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Category: Places I’ve been

Finding space in my RV, computer, and head

Kofa Mts morning sunrays sunrise clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaFinding space can be physical, digital, and in my head.  Living in a tiny house (camper 12×8 feet plus bed) finding space can be a challenge, one thing in often leads to one thing out.  Yet I survive comfortably without a whole lot of stuff.

Kofa Mts sunrise glow Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunrise Kofa Mts

When out boondocking on public lands, finding space to park the RV includes a beautiful window view preferably without other RVs in sight, and a strong enough signal to get online.  Once there, I’m in no hurry to move.  Takes time to get to know a place.

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

The desert and mountains are a spectacular part of the Sonoran Desert I dearly love, during winter.  Wonder how long I can stretch before needing supplies?

Saguaro cactus desert New Water Mts sunset clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunset New Water Mts

I put off moving until the next day.

desert Kofa Mts clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBut that didn’t happen either.  After the fridge giving some grief and not wanting to start the night before I woke up with it humming right along.  Good thing or I would have had food on melt down and eaten more ice cream than usual.

desert late light Kofa Mts clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaTomorrow will be soon enough to shop.

Sierra cat on camper bed Sierra is happier when we don’t roll but she has no problem finding space to crawl under the covers when we do, after several complaining meows.

last light Saguaro desert mts clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaMy decision not to move paid off.  The afternoon was filled with clouds and marvelous light.

Saguaro cactus desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mts sunrays sunrise clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSadly, a new neighbor pulled in finding space right at the western edge of my sunrise view.  But even that didn’t make it easy to leave this gorgeous place.

desert Kofa Mts sunrays sunrise clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizonadesert Kofa Mts sunrays sunrise clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Alas, I needed groceries so really did have to go.

desert Kofa Mts sunrays sunrise clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mts sunrays sunrise clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBut I didn’t hurry too much as I was enjoying the cloudy show.

rocks Kofa camp ArizonaKofa camp rocks

I took an extremely slow drive the three miles back to the highway trying not to bounce the camper too much.  I’m thinking part of that problem is the truck itself needs beefing up with some new shocks and possibly overpriced airbags.  Ideally, the camper could come off the truck this summer for its own repairs and then the truck could be worked on much easier.  Had to stop along the drive because the pickle jar in a trash bag leaked and now my truck cab smells like dill pickles. I didn’t want to put the liquid in my tank or pour it outside as people-food.  But then I did pour out the small amount left in the jar and the trash bag.  Yes, finding space for garbage means the front passenger seat, extra water jugs sit on the floor.  At first I was mad.  Then I heard Berta’s voice about finding space in my head to laugh, and let it go.  Good thing I like pickles, and that nobody could hear me LMAO!

After grocery shopping in Blythe, I struggled finding space in the refrigerator and freezer.  Found a really good sale price on ice cream.  Then there’s dry goods to cram in a small cupboard.  And large supplies of paper products go in the truck’s back seat/pantry/closet.

sunset Shady Lane RV Crt Quartzsite ArizonaNo problem finding space to park overnight at Shady Lane RV Court.  Yup, time to dump and fill again.  Always nice to see Breezy and Finius who own the place.  And a treat to have unlimited electricity to work on photos.  Except for a problem finding space on the laptop’s hard-drive.  So full, I couldn’t add even one, more, photo.  I’ve been backing up to external drives in order to free-up some space.  Not easy when I’m behind labeling photos by just over one year.  The new camera definitely takes larger size photo files than the previous one.

By morning I realized I would need another external drive.  Good thing that digital space is small and doesn’t take up much physical space.  This would mean another trip to a town bigger than Quartzsite.  If it wasn’t going to be super windy near Yuma I’d head south and possibly replace the old laptop, but it will have to wait longer.  Instead I took the shorter drive north to Parker for a WalMart.  Their computer selection didn’t entice me but I did buy another 1TB external drive.

desert Plomosa Rd BLM Quartzsite Ariona

Dome Rock Mts sunset clouds Plomosa Rd BLM Quartzsite ArizonaFinding space to boondock near Parker isn’t easy so I returned to Plomosa Road and didn’t drive far as I only planned to spend one night.  The place is too noisy for me, close to the road, OHV dust, other people, generators, and barking dogs.

Ironwood tree frames mt peak Plomosa Rd BLM Quartzsite ArizonaThat turned into two nights as I like at least one down day after two town days.  Still had 1/4 tank of propane.  A storm blew through and dropped some hard rain with wind so strong I could barely open the camper door.  Later the sun came out and I went for a short walkabout finding space in the curved branches of an Ironwood tree.

crescent moon sunset Plomosa Rd BLM Quartzsite ArizonaThen sunset left a wide band of orange across the horizon with a sliver of moon hoovering above.

Winter winds in the desert southwest can be brutal but I couldn’t let them stop me completely.  Besides I needed to return to Quartzsite to do laundry and fill both propane tanks before finding space to park in the quiet desert once again.

Palo Verde tree Saguaro cactus desert Kofa Mts MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Loggerhead Shrike bird Palo Verde tree Kofa Mts MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaLoggerhead Shrike

Instead of the usual Palm Canyon Road I took the MST&T Tower Road towards those lovely Kofa Mountains so my angle of view is different.  There is a delightful Palo Verde nursery-tree to at least 3-5 Saguaros out my door and plenty of desert in sight.

desert RVs Chocolate Mts sunset clouds MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Chocolate Mts dusty sunset clouds MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaDusty sunset

With wind gusting 30mph and clocking from the southwest to northwest I parked pointing north so the camper is rocking a bit but down wind for the fridge that is playing games with two full propane tanks and fully charged battery.  Once again it lit sometime after I went to bed.

Choclate Mts sunset clouds MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Palo Verde tree Kofa Mts reverse sunset MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe wind blew brutally on Valentine’s keeping me inside but the day ended with gorgeous colors.

The signal has been on and off iffy. That could be the deal breaker requiring me to move once again and finding space that meets all my requirements.  Now I could really use motivation finding space in my day for more exercise.  Anybody else struggling with that?

Arizona, Kofa NWR, Parker, Places I've been, Quartzsite, RV life, United States , , , , 19 Comments

Catching more than the moon at Kofa NWR

desert mts sun rays clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaLow temperatures with strong wind chased me away from Plomosa camp and after a night in town I went looking for the full moon at Kofa NWR (National Wildlife Refuge), not for the first time, where I’ve also shot the lunar eclipse.

morning light desert Palo Verde tree Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI woke up cold, 36°F, and running low on propane so packed up and headed to town.  Filled the propane tanks, bought some groceries and by 2pm was settled in at Shady Lane RV Court for a night in Quartzsite.  With another storm blowing in I wasn’t sure I’d get to see the full moon at all.

sales booths Tyson Wells Quartzsite ArizonaI didn’t particularly rush to leave in the morning then went to Tyson Wells and wandered the aisles of merchandise that I did not need.  Had fun chatting with the middle-aged hippy rock guys reminiscing about my time selling in Quartzsite over 20 years ago.  A couple years later caravanning with a friend 20 years older than I said she could flirt with the younger men as they wouldn’t take her seriously but I was still too young.  I might be there now.  Bought some RV stuff including finally finding the fuse cover latch in a package of two for $8.  Broke one that night trying to put it in.

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

desert Kofa Mts clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaFinally headed back to Palm Canyon Road and parked on the BLM adjacent to the NWR to hopefully catch the full Wolf moon at Kofa.

Saguaro desert mts full moon clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Saguaro desert mts full moon clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBut with the cloud cover even howling didn’t bring out the moon any better than these lousy shots and I hoped for clearer the next night.

Kofa Mts sunrise clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mts clouds first light Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaDue to the heavy cloud cover I also ran out of solar-charged battery power that night so the Foto Friday Fun 400 post didn’t go out until morning.  And even then had to wait because morning clouds provided a magnificent sunrise I couldn’t walk away from.

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

desert Kofa Mts in storm clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaA little rain fell, the clouds dropped low, about ten big fat drops hit the roof with a loud plop.

desert Kofa Mts storm clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe sky changed so rapidly all day it was difficult to keep up with the patches of light and shadow on the land.

desert mts rainbow clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaEven gifted by a rainbow.  These kinds of days are exciting if I have enough propane and power.

full moon behind Kofa Mts Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaNice and clear after dark for the rising moon at Kofa.  I was too lazy to bring out the tripod so just tried some handheld.

Saguaro cactus sunrise Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

sunrise moon set Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunrise

Then spent most of the next several days, with clear skies, processing photos.  I tried to get outside in the warmest of afternoon but even at 60° with a northern wind was too chilly for this lightweight.  That’s OK, because sitting inside I still soak up this awesome view of the Kofa Mountains.  I want my house right here. And my house is right here.

desert Kofa Mts clouds last light Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaFebruary greeted me with yet another cloudy day and just a few raindrops.  The sky stayed gray all day with rays lighting up the mountains just before an uninspiring sunset.

Saguaro cactus desert mts clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Saguaro cactus desert mts clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe next day, also partly cloudy but warm enough at 69° to have the door and windows open in the afternoon.  Went for a walk to my nearby Saguaro cluster and I swear to seeing an Ironwood dragon guarding the desert.

Saguaro cactus desert last light Kofa Mts sunset clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Saguaro cactus desert last light Kofa Mts sunset clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

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

Chocolate Mts sunset clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe sunset was a show stopper with multiple encores in all directions.  I just couldn’t stop.

desert Kofa Mts sunrise sun rays clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Kofa Mts sunrise sun rays clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Kofa Mts sunrise sun rays clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaFollowed by a morning sunrise like none other.  Bonus, I can just open my door and take photos of these amazing rays rising over the craggy Kofa Mountains.

The day was warm enough to sit outside for a while in the afternoon and I dug out a pair of shorts and exposed my lily-white legs until I couldn’t stay out of the wind while still sitting in the sun.

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

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

sunset Chocolate Mts from Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe sunset turned yellow, orange, and red lingering for almost an hour of colors and at 70° I still had the door and windows open at dusk.

The next day a strong northeast wind kept me inside even at 60° as I worked on the next Foto Friday Fun post.  It wouldn’t load from Open Live Writer so I used the website dashboard instead.  Took a little longer that way, but what the hey.  I hoped the problems would work themselves out.  I took no photos and spent much of the day reading.

last light Kofa Mts Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaFriday morning I slept in and missed the no cloud sunrise.  My morning routine includes a glance out the windows, starting up the laptop, feeding Sierra, making coffee, and getting online.  First email informs me my website is blank.  I don’t see it as blank, but it’s all fuckered up.  I spent time figuring out how to update the blog theme and although that didn’t fix the current funky looking post it did solve the months long comment problem.  Yippeeee!!!!!  Once again the procrastinator pulled it off, eventually.  I reposted Foto Friday Fun 401 from Live Writer no problem.  Better late than never.  Northeast wind at 59° kept me inside the rest of the day with no photos.  Good thing about the warmer temperatures is using less propane for heat.

I often loose track of the days.  Is that OK?  Doesn’t help when my weekly post about the week is at least a week behind real time.  But this one will almost catch me up again.

Kofa Mts sunrise glow Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaYesterday morning

As it gets closer to the time to move again I wonder, where next.  I’d actually be happy not moving from this very spot for at least a few more weeks.  However, I need to fill water and empty tanks, get supplies including most important cream for coffee, and take a shower. Maybe even do laundry. Then I can either return here or nearby. I am currently comfortably content circling Quartzsite.

Maybe tomorrow.

Arizona, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, Quartzsite, United States , , , , 30 Comments

Watchable weather with rainy days boondocking by Plomosa Mountains

desert mountains light rays clouds Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite ArizonaThankfully 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.

desert mountains light rays clouds Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite Arizona

entrance RV Show Quartzsite ArizonaAwoke 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.

Mary Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite ArionaAlthough 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.

window view windy desert mountains clouds Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite ArizonaBrutally 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.

desert Saguaro mountains clouds Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite Arizona

desert mountains shadows clouds Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite ArizonaThe 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.

closeup spines red Barrel cactus Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite ArizonaI discovered this Barrel cactus and upon careful but closer inspection discover it is basically hollow, dead yet dangerous.  The desert is full of surprises.

dead Saguaro desert mountains shadows clourds Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite ArizonaLater 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.

desert mountains sunset clouds Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite Arizona

desert mountains sunset clouds Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite Arizona

desert mountains sunset clouds virga Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite ArizonaI saw virga at sunset and wondered if rain would follow.

desert mountains clouds Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite Arizona

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.

desert mountains clouds Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite ArizonaYet with temps in the mid-40s I didn’t stay outside for longer than a few photos.

mountains clouds Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite ArizonaAnd 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.

wet desert mountains clouds Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite ArizonaMore dark clouds the next day with wind so strong I could barely open the camper door.

desert mountains clouds Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite ArizonaRained on and off all day.

window view wind blown flag Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite ArizonaThis 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.

rocks Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite Arizona

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.

Dome Rock Mts fallstreak hole cloud Plomosa Road West Quartzsite ArizonaFallstreak 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.

desert mts clouds moon Plomosa Rd BLM Quartzsite AZ g-1-2

Arizona, Places I've been, Quartzsite, RV life, United States , , , 19 Comments

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