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Tag: road trip

01 March 2017

On my way home the slow route

February 22-28, 2017

Twin peaks balancing rock Darby Well Road BLM Ajo ArizonaI really am on my way home, but there’s no hurry.

Crested organ pipe cactus near Darby Well Road BLM Ajo Arizona

Crested organ pipe cactus near Darby Well Road BLM Ajo ArizonaCrested organ pipe cactus near Darby Well Road BLM Ajo ArizonaFor almost three weeks I’ve been moving back and forth between Darby Well Road free camping on BLM and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument at $8/night with my Greezer discount, which I’ll take thank you.  So when I left the monument for the second time it was back to Darby again, just for one night.  Bill and Emily, who I just recently met, had discovered another double crested organ pipe cactus and I just had to see it, and them.  Off a little side road, you really have to just wander the desert like Bill does to almost, but not quite I hope, trip on these anomalies.

Sunset Darby Well Road BLM Ajo ArizonaI donated some fresh frozen Canadian salmon for dinner, given to me by a friend back in the Kofa, and Emily BBQed it to perfection.  Stayed so long chatting after walking over that Bill had to drive me home in the dark.

Gourd Darby Well Roa BLM Ajo ArizonaBefore I left in the morning Bill wanted to show me something he couldn’t explain not far from their site.  So we walked across the road,  scrambled through some dense brush and found some softball-sized what could only be dried gourds wedged into bush branches.  Four of them, plus one on the ground—the only one I took a photo of.  That’s it.  Haven’t seen gourds growing anywhere nearby.  I have to guess the wind brought them in.

Thursday I drove to Quartzsite and found a whole different and almost empty desert to camp in only six miles south of town off La Paz Valley Road within sight of where I’d been a month before but this time without 1000s of my new best friends.  That night I finally figured out and downloaded “Google Now” so I can talk and search, talk and text, talk and comment on FB, and could maybe even talk a post which I haven’t tried yet.  You all probably do this, but sometimes I resist the tech.

Shop Main Event Quarzsite Arizona

Beads & Sonoran sunrise jasper cabochon Quarzsite ArizonaObsidian blank Quarzsite ArizonaBecause of this tech I was able to request a map from google to my desert location and email it to Berta.  Neither of us do GPS (don’t rush me).  With a few extra phone instructions I guided her in to my off road location and we played in Quartzsite Friday after brunch.  Did I buy anything?  Of course, that’s why I stay away from there.  All but one strand of beads is NOT turquoise.  The cabochon is Sonoran Sunrise Jasper from Mexico, a blend of bright aqua-green chrysocolla, red cuprite and black tenorite.  Plus an obsidian blank for a friend who knaps arrowheads.

Gaeyn truck camper Plomosa Road BLM Quartzsite Arizona

Sunset Plomosa Road BLM Quarzsite ArizonaThen after Berta left for home I moved my location north of Quartzsite on BLM Plomosa Road not far from Kim, another friend met through blogging.  She’s kind of let her blog go but was at Blogger-Fest 2017 where we ran into each other again this year.  As usual, I forgot to take pics of Kim but she took one of me.

Gaelyn Bill & Jodee Quartzsite Arizona

Tessa Quarzsite ArizonaSaturday I finally had the pleasure of meeting Jodee, Bill, and Tessa the fluffy dog.  Been following these three since before they hit the road, was it almost two years ago.  Deja vu.  Like the new/old friends we are conversation rolled along faster than our RVs do.  Of course I liked them instantly.  They took me to lunch at Taco Mio where I took one not so good photo of Bill and Jodee in the restaurant.  But Jodee got the best selfie at their RV park after lunch and I took the shot of Tessa.

Sunset Plamosa Road BLM Quartzsite ArizonaReturned to the Plomosa Road camp and went for a short walk with Kim and Barb.  So much amazing rock I find myself staring down all the time.  Found, quartz, chalcedony almost roses, jasper, and more I don’t know or look so much alike because of the dark desert varnish.

Then Solar Johnny showed up to swap out my old readout panel for a brand new digital model because he collects all things old solar.

Yarnell Hill SR89 North ArizonaSunday I was finally on my way home.  Didn’t leave early because of possible morning rain which didn’t happen and it’s only a two drive.  Stopped at Berta’s for a hug and to pick up mail.  Was a pretty sunset in Kirkland but I was too tired after unloading to go out and take photos.  Monday gray and rainy all day and Tuesday more of the same with late afternoon clearing.

And rain brings flowers.  But clear for Wednesday when I leave again for Valley of Fire State Park to meet up with some more new, and old friends.

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Arizona, Quartzsite boondocking, desert, road trip 15 Comments
28 December 2016

Home Sweet Home after three weeks in the truck camper

December 27, 2016

Woke up Tuesday morning to sparkles of white and 17°F at the Flagstaff KOA.  In less than a three hour drive I’d be home sweet home after three weeks living in the truck camper.

Truck camper snow KOA Flagstaff ArizonaThe semi-plowed and almost level site was a stretch to the electric box.  Surprising how many RVers were out in the winter white.  Doesn’t seem to be a winter rate at Flag KOA.

 

Side mirror Humphreys Peak I40 West ArizonaThankfully roads were clear and dry as I headed west on I40 at 11am and 35°F.  Unbeknownst to me a section of the freeway had been closed during the Christmas Eve snow storm.  And after I got home I learned that SR89A South of Flagstaff closed that afternoon because of a rock slide.  Dodged those bullets.

Humphreys Peak behind me

Snow ponderosa pines I40 West Arizona

As I headed over the snowy pass Ponderosa Pines draped in white lined the uncrowded highway.

Snow I40 West ArizonaGood thing because at 75+mph on a potholed obstacle course I found myself dodging holes in the pavement 6-10 inches deep.  As a road warrior I can say the transportation system in this country sucks.  You could loose a Smart car in some of these potholes.  Hate to think what that does to our tires and suspension.  Actually saw a road crew out just before the Devil Dog Rd throwing hot asphalt into deep holes.  I would think it would freeze almost immediately.  Then right after that a car off the road changing a tire.  And not far down the road another.  Can you sue the Feds for these lousy roads?

Snow I40 West Arizona

Valley I40 West ArizonaFinally after another pass west of Williams the road drops to Ash Fork and beyond.

Brawdshaw Moountains SR89 South ArizonaHigh noon and 44°F I turn south on SR89 right into the glaring sun.  And even though that road is lumpy and bumpy it isn’t as full of potholes as I40.  Small patches of snow left in the shadows of the Juniper/Pinyon woodlands yet I could see white on the Bradshaw Mountains ahead.

Snow SR89 South Chino Valley ArizonaOnly a light dusting of snow on the hills around Paulden increasing in Chino Valley.

Snow Pioneer Parkway West Prescott ArizonaPioneer Parkway Prescott Arizona

Snow Williamson Valley Road Prescott ArizonaWilliamson Valley Road Prescott Arizona

And continued to increase to the outskirts of Prescott where I turned onto Deep Well Ranch Road, Pioneer Parkway, and Williamson Valley Road to bypass town.

Snow Bradshaw Mountains Iron Springs Road Arizona

Snow Weaver Mountains Iron Springs Road Arizona

Snow Weaver Mountains Iron Springs Road Arizona

Snow Weaver Mountains Iron Springs Road ArizonaThen Iron Springs Road weaves over the Bradshaw Mountains with their mantles of sparkly white.

Horses Iron Springs Road Skull Valley Arizona

Snow Weaver Mountains Iron Springs Road ArizonaAnd before I knew it Skull Valley only seven miles from home sweet home.

Snow in gully behind RV Kirkland ArizonaI pull in to the Kirkland RV park at 1:30 and a sunny 53°F with damp ground but only a few patches of snow in the shadows.

Leaved cottonwood by RV Kirkland ArizonaMany loads later I am back in my 5th-wheel home after three weeks in the truck camper.  And there are still leaves on the cottonwood by my home sweet home.

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27 December 2016

Not dreaming of a white Christmas

December 22-26, 2016

Christmas sunset Kanab UtahChristmas sunset Kanab, Utah

I don’t ever dream of a white Christmas.  Yea, that white stuff is pretty to look at in contrast to a green forest, red-rock desert, or blanketed rolling plains.  But best from some place warm.  Like in front of a crackling fire or my Facebook page.

Foggy SR89 North of Flagstaff ArizonaChilly and wet Thursday morning at Flagstaff KOA.  I didn’t rush because the yarn shop in town opens at 10am.  Found it by 10:10, got what I needed as quickly as possible, trying not to handle all the luscious textiles.

Little Colorado River from bridge SR89 North Cameron ArizonaLittle Colorado River Cameron, Arizona

Clouds over Echo Cliffs SR89 North Arizona

Painted Desert Echo Cliffs SR89 North ArizonaAlong SR89 North water flowed in the Little Colorado River and through the Painted Desert water flowed in Hamblin Wash.  Not something seen often.  Still not heavy rain but wet.  Yet I see vehicles coming towards me with snow on the hood and think they must have come from the Kaibab Plateau.

Snow Echo Cliffs SR89 North Gap ArizonaCame around a bend in the road before the Gap trying to decide if I wanted to take SR89T to Page.  It’s a much easier climb though a little slower speed limit, very little traffic through pretty land on top of Echo Cliffs.  Versus, SR89 a quick climb up about 800 feet through The Cut.  Which I ultimately decided to do so I’d spend less time at the higher elevation and hopefully less snow.

Snow accident SR89 North ArizonaNot so.  It just kept coming down, wet, sloppy, and big flakes sticking to the ground, and slushy lines on the road.  I did see several snow plows going the opposite way.  Passing lanes were only about half wide and with me going no more than 50mph I pulled over as best possible to let the speed demons pass while many others just slipped in behind me content to let me lead the way.  Of course there was an accident.  Sure hope nobody was hurt.

Snow The Cut SR89 to Page ArizonaI wondered what that big climb would be like.  Thank goodness, even only one lane each way, the climb was clear wet pavement with snow still falling like crazy.  Now I used to drive in the worst of snow storms back in Illinois but I’m a little out of practice even in Northern Arizona.  Obviously not the only one as some drivers wanted to go slower than me.  Yet made it to the top and on to Page.  There were even quite a few people parked and walking up to the Horseshoe Bend overlook.  No thanks, not today.

No need to stop in Page but I did pull over by the bridge over the Colorado River and took a few shots because the contrast of snow on the red-rock was compelling.  And I needed to let go from my death grip on the steering wheel.  Unfortunately none of those turned out.

Inversion SR89 West ArizonaAlthough it had quit snowing it was still quite foggy as I crossed the border into Utah.  Didn’t look like anybody had braved driving the Cottonwood Canyon Road.

Snow SR89 West Utah

Low clouds snow Vermilion Cliffs SR89 UtahWasn’t until I crossed the Cockscomb that the snow line rose higher on the Vermilion Cliffs and slowly disappeared from the ground.

SR89 West Kanab UtahKanab was just wet.

Snowing Bill's backyard Kanab Utah

Ranger Bill's Kanab UtahNice not to see the white stuff in Kanab but that didn’t last when it started to snow, heavier and heavier, on Christmas Eve.  The dogs loved romping around in it until soaked and exhausted.  Bill’s son and DIL arrived Christmas Eve from their more northern Utah home.  They spent the afternoon scanning some of his Dad’s photos of the growing up years.  Plus DIL cooked chicken enchiladas for dinner.

Bill gave up his bed to the “kids” so we slept in the camper in the driveway which was plugged in with a heater going almost constantly.  Awoke to a white Christmas and a soggy place at the foot of the bed.  Which in this case is the part of the camper which hangs over the truck cab.  I sleep backwards so my head isn’t by the cold window.

Presents Christmas tree Bill's Kanab UtahSomeone went and got Bill’s sister who lives down the road a bit.  Didn’t take long to open gifts as agreed none of us got carried away this year.  Then I made sausage, bacon and french toast with real maple syrup for breakfast.

Watched a couple of cute Disney-like movies, DIL’s picks.  I liked them and sat in a rocker like an ole granny knitting away on my sweater.  I also cooked dinner, two ducks baked for four hours, stuffing, green beans and bacon.  Bill made the mashed potatoes.

After dinner we watched Star Wars.  I like the series but am way behind as I don’t go to theaters or watch movies at home.

Snow Vermilion Cliffs SR89 East Utah

Cockcomb House Rock Valley Road from SR89 Eastf UtahThe thin white line of House Rock Valley Road

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument SR89 East UtahMonday morning the kids took off for home and to get a water heater replaced.  Oh the joys of home ownership.  I left after things warmed up a bit, read 31F, around 10:30.  The drive back home seemed reversed in more than direction now that Kanab was all white then once crossing the Cockscomb there was barely any snow on the ground.

Navajo Mountain SR89 East UtahHowever Navajo Mountain wore a mantle of white beyond Lone Rock.  And a plume of steam/smoke drifted off from the coal-fired power plant on the Navajo Reservation just past Page, Arizona.  When I cross that state line I think I’m home even though I still had a three hour drive just to Flagstaff for the night.

Navajo Mountain Wahweap overlook Arizona

Lake Powell Power Plant Wahweap overlook Arizona

Navajo Mountain Power Plant Lake Powell Wahweap Viewpoint SR89 ArizonaMade one stop at Wahweap overlook for some shots with the big camera.

Snow Echo Cliffs SR89 South ArizonaJust beyond Page the Echo Cliffs still carried a little white.

Snow Kaibab Plateau Junction SR89 & A South ArizonaBy the junction with SR89A the snow was just a distant memory, like on the Kaibab Plateau where I’m glad not to be right now.

Side mirror Echo Cliffs SR89 the Gap ArizonaSame peak seen in the sixth photo now without snow near the Gap.

Humphreys Peak SR89 South ArizonaBlaring sun made it difficult to photograph Humphrey’s Peak.

Snowy Flagstaff SR89 South ArizonaLots more snow in Flagstaff than Kanab.  Hope there’s a lot less at home.  Low temperature for Monday night 8F.

Although I stayed warm in the camper I don’t dream of cold temperatures any more than I do a white Christmas.  Now, Tuesday, headed home to see how much of that white stuff is left in Kirkland.

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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.

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