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Tag: RV Park

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
15 February 2022

Kofa feels like home

last light desert Kofa Mts moon Palm Canyon BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaKofa feels like home for many reasons.  I soak up the desert apricity on sunny days while I wander into my “yard” and get better acquainted with the plants and animals who also call Kofa home.

Saguaro cactus Woodpecker bird sunset Saddle Mt BLM Tonopah ArizonaSunrise for a Woodpecker, and me

After Joann left Saddle Mt the flies chased me away as well.  I had choices to make for chores, 30 minutes east to Buckeye for shopping, then an hour west to Quartzsite for an overnight before south to Kofa.  Or, 30 minutes west to Quartzsite, same north to Parker for shopping, and back to Q for the night before Kofa.  I opted for the second choice, in a different order.

truck hauling trucks I10 West ArizonaIn the morning I called Shady Lane to see if I needed a reservation for the night.  Nope, my usual space would be available.  I hit the road early and drove freeway west to Quartzsite.  Early and freeway, both unusual activities for me.

Tyson Wells Quartzsite ArizonaI wanted to check out the vendors at Tyson Wells and wasn’t sure how parking would be.  February isn’t as crowded as January so I had no problem in the lot that morning.  I walked, up and down the isles, just looking, don’t really need anything.  A stack of five collapsible mixing bowls, screwdrivers, sink strainers, jewelry, rocks, dog sweaters, CBD oil, beads, old license plates, you name it.  I bought none of those things.  Was hoping the Greek food cart would be there.  But a lot of vendors were already packed up and gone.

jewelry caseThen I saw a jewelry carrying case similar to one I have and love, so got that and a couple extra trays that fit inside it. Took it back to the truck and returned looking for something to eat with limited choices and had a sloppy and just OK pulled pork sandwich.  Finally the RV-stuff store for toilet chemical, a kneeling pad and a couple of LED light bulbs.  There’s always something on the RV needs list.

truckcamper Shady Lane RV Park Quartzsite ArizonaFilled both propane tanks after almost three weeks and went to Shady Lane for the night, dump, fill, and long shower.  My reputation precedes me as my neighbor in a classic 1980s Alaskan popup truckcamper had been told I’d be there at some point during his month-long stay.  Finius and Breezy always make me feel at home.

man stop sign SR95 North to Parker ArizonaThe next day’s drive to Parker took a bit longer than expected with a 25 minute wait for road work.  Filling pavement cracks with hot tar is a labor intensive band aide fix.  I ate lunch at a fast food joint I don’t typically frequent, and seems the employees don’t really understand the “fast” part.  Not that I was really in any hurry, but, one young man at the register was on a cell phone with presumably a boss and said rather frantically it was a rush. There were four people waiting, three tables full, and not even a line at the drive up.  Two stores for shopping and back south.

  desert sunset BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunset view south

Pulled into camp after 4pm.  It took two tries to find the correct turn off along Palm Canyon Road.  Not like there’s street markers.  About a mile off pavement, take the second left after the red tie on creosote bush, then immediate right and a little ways to a left towards a Palo Verde tree and last seen a trailer, immediate right, follow two-track to my Kofa home, and park to the right out of my sight please.  Don’t get lost.

desert sunset BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunset view west

desert reverse sunset Kofa Mts BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunset view east (my driveway in both shots)

Got a good spot a little further east than the last visit complete with Saguaros, Ocotillos, Palo Verde and Mesquite trees.  Best of all, nobody in sight between me and the Kofa Mountains.  Sigh, Kofa feels like home.  Lovely, quiet and dark again, unlike the previous night in Quartzsite.

Kofa Mts sunrise BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaEarly to bed tired after a full day of shopping and driving paid off for an early rise to catch the sun.  No luck with those sun rays I caught last year like the header shot (until that gets changed).  First day was plenty warm and sunny and lazy.  I worked on the last blog post and just sat outside enjoying the desert apricity.

Saguaro cactus desert Kofa Mts moon BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBesides the signal often being weak and iffy, I am bored with my social media choice of FB showing way too much BS and advertising.  All I really want is friends’ updates and photos plus a few group activities and news outlets.  I belong to Instagram and LinkedIn but am not active.  Can only spend so much time online.  Yet in the last many years, social media has become my entertainment and connection.  Is there a FB alternative anybody uses and likes?

finger Kit Fox or Coyote scat on rug Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaScats & Tracks book

I did have a night-time visitor who didn’t wake me up.  In fact it wasn’t until I went outside in the afternoon that I saw its calling card.  Could be a small piece of Coyote scat, they are certainly around and my camps have been marked before by them, yet their poop frequently contains fur and small bones.  Also could be a much smaller Kit Fox who also live in the area though never seen by me.  This piece of scat was only about 1 inch long and 1/4 inch across.  Dog-like mammals usually show tapered tips on the scat and tend to mark their territories.  The ground is way too hard and dry for tracks.  I don’t see a lot of wildlife, but Kofa is home to many animals who sleep underground during the coldest of winter and often the heat of a summer day, coming out at night to find food.

Gaelyn shadow desert Kofa Mts moon Palm Canyon BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAnd it’s been warm during the day, reaching 80°.  Had to dig out lighter weight clothes and even sat outside wearing shorts.  Have to be careful not to sunburn my lily-white legs.  I am rather a sun worshipper which shows with my tanned arms and face.  Spending a large portion of my summer days outside in a uniform with long pants I have a “farmer’s tan”.  I’d like to work on tanning my legs slowly but then the necessary compression stockings cover from the knee down.

12v receptacle & wiresI usually work on the computer in the morning and have opened door and windows by 10am lately.  Lots of sunshine for the solar panels to charge the battery and the system has been working great and even allows for use after dark.  Except for the 12v socket I plug an inverter into to charge the laptop.  Why are 12v wires so flimsy?  Anything electrical that gets plugged and unplugged regularly will ultimately have cord or plug problems.  I checked fuses, tested the 12v socket, tried a different inverter, and watched videos before disconnecting and reconnecting the wires.  But things still aren’t making a constant connection.  I suppose it would help it I had all the right tools and extra connectors.  I don’t like to mess with electricity but 12v is only two wires.  It’s not rocket science.  Next time I’m in town I’ll get more parts and pieces.

Palo Verde & Mesquite trees moon BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI am loving these warm days but without clouds those blue skies make for rather boring photos and soft sunsets.  I’ve been tracking the moon rise in the afternoons when it is soft and difficult to see in the pale blue sky.

Mesquite tree Palm Canyon BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Mesquite tree Palm Canyon BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI took a short walk into my nearby “yard” and became better acquainted with the Mesquite tree.  No tree hugging as it has spines.  Yet I love its crooked branches and rough thick bark.

Mesquite tree curled trunk Palm Canyon BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona         Mesquite tree bark Palm Canyon BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

The wood is prized for fence-posts and fuel.  I’ll bet you’ve heard of Mesquite BBQ.  It produces bean-like pods in the summer that were gathered by Southwest Native Americans and ground into flour.  Fragrant yellow flowers attract honey bees.  I have some Mesquite jelly that hasn’t been opened yet.

peace flag moon BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI sat outside with a book and found the landscape distracted me from reading.  I finally reached decompression from the summer of working.  Only took four months.

Hal Olmsted 2 years old 1949Hal Olmsted Sacramento CA

                                                                               Two-years old & Grandpa

Then I got a call from my sister-in-law.  My brother died.  He’s been unhealthy for many years and was in a hospital with complications and COVID.  This news was both surprise and not.  We weren’t terribly close with lousy history from our youth, him seven years older.  I feel sad for her and especially the grandchildren. This year would have marked 27 years married.  He’s been the stay-at-home step-Grandpa/babysitter for many years.  The biggest shock for me, I am the last of my parents line.

ham & cheese sandwhich It is now I am glad to be embraced by my Kofa home.  I returned to child-like comfort food.  He would know.

zen coloring #1  I have spent much time with a new-to-me adult hobby, coloring with pencils, in a zen-like state of mind.

Sierra cat at door BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSierra also calls this place home, at least for now

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11 January 2022

Creating an image that’s in focus

Saguaro desert clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaFor me, as a recently retired Park Ranger, 2022 is about creating an image of myself, the future, and with the camera.  I want to fill the year with travel, laughter, and fun.

Saguaro desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWish you could have been here to share the cloud dances on the eve of a new year.  What will the new year bring, we ask.  What can I expect?  What image have I created for my immediate future?  Right NOW, today, I am still thoroughly enjoying my desert experience, the apricity and deserquies.  I see myself sharing desert passion with a small friendly group of like minded people.  We are camped barely in sight of each other without blocking views.  A centralized firepit, chairs, and a few small tables.  After a morning meeting of the minds, each of us organize ourselves for a short ride to the end of the road and a half-mile Palm Canyon hike. Bring water, snacks, camera, and childlike wonder to this Geogypsy Journey.  We arrive to the actual overlook of a side canyon shortly before noon when the overhead sun lights up the only known native Palm trees found in the state.  Only one reason this is the preserved Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.  (I saw a gathering, more later.)

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

Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaFirst day of this new year and it was a little chilly especially with a brutal north wind that kept me inside most of the day only stepping out briefly for a quick yet colorful sunset.  I’ve been struggling with my camera creating an image that’s consistently in focus.  Seems I’ve had this problem before.  Research tells me the Nikon D5600 takes about 7 seconds to focus.  That’s long.  I bracket my shots and it does seem the second, also darkest, is often the better focus.  I usually make landscape photos, a scene that isn’t moving much, so I’m reminding myself to slow down, recompose, take a stance, keep my elbows against my body, and hold my breath for the click.  Yet the camera is heavy and after a few hours of shooting I feel the burn in my left and worse shoulder, and both wrists.  I want a lighter camera but that will have to wait for price drop and income increase.  I’m creating that image too, a lightweight mirrorless camera around my neck.  Can you see it?

Sierra cat & Gaelyn in camper BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Gaelyn & Sierra cat in camper BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI paid for those clear skies the next morning when I got up the first time to 34°, then turned the heat on before crawling back under the covers.  I fell back to sleep by creating an image of me being warm.  Later in the day, playing with the phone, I tried creating an image of both Sierra and myselfie.  I only recently started taking more photos with my phone but I’m not finding it easy to hold still with the phone while creating an image.

Saguaro desert trees Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAlso started notes for a book idea as a Forest Ranger at Mt St Helens.  So many stories.  Now I’m creating an image of me actually writing the book then marketing myself doing presentations while I travel.  Did get a pretty sunset.

camper desert Kofa Mts BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaHope I’m not creating an image of me only sitting inside the camper all the time, surrounded by the beautiful desert nature around me.  If it’s too cold that may be true.  I do spend a lot of time on my laptop and that just isn’t comfortable working outside with glaring sun or chilly shade.  Thank goodness for sunshine, light wind, and the camper as a wind block, so I do get out and enjoy the desert apricity.  I usually sit and read, soaking up the warmth, sometimes creating an image of shorts and sandals and maybe a swimming pool.  Just kidding.  Even in the low 60s that’s not warm enough for me to bear much skin.

Gaelyn pointing at Kofa Mts BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI have worked on creating an image of myself.  You saw a few of my fun hats.  Jewelry is also a wonderful creative expression and I have enough to open a store.  I dug into packed jewelry and felt the magic of wearing some of my favorite turquoise.  Used to be a most important part of getting dressed and often the deciding factor for what to wear to match the jewelry.  I let it slide and now want to feel the comfort of the stones once again.  I’ve always collected rocks and for years made jewelry with semi-precious stones and beads.  Once I started blogging and improving my photography in 2008, crafts went out the window.

Saguaro desert sunset crescent moon BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaNeighbors on both sides left so I had no problem creating an image of the desert and Kofa Mountains with no white van to avoid in the frame.  Yet the brilliant blue cloudless sky didn’t lend itself to creating an image until the end of the day with a touch of crescent moon.

desert Kofa Mts clouds sundog BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAs clouds returned, the wind slowed, and the temperatures rose, a perfect combination in my mind.  Yet cold and ice in the upper atmosphere were creating an image of a morning sundog.

desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaWasn’t long and a new neighbor moved into my window view, at a good distance mind you.  I went for a couple hour stroll going barely a mile and took over 200 photos.

dead tree desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI am intrigued by the twisted shapes of the dead trees that are part of the desert story for a long time.

Ocotillo desert Kofa Mts clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSo many desert plants look distressed and perhaps dead but are not, simply conserving energy during the driest of times.  Like the fountain-shaped Ocotillo only bearing well-spaced leaves and brilliant red flowers after some healthy rain.

desert Kofa Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaLate in the afternoon and just before sunset a Skoolie (school bus conversion) pulled in across the road joining a van and car.  One woman in their group had an overly loud voice that carried far across the land.  A prelude of more to come.

Gaelyn & Sierra cat BLM Palm Canyon Rd ArizonaGaelyn & Sierra cat BLM Palm Canyon Rd Arizona

I hated to leave this (otherwise) quiet piece of desert but it was time to dump and fill the camper tanks, and I planned to return.  I didn’t have to rush out in the morning so spent some extra time with Sierra.  She’s never happy when I tell her, “We’re going to roll.”  Not usually a very vocal cat, she gives me a dirty look, “meow”, and crawls under the bed covers until we are absolutely stopped in our new space.

RVs sunset clouds Shady Lane RV Park Quartzsite ArizonaBecause it’s January, the busiest month in Quartzsite, I had called Shady Lane RV Park to make a reservation.  The same small space I’ve parked in for years provided the hookups I needed plus the $1.50 15-minute hot shower was divine.  The owners, Finius and Breezy, stopped by to say hi as we’ve gotten to be friends over the years.  They are very busy at the “campiest camp in town” and I highly recommend a stay there while in Quartzsite.  Make it for several days and you might get to go with them to their mining claim and climb around in the desert.  Or, just follow Finius the Skinniest on FB because he’s funny.

traffic AZ-CA border I10I like Shady Lane, but it’s in town, and town is bright and noisy.  One night was enough.  After getting the propane tanks filled in the morning—I didn’t cuss once, good on me—I drove 30 minutes west on freeway (yuk) to Blythe for a grocery run.  Can somebody explain to me why emery boards—along with mascara and fake eyelashes—would be in a locked glass-fronted case?  I cooked my pizza lunch while in the parking lot as pizza just won’t fit in the freezer.  Between that and a fuel stop, I didn’t get back to camp until 2:30pm.  Town always feels like an all day ordeal.  I need to work on creating a better image of that.

desert sunset BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI instinctively headed to my previous campsite as I really like the view, vegetation, and only one mile of gravel road.  But what the…  That one Skoolie, was now a gathering of possibly 50 vehicles parked across the road in two parallel lines.  Mostly vans with a few buses and RVs.  OK?  They were surprisingly quiet all afternoon.

mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThen at sunset, the music started.  By 8pm there was a whole lot of whooping going on and all I heard was drum beat.  I don’t want to complain as I’d be right there with them, when I was young(er), and if I’d been invited. I just hoped it wouldn’t last all night as I fell asleep to the beat while creating an image of me swirling to the beat, as the go-go girl I was 50 years ago.

bumper collection BLM Palm Canyon Rd ArizonaBumper collection

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Arizona, Geogypsy Journey, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, RV life, United States desert, RV living, RV Park 30 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.

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