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Category: RV life

A different perspective of Kofa NWR

Saguaro Palo Verde desert last light Kofa Mts MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAfter my last little run around to towns I moved camp to a different perspective of the Kofa Mountains and parked along the MST&T Road on BLM land.  The road condition isn’t as rough as Palm Canyon because of less traffic so also quieter with RVs more spread out.  Oops, probably shouldn’t advertise that.  Only a few miles north of Palm Canyon Road yet still looking NE-SE at the ragged Kofa Mountains to the east and the Chocolate Mountains to the west.

desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe cell signal is inconsistently weak and strong though I am distantly surrounded by at least four towers according to some apps I found.  Towers high me in a valley.  Of course it’s winter windy in the desert with plenty of sunshine for solar charging.  Maybe the wind affects the signal.

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

desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI haven’t been happy with auto-focus on my camera, old or new, for many months.  Finally dug out a different lens, 55-300mm, and auto-focus seemed to work quite well.  Also checked with the 18-55mm kit lens and yes, auto-focus worked fine.  I am bummed because it appears my favorite go-to 18-200mm lens no longer talks to the camera during auto-focus.  My eyes are not great so I do rely on that working.  Because I don’t like to constantly change lenses I’m sticking with the bigger one but taking a different perspective and find myself having to back further away from the subject to get it in the frame.  It will be on hold to replace my favorite lens, laptop replacement first, so I’m grateful to have backups.

sun shine electric wires desert Kofa Mts MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI don’t like the power lines I’m almost parked under but did get an interesting shot of the light on the wires one morning after sleeping through sunrise.  It’s kind of creepy.  Out shooting sunset and could hear noise from the electric wires.  Wonder if that’s what is screwing with my signal.

The whipping winds have kept me inside a lot.  20-30 mph gusts make 56° too chill for me.  I hesitate to complain at all about the weather while hearing about folks dealing with unprecedented cold and snow.  So even though sometimes the camper is rocking my tiny house, powered by solar and propane, I’m quite comfortable.  I do know from personal experience a camper is brutal to keep even semi-warm under 32°.  I highly recommend keeping some kind of fuel and camp stove available for emergencies.

desert Kofa Mts MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaFinally a day with lesser wind and I went for a walk.

Saguaro cactus arms MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaQuite nice with the sun to my back.  Then turned around and the “breeze” brought sniffles to my nose.

Sonoran Desert Chocolate Mts MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Sonoran Desert Chocolate Mts MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaFound it challenging to experiment with different perspectives using the changed camera lens.  Nice to see the Ocotillo leafing out.

broken Saguaro cactus MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaOften see multi-armed Saguaro cactus that resembles some character.

Saguaro cactus MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaYet up close is rather interesting too especially when the cactus works so hard to heal itself from some aggressive action.

Sonoran Desert Chocolate Mts MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI was out for about an hour and didn’t cover more than .25 mi. But at least I got out.

One night I had a really good signal and watched a movie on YouTube.  This is not something I normally do.  Kind of an experiment as I’m contemplating a 7-day free trial on Hulu to watch Nomadland.  I truly enjoyed watching the Perseverance Rover landing on Mars in close to real time on YouTube.  Hard to believe we’ve gone from walking on the moon to landing on another planet.

Sierra cat by creosote bush MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAnother nice day I sat outside for a couple hours reading.  Then I let Sierra out for a little bit.  She headed right for her hidey-hole under the truck and into the wheel well but can’t get there now that the camper is sitting where it should be in the truck bed. What a memory. She circled the truck a couple times, sniffed the fire ring, tried some dry grass, and wandered a little bit before I called her back, scooped her up and put back in the camper.  I was worried about her getting cactus stuff in her fur or running off.  We’ll see if I do that again.

Gaelyn & Joann MST&T Rd camp BLM Kofa Mts ArizonaJoann drove down from Prescott Saturday to camp one night.  She arrived by 8am with breakfast Mc sandwich in hand.  The camp set-up in her mini-van is coming along comfortably and usable while still a work in progress.

MST&T Rd Google maps Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaShe drove us into the Kofa NWR to within sight of the end of the ten-mile MST&T Tower Road (Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph) with a few stops and side trips along the way.  Some nice looking campsites along the road but very few campers.

Jumping Cholla & Saguaro cactus Kofa Mts MST&T Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaMore cholla as we climbed in elevation.

cactus desert valley mts MST&T Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaA totally different perspective looking down into the valley we just came from.

holes in rock Saguaro cactus MST&T Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaReturned to camp for lunch and sat outside for a bit but the wind picked up so Joann suggested another drive up Palm Canyon Road.  Being a weekend there were lots of RVs and tenters along that road.

Palm Canyon Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

dusty Kings Valley Castle Dome Mts Palm Canyon trl Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWe did walk a little up Palm Canyon trail but the wind was brutal and the valley was disappearing in dust.  Although Joann brought firewood it was too windy and we were wind battered so it was an early night.

red Chuparosa flowers Palm Canyon trl Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaChuparosa, first wildflowers of 2021

Sunday morning was tolerable sitting outside using our rigs for wind block and we chatted for hours sharing stories and catching up since our last visit in January.  I’ve isolated so much in the last week I talked her ear off.  She left around 2pm for a 2 1/2 hour drive home already talking about another camp-out in the future.  And who knows where that will be getting a different perspective.

Arizona, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, RV life, United States , , , , 28 Comments

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

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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