  Thank goodness for sunshine, light wind, and the camper as a wind block, so I do get out and enjoy the desert apricity.  I usually sit and read, soaking up the warmth, sometimes creating an image of shorts and sandals and maybe a swimming pool.  Just kidding.  Even in the low 60s that’s not warm enough for me to bear much skin.

Gaelyn pointing at Kofa Mts BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI have worked on creating an image of myself.  You saw a few of my fun hats.  Jewelry is also a wonderful creative expression and I have enough to open a store.  I dug into packed jewelry and felt the magic of wearing some of my favorite turquoise.  Used to be a most important part of getting dressed and often the deciding factor for what to wear to match the jewelry.  I let it slide and now want to feel the comfort of the stones once again.  I’ve always collected rocks and for years made jewelry with semi-precious stones and beads.  Once I started blogging and improving my photography in 2008, crafts went out the window.

Saguaro desert sunset crescent moon BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaNeighbors on both sides left so I had no problem creating an image of the desert and Kofa Mountains with no white van to avoid in the frame.  Yet the brilliant blue cloudless sky didn’t lend itself to creating an image until the end of the day with a touch of crescent moon.

desert Kofa Mts clouds sundog BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAs clouds returned, the wind slowed, and the temperatures rose, a perfect combination in my mind.  Yet cold and ice in the upper atmosphere were creating an image of a morning sundog.

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWasn’t long and a new neighbor moved into my window view, at a good distance mind you.  I went for a couple hour stroll going barely a mile and took over 200 photos.

dead tree desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI am intrigued by the twisted shapes of the dead trees that are part of the desert story for a long time.

Ocotillo desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSo many desert plants look distressed and perhaps dead but are not, simply conserving energy during the driest of times.  Like the fountain-shaped Ocotillo only bearing well-spaced leaves and brilliant red flowers after some healthy rain.

desert Kofa Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaLate in the afternoon and just before sunset a Skoolie (school bus conversion) pulled in across the road joining a van and car.  One woman in their group had an overly loud voice that carried far across the land.  A prelude of more to come.

Gaelyn & Sierra cat BLM Palm Canyon Rd ArizonaGaelyn & Sierra cat BLM Palm Canyon Rd Arizona

I hated to leave this (otherwise) quiet piece of desert but it was time to dump and fill the camper tanks, and I planned to return.  I didn’t have to rush out in the morning so spent some extra time with Sierra.  She’s never happy when I tell her, “We’re going to roll.”  Not usually a very vocal cat, she gives me a dirty look, “meow”, and crawls under the bed covers until we are absolutely stopped in our new space.

RVs sunset clouds Shady Lane RV Park Quartzsite ArizonaBecause it’s January, the busiest month in Quartzsite, I had called Shady Lane RV Park to make a reservation.  The same small space I’ve parked in for years provided the hookups I needed plus the $1.50 15-minute hot shower was divine.  The owners, Finius and Breezy, stopped by to say hi as we’ve gotten to be friends over the years.  They are very busy at the “campiest camp in town” and I highly recommend a stay there while in Quartzsite.  Make it for several days and you might get to go with them to their mining claim and climb around in the desert.  Or, just follow Finius the Skinniest on FB because he’s funny.

traffic AZ-CA border I10I like Shady Lane, but it’s in town, and town is bright and noisy.  One night was enough.  After getting the propane tanks filled in the morning—I didn’t cuss once, good on me—I drove 30 minutes west on freeway (yuk) to Blythe for a grocery run.  Can somebody explain to me why emery boards—along with mascara and fake eyelashes—would be in a locked glass-fronted case?  I cooked my pizza lunch while in the parking lot as pizza just won’t fit in the freezer.  Between that and a fuel stop, I didn’t get back to camp until 2:30pm.  Town always feels like an all day ordeal.  I need to work on creating a better image of that.

desert sunset BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI instinctively headed to my previous campsite as I really like the view, vegetation, and only one mile of gravel road.  But what the…  That one Skoolie, was now a gathering of possibly 50 vehicles parked across the road in two parallel lines.  Mostly vans with a few buses and RVs.  OK?  They were surprisingly quiet all afternoon.

mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThen at sunset, the music started.  By 8pm there was a whole lot of whooping going on and all I heard was drum beat.  I don’t want to complain as I’d be right there with them, when I was young(er), and if I’d been invited. I just hoped it wouldn’t last all night as I fell asleep to the beat while creating an image of me swirling to the beat, as the go-go girl I was 50 years ago.

bumper collection BLM Palm Canyon Rd ArizonaBumper collection

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Arizona, Geogypsy Journey, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, RV life, United States desert, RV living, RV Park 30 Comments
21 December 2021

Join a Geogypsy Journey–Sharing the Kofa Light

Sonoran Desert Kofa Mts last light clouds MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI may have retired as a Park Ranger, however I’ll never stop loving the chance to share a place with others.  I’ve been wracking my brain how to do that and came up with Geogypsy Journey, at least for now.  Tell me what you think.  The idea is to join with others in nature, immerse in the environment, and share a landscape experience.  Honestly, this could be done all over the world.  However, I’d like to start with a place dear to me during winter months when I’m boondocking in my truck-camper.  The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 665,400 acres of wild and wonderful Sonoran Desert at least partially surrounded by BLM (Bureau of Land Management) managed public lands.

cholla sunburst desert mts last light Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaOnly light dares to touch the Cholla cactus

Right now, holidays are keeping people busy yet many are thinking of a vacation getaway after the first of the year. I love to see people traveling safely and would like to suggest a winter camping runaway to the apricity—warmth of the sun in winter—in the southern Arizona desert. Time to connect with nature. As the temperatures drop in the north, that’s where I’ll be and you should join me for a Geogypsy Journey.

Kofa Mts sunrise sun rays clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunrise over the Kofa Mountains

The rugged Kofa Mountains provide an amazing backdrop to the Sonoran Desert plus comfortable winter temperatures (60/40° averages), and amazing light from sunrise to after sunset, plus under the moon. Sometimes clouds enhance the mid-day shadows in this unique environment and even the tiniest life in the desert holds intrigue. After many years of exploration, I’d like to share this piece of desert and what I know about the cultural history, geology/rockhounding, ecology, wildlife, birdwatching, and light for photography.

California Palms light Palm Canyon Trail Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaArizona Palms, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

I propose meeting in the BLM desert south of Quartzsite, Arizona, Sharing the Kofa Light with a landscape immersion over 3-5 days using our senses and creative juices to experience the awe of this place.  A campout, desert walkabout, Palm Canyon hike, and other possible local attractions. We will enjoy a safe place to camp* on public lands under dark skies.  Donation $100/day/person, refundable up to $100, for coordinating this experience over no more than five days. Group size will be limited to six people. Cell signal is not reliable in camp.

Saguaro cactus Kofa Mts BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaParticipants are responsible for their own food and beverage, transportation, and accommodation onsite or offsite (tent, RV, Quartzsite 30 minutes north, Yuma 60 minutes south, Blythe 45 minutes west, Phoenix 2 ½ hours east). Camp will be free off-grid *boondocking on public lands, show respect and Leave No Trace. You will need to provide a contact’s information and sign a waiver as I am not responsible for accident, injury, or theft.  I do encourage you to be careful.

Sunset from Palm Canyon Road KOFA National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunset over the Sonoran Desert

Bring your stories, camera, paints, journal, musical instrument, dancing shoes and hiking boots, imagination, or whatever you choose. Mostly, bring yourself with an open fresh perspective on life, eager to learn and share.

Kofa Mts moon rise Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaFull moon rise over the Kofa Mountains

If you are interested, please let me know, and pass the word. I will answer questions and provide more information. I am currently thinking mid-January (full moon 17th) and mid-February (full moon 16th), but am open to additional dates and suggestions.

08 DSL_2394le Jumping Cholla & Saguaro cactus Kofa Mts MST&T Rd Kofa NWR AZ fb as g g-1Beware the Jumping Cholla cactus

Be aware: The Big Tent RV Show Quartzsite, January 22-30 draws a crowd.  Plus there are many activities going on in Quartzsite.

Saguaro Ocotillo Sonoran Desert Chocolate Mts W view clouds reverse sunrise King Valley Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaReverse sunrise Sonoran Desert and Chocolate Mountains

I’d also like to take Geogypsy Journey further when I camp in other places along my travels and include presentations about a variety of topics, mostly nature, national parks, or RVing, because that’s my thing as you know.  I might travel in your neighborhood and would love to see your favorite natural places.  I am working on a plan for summer travels north and east.  Some of you are already on my list and hopefully more will be added.

Sonoran Desert New Water Mts light & shadow sunset clouds MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaLight and shadows on the New Water Mountains

In the meantime, think about joining a Geogypsy Journey in the Sonoran Desert Sharing the Kofa Light in January or February 2022.  Let’s go camping and explore the land and the light.

*Boondocking – defined as camping off the grid without being plugged into city water, sewer, and electricity, however, that does not necessarily mean going without those things and instead using propane, holding tanks, solar power, and conservation. Also known as “dispersed camping” on public land means up to 14 days in the same location. This gives you a bit of time to get to know a place.

I have no affiliation to the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, or any other public lands agency.  This is just me sharing with you as I dearly love to do.

Happy Solstice!
Yea the days get longer and there will be more light!

 

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Arizona, Geogypsy Journey, Kofa NWR environment, landscape, nature, nature immersion, Palm Canyon, sharing nature, Sonoran Desert 22 Comments

Hi, I’m Gaelyn, the Geogypsy

I retired after 29 summer seasons as a Park Ranger, traveling solo for 40+ years. My passions include travel, connecting to nature, photography, and sharing stories.

I started exploring US National Parks in 1977 and 20 years later became a seasonal Park Ranger.  I’ve lived full-time in a RV for 30 years working summers and playing winters.  I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow old, other than grow up.

Let’s share our stories.  Here’s more of mine…

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…boondocking somewhere beautiful in the western USA.  I share my journey at https://www.youtube.com/@geogypsytraveler/    Please Subscribe there to follow my RV travels.

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1. Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography. 2. Educate yourself about the places you photograph. 3. Reflect on the possible impact of your actions. 4. Use discretion if sharing locations. 5. Know and follow rules and regulations. 6. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them. 7. Actively promote and educate others about these principles

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