Tuesday March 28th – We are up at 8:00 a.m., finish packing and are on our way by 12:30, leaving the Virgin River Canyon BLM Campground. Once again, the Suburban is reluctant to start. Hmmm…..
As we head north on I-15, we begin to see snow on the mountain peaks around us.
First signs of snow as we head north
I am excited to see it, but hoping the road over/through the mountain is clear! North of Cedar City, we turn east on state highway 20, and as we wind our way east through the mountain, the snow creeps down the slopes and right up to the highway.
Snow creeps down to the highwaySnow surrounds us
As we descend, reaching highway 89, we head south and out of the snow. Highway 12 takes us east through the Red Rock Canyon, aptly named, and onto Bryce Canyon National Park.
Red Rock CanyonTunnel at Red Rock CanyonApproaching Bryce Canyon
We drive around the campground and find a spot that is suitable for our needs. It is not on an outside loop, which I always prefer, but we have a big front yard and a wonderful tall ponderosa pine right at the door.
Campsite at Bryce CanyonBig front yard and tall ponderosa
We get set up and then head over to the Visitors’ Center – lots of maps, as well as the usual gift shop items. Then we drive out to the two nearest points: Sunrise Point and Sunset Point, both of which are quite spectacular.
Sunrise PointSunrise PointClose-up at Sunrise PointAmphithreatre at Sunset PointColumns at Sunset Point
The wind is fierce and chilly, however, so back at camp, we are especially grateful for our cozy home where we can be comfortable out of the wind.
Later, I work on the next blog until the laptop runs out of battery. Clifford is studying one of his many scientific books, always learning something in preparation for new testing.
We are glad be here at Bryce Canyon, and tomorrow will be a day of exploring; tonight is dinner, cleanup, and off to bed.
Thursday March 23rd– Clouds today with rain off and on, wind coming and going. Tea with David and Glen, but since Clifford is fussing with the solar panel, which is not working, we all end up at our place, watching Clifford and offering suggestions. Eventually the right connections are made and the solar panel is on track again.
Rainy view of Virgin River Canyon
I extend an invitation for us all to have dinner together, since David will be leaving tomorrow. We agree on a time and then proceed with the day’s activities. Clifford works with his visible light spectrometer; I edit and write blogs. In the later afternoon I run to the lower campground, hike back on the trail, and then get everything ready for nachos for dinner.
Somber light on the mesas
We meet at David’s place; he has a campfire going, Glen and another neighbor come over, and we have a good visit as we eat. I certainly have enjoyed the friendliness of the longer-term campers here.
Warmth of the evening sunlight on the mesasLast moments of lively light before sunset
Friday March 24th – I have tea with Glen this morning, sitting outside and enjoying the sunny morning. Clifford is too busy already to join us and David has left for California. The day’s activities are similar to yesterday with editing for me and Clifford working with the spectrometer.
Another gorgeous day with the mesa in the background and the Joshua tree that I visit on my run/hike every day.
While editing photos in the evening, my laptop battery goes dead; I must have ignored the warning beep. I am not at all comfortable with this forced shout-down… memo to self: pay attention to little beeps!
Saturday March 25th – I get up earlier this morning, but it is too overcast to see the rising of the sun, which I was hoping for. Make a campfire instead, intending to have my quiet time and journal writing, but Glen comes over. Guess he is a bit lonely, especially now that his buddy David is gone.
View of the Virgin river on my run this overcast dayJoshua tree on the ridge above me
In the afternoon, the sky clears enough to get some light on the solar panels and charge my laptop, finding, fortunately, that the forced shut-down did not cause any damage to any files.
Some clearing in the later afternoon
Sunday March 26th– Have a nice visit with the couple who came in late last night, parking in the spot next to us. Then Clifford and I get ready to head to St. George for supplies and errands, since we will be leaving Virgin River on Tuesday and won’t want to take time for errands. The Suburban is very reluctant starting – not sure what that is about… On to St. George, run our errands and get back in time to put food and sundries away, go for a run, and then start dinner. I have invited Glen to join us, since he will be leaving tomorrow. Start cooking fried chicken, rice, and veges inside, but finish cooking over a campfire so we can sit at the picnic table and enjoy the evening here at this great location – one of my most favorite.
Monday March 27th – The weather is quite a mix today, moving from cloudy to clearing, cloudy and windy, rain, calm, and then cold wind.
Clearing – for the moment
Good day to stay inside and take care of business, since we might not have internet (hotspot via cell service) at our next campground. Check email, download new documents to edit, upload those that are complete, post the next blog, and so on. Today I run the full loop of this campground rather than running to the lower campground, pausing to visit with neighbors on the way, saying good-bye to those we have met.
Overcast on the run todayOvercast soon replaced by real cumulus clouds
We look forward to spending time here next fall on our way south.
Monday March 20th – Today we go to St. George, across the state line in Utah, for errands and supplies. It is a very windy day and we when get back to camp, our awning has blown down. We don’t bother to put it back up, as it is still too windy and the forecast is for cooler weather, so we won’t be needing it so much.
Our campsite at Virgin River – before the wind blows the awning down
Glad to be back out at camp, chatting with Becka when she calls, and seeing a cell video from Ang showing melting snow creating a small river down her driveway. I love hearing from my kids!
Tuesday March 21st– This morning on my way back from my morning walk, the neighbor Glen invites me over for coffee; we wave David over to join us and I go see if Clifford wants to come over, also. What fun! In the afternoon, we meet a couple who pull into the spot next to us for a view of the canyon, but noticing Clifford’s ham antenna gets a conversation started. We chat for about an hour like we have been friends forever. After exchanging contact information, they head on their way home to St. George. Maybe we’ll see them again – who knows?
Our campsite at Virgin River BLM Campground
My son Fin, who lives in China, has just successfully run a marathon! That is an inspiration to all of us, and in talking to Becka this afternoon, (she also runs regularly), she encourages me to start running. So, in the late afternoon I run, rather than walk down the road to the lower campground. Even downhill, it is tiring, and I end up fast-walking much of the way. From the lower campground I hike on down to the river, catching light on the mesa to the east as I go, returning to our campsite on the below the rim trail.
Early evening run/walkHeading down to the riverRiver bottom
I check the sunrise photo contest on FB: quite a few people have responded, but no clear winner yet.
Wednesday March 22nd– Coffee with Glen and David again this morning. I am noticing a pattern of calm in the morning and increasing wind in the afternoon, so today I take the cello out earlier and have a good playing session before the wind comes up.
There are some real clouds today. I run down to the lower campground, making it a bit further than yesterday before running becomes fast-walking and hike down to the river again,
Heading down to the riverThe Virgin River Canyon
…and back to camp on the below the rim trail. I really like this private quiet trail surrounded by the great walls of the Virgin River Canyon and all the desert vegetation.
Joshua tree on the below the rim trailReturning to camp on the below the rim trail
Back at camp, I do some book editing and download my camera. Always fun to take a look at the newest round of photos. I post the winning sunset photos on FB, happy that so many people voted.
In the evening the wind increases and rain obscures views of the mesas to the east.
Evening rain obscures views of the mesas
We watch a western movie segment on our little DVD player while we eat dinner.
Sure enjoying our time here at Virgin River Campground.
Thursday March 16th – I am up early, before sunrise so I can catch the first light on the blossoms on a family of Joshua trees in the campground.
Sunlight on Joshua tree blossomsJoshua tree blossoms, sunlight, and moonJoshua tree blossoms at sunrise
In continuing on my morning walk, I run into David, the friendly fellow I met yesterday, and another neighbor. In commenting about the jet trails marring the sky, it turns out that David is quite aware of the phenomenon and very interested in learning about Clifford’s research.
Today is an editing day for me, but also a good cello-in-the-shade day. Hooray! It is a “biochemical-analyzer” day for Clifford as he learns more of the capabilities of this instrument.
Friday March 17th – My morning quiet time is a few minutes of sitting on the canyon rim, more of a slope than a drop-off, and then writing in my journal, warmed by the sun.
View from the doorway
I walk around the campground and talk to David and several of the other neighbors that I have met. What a friendly campground this is – I think perhaps because there are so many snow-birds. We are all of a similar age and living a similar lifestyle, which makes it easy and interesting to talk about where we’ve been and where we are going, sharing the memories of common places and learning of new places.
More editing for me and more chemical analyzer testing for Clifford.
Loving this beautiful desert canyon spot!
Nearing sunset at the Virgin River Canyon
Saturday March 18th – This morning I walk to the lower campground, which doubles as a rest stop along I-15. I walked along the trail below the rim, which is private, quiet, and scenic… and this walk is my quiet time.
Joshua trees along the below the rim trailView of the Virgin River from the below the rim trailJoshua tree at the Virgin River
Back at camp, I spend much of the day editing for two authors. In the evening I edit photos for the next couple of blogs. No cello today, as it was too hot and windy.
Sunday March 19th – After my quiet time of sitting on the canyon rim, I take care of internet business, including banking, emailing completed edited chapters to my authors, and posting a photo on Celebrate What’s Right With the World, a FB site that I follow. As I’m preparing photos for the next blog, I am undecided about which of several sunsets that I want to include and decide to have a contest on FB, posting seven sunset photos, all taken within moments of each other, and having my FB friends chose which one they like best. This will be interesting.
David comes by and suggests meeting for a late lunch at his site, so I get busy and make a potato salad to share. We gather at David’s site, joining him and three of his kids who are there for a visit, as well as a couple other neighbors. Of course, they are interested in Clifford’s work, but the talk centers around life in general and about the journeys we are all on.
Later in the day, David joins me on my walk down to the lower campground, which gives us more time to chat.
Flowers along the road
Lots of things on the “to-do” list don’t get done today, but that is okay. Spending quality time with people is more important.
Good-bye to Synder Hill – it has been a good spot for the past two weeks.
Sunday March 12th – our friend Dan comes to see us off as we prepare to leave Synder Hill BLM camping area west of Tucson, Arizona. It is about noon before we pull out, having done all the extra checks to make sure hitch, lights, brakes, tow bar and such are all functioning properly, since this is the first time for Suburban to tow Terry.
The desert is very green, but hard to get photos from the moving vehicle that show it adequately.
Arizona Desert – looking greenArizona Desert – looking green
I-10 is busy, as usual, and very windy, but Suburban definitely handles it better.
Hanging out with the Big Boys at a rest stop along I-10
We decide to not stop at the Buckeye BLM Recreation Area for the night, but continue on LaPaz, south of Quartzsite, arriving about an hour before dark. Hardly anyone here; so different than when we were here for Quartzfest in January. We park near where we were last time, but with more shade, since the daytime temperatures are in the 90’s rather than the 50’s.
Setting up camp at LaPaz, south of Quartzsite, ArizonaSonoran desert at LaPaz near sundown
We have an easy dinner with minimal cleanup and then sit out to enjoy the last of the evening light. This will be a good place to spend the night.
Monday March 13th – I am up before Clifford and walk about, enjoying the cool lovely morning.
The moon sets in the cool morning at LaPazand the sun rises, bringing light to the dayTerry and Suburban at first light
Desert loveliness
We are ready to go by 9:30 and head north on State Highway 95 to Parker, Arizona, where we stop at a Walmart for supplies. When we come out, we learn that some guy made too sharp of a turn pulling his rig through the parking lot and clipped Terry, putting a dent in the side panel. Fortunately, he was honest about it and the injury did not cause damage inside, but we will be contacting his insurance company to see about repairs.
From Parker to the Nevada state line, the road is narrow and winding with no shoulder and lots of traffic. Crossing over the state line into Nevada, the highway is a 4-laner as good as an interstate highway…. so much easier traveling. Turning east off highway 95, we take a road that winds steeply down to the bottom of the gorge, arriving at Cottonwood Cove Campground in mid-afternoon. Cottonwood Cove is on the Nevada side of Lake Mohave, the southern portion of the Lake Mead Recreation Area. We are lucky to find a spot with a big old eucalyptus tree for shade and get set up.
Cottonwood Cove Campsite – parked under a big eucalyptus tree
After a snack of fruit, cheese, and crackers, while Clifford naps, I go down to the lake to take photos. Becka calls and we have a nice chat as I walk.
Lake Mohave on the Nevada side
We have leftovers for dinner, keeping meals simple on travel days. Then we sit outside, enjoying the summer-like temperatures of the evening hours. This is a pretty enough spot, but it will be very hot here during the day, so we opt to continue on north tomorrow.
Wednesday March 1stis a beautiful blue-sky day. We run a couple of errands in the morning, and then drive out to the Saguaro NP, which is not far from Synder Hill where we are camped. This park is a fine example of the lushness of the Sonoran desert with its variety of vegetation, including blooming shrubs, several varieties of cholla, ocotillo in bloom, and great tall saguaro cacti. Because of the rains in the December and January, the desert is more green than usual.
Ocotillo in bloom – Saguaro NOMajestic Saguaro – Saguaro NP
We go to the Visitors’ Center and then decide on the loop drive that will take us to Signal Hill. Signal Hill has a day use area and there is a nice hike to a rocky hilltop where there are petroglyphs. In addition to the petroglyphs at the viewing area at the top of the mound, we spot other petroglyphs on rock faces that are mostly unseen unless one happens to look in the right direction at the right time.
Petroglyphs at Signal Hill in Saguaro NPView from Signal Hill – Saguaro NPPetroglyphs on rock faces at Signal Hill – Saguaro NPPetroglyphs on rock faces at Signal Hill – Saguaro NP
On the way out, we take the wrong road and miss seeing flowers that I was hoping to photograph. We plan to come again, so I hope to catch them next time.
Late afternoon sunlight at our campsite at Synder Hill.
Thursday, March 2nd – today is another beautiful day. We reorganize the tubs – Clifford’s books and scientific instruments – in the back of the Suburban, making things neat and accessible. Clifford had ordered a radio, which has arrived at a UPS store in Tucson. He drives in to get it, but I stay at camp and take advantage of the nice day to play cello outside, the first time in quite awhile.
Synder Hill Cello
In the afternoon we drive back out to the Saguaro NP, but today I don’t see the flowers in bloom. Too bad, but it is nice to be there again and take a few more photos.
Cholla in Saguaro NPLate afternoon sun on cholla – Saguaro NPSaguaro NP
We explore the Gilbert Ray Campground, located near the park. The campsites are very close together, but there is enough vegetation to provide a sense of privacy. In the evening, after dinner and cleanup, I do some bookwork and take care of emails, while Clifford works with his new radio.
Friday, March 3rd– A super windy day. Our friend Dan comes, and he and Clifford go to Tucson to take care of errands in regard to getting the Suburban ready to tow Terry: wiring for the electronic brakes, different ball hitch, a new tongue jack, and other such stuff. While they are gone, I write postcards to send to family and friends; too windy to play cello. When the guys get back, we go to Three Point Cafe for lunch. In the afternoon, after talking to Becka, I go up Synder Hill to take photos of the setting sun.
Sunset from Synder Hill – Tucson, Arizona
Back at camp, I download my camera – over 300 photos since my last download. Later I edit Princes of Purt – the next book in the Novel of Shannon series by Angela MacDonald (an exciting series for epic fantasy readers) – until the battery on my laptop goes dead. This was a good productive day for both of us!
Friday February 24th – It is 27 degrees and a bitter cold wind – kind of limits outdoor photos, but we are leaving this morning, anyway.
Leaving our campsite at Belle Campground, Joshua Tree NP
We head on south through Joshua Tree NP, warm inside Blazer, noticing how green the desert is.
Once on I-10, I have cell service and catch up on texts, emails, and calls with my cell.
Rock formations along I-10 in Arizona
We take the Buckeye exit before Phoenix and drive on out to the Buckeye BLM Recreation Area. We find a nice spot not far from where we were last time we were here.
Overnight at Buckeye BLM Recreation AreaA walk in the desert before sunset
The temperature is mild enough that I play cello outside a bit, go for a walk at sunset, and then edit for my authors in the evening. Clifford does his usual evening stuff, but less with the radios than usual, since he is not taking time to set up antennas.
Saturday February 25th – We pack up and head out first thing this morning, stopping in Gila Bend for gas. On the outskirts of Tucson, we stop at Cracker Barrel for lunch – what a nice break from driving! West of Tucson, we travel to the Synder Hill BLM dispersed camping area. The spot where we parked in January is available, but there are several noisy generators nearby, so we go in search of a different spot and find one that is much better – level and a couple of mesquite trees beside a wash.
A couple of mesquite trees for shade
We have a little shade, a nice front yard, and a view of Synder Hill. Although Synder Hill is not my favorite camping area, our spot is a fine place for the time being. We get set up inside and out, including antennas, then sit out in our lawn chairs to enjoy the warmth of the late afternoon sunlight.
Sunday February 26th – I enjoy a campfire this morning as I sit outside and write in my journal.
Morning campfire at Synder Hill
Our friend Dan comes and we have lots of projects that he helps with, especially as he brings a ladder so we can get up and do some work on the roof. We go to the town of Three Point about 12 miles away for lunch at the Three Point Cafe. Tiny town, but it has an Ace Hardware, a gas station, and a small market where I buy local honey. Back at camp, it is too breezy to play cello outside and even though we thought we were charging batteries while we were gone, a fuse is blown, and nothing is charged. My laptop dies while I am editing photos. I am trying to “go with the flow,” but this lack of battery is frustrating. I am so far behind with posts, I wonder if I will ever get caught up. Arrangements are made to meet the Suburban and its owner, Marty, tomorrow.
Monday February 27th – Dan comes here and then we all go to meet Suburban and Marty. Clifford drives Suburban; Marty drives Blazer. Then the men share what is known about the vehicles. In the end, an agreement is reached with Blazer being part of a trade. Plans are made to meet at the DMV tomorrow to give us time to clean Blazer out and go to the bank.
I learn that my daughter Katie, who owns the house in Idaho where we live in the upstairs apartment when not traveling, has moved her family to the house, opting for a more simple lifestyle. It will be fun to have them as our downstairs neighbors when we get back to Idaho.
Tuesday February 28th– We get up early and clean out Blazer, which takes some work, as we carry much of our stuff in the back, not to mention ham radio gear, backup camera, and such stuff that has to be dismantled to be removed. A 12-volt vacuum cleaner and a good wipe-down makes Blazer look pretty good. We meet Marty at the DMV: all the formalities and exchange of money and titles takes place. The Suburban is ours!
Suburban and Clifford at Synder Hill
Back at camp, we load everything from Blazer back into Suburban and are pleased with how much room we have. A sprinkle of rain creates a rainbow – a good sign.
A rainbow – a good signI love seeing a rainbow
It is too windy for cello, but we go for a drive at sunset to try out the “new” vehicle, which will be so much safer for us and more comfortable, also.
Wednesday February 22nd – We pack up this morning, as we are heading back to Joshua Tree NP; driving south through the park it is the shortest route to get us back to Tucson. Looking at the calendar and the atlas, we make travel plans so as to camp in the park and have a day for exploration. We find out at the entrance gate that finding a spot could be an issue, as several campgrounds are small with a 16’ limit. Luckily, the first campground on our route is Belle with an available campsite even though the sign says FULL. We pull into the spot,
Campsite at Belle Campground in Joshua Tree NP
but before we set up, we walk around the campground. Many of the sites are quite close together, so we are more than happy with our lucky find.
After we get set up, I walk out through the Joshua trees to the hills, which are giant boulder piles.
Joshua tree forestJoshua tree with blossoms coming onRock hills at Belle Campground
I find a nifty little arch, so go back to our campsite to get Clifford so he can see it, also.
A nifty arch in the rocks
After looking at the arch, we walk to another rock hill and find a vantage point from which to watch the setting sun.
Sunset coming soonClifford finds a vantage point to watch the sunsetThe setting of the sun at Joshua Tree NP
Because of the wind, we go inside once we get back to camp and do our usual evening things, grateful for the opportunity to be here.
Thursday February 23rd– Super windy and cold, but beautiful blue sky this morning.
Joshua tree blossoms
Today was meant to be our exploration day, but it is so cold and windy that we don’t leave until early afternoon. We plan to just drive around, but not do any hiking. However, when we get to the Skull Rock turnout, the sun has warmed the air enough that we do go for a hike.
Hiking near Skull RockHiking near Skull Rock in Joshua Tree NP
Then we drive through Jumbo Rocks Campground, as it is the largest campground in the northern part of the park. The landscape is interesting, but the campsites are small and really really close together – designed for friendly people camping in tents, I guess.
At Hidden Valley, we find a pretty spot in the picnic area, but it is so windy that we end up sitting in the car to eat.
Picnic at Hidden Valley – look how bundled up Clifford is
Then on to the trailhead and do the mile hike in Hidden Valley, which is a nearly-hidden lush desert valley where cattle rustlers used to hide their stolen cattle.
Hidden Valley hike in Joshua Tree NPRock formations in Hidden Valley
The tall hills that surround this valley are big piles of boulders, for the most part, and we can see where a creek sometimes runs through the valley bottom. We are protected from the wind here and warmed by the sun. What a great hike!
Hiking in Hidden Valley with Clifford – notice the small figure in the center of the photoHidden Valley formations and vegetationHidden Valley formations and vegetationHidden Valley formations and vegetationHidden Valley formations and vegetationHidden Valley formations and vegetationBlue sky at Hidden Valley
Back at camp we have dinner and do our usual evening activities.
Joshua tree at the campsite at end of dayPrickly pear near the end of day
Even though we are leaving in the morning, there isn’t really much to pack up this evening, as it was such a short stay. It is so pretty and unique here, I would love to stay longer, but Tucson is waiting.
Sunday February 19th – We are grateful for the stay at the Walmart parking lot during the rain, but today we pack up and head back to the BLM area north of Joshua Tree. This time we go in on a better road and find a spot that is higher ground with some gravel. I am still not thrilled with it, but it is better than the first spot. It is not as trashy, so easier to clean up around our spot, and there is a creosote bush – something green and alive.
Back in the BLM land, but a slightly different area than before
I make a firepit by digging a shallow wide hole in the sand. Becka calls and while we talk, I walk down the road to the nearest houses, trying to figure out which house she and Mike lived in. My quiet-time today is a late afternoon walk, picking up trash across the desert and salvaging what I can for a campfire.
Blazer and Terry in the desert north of Joshua Tree
My request to Higher Self: rather than being discontent when a great campsite is not available, be content and joyful no matter where we end up parking.
A creosote bush – alive and green – makes the desert more welcoming to me
Monday February 20th – Coolish morning, perfect for a campfire in the sand firepit.
Campfire and journal time
The neighbor, John, comes over, as he is interested in our solar panel. We visit a bit, and he will come back later to talk to Clifford. I make a pot of tea and write in my journal before getting on with the day. Sunny, so laptop is charged and I am able to do some editing today.
Play cello outside for a bit, but the wind comes up, so the session is short-lived. I cannot deal with the stand blowing over and music spilling all over.
Desert Cello
Later John comes over again to talk to Clifford. They have a good conversation, as he is also a scientist and they have similar veins of knowledge and experience. Although this BLM land is not that scenic to me, at least I feel peaceful being here.
Tuesday February 21st– Beautiful sunrise and I am doing my job per the birthday poem by Mary Oliver: I stand still, being astonished, loving the world, and feeling more connection to this rather barren land.
A rich sunrise, with vibrant red touching the cloudsA few minutes later the colors begin to mellow, less red, more orange.And finally, much softer orange and yellow swirls of colorTo the west, pretty pink lights up the mountain range between here and Los Angles.
I make a campfire and John comes over to visit and enjoy the campfire with me.
A campfire warms the chill morning air as the sun clears the horizon and melts the frost
Today Clifford and I have to make another trip to Yucca Valley, this time to get propane and water in preparation for our moving on. We go the Joshua Tree Saloon for lunch – Becka’s recommendation –and I browse the sweet gift shop next door, buying a few small gifts there.
Joshua Tree Saloon – looks like it has been here awhileLunch at the Joshua Tree SaloonA neat gift shop
We go to the post office and pick all the mail that has been sent to us: our mail from a Wallace, a Quartzfest T-shirt for Clifford, and a backup battery for my laptop. Back at camp, John comes over with his son to talk to Clifford. I want to play cello, but again it is too windy.
Later, as the sun sets, the wind dies down – too late for cello, but I have a little campfire and sit out to write in the journal before going in to begin sorting six-weeks worth of mail.
Wednesday, February 15th – We are up at 8:15 a.m. CT (Clifford Time, which is actually 6:15 a.m. in California – just so you know we are not slouches), packed, hooked up, and ready to leave by 11:15 a.m. I say good-bye to our desert home at Cottonwood Springs Campground and we are on our way.
Good-bye to our desert home at Cottonwood Springs Campground in Joshua Tree NP
We head north through the Joshua Tree National Park, passing by the Cholla Garden once again, and into new landscapes.
Cholla Garden
The land becomes even more boulder-strewn and the first Joshua trees appear.
Joshua trees begin to appear
Arriving at 29 Palms, we head west to the town of Joshua Tree. On the north side of town, there is an ancient now-dry lake bed that is a BLM dispersed camping area. Once we arrive, we pull off the rather narrow dirt road to set up camp. It is very barren land and I am not thrilled with it…. so different than the lush desert where we have been the past two week. There is only one type of shrub growing here, something that looks dead, across the entire expanse of desert. Not even any creosote, which seem to grow everywhere in the desert. We get set up and then head to town to check out the post office.
Back at camp, I play cello – this is a good place for it – no neighbors near enough to be disturbed by my somewhat rusty playing. We have cell service here, so are able to check email and do texts without having to drive anywhere. So those are the good things about being here. It is interesting that my daughter Becka lived right near here and could look out on this desert from her backyard.
Thursday February 16th – Some clouds and a little breeze this morning. Harder to find a place that seems right for a morning quiet-time walk. There is plenty of desert here, but it is not inviting to me. Although not close, there are RV’s in every direction, nothing seems to be alive, and trash everywhere. I pick up trash in ever-widening circles around our campsite, but there are also no dumpsters, so we are stuck with whatever I pick up.
Today we go to Yucca Valley, about 10 or 12 miles from where we are camped, as we need supplies and the town of Joshua Tree is too small for shopping.
Back at camp, I play cello a bit. There is a forecast for heavy rain in parts of California, so I put everything that is outside under a tarp. I am a bit uneasy about what I am hearing about this rain, as it could be a lot. However, Clifford is not concerned, so here we are – even though he had to use the come-along to help a couple of fellows get unstuck from the mud just across the basin from us. Hmmm…….
Friday, February 17th – It is 31 degrees this morning, cloudy, and very windy.
Our campsite in the BLM north of Joshua Tree. Clouds speak of impending rain.
A local guy on a 4-wheeler comes by to warn us, and others, about staying if the rain develops as forecast. This dry lake bed will become a bog. He has had the experience of seeing people stuck out here for a month. Well, being stuck for a couple days is one thing, but being stuck for a month is something else. So we pack up and head to the Walmart at Yucca Valley to hang out until the rain passes. This gives us the opportunity to get a bit more shopping done, use a bathroom with flush toilets, and take care of internet business, since cell reception is good here. In the cold and blustery wind, we walk to the Panda Express for dinner, which will save cooking and cleanup in our modified parking lot set up. There is rain in the evening and during the night, along with high winds. I am relieved to be here where we know we will not get stuck in the mud.
Saturday, February 18th – Light rain off and on all day. Doesn’t seem like as much rain came in as forecast, but better safe than sorry. Our bathroom is leaking through the light fixture, so obviously there was enough rain and wind to cause a bit of damage and leakage. I do only a limited amount of editing, as we cannot set up our solar panels to charge the laptop while we are here; there is no sunshine, anyway.
It is while we are here that our friend Dan in Tucson sends a cell pic of a 1999 Suburban that he thinks we might be interested in. It is for sale for a reasonable price and from talking to the owner, it seems that it has been well taken care of and is in good condition. So, after talking about it, we decide that we will return to Tucson to see and drive it. We have to stay in this area for a few more days to get mail that has been sent general delivery to Joshua Tree. We will move back out to the desert tomorrow, but plans are made to begin the trip back to Tucson.
