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Category: Kofa NWR

22 February 2022

Sun and Moon over the mountains from camp Kofa

Ocotillo desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaPart of the February Geogypsy Journey—that nobody attended except me—included watching for the full moon over the mountains.  Clear nights are best for the moon, clouds make colorful sunsets, and dust is different.  Wind tends to blow during the winter in the desert Southwest so the days and nights are uncertain.  Yet even a cold (to me) 45° night in the desert feels better than below freezing with snow.

Sierra cat on pillow Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaEnd of a long day

After watching the early rising moon for several clear afternoons, moving a little further south on the horizon every day, I hoped to see the full moon over the mountains with the rugged ridgeline of the Kofa Mountains.  I’ve seen it before, and you may have too if you’ve seen my photos or been there yourself.

desert Kofa Mts moon Palm Canyon BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaClear sky at sunrise hits those same rugged Kofa Mountains, just a little further north than the current header shot so the light is different again.  I believe early February would be better for that.  A good reason to make the February 2023 Geogypsy Journey: Sharing the Kofa Light nature experience centered around that full moon rise on the 5th.  (More coming on this around August/September or ask.)

desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds Palm Canyon BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBy afternoon the temperature reached almost 80° and a light southern breeze kept the camper comfortable.  I sat outside reading and watching the world, eye caught by a soaring Prairie Falcon.  Noticed the moon about an hour before a pleasant sunset.

desert faint Chocolate Mts dusty BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThat wind persisted over night, increasing in strength, and blowing against my door from the SSW, opposite what the usual winter wind does.  At first it was just rudely obnoxious.  By early afternoon the camper was rocking and soon came the dust.  First the Chocolate Mountains to the west disappeared.

desert Kofa Mts dusty moon BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBy dusk, moon over mountains was looking pretty fuzzy.

Ocotillo desert dusty sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAnd sunset was a rather eerie blur.  The temperature suddenly dropped about 30° so I oven heated the house with pizza for dinner.

12v receptacle wiresThe next morning, clear blue sky still carried a haze of dust particles, yet the stillness was a creepy contrast to the night before.  An afternoon light wind eventually blew the dust away.  I played electrician when the hot wire on the 12v socket simply fell off.  The solar panels are making lots of power and keeping the battery fully charged every day.  What good when I couldn’t access the power?  I had already tried to tape the connection but no go.  I do not have the right connectors to replace the one that’s obviously not holding a solid connection.  Spare parts are important to carry.  So I stripped back some of the plastic insulation to expose more length of wire and wrapped it around the post on the back of the socket.  Viola!  It ain’t pretty but it works until I get the right connectors in town this week.   I’m a half-ass MacGyver.  I do have to be extremely careful not to bump it when plugging and unplugging the inverter that makes 12v DC into household 110v AC to charge my laptop.  Another thing I want to change, the inverter should have a power switch to reduce that stress on the socket system.  I don’t really know.  Maybe I’m wrong.  I’m not really an electrician but I’d like to see the entire set up more solid.  Perhaps an inverter could be hardwired.

AR moon rise BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaIn the afternoon I took a walk to look for a potential location to shoot the moon over the mountains, and maybe a Saguaro in the foreground.  Between the PhotoPills app I never entirely trust, and a backup compass bearing, I get a close idea to where the moon should break over the horizon.  Sometimes, it’s close to right.  I set the tripod where I wanted to shoot from, within sight of the camper where I returned for dinner.

desert sunset BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaMoon rise occurred about 30 minutes after sunset, noticeably clearer than the night before.

desert mts moon rise Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWith the limited light I always struggle to clearly manual focus the camera when auto focus doesn’t work.

Kofa Mts full moon rise Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Kofa Mts full moon rise BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Kofa Mts full moon rise BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe series isn’t bad, of course I want better, but gives me the challenge to try again next month.

desert Chocolate Mts Earth Shadow moon setting BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAt sunrise east over the Kofa Mountains, I managed to catch the setting moon over the mountains and Earth’s Shadow to the west, the Chocolate Mountains.  Such a wonderful name.  Sometimes the first morning light makes them look dusted with confectioners sugar.

As I began to process the moon photos my laptop tells me the drive is full.  My D5600 camera takes 24mp photos, times almost six because I shoot in jpg and RAW, plus bracket every shot and all that equals huge file sizes that fill disk space.  I backup everything twice on external drives so it was time to move photo files before I could process more with Lightroom.

last light desert mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI’m kind of camped at the end of a line and isn’t easy to find.  In almost two weeks here, only two vehicles have come by then turn around and left.  But on weekends, the main gravel Palm Canyon Road can be like a freeway.  People fly in all kinds of vehicle from two-wheeled to 12, kicking up a trail of dust that thankfully blows away from me, most of the time.

Sierra cat inside camper BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaNot like my little house on wheels isn’t dirty enough with dust, dirt, and cat hair.

desert Mesquite tree truckcamper Chocolate Mts sunset BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaIt’s about time to shop, dump, fill, and do laundry.  Timing mostly revolves around propane needs to maintain fridge, stove, and heat.  Have RVer company coming this weekend so need to get chores done before hand.

desert Kofa Mts dusty reverse sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaHazy view

Must be getting itchy feet as I’ve been studying the road atlas—a real paper version—for routes this summer.  Starting with the Cascade Mountains north to the Pacific Northwest and then east through the northern states for a mid-September arrival in the Chicago suburbs for my 50th high school reunion.  I’m not good at specific date plans so reservations are rather difficult to digest.  I figure if I stick with routes through/near federal and state public lands I can boondock much of the way.  I’ll be staying off interstates as much as possible.  What we used to call “blue-lines”, now those are the freeways on maps.  I’m not about go fast to get somewhere and would rather enjoy the journey.  I hope to visit with some of you along the way and will share my route ideas soon plus am open to suggestions.  Side trips can be arranged and I like to friendock if you have space for my truckcamper.

desert Kofa Mts full moon BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaPhone shot of the full moon over the mountains

In the meantime, I’m thinking about a different set of mountains for full moon rise in March.

(Hope you enjoy this palindrome date on Tuesday 2-22-22.  The next time all of these conditions align in the same way is in the year 2422, 400 years from now.  Don’t think I’ll be here. But if you read this then, please leave a comment.}

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Arizona, full moon, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, RV life, United States boondocking, desert apricity, full moon, Sonoran Desert 38 Comments
15 February 2022

Kofa feels like home

last light desert Kofa Mts moon Palm Canyon BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaKofa feels like home for many reasons.  I soak up the desert apricity on sunny days while I wander into my “yard” and get better acquainted with the plants and animals who also call Kofa home.

Saguaro cactus Woodpecker bird sunset Saddle Mt BLM Tonopah ArizonaSunrise for a Woodpecker, and me

After Joann left Saddle Mt the flies chased me away as well.  I had choices to make for chores, 30 minutes east to Buckeye for shopping, then an hour west to Quartzsite for an overnight before south to Kofa.  Or, 30 minutes west to Quartzsite, same north to Parker for shopping, and back to Q for the night before Kofa.  I opted for the second choice, in a different order.

truck hauling trucks I10 West ArizonaIn the morning I called Shady Lane to see if I needed a reservation for the night.  Nope, my usual space would be available.  I hit the road early and drove freeway west to Quartzsite.  Early and freeway, both unusual activities for me.

Tyson Wells Quartzsite ArizonaI wanted to check out the vendors at Tyson Wells and wasn’t sure how parking would be.  February isn’t as crowded as January so I had no problem in the lot that morning.  I walked, up and down the isles, just looking, don’t really need anything.  A stack of five collapsible mixing bowls, screwdrivers, sink strainers, jewelry, rocks, dog sweaters, CBD oil, beads, old license plates, you name it.  I bought none of those things.  Was hoping the Greek food cart would be there.  But a lot of vendors were already packed up and gone.

jewelry caseThen I saw a jewelry carrying case similar to one I have and love, so got that and a couple extra trays that fit inside it. Took it back to the truck and returned looking for something to eat with limited choices and had a sloppy and just OK pulled pork sandwich.  Finally the RV-stuff store for toilet chemical, a kneeling pad and a couple of LED light bulbs.  There’s always something on the RV needs list.

truckcamper Shady Lane RV Park Quartzsite ArizonaFilled both propane tanks after almost three weeks and went to Shady Lane for the night, dump, fill, and long shower.  My reputation precedes me as my neighbor in a classic 1980s Alaskan popup truckcamper had been told I’d be there at some point during his month-long stay.  Finius and Breezy always make me feel at home.

man stop sign SR95 North to Parker ArizonaThe next day’s drive to Parker took a bit longer than expected with a 25 minute wait for road work.  Filling pavement cracks with hot tar is a labor intensive band aide fix.  I ate lunch at a fast food joint I don’t typically frequent, and seems the employees don’t really understand the “fast” part.  Not that I was really in any hurry, but, one young man at the register was on a cell phone with presumably a boss and said rather frantically it was a rush. There were four people waiting, three tables full, and not even a line at the drive up.  Two stores for shopping and back south.

  desert sunset BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunset view south

Pulled into camp after 4pm.  It took two tries to find the correct turn off along Palm Canyon Road.  Not like there’s street markers.  About a mile off pavement, take the second left after the red tie on creosote bush, then immediate right and a little ways to a left towards a Palo Verde tree and last seen a trailer, immediate right, follow two-track to my Kofa home, and park to the right out of my sight please.  Don’t get lost.

desert sunset BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunset view west

desert reverse sunset Kofa Mts BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunset view east (my driveway in both shots)

Got a good spot a little further east than the last visit complete with Saguaros, Ocotillos, Palo Verde and Mesquite trees.  Best of all, nobody in sight between me and the Kofa Mountains.  Sigh, Kofa feels like home.  Lovely, quiet and dark again, unlike the previous night in Quartzsite.

Kofa Mts sunrise BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaEarly to bed tired after a full day of shopping and driving paid off for an early rise to catch the sun.  No luck with those sun rays I caught last year like the header shot (until that gets changed).  First day was plenty warm and sunny and lazy.  I worked on the last blog post and just sat outside enjoying the desert apricity.

Saguaro cactus desert Kofa Mts moon BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBesides the signal often being weak and iffy, I am bored with my social media choice of FB showing way too much BS and advertising.  All I really want is friends’ updates and photos plus a few group activities and news outlets.  I belong to Instagram and LinkedIn but am not active.  Can only spend so much time online.  Yet in the last many years, social media has become my entertainment and connection.  Is there a FB alternative anybody uses and likes?

finger Kit Fox or Coyote scat on rug Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaScats & Tracks book

I did have a night-time visitor who didn’t wake me up.  In fact it wasn’t until I went outside in the afternoon that I saw its calling card.  Could be a small piece of Coyote scat, they are certainly around and my camps have been marked before by them, yet their poop frequently contains fur and small bones.  Also could be a much smaller Kit Fox who also live in the area though never seen by me.  This piece of scat was only about 1 inch long and 1/4 inch across.  Dog-like mammals usually show tapered tips on the scat and tend to mark their territories.  The ground is way too hard and dry for tracks.  I don’t see a lot of wildlife, but Kofa is home to many animals who sleep underground during the coldest of winter and often the heat of a summer day, coming out at night to find food.

Gaelyn shadow desert Kofa Mts moon Palm Canyon BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAnd it’s been warm during the day, reaching 80°.  Had to dig out lighter weight clothes and even sat outside wearing shorts.  Have to be careful not to sunburn my lily-white legs.  I am rather a sun worshipper which shows with my tanned arms and face.  Spending a large portion of my summer days outside in a uniform with long pants I have a “farmer’s tan”.  I’d like to work on tanning my legs slowly but then the necessary compression stockings cover from the knee down.

12v receptacle & wiresI usually work on the computer in the morning and have opened door and windows by 10am lately.  Lots of sunshine for the solar panels to charge the battery and the system has been working great and even allows for use after dark.  Except for the 12v socket I plug an inverter into to charge the laptop.  Why are 12v wires so flimsy?  Anything electrical that gets plugged and unplugged regularly will ultimately have cord or plug problems.  I checked fuses, tested the 12v socket, tried a different inverter, and watched videos before disconnecting and reconnecting the wires.  But things still aren’t making a constant connection.  I suppose it would help it I had all the right tools and extra connectors.  I don’t like to mess with electricity but 12v is only two wires.  It’s not rocket science.  Next time I’m in town I’ll get more parts and pieces.

Palo Verde & Mesquite trees moon BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI am loving these warm days but without clouds those blue skies make for rather boring photos and soft sunsets.  I’ve been tracking the moon rise in the afternoons when it is soft and difficult to see in the pale blue sky.

Mesquite tree Palm Canyon BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Mesquite tree Palm Canyon BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI took a short walk into my nearby “yard” and became better acquainted with the Mesquite tree.  No tree hugging as it has spines.  Yet I love its crooked branches and rough thick bark.

Mesquite tree curled trunk Palm Canyon BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona         Mesquite tree bark Palm Canyon BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

The wood is prized for fence-posts and fuel.  I’ll bet you’ve heard of Mesquite BBQ.  It produces bean-like pods in the summer that were gathered by Southwest Native Americans and ground into flour.  Fragrant yellow flowers attract honey bees.  I have some Mesquite jelly that hasn’t been opened yet.

peace flag moon BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI sat outside with a book and found the landscape distracted me from reading.  I finally reached decompression from the summer of working.  Only took four months.

Hal Olmsted 2 years old 1949Hal Olmsted Sacramento CA

                                                                               Two-years old & Grandpa

Then I got a call from my sister-in-law.  My brother died.  He’s been unhealthy for many years and was in a hospital with complications and COVID.  This news was both surprise and not.  We weren’t terribly close with lousy history from our youth, him seven years older.  I feel sad for her and especially the grandchildren. This year would have marked 27 years married.  He’s been the stay-at-home step-Grandpa/babysitter for many years.  The biggest shock for me, I am the last of my parents line.

ham & cheese sandwhich It is now I am glad to be embraced by my Kofa home.  I returned to child-like comfort food.  He would know.

zen coloring #1  I have spent much time with a new-to-me adult hobby, coloring with pencils, in a zen-like state of mind.

Sierra cat at door BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSierra also calls this place home, at least for now

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Arizona, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, Quartzsite, Sonoran desert, United States 12v, life and death, RV life, RV Park, RV problems 25 Comments
25 January 2022

Back to Congress

desert Kofa Mts full moon rise Earth Shadow BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAfter camping south of Quartzsite for several weeks and shooting January’s full wolf moon, followed by a gorgeous Kofa sunrise, I drove back to Congress on Wednesday.

Palo Verde tree desert Kofa Mts full moon rise Earth Shadow BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Palo Verde tree desert Kofa Mts full moon rise Earth Shadow BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaMonday was a gorgeous day with mostly clear skies allowing for visible moon rise over the Kofa Mountains.  Of course, I took way too many photos.  But good thing as about half of them are totally out of focus.

Palo Verde tree desert Kofa Mts full moon rise Earth Shadow BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Kofa Mts full moon rise Earth Shadow BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI used the tripod to remove my own personal shake of the camera.  But dim sky with low light is still a struggle for me.  Good thing I can practice every month.

Palo Verde tree desert Kofa Mts full moon rise Earth Shadow BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Palo Verde tree desert Kofa Mts full moon rise Earth Shadow BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWould have been better if folks had joined me, but there will be another chance for February’s Geogypsy Journey, Sharing the Kofa Light 14-18.

rd desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaMight have been hard for the Journey folks to leave the next day because of the gorgeous sunrise.

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

desert Kofa Mts reverse sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI had the camper door open by 10am with ideal temperature and little wind.  Cloud shapes created patches of light and shadow all day.

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

Palo Verde tree desert 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 sunset was no slouch either.

desert RVs Chocolate Mts moon setting BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWednesday morning I pulled out of camp in time to see the moon dropping towards the Chocolate Mountains.

RVs Big Tent SR95 Quartzsite ArizonaQuartzsite is geared up with possibly thousands of RVs parked nearby on the desert public lands.  The RV Show Big Tent opened Saturday filled with every gadget you didn’t know you need.  I didn’t need anything.

weird shoes GoodWill Wickenburg ArizonaCould you wear these?

On the way back to Congress I went to Wickenburg for a Thrift store fix, groceries, and lunch.

RVs camp Congress Arizona

desert trees mts clouds BLM Stanton Rd Congress ArizonaI rejoined Joann’s camp looking up at the Weaver Mountains.  I used to live at the top, in Yarnell, “where the desert breeze meets the mountain air”.  It’s at least 10° warmer in Congress.  Mutual friend Mary stopped by towing her little trailer on the way to Ajo, Arizona.  I forgot to take pictures.  As the sun went down the wind picked up rocking me to sleep.

Palo Verde tree desert Date Crk Mts curved virga storm clouds BLM Stanton Rd Congress Arizona

Palo Verde trees desert rd Date Crk Mts curved virga storm clouds BLM Stanton Rd Congress ArizonaIn the morning, clouds obscured the Weaver Mountains.  A brutal northern wind lasted all morning along with intermittent rain.  At least it wasn’t the inch of snow Prescott got 45 miles north.  Though I was giving second thoughts to coming back to Congress.  Of course the stormy skies were wonderful to photograph with obvious high winds blowing the virga about.

desert fence mts sunset clouds BLM Stanton Rd Congress ArizonaAround sunset I noticed that the solar charger controller had gone into a fault error message and there wasn’t enough power for even one 12v light.  I prayed the fridge would continue to light as needed with power.  I read with a headlamp and used a small battery operated light I keep for emergencies.  Google was very little help and the manufacturer’s website indicated my controller model had been discontinued.  Hmmmm, maybe for good reason.

storm clouds Vulture Mine Rd Wickenburg ArizonaLeaving Wickenburg

Weaver Mts storm clouds light SR89 Congress ArizonaApproaching camp in the rain looking at Weaver Mts

Still no power the next morning so I checked with my handyman and after trouble shooting under his phone directions everything pointed at a bad battery.  I wasn’t overly surprised considering the battery is five years old.  It’s also huge, heavy, and I can’t get it out of the compartment or lift it.  I had to solve this problem that day or wait past Sunday when nothing would be open and the ice cream melted.  I called an auto parts store in nearby Wickenburg and they had a comparable battery.  Then turned out they didn’t.  However the second parts store I called did.  So I drove to the other side of town.  They tested my battery and the reading came back “DEAD!”  I had to play the helpless woman card to get them to take the old out and put the new in.  But I disconnected and reconnected the panel voltage + wire on the controller in between that process.  And voila, everything worked.  So while in town I fueled the truck at $3.84/gal diesel and filled propane at $3.99/gal.  I was feeling so good about solving the solar problem I treated myself at vendor stands buying a huge bag of Kettle Corn and a jar each of home-made Prickly Pear Cactus, and Mesquite jelly. (Home-made jellies are a weakness of mine.)  Then a quick lunch before heading back to Congress under dubious skies.

By Sunday afternoon the solar controller was once again showing a fault error.  This error “Heat Sink over temperature” reads Greek to me with no charging going on.  Then it would show working, and then not working with no readout.  I had enough power in the new battery to give light for the evening, and kept the fridge lit.

Solar Charger ControllerSame problem the next day.  Well, it just so happens I have a new in the box controller, so I carefully disconnected the four wires, making sure nothing touched each other, and connected them to the new controller in reverse sequence.  And guess what it worked!  Now I just have to enlarge the hole in the wall a bit to mount the new one.

I’m sure this battery and controller problem could have been taken care of in Quartzsite near my last camp as well.  But without coming back to Congress, I wouldn’t have been camping with my friend Joann.  At least until I move on again.

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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.

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11 lessons looking back 2013 - “A great post -- made me think, made me smile, made me want to cry." ...Sallie

Wildlife video Kruger National Park - “Gorgeous, this makes me want to go straight to South Africa now.” … Ayngelina

Living nomadically & connecting to nature documentary - “What an experience you had and gave to the "crew." Sometimes I think you don't realize how unique and inspiring you are.” …Alan

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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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  • A Full-time Life
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  • Janie and Steve, Utah Trails
  • Kathie's Birds
  • Las Adventuras
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  • Oh, The Places They Go
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  • Port Elizabeth Daily Photo
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  • Technomadia
  • the good luck Duck
  • Travel with the Bayfield Bunch
  • Wandering Earl
  • Wheeling It
  • Yogi's Den

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