It’s my birthday! Well actually, that happens the 26th. But I’ve been celebrating all month. And now that I’m down to the last week, I feel like having a party. Well, not really a set time and date party. Might not be much alcohol or music because I’m kind of a lightweight those ways. Nothing against either and you’re welcome to them. So maybe not really a party. Instead, a joining of friends. So get your RV or camp gear together and come on down to the Sonoran Desert to help me celebrate life. Oh, it’s a retired life now. Bring your own everything. No presents required, just your presence. And a hat. RSVP for directions.
First birthday and still look like this first thing in the morning just with longer hair
Because I was born during a snowstorm, even though presumably Spring had sprung, I am always ready for ALL kinds of weather. As I’ve gotten older and had choice for my locations I’ve worked pretty hard at being where it cannot snow. But even in the desert, nights can be cold so I am prepared with winter coat onboard. Yesterday I wore a summer dress.
Many decades ago, I made it a personal policy to not work on my birthday, March 26th. One time back in the 70s I even quit a job when they wouldn’t give me the requested day off with a two week advance notice. Can I help it my birthday fell on Easter that year? I broke this policy once, however I didn’t really have to do anything but watch for customers at the remote Eagles Cliff Resort in Washington. Once I became a summer seasonal Park Ranger I didn’t work in March, problem solved by retiring.
Twelve years ago sporting new birthday outfit in Hermanus South Africa
I’m rather dedicated to giving myself a gift—sometimes tangible—of experiences and places. If you’re interested in any of the amazing places I’ve celebrated my birthday, just use the search “birthday” and you may be surprised where I’ve been. Or maybe you’ve joined me before, either real time or virtually. Giving yourself a gift is one way of making sure you actually get something you want. I also tend to start/launch new ideas on my birthday like when I moved the blog to my own domain ten years ago.
Two years ago, when the pandemic hit, I was camped south of Ajo, Arizona for my birthday enjoying the desert days with a little rain and even rainbows. This year it’s been mostly clear skies and lovely temperatures of 80/50s. So what’s stopping you? Come to the desert and help me celebrate 68 years on the planet.
Geogypsy extending a personal invitation
RVers can both hide-out and socialize while camping in the desert. We are birds of a feather as we flew here for many of the same reasons, migrating from various northern points of the continent. Yet we don’t usually hover or flock closely together when boondocking except by mutual agreement.
The Anza-Borrego Desert is quiet except for the occasional soft howl of the wind like a coyote in the distance. Or sometimes the trailer rocks and the stove vent hums. But otherwise it’s typically quieter than my mind. I can see RVs around me, but not closer than 100 yards, some groups “circle up” like west bound wagons on a long trail. Yet a silent understanding and respect keeps most from parking almost on top of someone parked alone. It’s a big space and we all keep our distance. But I don’t want you to think we are anti-social because there is no lack of social opportunities.
So many different kinds of RVs, many huge and small 5th-wheels and motor homes, bumper towed trailers and truck campers, and then there’s 
They were fortunate this 1961 GM bus had been originally converted in 1989 and then three years ago they made it there own with a few renovations and added color, turquoise and browns with light walls and ceiling and wood cupboards making this bright and homey. Check out 
After sunset the movie “RV” with Robin Williams would be shown on a sheet hanging on the side of the bus but I didn’t stay that long as the temperature drops quickly when the sun goes down. Because of Raynaud disease, basically poor circulation, if I get cold my fingertips, toes and nose go numb, so I couldn’t have dressed warm enough for the predicted overnight low of 30F. I met a whole lot of people and I can’t remember all their names plus saw some familiar faces as well. And we’re all boondocking out in this marvelous desert.
I truly think we’re all a bunch of introverts, relishing the quiet time of alone even as couples. Many of us want to be connected with our various degrees of technology and fortunately that’s possible here at the foot of the Santa Rosa, Coyote and Vallecito Mountains forming a horseshoe-shape around us. Yet we are human, and need real face-time social connections and even before the internet we networked with people forming friendships that can last over time. Rvers cross paths with others living a mobile lifestyle and conversations pick up as if from yesterday.