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Choose Happy New Beginnings

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZNew beginnings historically

Moving from one numerical year to another at an arbitrary time initially chosen by ancient Roman custom, the feast of the Roman god Janus.  He was the god of “beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, doorways, Gila Woodpecker bird Saguaro cactus Cemetery Rd Congress AZpassages, frames, and endings” according to Wiki.  This is also where the name for the month of January comes from, Janus was depicted as having two opposite faces.  One face looked back into the past, and the other peered forward to the future.  Seems like that would make living in the NOW difficult.  Some cultures and religions have different new year dates than January 1st.  New Year’s has also been celebrated at the vernal equinox in March and the autumnal equinox in September, typically warmish temperatures for a midnight celebration would help me choose happy for celebrating new beginnings.

Choose Happy welcome mat

I probably wouldn’t make special new resolutions on any of those specific days either.  But for me to choose happy, I will resolve to stay in the warmest winter Arizona climate I can find.  Keep in mind, even the Sonoran Desert is not HOT in winter but it’s certainly warmer than northern high elevations and no snow.  Sometimes rain which is a blessing.  Frequently hold on to your hat windy.  Arizonans wear down jackets and Minnesotans wear shorts.  It’s easier to choose happy when I’m not shivering.

ExplorerEducator

CrazyCold

Or laughing until my stomach hurts when Joann and I share stories.  I bundled up a bit for a fun photo shoot.  What do you think of my many hats.  I need a tea cup for the Mad-Hatter, and several tea cups to have a tea party.  Or perhaps you will bring your own, and wear a fun hat.

Saguaro ridge line Date Crk Mts Cemetery Rd Congress AZMade it through the holiday weekend below 50° day and night that meant running heat that uses propane.  So after a delicious pancake with fruit and bacon breakfast made by Joann we drive the ten minutes to fill propane tanks.  I even tried not to cuss at the tanks.  I’m getting better, honest.  I do believe in new beginnings.

desert Date Crk Mts clouds Cemetery Rd Congress AZA mostly cloudy day.  We enjoyed an early campfire as it was predicted to rain and be cold the next couple nights.

desert mts sunset clouds Cemetery Rd Congress AZ

desert mts sunset clouds Cemetery Rd Congress AZEnded the day with a sensational sunset as the clouds finally thinned enough.  Then I reheated the last of Christmas dinner leftovers for us.

desert Date Crk Mts storm clouds sunrays Cemetery Rd Congress AZDate Creek Mts looking east

Awaking to another cold morning had me thinking about a move further south and 10° warmer.

desert Date Crk Mts storm clouds Stanton Rd Congress AZDate Creek Mts looking west

Joann had taken a drive to charge her phone after several days of low solar.  She came back to get me and showed a possible new camp with great signal within sight of the Weaver Mountains to the east and Date Creek Mountains to the west.

RVs clouds Stanton Rd Congress AZ

desert Vulture Pk storm clouds Stanton Rd Congress AZVulture Peak in the far distance south

And so we moved the few miles to #campcongress2 with a big view.

desert two-track Weaver Mts storm clouds Stanton Rd Congress AZWeaver Mts looking east

Low clouds hung around most of the day but little rain came with the cold wind.

tree sunset clouds Stanton Rd Congress AZ

desert sunset Stanton Rd Congress AZ

desert sunset clouds Stanton Rd Congress AZThe clouds did make for a nice sunset.

desert Weaver Mts low clouds Stanton Rd Congress AZCould see my breath in the camper the next morning.  I laid in my warm bed thinking of moving south to Kofa.  Takes about 30 minutes to warm the camper to a doable 60°.

desert two-track late light Weaver Mts storm clouds Stanton Rd Congress AZ

desert two-track last light Weaver Mts dark clouds rainbow Stanton Rd Congress AZJoann left in the afternoon headed north for work in the cold and ice and snow.  I worked online and watched the low clouds and a little rain with a brief rainbow at the end of the day.  I also plotted to head south the next day.

4 lbs fudge from BashasI hit the road at 9am in the low 40s and headed to Wickenburg first to shop.  Scored when Bashas had their annual holiday fudge, with no nuts, so I stocked up a little.  Fueled at just under $4/gallon followed by a quick stop at the thrift store.  Then too many groceries including a pizza I cooked for lunch in the parking lot.  Darn pizzas are too big for the freezer.

bus conversion Quartzsite AZAlways something interesting to see in Quartzsite

Two hours later I rolled through Quartzsite which is looking a little busy but not quite the crazy it will be soon.

truckcamper desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZ

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZBy 3pm I was parked in my new place, not far from a previous camp, enjoying the view with only one white van in sight.

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZ

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZ

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZKofa Mts

I watched the clouds dance around the Kofa Mountains.

Saguaro desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZ

desert Chocolate Mts sunrays clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZChocolate Mts

Of course I took way too many photos.

grass Palo Verde tree Saguaro cactus mt sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZFelt like coming home where I choose happy.

desert Saguaro Chocolate Mts sunset clouds Virga BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZThough still windy, it was a little warmer.

Ocotillo desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds crepuscular rays BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZ

desert New Water Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZ

Ocotillo desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZEven a nice sunset.

desert dew Kofa Mts low clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZRained gently all night and smelled of desert petrichor in the morning with dew sparkles on every branch.  Reached almost 60° with only a little wind.

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZ

rock funnel spider web BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZFunnel spiderweb

I ended the year with two lovely walks from camp, three miles total.  There’s a huge van gathering up the road on the other side. Looks like they are circled and there was rather loud music. Glad I’m not too near that.

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZ

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZ

Saguaro desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZClouds dancing all day and took hundreds of photos making it more difficult to choose which ones to share even out of the small percentage that are keepers.  No wonder I never catch up labeling photos.

desert sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZAccidentally stayed up past midnight working on a book idea about my first experience as a Forest Ranger at Mt St Helens.  Went to bed and didn’t even realize I’d made it to a new year where I will choose happy new beginnings.

desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZ

desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa NWR AZYet 2022 still seems an arbitrary number when the Earth itself is 4.543 billion years old hosting humanoids for about six million years and more modern humans a mere 200,000 years (according to recent scientific evidence).  Sorry I got sidetracked doing a little research.

bumper rocks BLM Palm Canyon Rd AZI am happy to be someplace a little bit warmer.  Maybe that’s because the daylight hours last longer every day and it’s Earth’s perihelion, or closest point to the sun, yesterday and today. Whatever, I am more than ready for some new beginnings.  How about you?

12 DSC_8294hdrlerwfbwtxtr Kofa Mts moon rise Kofa NWR AZ fb gfb azp npm 500 g g-HDR-1-3 (960x643)

Arizona, Congress, Kofa NWR, New Year's Eve, Places I've been, United States , , 32 Comments

Enjoying a winter pattern in the desert with a few variations

Palo Verde tree sunset Cemetery Road Congress ArizonaSettling in to a winter pattern in the desert with a few variations like more company and making a plan for 2022.  Yet I’m scratching my head and wondering what happened to December that it slipped by so quickly.  It’s not like I’ve been terribly busy in the last three weeks since arriving to this winter’s first boondock home in the northern reaches of Sonoran Desert, Congress Arizona.

desert Palo Verde tree mts sunset clouds Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaI enjoy sharing camp with a friend, at least part-time as Joann works a few days a week in Prescott then returns to her trailer here in Camp Congress.  When she’s here we visit on and off most days but also enjoy our alone time in respective campers.  It’s a comfortable winter pattern.

book coverSalton Sea animal skull from Gypsy Cemetery Rd Congress Arizona

Palo Verde tree desert clouds Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaThough it was a bit cold and windy, Gypsy, a local friend, and her dog Sandee Mae came to visit and we managed to sit outside mostly out of the wind for a couple hours.  I forgot to take any pictures of us.  She came bearing gifts, homemade banana bread and the best fruitcake I have ever eaten, no nuts thank you but lots of fruits and chocolate.  Yum!  Also a mystery book I managed to wade through and the coolest two-inch animal skull from the Salton Sea area.  Not sure what it’s from.  Sadly, Sierra isn’t friendly about dog visitors in our tiny house.

desert mt clouds Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaOn super windy days the almost 60° doesn’t feel warm to me.  I tend to stay home, watching out the windows, and occasionally stepping outside for a quick pic.  Worse is when the nights drop into the low 30s.  I sleep warm but don’t even want to get out of bed into the frigid morning.  No propane heat runs overnight.  In the morning I light the heat, make coffee, and sit enjoying the early sunlight warming up the windows.  Ideas swarm in my head and I think about writing a book.  Would that be about my life, being a Park Ranger, or what?  I don’t know what people want to read.

snowball Palo Verde tree Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaThe wind increased overnight and it rained.  Joann returned with a present from Prescott.  I was glad for no snow in the desert.  It does happen occasionally but it’s not a typical winter pattern, just wind.  If there’s anything normal about weather.

Palo Verde tree frames horses Cemetery rd Congress ArizonaThe wind dropped enough in the afternoon to take a little walk and saw some of our neighbors out exercising.  Folks were camping in a huge horse trailer.  Funny how 60° felt comfortable then.

Phainopepla bird Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaWelcomed home by this resident Phainopepla

We both needed propane so went down the road a few miles.  I still frick and frack with these “safer” propane tanks.  Made an appointment for the truck’s oil change.

horses Peeples Valley Arizona

horse Peeples Valley ArizonaThe next day we  did chores that took us to Skull Valley seeing horses on the way in Peeples Valley.

Hawk in tree Skull Valley ArizonaLost count of how many hawks were seen sitting on poles and trees.  Hardware store, junk shop, Dollar Store, and pizza for lunch in Yarnell.  Seems like it took all day, but a fun day laughing with a friend.

full moon rising Date Creek Mts Cemetery Rd Congress Arizona

full moon rising Date Crk Mts Cemetery Rd Congress Arizona

Saguaro full moon rising Date Crk Mts Cemetery Rd Congress Arizona

Saguaro full moon rising Date Crk Mts Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaI set up the tripod that afternoon to shoot the almost full moon.

Brenda Gaelyn daughter Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaMore company was entertained when Joann’s son, daughter-in-law, and grandkids stopped by for a quick visit and walk in the desert.  Then I got a text from a long-time internet friend who was in my area.  We’ve tried to meet up before.  So after she and her daughter hiked the Hot Shot Trail they stopped by camp.  Of course, they are as awesome as I’d known they’d be.  I’ve watched her now not so little girl grow up into a fine young woman.  Makes me feel like part of the family.  I love my internet family whether seen regularly, occasionally, or never at all so far.  That includes all of you.

Kofa Mts moon rise Kofa NWR ArizonaYet part of my winter patterns include the love of being in the middle of nowhere nature all alone with the world around me.  After days or weeks alone I am ready for people again.  Trust me, it’s not silent at my camper-house—just ask neighbor/friend Joann—because I talk out loud all the time, to myself and the cat.  When my mind is working, words fall out of my mouth.  My mind has been on overtime trying to figure out how to organize and advertise an experience camping with a naturalist, me.  I want to share my love for the land and make a few bucks to augment in retirement.  Thus the birth of the Geogypsy Journey, first two scheduled to Share the Kofa Light in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona.  There will be more in the future.  (Please feel free to share the above link.)

desert Vulture Peak Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaIn the meantime, I enjoy several delightful 60s days around the Solstice.  My favorite holiday because it marks the increase in daylight hours.  Though heavy with clouds, they lent nice shadows and helped hold the heat overnight.

Gaelyn campfire Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaJoann and I went for a walk and gathered firewood.  But we did not wait for full dark to build a campfire, nor did we dance naked around the fire for a neighbor’s drone.  Too dam cold after the sun goes down, even at almost 50°.

Date Crk Mts sunrise clouds Cemetery Rd Congress Arizona

desert mts first light moon Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaUp early enough Wednesday to catch a colorful sunrise then off to town for chores.  Started with an oil change for the truck and breakfast next door while waiting.  Dumped and filled camper tanks at North Ranch RV Park on the way to Wickenburg.

Gaelyn selfie Mad Hatter Goodwill Wickenburg ArizonaScored at a thrift store on a pair of like new Merrill hiking shoes, desert boots, and a 100%-wool malleable Mad-Hatter, all for $24.  Bought groceries for Christmas dinner when Joann would be back in camp.

desert Date Crk Mts clouds Cemetery Rd Congress Arizona

desert Date Crk Mts wavy clouds Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaThe next day clouds held for warmer temperature again.  Not a lot of solar charge going on but I got my exercise going in and out of the camper taking photographs as the cloud show varied all day.

desert mts clouds Cemetery Rd Congress Arizona

Date Crk Mts wavy clouds undulatus apseratus Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaThey moved northward in waves (undulatus apseratus), dancing to a different beat in every direction.  Although a warm glow hung on the southern horizon all day under these gray skies the sunset was brightly contained and brief.

window view Saguaro low clouds Cemetery Rd Congress Arizona

window view Saguaro low clouds Cemetery Rd Congress Arizona

window view Saguaro low clouds Cemetery Rd Congress Arizona

OHV & dog desert clouds Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaHow a neighbor walks his dog

Rain didn’t come until bedtime like a pitter-pat lullaby on the roof.  I awoke to clouds all the way to the floor of the desert, obliterating the mountains to all sides.  Rain continued through most of the day making for soft ground and sloppy tracks where people drove.  Another day of limited solar charging but I made it through with my limited demands.

rainbow Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaLate in the day, Christmas Eve, rays of sun broke through from the west and gave a double rainbow gift arching over the desert.

desert flags mts clouds rainbow Cemetery Rd Congress Arizona

rainbow Date Creek Mts Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaOne end at the local historic cemetery, no digging for gold there please, and the other disappearing before I could even find my shovel.  I opted for the camera instead.

desert mts clouds Cemetery Rd Congress Arizona

desert mts clouds Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaRainbow didn’t last long before the dark clouds increased and dropped more rain.

desert mts sunset clouds Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaSo nice to enjoy a winter pattern storm bringing moisture to the thirsty desert.

Gaelyn in camper Christmas dinner Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaJoann rolled into camp about noon and we shared a Christmas dinner with her heating the mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and gravy while I fried the ham steaks and oven roasted three veggies.  Delicious, delightful, delovely.  Amazing the kind of meal that can be prepared in small kitchens.  Though this photo makes my tiny house look huge.

Christmas tree and stuffed animals in Joann's trailer Cemetery Rd Congress ArizonaMy winter pattern includes not to bother with the bother of holidays, but do enjoy spending any day with a good friend.

Arizona, Congress, Places I've been, RV life, Sonoran desert, United States , , 30 Comments

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!

 

Arizona, Geogypsy Journey, Kofa NWR , , , , , , 22 Comments

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