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2024 So much more!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the rose at 3 wks3-week old rose

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

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

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

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

Greeting the new year Cargo Muchacho Mountains boondock

dry wash mts clouds Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CAIt’s been cloudy with intermittent blue sky over the Cargo Muchacho Mountains where I’ve taken a few walks exploring the terrain.

desert mts sunrise clouds Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CAI love winter in the warm Southwest because I frequently wake up in time for sunrise.  Clouds certainly enhance that morning experience but usually mean there’s some weather on the way.

Gaelyn camper flag shadow BLM Tumco CAThe overnight rain was predicted to last all day but instead the sky cleared and I sat outside.

possible moon planets alignment BLM Tumco CAThat night I kind of tried to shoot the alignment of planets using the cell phone as I was too lazy to get the tripod out for the big camera.

rd mts first light clouds Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CA

desert dunes snow on mts clouds BLM Tumco CAMorning light on Imperial Sand Dunes and snow on distant mountains

The next day was also cloudy over the the Cargo Muchacho Mountains with high wind that did open up a bit through the day but pretty much kept me inside.

desert mts sunset clouds Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CA

waxing moon BLM Tumco CATurned into a day of musing.  I thought about going to town being almost out of ice cream.  But I didn’t have the gumption to move.  Instead I spent a bit of the day dreaming of summer travels.  I’ve been trying to revisit the Pacific Northwest for over ten years.  Last summer’s trip that didn’t happen would have included that and beyond if the fuel prices hasn’t gotten so high.  I’m thinking north on the east side of the Cascade Mountains and back south down the Pacific coast visiting people, exploring hot springs and rockhounding along the way.

too close RV BLM Cargo Muchacho Mts Tumco CAWindow view

In the afternoon an RV pulled in and became a new neighbor parking, where I think, too close.  There’s not many people camped out here so there’s lots of room around the Cargo Muchacho Mountains.  My general boondocking rule includes parking at least 1000 feet apart when possible.  Out of sight is even better.

fog Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CA

low clouds Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CAFriday morning brought fog and low clouds with 98% humidity.

clouds Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CA

chrysocolla rock Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CAYet it cleared enough later for a lovely walk into the Cargo Muchacho Mountains where I saw some pretty rock.  Most likely chrysocolla but I keep looking for turquoise, or gold.

Doug & Yuma BLM Cargo Muchacho Mts Tumco CALong time friend and fellow blogger Doug stopped by with his dog Yuma and we caught up.  They’ve been camped nearby.

Gaelyn finger holding water for Dean BLM Tumco CAA neighbor went to town and picked me up some ice cream.  That saved me from having to move until next year.  Upon his return he offered to fill my empty water jugs from the 100 gallon tank in the bed of his pickup truck.  Sadly, the spare tire had fallen on and broke the spigot so there wasn’t much water left in the tank.  I tried to help while he found a cap and felt like the Dutch boy with my finger in the dike.  I actually ended up giving him a gallon of water for the night.

sunrise clouds Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CASunrise

He returned to town the next day to replace the spigot and filled my water jugs after returning to camp.

sunset clouds Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CA

sunset clouds Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CASunset

The last day of 2022 was a stay home day.

SierraWe went to bed long before midnight.

mts clouds BLM Cargo Muchacho Mts Tumco CAFirst morning of 2023 brought light rain that either cleared off or was blown away by the 30mph wind that rocked the camper all day long.  I barely got out the door to put away the chairs and table before they ended up on top of the Cargo Muchacho Mountains.  I waited for a brief lull to get back inside.

Ocotillo sunrise clouds BLM Cargo Muchacho Mts Tumco CAEven with most of the clouds gone later, the western horizon was obliterated by a sandy haze.  I made a video through multiple windows greeting the New Year.

sunrise clouds Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CA

reverse sunrise clouds Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CAThe next day, no wind and a pretty sunrise.  A boondocking neighbor had to call an ambulance for a visiting friend who got sick.  Basically they were dehydrated and got a saline drip.  Glad it was nothing more serious.  Nice to know emergency vehicles can find us in these remote areas.  All campers within sight came together to offer assistance if needed.

dry wash mts clouds Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CA

moth on yellow flowers Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CAFinally, the third day of the new year I got out for a walk.  I had in mind to find a different place to park without the too close neighbor.  I followed a large wash that might give options for wildlife, or at least some birds.

fenced Hedges cemetery Tumco CABut even though access was good it’s right next to the fenced cemetery and I didn’t feel comfortable with that.  Cemeteries don’t bother me but I figured people would want to visit it so might get traffic.

valley Cargo Muchacho Mts BLM Tumco CAI decided to stay in the same site for the full moon rise over the Cargo Muchacho Mountains though it seemed a good possibility clouds might obscure the view.

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Kofa Mts moon rise Kofa NWR AZSpeaking of full moons, I plan to be at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge for February’s full moon.  Join me for this Geogypsy Journey Tour, Sharing the Kofa Light February 2-6.  From morning to moon, early February light dances with the Kofa Mountains located south of Quartzsite, Arizona.  Join me to explore the Sonoran Desert life, geology, and history. RV/camp for free on BLM public land adjacent to the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.  More information here.

2022 Sharing the Kofa Light

California, Cargo Muchacho Mts, Places I've been, United States , , 12 Comments

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?

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

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