• Home
  • About Geogypsy
    • Herstory
    • Parks where I’ve worked
  • Places I’ve been
    • United States
      • Arizona
        • Antelope Slot Canyon
        • Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
        • Colossal Cave Mountain Park
        • Flagstaff
        • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
        • Grand Canyon National Park
          • Grand Canyon National Park North Rim
          • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
          • Toroweap
        • Havasu Canyon
        • Horseshoe Bend
        • Jerome
        • Kaibab National Forest
        • Lee’s Ferry
        • Meteor Crater
        • Navajo Bridge
        • Oak Creek Canyon
        • Painted Desert
        • Pipe Springs National Monument
        • Prescott
        • Quartzsite
        • Saguaro National Park
        • Sedona
        • Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
        • Vermilion Cliffs
        • Walnut Canyon National Monument
        • Wupatki National Monument
        • Yarnell
      • California
        • Anzaberrego
        • Bakersfield
        • Death Valley National Park
        • Joshua Tree National Park
        • Redwoods NP
        • Salton Sea
        • Yucca Valley
      • Colorado
        • Mesa Verde National Park
      • Florida
      • Illinois
        • IL River
        • Morton Arboretum
        • Starved Rock State Park
      • Michigan
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • Oregon
        • Crater Lake NP
        • Mt Hood
        • Oregon Caves National Monument
      • Texas
        • Alpine Texas
        • Padre Island
        • Port Isabel
        • Rio Grande Valley
      • Utah
        • Brian’s Head
        • Bryce Canyon National Park
        • Buckskin Gulch
        • Cedar Breaks National Monument
        • Cedar City
        • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
        • Dixie National Forest
        • Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
        • Johnson Canyon
        • Kanab
    • World Travels
      • Germany
      • Mexico
      • South Africa
  • Tours
  • Photography
  • Work with Me
    • Sponsors
  • Contact
Geogypsy
Menu
  • Home
  • About Geogypsy
    • Herstory
    • Parks where I’ve worked
  • Places I’ve been
    • United States
      • Arizona
        • Antelope Slot Canyon
        • Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
        • Colossal Cave Mountain Park
        • Flagstaff
        • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
        • Grand Canyon National Park
          • Grand Canyon National Park North Rim
          • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
          • Toroweap
        • Havasu Canyon
        • Horseshoe Bend
        • Jerome
        • Kaibab National Forest
        • Lee’s Ferry
        • Meteor Crater
        • Navajo Bridge
        • Oak Creek Canyon
        • Painted Desert
        • Pipe Springs National Monument
        • Prescott
        • Quartzsite
        • Saguaro National Park
        • Sedona
        • Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
        • Vermilion Cliffs
        • Walnut Canyon National Monument
        • Wupatki National Monument
        • Yarnell
      • California
        • Anzaberrego
        • Bakersfield
        • Death Valley National Park
        • Joshua Tree National Park
        • Redwoods NP
        • Salton Sea
        • Yucca Valley
      • Colorado
        • Mesa Verde National Park
      • Florida
      • Illinois
        • IL River
        • Morton Arboretum
        • Starved Rock State Park
      • Michigan
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • Oregon
        • Crater Lake NP
        • Mt Hood
        • Oregon Caves National Monument
      • Texas
        • Alpine Texas
        • Padre Island
        • Port Isabel
        • Rio Grande Valley
      • Utah
        • Brian’s Head
        • Bryce Canyon National Park
        • Buckskin Gulch
        • Cedar Breaks National Monument
        • Cedar City
        • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
        • Dixie National Forest
        • Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
        • Johnson Canyon
        • Kanab
    • World Travels
      • Germany
      • Mexico
      • South Africa
  • Tours
  • Photography
  • Work with Me
    • Sponsors
  • Contact

Tag: Sonoran Desert

22 February 2022

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.}

Push my buttons!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...
Arizona, full moon, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, RV life, United States boondocking, desert apricity, full moon, Sonoran Desert 38 Comments
18 January 2022

Walk, talk, read, and write while camping near Kofa

desert Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe temperatures and clouds have been ideal for camping near Kofa.  I walk, read, and write under the most beautiful of light.  Of course, I’m taking photos.  Plus I’ve been fortunate enough to engage in several conversations, talk and type.

I am not more than 100 feet from the Palm Canyon Road and camping near Kofa National Wildlife Refuge on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) public lands.  Yes, there’s some traffic but it’s not rush hour.  It’s lovely and would only be better if I could have Shared the Kofa Light with others on my first scheduled Geogypsy Journey.  Maybe next month.

bus conversion BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAfter the van/bus/RV gathering began to break up, the desert went back to its quiet nature.  The bandwidth also increased but I never expect that to last.  Every day more folks pulled out, some returned, a few buses stayed.  Thought this one was rather unique.  I even had a van neighbor within sight on my “road” for a couple days.

Saguaro cactus desert Kofa Mts clouds last light BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaYet none of that really changes my daily routine while camping near Kofa.  If the wind hasn’t made it too chilly I try to get out for at least a short walk.  You know I’m not working on miles or steps at my sauntering pace.  Instead I meander between the vegetation avoiding the prickliest taking photos of the landscape.  The land is braided with small washes to cross (and look for pretty rocks), dry now but there’s plenty of evidence that water sometimes flows.  Debris caught against bushes and larger rock versus small pebbles tells that story.  Happens when I’m not here.

Saguaro sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Saguaro sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI often walk in the late afternoon anticipating the golden hour light and sunset.

Jackrabbit Cholla Saguaro cactus Chocolate Mts sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaStartled a Jackrabbit on the way back to camp.  They run and freeze, blending into the dusky landscape.

Sierra cat gives me the tap BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI also try to spend time every day writing, with help from my assistant.  I’m working on 1000 words a day.  Always journaling (200-400 words/day), often blog post writing (500-1200 finished post), and remember I’m working on a book, sometimes.  Though I will admit the last doesn’t happen daily but in spurts.  I am easily distracted when camping near Kofa.

Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaEspecially when there’s colorful sunrises unique to every day.  I am glad first light respects a decent hour during the winter while camping near Kofa.  Although there’s still a chill in the air it’s worth adding another layer and making coffee wait just a little longer.  It’s rather sad that I’m in such a beautiful place and I don’t go anywhere else but instead sit day after day at the same place.  I am happy not to have to move for two weeks. And that’s not really very long in the whole scheme of life.  Yet it’s one of the reasons I miss Joann as a neighbor as she gets me out and is willing to drive as well. Not to mention some very interesting conversation.  So I am glad there’s enough signal for us to chat online, each from our remote desert locations.  Enjoyed an extended phone call from a California cousin.  Even a windy day that pretty much keeps me inside turns out good.

desert sunset clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAnd the sunsets caused me to at least get in and out the door, carefully down and up the step, several times.

desert Kofa Mts sunrise clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAnother nice sunrise.

desert rd mt clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThen later with no wind I walked under cloudy skies but the light was dull so I focused more on close things.

cactus desert clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe Saguaro cactus is a known icon of the Sonoran Desert along with numerous kinds of Cholla cactus with spines that seem to glow under almost any light.

barrel cactus BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaBut also give wide birth to the red and yellow spines of the Barrel cactus providing an occasional break in color from the olive-green creosote that is everywhere.

Palo Verde bark BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

Palo Verde bark BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI am always drawn to the shape and color of Palo Verde trees.  Their unusual green trunk and branches with scaly bark perform photosynthesis.  I find all this and more camping near Kofa.

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

campfire BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAs the wind stayed down I watched sunset over a small campfire.  Then the temperature dropped and it was back inside for the night.

desert Kofa Mts clouds sundog BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAlthough I didn’t get up for all the pretty sunrises hardly a day goes by when I don’t take a photo of something, usually with the big camera but the phone will do in a pinch.  And even though warm enough for the door open by 11am, I saw a tiny sundog which says the upper atmosphere holds ice.

flag desert Kofa Mts BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaThe calm 70° day was simply made for sitting outside reading in the desert apricity.

desert Kofa Mts reverse sunset clouds moon BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI would have been very busy had anybody signed up for my first Geogypsy Journey: Sharing the Kofa Light.  Lesson learned, don’t compete with anything January in Quartzsite and advertise further ahead.  An amazingly beautiful day would have welcomed anybody camping near Kofa, clouds put on a show for days, and the moon…  I did my usual, enjoy the view and spend some time outside photographing and reading.

possible Badger through screen window BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAt one point motion caught my eye and I saw an animal about the size of an over large ciabatta loaf hustling along.  The one photo I took was through a window screen and then it was gone.  I wracked my brain for a bit thinking, it had to be a badger.  Only the second time I’ve seen one in the wild—first at Bryce Canyon—and never in the desert.  Many desert mammals lean toward nocturnal lives to avoid daytime heat.

desert 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 ArizonaAnd of course more sunset.

red Ocotillo flower BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI do see birds when camping at Kofa, yet not plentiful, and way too fast for my camera.  I hear Ravens and Phainopeplas.  A hummingbird approached a red light cover above the door on the camper before flying off to the one surviving cluster of Ocotillo flowers they prefer.  Guess I could put up my window feeder for hummingbirds.  Gypsy brought a high school friend to visit, along with zucchini bread, and of course I took no photos.  I am terrible about people pictures.

Saguaro desert Kofa Mts last light clouds BLM Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaAs I worked on this post over the weekend, I got carried away with a ramble about conversations, real time, online, and anytime.  So I posted it separately from here.  BTW, thanks for all the comments.  As Jodee said, I hit a nerve.  No surprise that many of you of similar age identified with my jaunt down memory lane.  And although some would also like more comments on their blog posts, many of you made a good point about too many comments, especially as I answer them all, working on the conversation.  If everybody that read a post, commented on the post, I’d spend all my time responding to comments instead of walking, talking, writing, and reading while camping near Kofa.

Push my buttons!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...
Arizona, Geogypsy Journey, Kofa NWR, Places I've been, RV life, United States camping, photography, Sonoran Desert, sunrise, sunset 15 Comments
21 December 2021

Join a Geogypsy Journey–Sharing the Kofa Light

Sonoran Desert Kofa Mts last light clouds MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaI may have retired as a Park Ranger, however I’ll never stop loving the chance to share a place with others.  I’ve been wracking my brain how to do that and came up with Geogypsy Journey, at least for now.  Tell me what you think.  The idea is to join with others in nature, immerse in the environment, and share a landscape experience.  Honestly, this could be done all over the world.  However, I’d like to start with a place dear to me during winter months when I’m boondocking in my truck-camper.  The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 665,400 acres of wild and wonderful Sonoran Desert at least partially surrounded by BLM (Bureau of Land Management) managed public lands.

cholla sunburst desert mts last light Palm Canyon Rd Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaOnly light dares to touch the Cholla cactus

Right now, holidays are keeping people busy yet many are thinking of a vacation getaway after the first of the year. I love to see people traveling safely and would like to suggest a winter camping runaway to the apricity—warmth of the sun in winter—in the southern Arizona desert. Time to connect with nature. As the temperatures drop in the north, that’s where I’ll be and you should join me for a Geogypsy Journey.

Kofa Mts sunrise sun rays clouds Palm Canyon Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunrise over the Kofa Mountains

The rugged Kofa Mountains provide an amazing backdrop to the Sonoran Desert plus comfortable winter temperatures (60/40° averages), and amazing light from sunrise to after sunset, plus under the moon. Sometimes clouds enhance the mid-day shadows in this unique environment and even the tiniest life in the desert holds intrigue. After many years of exploration, I’d like to share this piece of desert and what I know about the cultural history, geology/rockhounding, ecology, wildlife, birdwatching, and light for photography.

California Palms light Palm Canyon Trail Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaArizona Palms, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

I propose meeting in the BLM desert south of Quartzsite, Arizona, Sharing the Kofa Light with a landscape immersion over 3-5 days using our senses and creative juices to experience the awe of this place.  A campout, desert walkabout, Palm Canyon hike, and other possible local attractions. We will enjoy a safe place to camp* on public lands under dark skies.  Donation $100/day/person, refundable up to $100, for coordinating this experience over no more than five days. Group size will be limited to six people. Cell signal is not reliable in camp.

Saguaro cactus Kofa Mts BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaParticipants are responsible for their own food and beverage, transportation, and accommodation onsite or offsite (tent, RV, Quartzsite 30 minutes north, Yuma 60 minutes south, Blythe 45 minutes west, Phoenix 2 ½ hours east). Camp will be free off-grid *boondocking on public lands, show respect and Leave No Trace. You will need to provide a contact’s information and sign a waiver as I am not responsible for accident, injury, or theft.  I do encourage you to be careful.

Sunset from Palm Canyon Road KOFA National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaSunset over the Sonoran Desert

Bring your stories, camera, paints, journal, musical instrument, dancing shoes and hiking boots, imagination, or whatever you choose. Mostly, bring yourself with an open fresh perspective on life, eager to learn and share.

Kofa Mts moon rise Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaFull moon rise over the Kofa Mountains

If you are interested, please let me know, and pass the word. I will answer questions and provide more information. I am currently thinking mid-January (full moon 17th) and mid-February (full moon 16th), but am open to additional dates and suggestions.

08 DSL_2394le Jumping Cholla & Saguaro cactus Kofa Mts MST&T Rd Kofa NWR AZ fb as g g-1Beware the Jumping Cholla cactus

Be aware: The Big Tent RV Show Quartzsite, January 22-30 draws a crowd.  Plus there are many activities going on in Quartzsite.

Saguaro Ocotillo Sonoran Desert Chocolate Mts W view clouds reverse sunrise King Valley Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaReverse sunrise Sonoran Desert and Chocolate Mountains

I’d also like to take Geogypsy Journey further when I camp in other places along my travels and include presentations about a variety of topics, mostly nature, national parks, or RVing, because that’s my thing as you know.  I might travel in your neighborhood and would love to see your favorite natural places.  I am working on a plan for summer travels north and east.  Some of you are already on my list and hopefully more will be added.

Sonoran Desert New Water Mts light & shadow sunset clouds MST&T Rd BLM Kofa National Wildlife Refuge ArizonaLight and shadows on the New Water Mountains

In the meantime, think about joining a Geogypsy Journey in the Sonoran Desert Sharing the Kofa Light in January or February 2022.  Let’s go camping and explore the land and the light.

*Boondocking – defined as camping off the grid without being plugged into city water, sewer, and electricity, however, that does not necessarily mean going without those things and instead using propane, holding tanks, solar power, and conservation. Also known as “dispersed camping” on public land means up to 14 days in the same location. This gives you a bit of time to get to know a place.

I have no affiliation to the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, or any other public lands agency.  This is just me sharing with you as I dearly love to do.

Happy Solstice!
Yea the days get longer and there will be more light!

 

Push my buttons!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...
Arizona, Geogypsy Journey, Kofa NWR environment, landscape, nature, nature immersion, Palm Canyon, sharing nature, Sonoran Desert 22 Comments
← Older posts
Newer posts →

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.

Let’s share our stories.  Here’s more of mine…

My wheeleastate

I am currently…

…boondocking somewhere beautiful in the western USA.  I share my journey at https://www.youtube.com/@geogypsytraveler/    Please Subscribe there to follow my RV travels.

Geogypsytraveler on YouTube

Follow my journey on YouTube. Just click the pic. Hope you’ll like, share, and subscribe.

Click image for 7 minute documentary (Password “geogypsy” lowercase)

Making the Gypsy documentary is a story of its own.  Click below for the rest of the story.

Living nomadically & connecting to nature documentary

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Photos available for sale include prints, greeting cards, coffee mugs, tote bags, phone cases and more

Reflected Wave 24X16 metal print under $100

Custom Coffee Mugs

Many items to choose from including prints

The Last Blast 24 x 16″ metal print under $100

Need a signal boost? When I boondock on public lands sometimes signal is weak or intermittent and a booster helps. Click the pic to visit WeBoost.

Connecting to nature and the rest of the world too.

Please contact me for photo purchases not seen at GLOlmsted Photography

Order fulfillment is by Fine Art America. If you’re not happy with your purchase, for any reason, simply return it within 30 days, and you’ll receive a full refund of the purchase price.

Why read Geogypsy?

The gypsy life spring-summer 1998 - "You were a real pioneer. RV'ing before it was cool." ...Yogi

How do you process photos? - “Your photographs create an Emotional feeling in the viewer...that they become One with You.” …Cindy

Life’s transitions between travel and work play - "I know you love your job as much as you love travel -- it shines through all your posts." ...Sallie

Lions at Kruger National Park - “Wonderful post, thank you. I was hooked start to finish!” … Peter B

11 lessons looking back 2013 - “A great post -- made me think, made me smile, made me want to cry." ...Sallie

Wildlife video Kruger National Park - “Gorgeous, this makes me want to go straight to South Africa now.” … Ayngelina

Living nomadically & connecting to nature documentary - “What an experience you had and gave to the "crew." Sometimes I think you don't realize how unique and inspiring you are.” …Alan

Search

Popular Posts

1. Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography. 2. Educate yourself about the places you photograph. 3. Reflect on the possible impact of your actions. 4. Use discretion if sharing locations. 5. Know and follow rules and regulations. 6. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them. 7. Actively promote and educate others about these principles

Categories

Archives

Sites I follow, read & recommend

  • A Full-time Life
  • A Yankee in Belgrade
  • Bob's Eyes
  • Box Canyon Blog
  • Camels and Chocolate
  • Dawns bloggy blog
  • In the Direction of Our Dreams
  • Jane in her infinite wisdom
  • Janie and Steve, Utah Trails
  • Kathie's Birds
  • Las Adventuras
  • Memorable Meanders
  • Oh, The Places They Go
  • On the Road Abode
  • Port Elizabeth Daily Photo
  • Stillhowlyntravels
  • Take to the Highway
  • Technomadia
  • the good luck Duck
  • Travel with the Bayfield Bunch
  • Wandering Earl
  • Wheeling It
  • Yogi's Den

Caught in a Slot 9×12 canvas print under $50

If you don’t like what’s going on in your government, contact your Congress

Directory of Senators

Directory of Representatives

Lijit

© Copyright 2008-2024. Geogypsytraveler.com
%d