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Welcome to windy spring in the desert Southwest

desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI almost called this post “Dust in the Wind” because that’s what happens during spring in the desert Southwest.  Yes, it’s a reoccurring theme and you might be tired of reading about the wind and wonder why I come here at all.  I think it’s common for spring all over to be windy as the weather patterns change.  But truly, I’d rather watch dust fly at 60° than snow at anything below 40°.

Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunrise over Kofa Mts

After several days of visitors stopping along their travels I felt like I should go somewhere too.  Maybe there would be flowers blooming somewhere announcing spring in the desert Southwest.

Mesquite tree frames Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBut then the temperature warmed and, dare I say, the wind slowed down enough to spend time outside just enjoying the views.

Saguaro desert clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaA rather skinny ground squirrel appeared and chased up a large beetle that got away.  A few lizards scurried from bush to bush.  I was almost ready to seek shade at 85° but instead, like a lizard, I soaked up the apricity like the sun worshiper I am.

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThen there’s the clouds drifting over the land to bring patches of light and shadows.

Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAnd a blazing sunset.

desert Kofa Mts reverse sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaToo good to last as winter tries to hold back spring in the desert Southwest.  Winter’s north wind clocks around into summer’s south wind and spring is hold onto your hat, go fly a kite, time of year.  Temperature remained in my comfort zone but the wind blew obnoxiously.  I tried unsuccessfully to sit outside for a while and read.  All windows and door open on the camper made that comfortable until the strong wind caused me to close the door.  Hair, dirt, and dust blow everywhere. I see motes in sunrays.  The dust has my sinuses acting up.  Did manage to get out for a gorgeous sunset.  March came in like a gentle lamb, briefly, and then turned into an angry goat.  I suspect it will go out like a lion.  Especially as my birthday is the end of March and I was born in a snow storm.  So if I’m somewhere it can snow, it will.  I really don’t want to be where that could happen.

desert Kofa Mts sunrise rays BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe next morning started with no clouds as I watch the shafts of sunrise on the Kofa Mountains.

desert Kofa Mts sunrise rays clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThen the clouds blew in and continued putting on a show.

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

desert Kofa Mts light shadows clouds last light BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaA few teasing sprinkles of rain fell but not enough to wash away the dust in the air.

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

Ocotillo desert Chocolate Mts sunrays clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAnd the wind blew, and blew, and blew.

desert Kofa Mts last light reverse sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona(possible calendar shot?)

I managed to get outside just a few times to snap some photos.  However, most of the day’s shots were taken through the dirty window and some with my phone.

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

desert mts dusty sunset clouds Kofa Mts BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWith daytime temperatures in the mid 60s and fierce wind blowing I again considered a change of location.  But in order to stay warmer than anywhere north of here I would still have to deal with the winds of spring in the desert Southwest.  Besides, I try not to go anywhere on a weekend.

Loggerhead Shrike in Ocotillo BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSo, another day of indoor photography, including a fuzzy window shot of a Loggerhead Shrike balancing on the wind blown tip of an Ocotillo.

Bob's van BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunday, I once again have company.  Bob, from northern California, finally made it to the Arizona desert after brake work on the way down.  He pulled into camp Kofa in the afternoon and thankfully the wind had dropped enough to sit outside chatting under the warm sunshine.  Now we’re both talking about boondocking south of Ajo but not until after a few more days exploring the Kofa Mountains back roads which can be done in his classic conversion 4×4 Chevy van.

Kit fox BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona by BobThen last night, just after sunset Bob spotted a Kit Fox in camp and managed to get a great photo.  I was already in for the night having dinner.  Damn.  You may remember the scat I found on my outdoor welcome mat a little while back and thought perhaps fox.

Cholla Saguaro desert mts clouds Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI am more than ready for winter to be over, as I’m sure are many of you.  I wish there’d been more rain on this parched land.  Seems like time to find a few wildflowers.  Also time to move further south once again for a little more warmth, a little less wind, and more signs of spring in the desert Southwest.

Birthday month

Arizona, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, United States , , , 22 Comments

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

Arizona, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, RV life, Sonoran desert, United States , , , , 18 Comments

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.}

Arizona, full moon, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, RV life, United States , , , 38 Comments

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