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Category: RV life

29 March 2022

Shooting the moon over a Sky Island in the Sonoran Desert

desert Black Mt moon rise BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo ArizonaWhen it comes to shooting the moon, I try to get the camera out at least two to three days before the official full moon to get a rough idea where the moon will rise over the horizon.  One of the reasons I chose this particular camp was the near location of a mountainous ridge, or Sky Island, to the east.  Plus lots of dense Sonoran desert vegetation.

solar shower bag sunset BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZBob rolled out of camp after over a week of visiting including following me to the BLM camp south of Ajo.  Sure enjoyed his company and all the places we explored.  Being that day’s high was predicted for 82° I decided to hang my solar shower bag on the camper’s ladder and heat water to wash my hair.  By afternoon I enjoyed a delightfully warm outdoor shower without shooting the moon at my neighbors.  Not sure a low flying jet pilot didn’t get an eyeful as I towel wrapped, but I didn’t really care.  It swooped low and punched it over the camper to roar down valley. Shook the earth, air, and me. They do fly low doing maneuvers, but this seemed excessive.  Turkey Vultures soar higher.  Seeing them tells me Spring has sprung in the Sonoran Desert.

desert Black Mt moon rise BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZ

desert Black Mt moon rise BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZ

desert Black Mt moon rise BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZI set up the tripod even though I’d be shooting the moon before it was entirely full with ambient light making it easier to shoot just before sunset.  Mountain ridge made a nice horizon line.

Saguaro desert Black Mt moon BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZLife is short and mostly BS, so follow your dreams and reach for the moon

Surrounding Saguaro also provided a nice foreground.

A10 jet Warthog over camp Bates Well Rd Ajo AZ

Turkey Vulture bird soaring BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZMore military flyovers the next day but not quite so low.  Called an A10 jet or Warthog.  They go so fast.  When I hear one, it’s not coming, it’s already been.  What does the wildlife think?

helicopter above Black Mt Bates Well Rd Ajo AZA helicopter circled the nearby mountain ridge several times then did a touch and go.  Guess it’s all about learning maneuvers.  I get the idea of practice makes better as I feel that way every month when I’m shooting the moon.

Black Mt moon rise camp Bates Well Rd Ajo AZ

Black Mt moon rise camp Bates Well Rd Ajo AZ

Black Mt moon rise camp Bates Well Rd Ajo AZSo I set up again the night before official full moon and at first there was still a little post-sunset glow.

Black Mt moon rise camp Bates Well Rd Ajo AZ

Black Mt moon rise camp Bates Well Rd Ajo AZ

Black Mt moon rise camp Bates Well Rd Ajo AZ

Black Mt moon rise camp Bates Well Rd Ajo AZThen as it got darker I found it more difficult to even see if the camera was in focus, which it is so often not in limited light.  One of my nearest neighbors could be heard howling at the moon along with the coyotes.

Gaelyn by camper BLM 8115 Ajo AZAnother 82° day had me sitting outside reading and thinking, wearing the only summer dress I brought along.  With my birthday only a week away I wondered where I should be.

yellow Creosote flowers BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZFlowering Creosote bush

I messaged Joann about returning to her Congress camp and she was just coming down with a head cold so that was a no go for me.  I wished her virtual chicken soup and best vibes for healing.  I thought about returning to the Quartzsite area, but reality said to stay right there, or at least close by.

Saguaro cactus sunset BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZPaul, a Grand Canyon friend, was camped just down the road and leaving the following week.  So I decided to stay in place over the weekend, go to town Tuesday, and join Paul before he moved on.

full moon rise over mt BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZ

nose rock Black Mt BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZ(Nose where above moon rise happened)

moon reflection inside camper BLM 8115 Ajo AZDidn’t set up the camera for shooting the moon as it was too late and dark.  Took a handheld shot out the door and a phone shot in reflection.

Turkey Vulture roosting BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZ

Turkey Vulture roosting BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZ

Turkey Vulture roosting BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZI’m not always awake for even a colorful sunrise yet enjoy whatever I get from my main window view.  One morning I saw a rather dark spot on a dead tree top maybe 1000 feet away.  As the early morning rays struck, the spot became a Turkey Vulture roosting on a guano covered snag.  It hung out for 40 minutes, preening and stretching wings with the light dancing around different parts of its body.  I wondered if perhaps there was a nest nearby.  Bob had told me they lay only two eggs directly on the ground.

Cholla desert BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZLater in the morning, one of my neighbors, the BobCats, stopped to say goodbye as they’d run out of propane in the night and were headed back to their Phoenix area home only a couple hours away.  They gifted me an extra gallon jug of water for my birthday.

Cholla desert sunset BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZI spent a large part of the day inside at the computer writing, processing photos, and editing videos while watching the clouds drift around.

glowing desert sunset BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZ

glowing desert sunset BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZ

desert mt sunset BLM Bates Well Rd Ajo AZThen outside for a wonderful sunset.  So hard to stop taking photos of an ultra worthy coloring to the late night sky.

wave clouds BLM Bates Well Rd Why AZ

snag desert mts clouds BLM 8115 Ajo AZLeft and down from center for the snag

The next day’s clouds were also outstanding and with temperatures in the high 60s and little wind it seemed a perfect day to go for a walk and maybe find where that Vulture snag rises from.

Cholla cactus desert mts clouds BLM Bates Well Rd Why AZBut no hurry as I’m not particularly an early morning person and the clouds lingered.

cracked mud orange Globe Mallow flower BLM Bates Well Rd Why AZAfter lunch I headed out avoiding the nickel-sized Globe Mallow breaking through the parched desert dirt.  Then I felt a few raindrops hit my thirsty skin.  Arizona 12 foot rule, that’s 12 drops per square foot.

desert animal trail BLM8115 Ajo AZIt wasn’t easy to find a trail through the dense growth along the dry washes avoiding spines from the Mesquite and Palo Verde trees plus Cholla cactus spines strewn about.

snag BLM8115 Ajo AZI managed to work back and forth crossing two dry washes before I stood at the base of that white-colored Vulture snag.  It was much more impressive from camp.   Didn’t find a nesting site. I ended up taking more video with the phone than camera photos.  I only got one thorn snag that drew a little blood on the back of my hand on an hour and a half walk.

desert Black Mt rainbow clouds BLM Bates Well Rd Why AZAfter my walk the clouds increased and temperature dropped and brought a little more needed rain.  Petrichor, with an added essence of Spring creosote bush.  Then came the best gift of all as a rainbow seemed to fall from mammatus clouds only to disappear behind the nearby mountain.

desert mt clouds BLM Bates Well Rd Why AZ

desert sunset clouds BLM Bates Well Rd Why AZIt didn’t last long but the clouds continued with sweeping shapes until a colorful sunset took over the show.

Turkey Vulture on topped Saguaro cactus desert BLM Bates Well Rd Why AZHard wind kept me inside the following day.  Sometimes I question my sanity hanging out in the Spring desert but it sure beats 25° nights at my Skull Valley home.

Cactus Wren bird BLM Bates Well Rd Why AZFortunately, with wind on the nose of the truck the camper door could still be open and I do enjoy not only a great view but saw—and even better heard–my first of the season Cactus Wren.

Chevron fuel prices Ajo AZ

tacos lunch Ajo AZAs I was finished shooting the moon and needed water plus a few supplies, I went to Ajo and included a lunch treat.

truckcamper BLM8115A Why AZThen returned to the Sonoran Desert and drove a bit beyond my previous camp to visit with Paul and settle into a new camp where I’d be joined for my birthday celebration.

bumper collection BLM8115 Ajo AZ

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Ajo, Arizona, full moon, Places I've been, RV life, Sonoran desert, United States bird watching, boondocking, full moon, nature walk, photography 20 Comments
15 March 2022

Bye-bye Kofa camp and Hello Ajo

desert Kofa Mts sunrays Queen Canyon oaRd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaOnce Bob arrived to Kofa camp the days flew by with busyness every day.  We explored the desert on the ground and in the air, walking and driving for new perspectives on a familiar landscape.

Bob's van BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBlogging as Bob’s Eyes, Bob hails from northern California where he has water to actually use that kayak on the roof.  His classic Chevy van conversion has seen a few rebuilds including adding 4×4.  It’s a great ride and makes a cozy home on wheels.  He offered to take the van on back roads I can’t/won’t drive, and I am all in for that.  Ever since I was a kid I’ve always been ready to go bye-bye.

Cholla desert Kofa Mts Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThankfully, Bob is not an early morning person because neither am I.  I may be out of bed by 7 or 8 am but my preference is not to be mobile until at least 9 or 10am.  Yet there’s no rush on these lazy days in Kofa camp.  We spent some time chatting just to catch up, and we’re both yackers.

desert Kofa Mts Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWe’re also both photographers, so waited until about 4pm to leave camp and drive the Queen Canyon Road to Skull Rock.  We traveled this road two years ago and I haven’t been back since.

van road desert Kofa Mts Queen Canyon Road Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaJust a little too rough for my rig.

desert Kofa Mts arch Queen Canyon Road Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWatched for Bighorns along the way but no luck.  Kofa National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 to protect the desert bighorn sheep.

balancing rock desert Kofa Mts Queen Canyon Road Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWe parked near Skull Rock that sits below a huge balancing rock.

desert wash Kofa Mts Queen Canyon Road Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Bighorn Sheep scat Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaDesert Bighorn Sheep scat

desert Kofa Mts Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBob lead the way up a wash to a water tank, Cereus Tank.

USFWS benchmark Cereus Tank Kofa Mts Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Cereus Tank Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

wildlife cam desert Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI’d say this water collection point started off as a natural tank but has been enhanced by humans.  A US Fish and Wildlife trail cam is pointed towards the water.  Bet that captures a lot of cool shots, and why I want a trail camera.  After 20 years of drought, many natural tanks have gone dry.

Balancing rock desert Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBalanced rock

Bob Skull Rock Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

looking out Skull Rock Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaLooking out

Had to check out the popular Skull Rock.

desert Kofa Mts sunset Queen Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe return drive at twilight was gorgeous.  Finding the turnoff to camp in the dark proved to be a challenge until I recognized the creosote bushes.  Went inside for a late dinner and listened to the coyotes sing.

Bob flying kite BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBefore noon the next day a light wind prompted Bob to get his kite out.  He had to make a few adjustments and did finally get it off the ground.  Dare I call the low slow kite a senior dance with rests, much like its owner.

dead tree BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaLater in the day we took a couple hour walk from Kofa camp, mostly just moseying along and of course taking photos.  We lost site of camp briefly, but made it back.

red Barrel cactus BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBecause Bob pushed encouraged me to take video to post on YouTube I added that to my repertoire using my phone.  What a learning curve.  I made short videos and put them together for a test using the video editor in the Photos app on Windows 10.  I also made a video tour of the truckcamper in one shot.  I like the shorts better because if I don’t like the take, I can easily do it again.  I will have to practice a lot more and post them as I go on my new YouTube channel, Geogypsytraveler.  Hope you’ll check them out, like, share, and PLEASE subscribe.  If I can get to 1000 followers, YouTube will monetize the channel and I would love to augment my income to keep on traveling and sharing.  Thanks in advance.

DCIM\100MEDIA\DJI_0162 drone shot of RVs desert Kofa Mts Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona.JPGBob sent his drone up the next day.  He says it’s all practice.  Isn’t everything?

drone in sky BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

drone shot Gaelyn at truckcamper door BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona by BobI spent most of the day figuring out how to move videos from phone to laptop by either Bluetooth, very slow, or just tethering which is much better.  Then I put together another video walking around Kofa camp.  Bob is getting used to his phone because at home he doesn’t have enough signal to use it regularly.  So we’re  teaching each other all kinds of things.  See, you can teach old dogs new tricks.

in Bob's van Palm Canyon Rd Kofa Mts National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaIn the afternoon we took a ride in Bob’s van to the end of Palm Canyon Road.  We’ve both been there, but mostly the van batteries needed charging.

Palm Canyon trailhead Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert S of Palm Canyon Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaDidn’t walk up the Palm Canyon trail and instead walked a short ways south in an adjacent dry wash.

Bob Palm Canyon wash Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

into the sun Palo Verde tree Palm Canyon wash Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaMostly hung out for the evening light and did get back to camp before dark.

rock & cactus Kofa Mts Palm Canyon Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

bumper collection Bob with kite desert BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI took more photos and more videos so spent the evening putting together another YouTube video saying bye-bye to Kofa camp.

desert mts SR95 South Arizona

orchard mts near Yuma Arizona

crops near Yuma ArizonaLots of agriculture surrounding Yuma

Because the next morning we left Kofa camp.  Actually got on the road by 10am and drove south to Yuma to shop.  How I hate towns and traffic.  Always takes me too long in any store.  The energy is so weird I have to work extra hard to stay focused.  Of course it had been two weeks since my last shopping.

I8 underpass SR85 south to Ajo ArizonaFinally got on I8 east to Gila Bend.  Oh yuck, so much truck traffic and everybody going over 80mph, except us.  Paid $5.55/gallon for diesel along the interstate.  Ouch!  I was going to dump and fill in Gila Bend but after getting turned around in town changed my mind and instead just headed south to Ajo and a few miles beyond.  Had enough propane and water for at least a couple more days.

Truckcamper view Black Mt BLM Darby Well Rd Ajo ArizonaMy usual go to places along Darby Well Road were full so continued further on the road and took the first feasible opportunity.  Darby camp was next to an old abandoned corral area with a windmill and water tank. Some interesting artifacts around.  But at 4:30 after a full day, exploration was put off until the next day.

desert truckcamper windmill reverse sunset clouds BLM Darby Well Rd Ajo Arizona

Saguaro desert mts sunset clouds sunrays BLM Darby Well Rd Ajo ArizonaExcept for the exceptional sunset.

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02 March 2022

Company blown into camp Kofa

desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAfter weeks of camping solo, only talking to myself and Sierra, with barely neighbors in sight, several friends contacted me about coming to camp Kofa for at least one or two nights along their travels.  I felt happy for the company and had several days to prepare.

new neighbor Liam too close BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaNot sure if someone parking too close is considered company.  Saturday afternoon a small SUV drove by, turned around, and parked what I call too close at about 50-75 feet.  Still there in the morning, a young man camping out of his vehicle.  He walked past into the desert and when returning I stepped outside and told him about Palm Canyon trail two miles up the road.  He was interested so we chatted.  Turned out that Liam, from Oregon, was on his second day out and first experience boondocking.  I told him he was too close but had done the right thing by not driving over vegetation and parking by a rock fire ring.  He thought it was a “campsite” so I filled him in on BLM public land camping.

After chatting for at least an hour I went back inside for my camera and when I came back out, he was gone.  Actually, he’d moved much further away.  I was reminded of my first road trip 45 years ago at 22 years old in a hatch-back Vega.  I mostly stayed in forest campgrounds with at least a picnic table and outhouse.  Don’t know if anybody was boondocking in the 1970s like we do now.  But we all were newbies at some time.

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

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

desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThat Sunday morning sunrise lasted at least 15 minutes.  Starting out with rather soft pink swirls of cirrus clouds.

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

desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAs the sun rose still behind the Kofa Mountains rays of light slipped through.

desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThen beacons of light reached across the desert floor.  Of course I took way too many photos.

desert Kofa Mts late light BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mts last light BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Kofa Mts last light BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaLight clouds danced across the sky all day along with shadows across the land.

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

Ocotillo desert Chocolate Mts sunet clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunset was pretty but not over exceptional.

window view hazy Kofa Mts BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

dusty sunset BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe next two days were predicted for strong Southwest wind.  Pretty steady 30mph with gusts up to 50mph kept me indoors.  In fact, there were times I couldn’t have opened my south facing door.  The rocking eventually got old, like being in a rocking chair and can’t get up.  Even the Saguaros were rocking.  I watched a Prairie Falcon soar for several minutes.

window view flag BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI think the wind may have blown some people away.  Most of the vehicles within sight left so there were no landmarks to guide in my first company to camp Kofa.  Doris worked at the North Rim several of the same summers as I yet we hadn’t seen each other in many years.  Originally from Germany, she has lived in the US over 20 years working many different mostly seasonal jobs, traveling around and currently living in a van.  Following my directions she pulled into camp Kofa about 4pm and we spent the evening catching up inside my camper and out of the still brutal wind.

desert Kofa Mts low clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaDoris left in the morning and I considered leaving as well.  It was just a little past the usual two-week mark for needing propane, a necessity for refrigerator, stove, and heat.   Weather was deteriorating with prediction of rain and overnight low of 34°.

desert Kofa Mts low clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBut the clouds kept me intrigued, in and out of the camper for yet more photos.

desert Kofa Mts low clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaTom called to say he and Tracy would arrive late the next afternoon and while talking I watched a Prairie Falcon soar and play on the wind.  Trish called to say she’d be there also.

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

desert Kofa Mts low clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaA light dusting of snow fell on the top of the Kofa Mountains quickly obscured by clouds and when revealed minutes later, gone.

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

desert Kofa Mts low clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAll day the clouds danced.  The 50° day had me running heat and watching the propane level drop until it was precariously low and I knew I had to go.

desert Chocolate Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaCalled Shady Lane RV Park about 3:15pm to make sure there was a site and told them I’d try to make it before the office closed at 4pm.

driving into storm SR95 North ArizonaPacked and on the road while the storm rolled towards me from the north.

sunset clouds Shady Lane RV Park Quartzsite ArizonaMade it to the park in 30 minutes.  My usual space was taken so parked on the opposite side of the park, conveniently near a newly renovated bathroom with awesome shower, and the laundry room.  Very nice to be plugged into electricity for a heater and the fridge and stop stressing about running out of propane.

Driving out from camp Kofa I measured the distances in hopes of better directions to my next company.  1.2 miles from pavement, including .4 from the gas line road, to the left turn followed by right, left, and right, left, right .4 miles.  Then I just hoped nobody was in my preferred camp Kofa location when I returned.  Before leaving Shady Lane, I did laundry plus the bi-monthly dump and fill.  Then filled the propane tanks before shopping in Blythe 30 minutes away.  Returned to camp Kofa and pulled in to the same tire tracks by 3:30pm.  At 5pm Trish called from where I could see her parked along Palm Canyon Road, beyond her first turn.  She managed to turn around and I talked her in to camp Kofa without having to physically lead her in.  She’s been traveling extensively for five months towing her little trailer, staying with friends and state park campgrounds.  But this was only her second boondock, her first last year with me.  We chatted for a bit and went in after dark.  Tom didn’t arrive until about 7pm and after making the first turn off Palm Canyon Road I told him to park and I’d see them in the morning.  No way I was going out into the cold wind to guide him in under the dark sky.

I’d seen Tom’s headlights so knew he was on the right track.  In the morning he could see me in the distance and drove right in to camp Kofa.  First question was did he plan to run a generator, and if so he couldn’t park close to Trish or me.  He’d planned to bake a pre-made lasagna in his microwave/convection oven that would require the generator.  I volunteered to bake it in my quiet propane oven instead.  Problem solved.  I met Tom many years ago while working on the North Rim Grand Canyon.  He’s a well-traveled photographer who sometimes travels in his RV.  We’ve met in other places before.  I had not met his most recent travel companion Tracy.

Tom & Tracy vendor Quartzsite ArizonaAfter some visiting and lunch, all but Trish loaded into Tom’s toad-car for a tourist trip to Quartzsite, Tracy’s first visit.  The end of February is not particularly “prime” Quartzsite but there’s still a few vendors at Tyson Wells.  Besides, Tracy is recovering from a broken leg and wearing a brace so walking needed to be easy and limited.  We made another stop at the historic Hi Jolly memorial and cemetery in town.

historic closed fuel station The Camel Stop Quartzsite ArizonaTom’s sharp eye caught sight of an old car half hidden behind a building, so he pulled off the main street and parked in front of the pumps.  Sort of like a museum but not open and nobody around.

Edsel The Camel Stop Quartzsite Arizona

front of old Ford truck The Camel Stop Quartzsite Arizona

old Cadillac The Camel Stop Quartzsite ArizonaHe and I wandered enough to spot the Edsel, Ford, Cadillac, Plymouth, Corvair, and a few others.  The renovated classics were hidden in a garage and barely visible through dirty windows.

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

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

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBack to camp briefly then out for a drive on Palm Canyon Road for the pre-sunset golden light on the glowing Cholla cactus.  More of them grow on the rocky slope at the foot of the Kofa Mountains.  Gorgeous to look at but nasty to be around.  Once back to camp I baked the lasagna and we all ate in Tom’s rig with the biggest table.

incomplete coloring pageIn the morning Trish pulled out at ten on her way to Palm Springs.  Tom and Tracy left 30 minutes later on their way to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.  I settled in for a quiet day at camp Kofa knowing more company was coming the next day.

Gayle drove right past the turn off and me before calling.  I advised to continue no more than a mile to the refuge boundary for an easy turn around then directed her in towing a car behind her motor home.  At 82, this fiddle-playing lady is an inspiration.  Been a couple years since we’d seen each other at the Fiddle Festival in Ajo.  Time seems to slip away when visiting with friends and I never remember to take photos.

She managed to get out of camp Kofa before noon only going an hour away near Yuma.  If I continue to expect company to remote places like camp Kofa, maybe I should carry a bag of brightly painted, fist-sized, rocks to set out, and retrieve, guiding them in.  You know, all this coming and going has got me to thinking maybe I should go somewhere too.

Sierra cat eating tuna from can

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Arizona, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, RV life, Sonoran desert, United States boondocking, company, desert, RV lifestyle, RV Park 18 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.

Let’s share our stories.  Here’s more of mine…

My wheeleastate

I am currently…

…boondocking somewhere in southern Arizona.  In the area, give a shout.

Geogypsytraveler on YouTube

Follow my journey on YouTube. Just click the pic. Hope you’ll like, share, and subscribe.

Click image for 7 minute documentary (Password “geogypsy” lowercase)

Making the Gypsy documentary is a story of its own.  Click below for the rest of the story.

Living nomadically & connecting to nature documentary

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Photos available for sale include prints, greeting cards, coffee mugs, tote bags, phone cases and more

Reflected Wave 24X16 metal print under $100

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Many items to choose from including prints

The Last Blast 24 x 16″ metal print under $100

Need a signal boost? When I boondock on public lands sometimes signal is weak or intermittent and a booster helps. Click the pic to visit WeBoost.

Connecting to nature and the rest of the world too.

Please contact me for photo purchases not seen at GLOlmsted Photography

Order fulfillment is by Fine Art America. If you’re not happy with your purchase, for any reason, simply return it within 30 days, and you’ll receive a full refund of the purchase price.

Why read Geogypsy?

The gypsy life spring-summer 1998 - "You were a real pioneer. RV'ing before it was cool." ...Yogi

How do you process photos? - “Your photographs create an Emotional feeling in the viewer...that they become One with You.” …Cindy

Life’s transitions between travel and work play - "I know you love your job as much as you love travel -- it shines through all your posts." ...Sallie

Lions at Kruger National Park - “Wonderful post, thank you. I was hooked start to finish!” … Peter B

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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Sites I follow, read & recommend

  • A Full-time Life
  • A Yankee in Belgrade
  • Bob's Eyes
  • Box Canyon Blog
  • Camels and Chocolate
  • Dawns bloggy blog
  • In the Direction of Our Dreams
  • Jane in her infinite wisdom
  • Janie and Steve, Utah Trails
  • Kathie's Birds
  • Las Adventuras
  • Memorable Meanders
  • Oh, The Places They Go
  • On the Road Abode
  • Port Elizabeth Daily Photo
  • Stillhowlyntravels
  • Take to the Highway
  • Technomadia
  • the good luck Duck
  • Travel with the Bayfield Bunch
  • Wandering Earl
  • Wheeling It
  • Yogi's Den

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