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Category: Arizona

24 April 2024

Back on the road again

RV sunset reflection Pilot Knob BLM LTVA Felicity CAWasn’t sure I’d ever get back on the road again, especially with three RVs.  But here I am, solo* and on the road again traveling in the new RV revisiting places and exploring new spaces while thinking about summer and what to do.

sunrise moon Pilot Knob BLM LTVA Felicity CAOnce the 5th-wheel and shuttle bus were sold I was free to get back on the road again, and I was more than ready to leave Quartzsite drama behind.  I had nothing on my calendar until an early April wedding in Ajo, southern Arizona. 

Say's Phoebe bird on side mirror Pilot Knob BLM LTVA Feliity CASay’s Phoebe

During early March, I set up camp just west of Yuma, across the border into California, at Pilot Knob LTVA BLM (Long Term Visitor Area permitted by Bureau of Land Management). 

yellow Desert Marigold & purple Sand Verbena flowers Pilot Knob BLM LTVA Felicity CADesert Marigold & Sand Verbena

Only 20 minutes on the road from Joann’s place so we got in a lot of visiting. 

sunset Pilot Knob BLM LTVA Felicity CAMy timing was constantly off there because California was still on daylight savings time.  I literally had to ask Google “What time is it in Arizona?”  Solved problem with a clock/thermometer I bought at a thrift store, about a week before stupid savings time ended. 

white Desert Lily & yellow Creosote flowers Pilot Knob BLM LTVA Felicity CADesert Lily in Creosote bush

bumper rocks Pilot Knob BLM LTVA Felicity CABumper rock collection

You’ll find more of this story, and others, on my YouTube channel.  I know, not everybody wants to go there.  That’s OK by me.  But I do want to share that I made it past 1000 subscribers and want to thank those of you that helped make that happen.  I’m not really monetized, yet.  However I’ll have some big news about it all very soon.

sunset Mittry Lake Yuma AZStill staying nearby Yuma, I got on the road and went for a total change of scenery at Mittry Lake, actually a reservoir along the dammed Colorado River.  I camped there last winter and loved it. 

storm clouds Mittry Lake Yuma AZ

sunset Mittry Lake Yuma AZMaybe rising Spring temperatures and rain brought the mosquitoes that descended every evening at dusk. 

Great-tailed Grackle birds Mittry Lake Yuma AZGreat-tailed Grackles

Yet bugs bring birds. 

Osprey bird Mittry Lake Yuma AZ

Osprey bird Mittry Lake Yuma AZPlus I spent much time watching the Osprey soar, stoop, and hopefully catch a fish when I heard a splash that was out of sight. 

boat Mittry Lake Yuma AZPeople who launch small boats and fished sometimes caught a decent sized bass or two. 

sunset Mittry Lake Yuma AZ

sunset Mittry Lake Yuma AZIf nothing else, sunsets reflected on water where worth the stay even if I sometimes had to shoot through the screen door. 

Space X Falcon 9 launch Mittry Lake Yuma AZAnd then I got lucky and saw SpaceX Falcon 9 fly cross the sky. 

clouds reflection Mittry Lake Yuma AZ

bees bearding Mittry Lake Yuma AZOne afternoon, I heard a large swarm of honey bees that clustered on a bush in what is called “bearding”, a resting practice that a swarm of bees will do when searching for a new hive site.  Got video and shared as a SHORT.

Imperial Sand Dunes CA

Gaelyn Imperial Sand Dunes CA by JoannMarch 26th, time for something different, because IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!  OK, it’s over now.  I returned to Pilot Knob for a night and Joann and I went on the road for a reconnaissance trip in her minivan to check out my next possible camp.  With fudge brownies for on the road we headed west on Interstate 8. 

Plank Rd Imperial Sand dunes CA

Plank Rd CAFirst stop, the Plank Road, original way to drive your 1915 Model-T across the Imperial Sand Dunes.  Would you do that? 

Imperial Sand Dunes CAIt’s mind boggling to think of building an Interstate highway and an irrigation canal across five miles of shifting sand. 

Old Fogey hot spring Holtville CA

Old Fogey Hotspring Holtville CAThen less than 20 miles further on the road, in a dry Mojave desert, we found a cluster of palm trees shading the semi-developed Holtville hot spring located on BLM with nearby boondocking.

Old Fogey Hotspring Holtville CA

Gaelyn Old Fogey HotspringI got on the road and returned the next day, set up camp, and soaked in Old Fogey hot spring while waiting for friends to join me for a couple days. 

Old Fogey Hotspring Holtville CA

Gaelyn soaking Old Fogey Hotspring Holtville CAA nice place to stay that will be on my list for next winter, though it’s a little close to the noisy interstate. 

Space X Old Fogey hotspring BLM LTVA Holtville CASpace X Old Fogey hotspring BLM LTVA Holtville CA

Saw SpaceX again. 

I just posted a video about the hot springs, so you should check that out.

sunset Old Fogey hotspring BLM LTVA Holtville CASunset from Old Fogey hot spring camp

Early April, I got on the road southeast to Ajo and beyond to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument where I attended a Park Rangers’ wedding, watched—and photographed—the partial eclipse, then stayed for another couple weeks boondocking in the Sonoran Desert I so love.  More coming about all that. 

fish Holtville hotspring CA

10in fish pond Holtville CAFish in natural pond where there’s no swimming

And because it’s getting hot in the desert, I’m also thinking about a summer plan.  Northwestward, is about all I can say at this time.  I’d like to get to Cape Flattery Washington, the most northwest location in the lower 48 states.  Just have to see. 

mapsmaps route

If you’re in this area let me know.  I have no direct routes and don’t like interstates.  See ya’ on the road.

*As of the beginning of March I am once again a solo nomad.  Seems it’s what I do best.  No hard feelings and life goes on.  I’m sure to cross paths with the caravan nomads somewhere again.

 

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Arizona, California, Mittry Lake, Places I've been, RV life, Yuma birds, hot spring, lake, RV life 27 Comments
13 March 2024

Geogypsy and the three RVs

3 RVs sunset La Posa S BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZSort of feeling like Goldilocks but with three RVs, one too big, one too small, and one just right.  I’ll start with a little backstory and lots of links if you need to catch up.  Then share a before and after tour of the new-to-me Class C RV.

sunset clouds La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZSunset from Quartzsite camp

I’ve owned my 36-foot 5th-wheel for 12 years, living in it primarily during summers while working as a seasonal Park Ranger.  I didn’t buy it to travel in.  Instead I traveled many winters in a variety of slide-in truck campers, the most recent one I used last summer.

RVs rainbow La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZAfter the rain from Quartzsite camp

Then, September 15th the truck-camper burned completely and I lost my precious kitty Sierra.  After a month of traveling with Hannah’s caravan I felt desperate to have my own bed on wheels again.

bus & 5er La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZSo I bought a small 4-window shuttle bus with a “no-build build” that was livable, though not my ideal.

Chocolate Mts sunset clouds La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZEnded up in Quartzsite Arizona at the BLM LTVA La Posa South for the winter.  Sure not my usual way to winter.  After I had the 5th-wheel towed to Quartzsite I spent almost two months getting everything out of it.  I had too much stuff!  Many of you probably do too.

inside messy bus La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZActually moving out

As I started to settle in to the little bus I continued to search local classified ads (Facebook Market Place) for a Class C RV, early 2000s, 24-26 feet long, no slide-outs, with solar, and low mileage under $20k.  I looked every night.  January is all about RVs in Quartzsite.  So I figured it would be a great place to sell and possibly buy.  Sure enough.  January 5th, I saw a Class C for sale that checked more than all my boxes.  Located only half a mile from my camp, I was the first to look at this new listing.

Tioga Class C RV for sale La Posa South Quartzsite AZ2001 Fleetwood Tioga 24d, 61k miles, jackknife sofa; remote start with GPS; Viper alarm and keyless entry; backup camera; security system wired up with monitor; cell phone booster; all-terrain tires 1 ½ years old; interior LED lights and colored strip lights; water heater; 50 gal water tank; plumbed quick connect for catalytic heater; residential fridge ?self defrost; generator; 1200w solar panels, 5 Battleborn lithium batteries with all Victron components

three RVs La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZWhat was I thinking to own three RVs?

Gaelyn at door Tioga Class C RV by Joanndoorway Tioga Class C RV

                                            Come on in

My offer was made and accepted Friday afternoon and Monday we took care of business.   OMG!  I now owned three RVs.

inside Tioga Class C RV La Posa South Quartzsite AZ

living room Tioga Class C RVRight from door living space to cab (before and after)

Eric, the seller,also known as the Nomadic Fanatic on YouTube, seems to change RVs almost as frequently as I have.  This is #16 for me over 48 years of wheeleastate.

kitchen Tioga Class C RV

rear inside Tioga Class C RVLeft from door kitchen to bed left and bathroom door right (before and after)

Monday, we drove 1 1/2 hours to Buckeye for the nearest BofA where we both bank.  I drove the RV and it handled great but the pavement on Interstate 10 is awful, more potholes than pavement.

bed in Tioga Class C RV

bed Tioga Class C RVDouble bed (before and after)

Parking was tricky near the bank but Eric guided me into a couple of corner spaces.  I have to get used to be longer again.  The banking went smoothly.

inside Tioga Class C RV La Posa South Quartzsite AZart board bath room Tioga Class C RV

                                            Bathroom with white board

Made a quick run into a large Goodwill right across the street from the bank.  I didn’t buy anything because I didn’t know what I needed yet.

tiedye tshirt curtain Tioga Class C RV

sign in Tioga Class C RVRan into a little traffic snaffu getting to WalMart where I managed to shop for just under an hour and $185.  I bought like I haven’t been able to in many months. Two half gallons of my favorite ice cream, pizza, meat, fruit, and vegetables. Then we drove back and made it before dark.

couch Tioga Class C RV

painted under couchPainted the bead board

So I moved again.  But first I cleaned.  I’m not a clean freak.  However…  I call the dust velvet, cobwebs silk threads, it’s my dirt and I live with it.  The point being, MY dirt not somebody elses.

solar stuff Tioga Class C RVsolar equipment

batteries Tioga Class C RVSolar equipment and batteries in basement under bed

This next move seemed to be quicker as I was more motivated, and had less to move with space to put it.  To save photo overload I’ll only share some of the before and after new-to-me RV pics.  For more check out this RV tour video.

https://geogypsytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/17-Bye-bye-5er.mp4

Then I waited, and waited some more, trying to sell too big and too small.  Showed the 5th-wheel several times yet the only offers were half my asking price.  Then mid-January a lady from Yuma walked in and lit up like I had when first seeing the inside of this spacious well-lit RV.  Done deal.  Did have to wait two weeks for her to organize moving out of her current permanently parked RV and finding transport for the new one.  No big deal.  It wasn’t going anywhere.

RV rainbow Pilot Know BLM LTVA Felicity CAHowever, I was, at least for a few days.  I really needed a break from Quartzsite and moving.  So I went to Yuma about an hour away for some shopping, visiting a friend, and camped just across the border at another BLM LTVA called Pilot Knob in Felicity California, the center of the world.

RV rainbow Pilot Know BLM LTVA Felicity CARain brought a magic show to the desert.  Think it’s a sign?

full moon rise New Water Mts La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZ

full moon rise New Water Mts La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZ

full moon rise New Water Mts La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZ

full moon rise New Water Mts La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZClouds cleared after returning to Quartzsite and I managed to shoot January’s full moon rise over the New Water Mountains.

2024 winter schedule Quartzsite AZAnd then with the “Big Tent” show over, I went to play in Quartzsite.  That brings us to February.

Gaelyn new Tioga RV La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZI highly recommend watching the RV tour on my YouTube.  And if you haven’t already subscribed, please do.  I finally made it over 1000 subscribers, a requirement to monetize, but still need more watch time which is another requirement.  Like and leave a comment so I know you’ve been there.  Thank you!

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Arizona, California, Places I've been, Quartzsite, RV, RV life, United States, Yuma RV lifestyle 19 Comments
05 February 2024

2024 So much more!

tie die t-shirtThough I started the new year with a head cold, I determined to make 2024 so much more.  Needed to turn around negative thoughts, get past the past, move on with life as it should be, and buy yet another RV.

Mc milkshakeAs usual, I didn’t greet 2024 at midnight.  Instead I spent the first couple days sniveling with a head cold and coughing with a sore throat.  Tim came back from town with a chocolate Mc milkshake that felt fine chilling down.

sunset Kofa Mts La Posa South BLM camp Quartzsite AZKofa Mts under crazy sunset clouds

Third day into 2024 I took my first (decent) photo of the new year.  Desert sunsets are often superb, and what better present for a tribe member’s birthday celebration around the campfire.  I went to the gathering but stayed away from people and left very early.

Tim & Gaelyn tie shirts La Posa South BLM camp Quartzsite AZTim and I modeling Christmas tie-dye

Felt well enough the next day to drive 45 minutes to Parker with Tim for supplies.  Grocery stores in Quartzsite are limited and pricey.  That night I saw an ad on the Facebook Quartzsite Marketplace for a Class C motorhome that seemed worthy of looking at.  Turns out, Tim knows the seller, Eric is known as the Nomadic Fanatic on his YouTube channel (check him out).

sunset window reflection 5er La Posa S BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZYes, I already had a 5th-wheel listed for sale.  And I recently bought a shuttlebus but it wasn’t really what I wanted other than an adequate bed on wheels.  January is the month of “all things RV” in Quartzsite, so it’s a good place to buy and sell.

sunset clouds La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZFirst thing the next morning I contacted him, located about half a mile from me.  It’s the first wheelestate seen since the fire that I’ve gotten excited about and the price was right. It more than checked all my boxes. But, do I want to own three Rvs?

the rose at 3 wks3-week old rose

Over the weekend I worked on the fire video.  Very difficult to relive, yet felt like a necessity.  I’ll never forget, but time to move on.

Tioga Class C RV for sale La Posa South Quartzsite AZAfter waiting out the weekend, Erik and I took a 1 1/2 hour drive to Buckeye, the nearest bank we both use, to notarize the title and make the deal.  What a great way to make 2024 so much more!

Gaelyn new Tioga RV La Posa South BLM LTVA Quartzsite AZTour of new RV coming soon.

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Arizona, New Year's Eve, Places I've been, Quartzsite, RV life, United States new RV, new year, Nomad, RV lifestyle 23 Comments
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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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