Monday February 6th is cloudy and windy, so it is an inside day and I get book work done, papers put away, bills paid, more postcards written, and cards written to donors to CI. In the afternoon I walk about through both loops of the campground to stretch my legs and get some good fresh air. In the late afternoon, in spite of the wind, I take a few photos; can’t resist the backlight behind the chollas.
Cloudy windy day at Joshua Tree NPAfternoon light behind the chollasColorado Desert view
I start reviewing an edited chapter of Ang’s book, but run out of laptop battery and have to skip several other projects that require the laptop. Sure wish we had a way to keep my laptop running even on the cloudy days.
Tuesday February 7this a very windy day and overcast. Clifford has business calls this morning, so we head to Bajada first thing. My laptop was not able to be charged, but I take care of a couple of emails and do a little research with the tablet regarding places to camp. After Clifford’s calls, we go to the little town of Chiriaco for brunch. There is a little post office in the antique store next to the cafe where I mail my cards and postcards, then browse in the antique store. While Clifford goes to the Patton Museum (interesting that there is a good big museum in such a small town), I sit in the car and write in my journal. I tried sitting at a picnic table, but it was way too windy.
Back at camp, I do more editing, as my laptop charged a little while we were gone. Clifford does Clifford stuff. It was a good day to spend taking care of business that might otherwise stay on a back burner.
Wednesday February 8this a town day and we head to Indio for errands, including the laundromat and the post office to pick up the new backup camera. I take care of some texts and emails from my phone as we drive back to camp, since there is good cell coverage along the interstate. Back at camp, we both take a nap, which I seldom do, but got up in time to take photos at sunset.
Sunset in the desert
Later we both sit out, enjoying the mildness of the evening.
Thursday February 9th I make a campfire this morning and have some quiet time sitting out writing in the journal. After breakfast, I do editing for both authors so as to keep both books moving along. Not too windy, so take the cello out and play for awhile, still feeling rusty and noticing a soreness in my right shoulder that makes bowing feel less than graceful. Ah well. Ride my bike around the campground loop – I mean, since Clifford bought this nice little bike for me, I should ride it once it awhile.
In the afternoon I want to hike to Cottonwood Springs, now that we know where it really is. Clifford is working with his biochemical analyzer and doesn’t want to go, so I go by myself, making a big deal about it with the right clothes, the right shoes, carrying water and snacks (even though it is only a half mile away), a hat so I don’t burn my face, hiking sticks, and 2-meter ham radio. And cameras, of course, and cell phone for cell pics to send to family on the spot. It is a nice outing and the photos are better today with partial blue sky rather than the blah overcast of the previous trip here.
Cottonwood SpringsThe cottonwood trees and fan palm trees at Cottonwood Springs
After dinner, I reorganize my clothes, which have become a jumble and finish putting away the clean clothes from yesterday’s trip to the laundromat. Clifford has already gone to bed by time I finish up. Wow, the days go by so fast!
Saturday February 4th is a beautiful blue sky day. We make a trip to the Bajada Nature Trail this morning to get cell coverage, as I need to download a document that I will be editing for a new author. I send a couple of completed chapters off to the other authors.
Desert in bloom at Bajada Nature TrailPalo Verde on a beautiful blue sky day at Bajada Nature Trail
Back at camp, I play cello outside, first time in quite awhile. I feel a bit rusty, but am glad for a day warm and calm enough to do it.
Cottonwood Springs Cello
While Clifford works with his radios and then does some experiments with his portable biochemical analyzer, I write a few postcards and a couple of Valentine cards and do a first pass on the document.
Clifford works with his biochemical analyzer
In the later afternoon, we hike to the rock hills to the east of us. It was fun, but I should have brought my hiking sticks, as hiking up into the boulder-strewn mountain was a bit challenging in spots.
Hiking to the rocksClifford leads the wayGreat nature colors today.Here we are in the rocks, right near the crest.
We hike down a different way and come across what appears to be a stone fence. Wonder if that can possibly be a natural formation, but if it is man-made, how old is it?
Could it be natural?
As the sun sets, I walk about the desert, taking a few photos of this remarkable place.
Light through the needles of a pencil chollaLate afternoon light on teddybear chollaLast light of the day casts a golden look to the landscape
Sunday February 5th is overcast and breezy. I complete the edits for the new author and write a blog/photos about our camping at Buckeye Recreation Area, and then we head down to Bajada Nature Trail so I can email the document and post the blog. Becka calls, so I chat with her and walk the trail while Clifford takes care of his email and a call or two. On our way back to camp, we stop briefly at the Visitors’ Center for more post cards and then drive out to the Cottonwood Springs trailhead parking lot. This oasis is much more impressive than the spot we hiked to from our campsite. Massive fan palms grow here and an even taller cottonwoods are nestled in and protected by the great palms.
Looking down on Cottonwood SpringsOn the trail below Cottonwood SpringsMassive fan palms protect new growthPath to the palms – notice little Clifford at the base
We hike a ways beyond on the trail that goes to Mastodon Peak, but decide not to hike all the way to Mastodon Peak today. Instead, we go back out to Pinto Basin Road and drive north through the park until we arrive at the Cholla Garden – acres and acres of cholla growing to the exclusion of almost every other plant.
Cholla Garden – acres and acres of virtually nothing but chollaTeddybear up close. They look fuzzy, but they pack a mean bite.
The conditions of soil and moisture and temperature are perfect for them here. It is really quite an interesting sight. It would be more dramatic at sunrise or sunset, but sometimes you have to take what you get!
We are back in time for one photo of a pastel sunset.
Wednesday, February 1st, is moving day. We are leaving La Paz, the BLM camping area a little south of Quartzsite, Arizona, and heading to Joshua Tree National Park in southern California. It takes us 2½ hours from the time we get up until we are ready to roll, including showers, a light breakfast, tea, packing, and hitching up. I remember the days with the pop-up when it would take three to four hours just for the packing and getting ready to hitch up. So much easier now!
We arrive at the Cottonwood Springs Visitors’ Center and campground near the southern entrance to the park in the early afternoon and find a spot on the outside of loop B. The sites are quite close together and it takes some wrangling to get Terry off the road and into place. She sits literally on the edge of the pavement on the side facing the picnic table and only a foot or two off the road on the other side. I am a bit dismayed at being so close to the road. However, there are water spigots, clean restrooms, and dumpsters at this campground – and we have a great clear view of the desert and the rocky hills beyond.
Our view of the desert with the hills in the backgroundTeddybear cholla backlit with setting sunlight
We pay our camping fee for the week and make the short trip to the Visitors’ Center for brochures, maps, and postcards. Back at camp, we sit outside enjoying the scenic view.
Clifford and Carol at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree NPClifford studying at Cottonwood Campground
Thursday is a town day and we are headed to Indio to get set up for general delivery at the post office and to run errands. The smog and the jet trails are horrendous in this valley, almost a white-out. The great mountain beyond can scarcely be seen. I am so glad when all the errands are done and we are back at our campsite.
In the afternoon we hike to Cottonwood Springs, as there is a trail that leaves from our campground. At a wide wash, we head north toward a group of very tall tees we could see as we were walking along. The tall trees are eucalyptus, the cottonwood trees are old and dead, and there is one enormous fan palm tree.
EucalyptusFan palm treeSitting at the base of a giant fan palm tree
The trail doesn’t seem well-defined, which seems surprising, since this is supposed to be a popular attraction. Later, looking at the postcards, the postcard of Cottonwood Springs doesn’t seem to match and we decide we somehow had veered from the trail and ended up somewhere else, which means we still get to look forward to Cottonwood Springs.
Friday morning Clifford woke up at 5:00 a.m., and since he is still on Mountain Daylight time, that means it is really 3:00 a.m. here. He is talkative, considering moving north in a week since the air quality is bad in this part of the state. I am unable to go back to sleep, so get up and make tea for us and write in my journal. After a couple hours, we go back to bed and get in a couple more hours of sleep.
There is no cell service here and my laptop needs charging, so I explore the desert, take photos, and write in my journal.
Exploring the desert at Joshua Tree NP
In the afternoon we head to the Bajada Nature Trail at the southern boundary of the park, as we can get cell service there. While Clifford is on a business call, I walk the nature trail, chatting with daughter Becka on the phone and taking photos of desert plants.
Ironwood tree at Bajada Nature TrailOcotillo with leaves and getting ready to bloom – not an every-day occurrence in the desert
Before we head back to camp, Clifford and I walk the nature trail together; interesting how different the light is now.
Sidelight on a snag at Bajada Nature Trail
Back at camp, while Clifford naps, I do some editing since my laptop charged while we were gone. We sit outside at dusk, enjoying the desert ambiance. After dinner, he works with his ham radios and I continue editing until time for me to get ready for bed. Even though we are close to the road, this is a quiet place and we are happy to be here.
Sunday January 29th– Quartzfest is over, but some ham radio operators are staying on at La Paz. However, there is hardly anyone along our side of the wash now. It is not so windy this morning, so I fix up the fire ring and build a little campfire this morning, the first one at this campsite. It feels good to have a morning where I can be outside without being wind-blown and not having to go off somewhere right away.
Last morning at La Paz BLM dispersed camping area south of Quartzsite, ArizonaRebuild the campfire ring and first campfire of our stay at La Paz
After breakfast, I pack a picnic lunch and we head out sight-seeing, Palm Canyon being our destination. Palm Canyon is located in the KOFA National Wildlife Refuge south of Quartzsite – another 10 or 12 miles beyond La Paz and another 12 miles or so to the base of the KOFA Mountains.
Heading toward the KOFA Mountains and Palm CanyonNearing the KOFA Mountains
A half-mile hike takes us up into a canyon where, in a steep ravine above the canyon floor, palm trees are growing – native and wild. It is quite interesting to see palm trees growing in such a place.
The hike begins at the foot of this uplift of rockHiking to Palm CanyonHiking to Palm CanyonClifford on the trail to Palm CanyonHiking to Palm Canyon; the Castle Dome Mountains across the basinPalm CanyonPalm trees in the canyon
Other desert vegetation abound; the ocotillo are growing tiny leaves along their long spindly stalks and cholla cacti are flourishing.
Cholla in the KOFA Wildlife Refuge, ArizonaOcotilla growing leaves along its long stems
In the distance, the rugged outline of mountains – Castle Dome Mountains, perhaps – reveal how “young” these mountains are.
Cholla with Castle Dome Mountains in the backgroundOcotilla with Castle Dome Mountains in the background
On the way back, we stop for a picnic on the bench at the KOFA information kiosk. There is a brisk wind now and our lunch is in danger of being blown away, but at least it is not so cold as it has been. Back at camp, I do some editing for Ang (Novels of Shannon – epic fantasy series by Angela MacDonald – very exciting series!), write another blog, and talk to daughter Becka when she calls. It was a very good and interesting day.
Monday January 30this an errand day, so no campfire this morning. We go to Ehrenberg, a small town to the west to pick up a month’s worth of mail sent from Wallace and a scientific instrument that Clifford ordered enroute. We try to avoid the busier post offices, but I ended up standing in line for at least a half hour at the Quartzsite post office, as a letter for me was sent there. That post office could certainly use more help.
Back at camp, I play cello outside for the first time in the week-and-a-half that we have been here. I feel kind of rusty having so many days go by without being able to play, but with luck we will have more warm and calm days coming up. Then more editing and blog-writing before and after dinner.
La Paz Cello
Tuesday January 31stis our last day here. Even though it is mostly clear and calm, instead of being outside, I have my nose to the grindstone taking care of email for CI and other internet business, as we might not have cell service at our next location. I clean out and organize Blazer in the later afternoon in preparation for leaving tomorrow. Then the usual editing and blog-writing in the evening.
Our home at La Paz for almost two weeksLast sunset at La Paz
In spite of the hundreds of RVs parked all over the desert around Quartzsite, it was an enjoyable stay with the Quartzfest – people with a common interest coming together – and then a few extra days just to enjoy the desert.
Quartzfest is the annual gathering of amateur radio operators and their spouses at the La Paz BLM dispersed camping area south of Quartzsite, Arizona. There were events and activities all day, every day. Clifford attended classes on portable antennas, vertical antennas, drones, the Red Cross, RV Refrigeration, participated in the antenna shoot-out, and studied for his ham test, which he took and passed with flying colors (he now has his Extra Class license).
Antennas Sprout in the Desert- TECHNICAL CATEGORY IN PHOTO CONTEST
I went to a photography class, a card-making class, and attended a daily women’s circle. Daily we went to Happy Hour – the afternoon gathering where the events and activities of the day were reviewed, upcoming activities were announced, and raffle prizes handed out.
Getting the Shot – PEOPLE CATEGORY IN PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
There were nearly 800 people in attendance at this Quartzfest, most of them camped in the desert for the week in everything from cars to giant 5thwheels. Bus-size motor homes were very popular and a few tents were set up. The events were either held in open-sided tents or out in the open. Usually the weather this time of the year is mild with daytime temperatures in the 60’s to 70’s. However, this year the daytime temperatures were mid-50’s, and with the overcast sky and a very chilly wind it seemed much colder. Several events were canceled due to the winds. But even so, people showed up activities and Happy Hour, bundled up in winter coats, hats and gloves. Clifford and I were camped about the equivalent of two blocks from the event center, so we made several trips daily, walking back and forth in the blustery wind, to attend classes and events.
A photo contest was one of the highlights of the week. As I mentioned earlier, I was not too inspired to take photographs here, as being surrounded by RVs in the desert is not really my thing.
La Paz at Sunset or RVs in the Desert – GENERAL CATEGORY IN PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
However, I certainly couldn’t resist the opportunity to enter the contest. There were five categories: Technical, People, Pets, Nature, and General. I started looking around for photo opportunities, but even with the intention of taking photos for a contest, I didn’t come up with much. I reviewed and narrowed my photos for the week down to five and, just by chance, I had one photo to enter in each category.
On Friday, the top five photos in each category, out of hundreds of submissions, were posted on the bulletin board. I was quite delighted to see that two of my five entries had made it to this pared-down selection. For the rest of the day, people voted on their favorites. At the closing ceremony on Saturday, 3rd place, 2nd place, and 1st places winners were called up. My photo of a parrot on the shoulder of one of the volunteers took 2nd place in Pets
The Famous Parrot – SECOND PLACE IN PET CATEGORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
and my photo of a saguaro, taken right at the main fire-ring during one Happy Hour, took first place in the Nature category. Then, the professional photographer who gave the class chose one photo overall as the Grand Prize winner. To my surprise and delight, the saguaro, which he called Portrait of a Cactus, won the Grand Prize.
Portrait of a Cactus FIRST PLACE IN NATURE CATEGORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST and GRAND PRIZE OVERALL
Hooray for me! In spite of not being very inspired, I still pulled the best out of what was available to me.
It was a fun week. I’m guessing we’ll go again and maybe next time it will be warmer.
Friday January 20th– this Buckeye BLM place in the Sonoran desert of Arizona is very peaceful and would be an okay place to set up for awhile, except that we need to get to the Quartzsite area today.
Buckeye BLM in the early morning
Clifford has a call with Dr. W and Dr. S this morning, so I don’t do much packing until the call is done. After the call, we finish packing and are soon on our way. The drive north on state highway 85 to I-10 is easy, but once we head west on the interstate, it becomes increasingly windy. Thank goodness for the new sway bar which provides some stability in regard to both the wind and the semi traffic.
At Quartzsite we turn south on hwy 95 and drive to the La Paz turnoff, passing La Posa, the BLM long-term dispersed camping area where hundreds and hundreds of RVs dot the landscape. La Paz is also BLM dispersed camping, but is short-term only and appears to be where gatherings are held. We are here for Quartzfest, the week-long convention of amateur radio enthusiasts. Our entire trip has been geared to being here by today. Wow, we made it!
We drive around and find a spot alongside a wash, as the little gullies across the sandy desert floors are called, with a palo verde tree and several creosote bushes to provide some privacy. There aren’t so many people along this section of the wash, which is nice, but we will have a bit of a walk to get to the main fire-ring/gathering area for the events and activities.
Getting set-up; radio antennas outside and homey inside
As we are setting up, it starts to rain, and as the evening goes on, heavier rain and strong winds buffet us. I don’t sleep well – too many sounds: the ambient sound of thousands of generators across the desert, highway traffic, water rushing down the wash (which was totally dry earlier today), and something loose slapping against the side of Terry, our RV.
Saturday, January 21st– I am up about 8:00 a.m. CT (Clifford Time – he is still operating on Mountain Daylight Time) and it is barely light out. Almost all the water is gone from the wash, but we can see how high it got. A sunny day allows for more laptop time, so I do some editing, blog posting, and emails.
Not many people are camped along this section of the washAntennas are set up
A little walkabout provides time to take photos, but being surrounded in all directions by RVs doesn’t exactly inspire me. A cell photo posted on Facebook suffices to let people know where we are.
Sunday January 22 – it is overcast this morning with a little sprinkle, but nothing like yesterday’s rain. After breakfast we walk down to the Welcome Center, just checking things out. In the afternoon, I walk down again to get us registered and then awhile later we join others at the main fire-ring for the opening ceremony – introduction of organizers and volunteers, a run-down of upcoming events and activities, pointing out where such will take place, and a generous raffle. There are at least a hundred people gathered for this.
Gathering in the late afternoon – looking at the cloudsSunset at La Paz
In the evening, I do some editing for Becka while we listen on the radio as people help guide late-comers in. It is confusing to find one’s way around in the daylight, let alone after dark. Tomorrow the activities will begin in earnest.
Monday January 16th is moving day again. I am up in time to catch the first light on the Dragoon Mountain slope on the west side of the little canyon, Cochise Stronghold, were we have been camped for a week. The color is especially rich and vivid, but only for a moment. This is one of my favorite places and I am sorry that we have to move on.
Especially rich vivid color on the Dragoon MountainGood-bye to Cochise Stronghold Campground
We take a different route out to I-10 and see a sign that says “Fissures May Exist” – not too encouraging when heading off into the wilds. But we make it safely through, not seeing any fissures. Once on I-10, the drive is especially hard because of the wind and so much traffic. It is quite a relief to reach Synder Hill, the BLM dispersed camping area west of Tucson. We drive around, looking for a spot to call home, finding a place with a couple of creosote bushes and a nice view of the hill. Even though we are only going to be here a couple of days, Clifford gets all of his ham radio antennas set up, while I make things homey inside.
Camping at Synder Hill BLM
In the afternoon, I hike up the north end of Synder Hill to take photos at sunset. Even though it is not my most favorite camping place, it will be fine for the time we are here.
Sunset colors on clouds to the north of Synder Hill
Tuesday January 17th is sunny in the morning with increasing big fluffy cumulus clouds drifting into the scene.
Cumulus clouds drift into the scene
After showers and breakfast, we get ready to go to Tucson. Our friend, Dan, arrives, as he is going in with us. They drop me off at the laundromat while they go on to Camping World to buy a sway-bar, a device that Dan recommends to help us be more stable and safer on the highways when towing Terry. When they come back to pick me up, we go to a Mexican seafood restaurant and have a really yummy lunch.
Back at camp, we make plans for Dan to come again to help us pack a wheel bearing, as a bent axle puts stress on one wheel more that the others. Then Clifford and I sit in the sunshine, enjoying the light and the warmth of the afternoon.
Palo verde on Snyder HillBlue sky behind a palo verde tree
When Becka calls, I head up Synder Hill again, this time to a different spot and even more dramatic photos of the setting sun.
Sun nears the horizonThe sun has setSilhouettes at last light of day
Wednesday January 18this a Tucson shopping day, taking advantage of Costco and Trader Joe, my favorite places to go grocery shopping. Back at camp, I put groceries away while Clifford naps and then hang outside to chat when Becka calls. Later I start packing, as we will be leaving in the morning.
Thursday January 19th – Today is Clifford’s birthday, so I sing Happy Birthday to him when he wakes up and give him a T-shirt that says “Home is Where You Park It” with a design of a little RV.
Happy Birthday, Clifford!
We finish preparations for travel and are ready when Dan comes to help pack the wheel bearing, which means that he did it while Clifford watched. He also helps us adjust the sway bar just right. What a neat special friend!
Terry is ready to rollDan packs the wheel bearings while Clifford holds the can of grease
Then we are on our way, with a stop in Gila Bend for gas, and Clifford helps some guys get their car loaded onto a trailer.
Interesting rock formation before I-8 south of Phoenix
Then we head north to the Buckeye BLM dispersed camping area, driving out into the desert and finding an isolated spot to park for the night, with the nearest neighbors at least a half-mile away.
Sonoran desert west of PhoenixHome for the night at Buckeye BLM
I wouldn’t mind staying here for awhile, but we have a destination to reach tomorrow.
Friday January 13th, since we are not going backpacking, we decide to go to Tombstone today. Right after breakfast, we leave our campground at Cochise Stronghold and head south. Tombstone is a lot of fun as we browse the shops and learn more of the history of the Old West. I bought a couple of skirts in one of the shops, a real splurge for me, but clothing that I will enjoy wearing. We had lunch at the Longhorn Saloon, as well as spending time in the Tombstone Epitaph, the local newspaper, and Clifford talked to the owner of the bookstore, a scholarly gentleman in his 80’s, the historian of Tombstone, who is largely responsible for its comeback as a viable town.
Stage coach on Tombstone main streetCovered wagon on Tombstone main streetThe original bar from the Bird Cage Saloon and Theatre – one of few buildings that didn’t burn down at some time or another
We arrive back at camp at dusk. While Clifford naps, I edit for Ang (Novels of Shannon by Angela MacDonald, a really exciting epic fantasy/adventure series) and pick photos for the next blog.
Saturday January 14th is day 100 of our trip.
Color at dawnSunrise glow on east-facing slope – Dragoon Mountains
I make a cup of tea in the to-go cup and hike the interpretive trail, a short trail with many interpretive signs regarding the history of the area – the Native Americans who had lived here for centuries before the coming of the white man, and the ensuing hardships for those cultures when miners, hunters, settlers, and soldiers moved into the region. After breakfast, I make a thermos of coffee, pack up my laptop and the hotspot, and head up the nature trail, as at the high point, facing the open desert plain far below and away, I can get on the internet. I download files from Ang and take care of emails and texts. I sit on the bench, enjoying the view, while I talk to my daughter Becka. She is familiar with Joshua Tree, which is a destination we are considering.
Enjoying the views from the nature trail bench
In the afternoon Clifford goes over to the next drainage to set up his night-vision camera in a different spot and from there he looks down on a 15+ herd of javelinas. In doing some research on them, we learn they can be quite nasty and dangerous, and I think the Middle March Trail where we had considered backpacking is part of the same drainage where Clifford saw these beasts. Probably a good thing the backpacking was postponed.
Woodpecker that frequents the campsite
I make potato salad for our friends who will be coming to visit tomorrow. I had planned on a campfire this afternoon, but it has gotten too gusty and is starting to rain. I cover my wood pile, which is a good thing, because later a heavy rain moves in. I continue to edit until the laptop battery is dead. Between the shade and the clouds, I am not getting my laptop charged enough to keep up with things, let alone the awkwardness of having to go up the trail to get on the internet. Head to bed a bit earlier tonight, as my usual evening activity is photo editing and blog writing, which I can’t do tonight since the laptop still needs charging.
Sunday January 15th, the rain continues during the night and when I get up this morning, I go for a walk in the rain.
Walking in the rainWalking in the rain in the Dragoon Mountains
No wood-gathering today, as everything is wet, but it is so refreshing to be outside. Get hold of our friends to see if they want to postpone our get-together on account of the rain, but no, they are all coming: Jimi, our camp host friend from last year is coming with her husband, Daniel, and another camper we met while we were here last here, Dan, is on his way. Dan is one of the most colorful and interesting fellows we have ever met.
Dan in the buffalo coat that he made
The rain lets up in the afternoon and I get a campfire going. Luckily, when Dan arrives with Alice, his ridgeback/red heeler, he has brought a good amount of dry wood with him. He also brought several buckets of KFC! Jimi and Daniel arrive with more food. Due to impending more rain, we leave the food inside Terry, but after filling up our plates, we all sit around the campfire, eating and enjoying great conversation.
The rain begins again, but by now the campfire is quite a warm blaze and we are quite comfortable as we sit around.
Impending rain in the Dragoon MountainsRain on the way
Before everyone leaves, Jimi and I go for a short hike on the nature trail to take photos of the manzanita whose reddish bark is even more striking when wet with rain.
Manzanita bush
What a fun day! What a great place. Too bad we have to leave tomorrow.
Monday January 9th, I am up before Clifford, but have no time to walk in the rocks.
Last morning view of City of Rocks
Once Clifford is up, I finish packing the inside while he does the outside. We discover, unfortunately, that our rear-view camera is no longer working. That is a real drag, as it is an important safely feature. Someone looking for a space pulls into ours as we are pulling out. Popular place!
Smooth travel most of the way, but the wind picks up from Wilcox, Arizona, on. Sure glad to get off the interstate onto highway 191 south, which takes us to the small community of Sunsites, where we stop at the post office to pick up a package waiting for us – a research instrument that Clifford had ordered. From there we drive on out to Cochise Stronghold. It is late afternoon by time we get to the Stronghold and we are fortunate to find an available spot in this very small campground. We get set up, happy to be here. This place has a very special ambiance.
Cochise Stronghold is a small canyon within the Dragoon Mountains with a creek flowing through it, partially underground, and a thick stand of oak trees providing a home for many birds and wild animals.
Gentle wildlife at our campsite (photo by Clifford)Bear tracks in the sand in the dry creek bed near camp
In the very rugged mountains surrounding this natural sanctuary, the Apache chief, Cochise, kept his people hidden from soldiers who pursued them for several years.
Tuesday January 10th, I walk the nature trail twice this morning, once for photos and again to collect firewood and to use the cell phone to contact my girls. Cell phones don’t work well at the campsite, but are better up on the trail.
Dawn light on the cloud cover at Cochise StrongholdSunrise brings a golden glow to the mountain on the west side of the canyon
Jimi, the campground host whom we met here last year, comes out today to visit (she is not hosting here currently), as she and I became friends when we were before. We catch up on what’s new and have lunch at a campfire. So fun to see her again.
So fun to see Jimi again
Wednesday January 11th is errand day in Sunsites for us. Clifford has to take care of paypal issues for another instrument he has ordered. We first go to Marcia’s Garden, where Marcia makes and sells goat milk/essential oils soaps, lotions, creams, and salves. Besides browsing the delightful shop, it is fun is seeing the goats, who come right up to the fence to say hi. Then we go to a nearby friendly market for a few items. Nice to have this grocery store in a community as small as Sunsites. Clifford has taken care of his paypal business and we head back to camp, but too late to play cello outside, even though today would have been warm enough. The sun goes behind the mountains early here. Luckily, my laptop is charged enough that I can do some editing for Ang (Novels of Shannon epic fantasy/adventure series) and some photo editing for myself.
Thursday January 12th I hike beyond the nature trail this morning searching for firewood. I find some, but it sure is a long way back to camp with my load.
The morning light is irresistible to photograhersCrossing the creek on my way to gathering wood for a campfireZen rockwork at the creek crossing on my way back to camp – I know it wasn’t there on my way up.
In the afternoon Clifford and I hike a mile up the Cochise Trail to the spring. On the way back, we detour on the Middle March Trail looking for a place where we might go backpacking. Even though we consider a short backpack outing while we are here, the fact is that there are more hours of darkness than light in the canyon, which is not ideal for backpacking, as it makes for a very long night.
Boulders lean against each other forming an almost secret view into a lush creek bottomCrossing the creek on the Cochise TrailHiking with Clifford on the Cochise TrailResting at the spring on the Cochise TrailPatterns on the rocks along the Cochise TrailHikers seen hiking in the rocks on the Cochise Trail
Back at camp, it is already too shady and cool in the campground for cello. Hmmm… sure haven’t been making this cello thing work out recently. Perfect for a campfire, however, so I sit out and treat myself to a second cup of coffee while I write in my journal. Later, after the campfire dies down, we have dinner and then I do some editing for Ang and write the next blog. A fine busy day at Cochise Stronghold.
Friday January 6th, 2017 – There is a sprinkle of rain in the early morning, very welcome in the desert, here at City of Rocks State Park in southwestern New Mexico. Even though it is very windy, I go for a walk in the rocks, but I should have left sooner as there is not much time between dawn and sunrise.
The outer “Village” at dawnSunlight in the rocks
Today my main project is getting bills, cards, and donor gifts ready to mail. The wind dies down in the mid-afternoon, enough so that I am able to play cello on the sunny side, which I haven’t been able to do so much here at the City. Talk to my daughter Becka as I walk in the rocks at sunset, and finish reading “Last Juror” after dinner.
Saturday January 7th – It is sunny, but only 25 degrees as I go for a morning walk in the rocks, taking photos and even doing a little video. It was suggested that I do that and post it on YouTube to show the interesting places we see. I think the shadows are too deep this early in the morning, so will try another video later in the day. I have a fun time capturing starbursts before the sun is too high in the sky.
Starburst at sunriseStarburst over the shoulder of a boulderStarburst illuminates a shrub in the rocksMorning light in the rocks
After breakfast we go to the Faywood post office to mail stuff and do a last check on mail we may have received. In the afternoon I do some editing for Ang (Novels of Shannon – a really great series for epic fantasy fans) as well as preparing and posting blogs on my website, blogsite, FB, and Twitter. I love seeing these interesting places, which are the basis of the blogs and photos, but what gives them meaning is being able to share with family, friends, and strangers who might not ever be able to travel to these scenic locations. In the evening, I go on another walk in the rocks near sundown; a video at this time of day turns out better.
West-facing rocks near sunsetWalking in the rocks at sunset
Sunday January 8th – As usual, I go for a walk in the rocks on this sunny and milder morning.
Warm light at sunriseMorning light illuminates grasses in the rocksGrasses in the rocks illuminated by a starburstSearching for starbursts at sunriseStarbursts at sunriseRock formations in the morning
I work on the CI email today and am very glad to get that out of the way. I post blogs and then we sit outside – the first day warm and calm enough for us to do that. I am even able to play cello outside on the shady side.
Even though the sunset colors are not great, I love walking in the rocks and meander about, happy to be there.
Across the basin – Cooke PeakEvening light on the grass
Evening light filtering through the rocksLast light of the dayRock ponds
I am sorry that today is our last day here, but it is time to move on.
