Tuesday March 14th– We are up about 8:30 and soon packed and ready to leave. Although it is pleasant in the early morning here at Cottonwood Cove Campground, we know it will soon be hotter than we like, so we are continuing north. We make it safely through Las Vegas, Nevada. I-15 between Las Vegas and St. George, Utah, cuts through the very northwestern corner of Arizona and it is along this stretch of interstate that the Virgin River BLM Campground is located, and where we arrive by mid-afternoon.
Virgin River Canyon, northwest ArizonaAnother view of the Virgin River Canyon
We have never been here, but the location was right for us and the reviews indicated scenic views, so this was our destination. We are not disappointed; the views are fabulous and we are lucky to find a pull-through spot on the outer loop overlooking the Virgin River Canyon. Facing south when we park is not ideal, but other than that, we are very pleased with the site and get set up, including ham radio antennas and a tarp for an awning.
Set up on the edge of the Virgin River Canyon
Within a few minutes of being here, we meet several of our neighbors, most of them curious about the antenna; this seems to be an unusually friendly campground, with a mix of long-term snow-birds (like us) slowly heading north and younger people stopping on their way to or from some other destination, as well as weekenders with families.
View of the Virgin River and the canyon as seen from Terry – this is our front yard!More of our front yard at Virgin River Canyon
In the evening, I hike down to the river.
At the bottom of the Virgin River CanyonThe Virgin River
I am delighted to find Joshua trees here as I hike back up to the campsite. What a great place this is!
Joshua tree on the ridge
Wednesday March 15th – off to a great start this morning with a campfire and a few minutes of quiet time, just sitting facing the river below and the red cliffs opposite, feeling the sun on my face. Make a cup of tea and write in my journal. This is how I would like to start most every day, but it doesn’t often happen.
Joshua tree at Virgin River Canyon
I meet another neighbor, David, as he comes by, also curious about the antenna. I thought he was joking when he asked if it was to pick up alien signals. He is very friendly and having a large family himself, he is curious to know about my kids and actually listens as I mention each of them briefly.
And cello outside today, sitting in the shade of our tarp.
Virgin River Canyon Cello
I walk about picking up trash (of which there is not very much) and bits of dead wood to use for kindling, as well as scavenging wood from abandoned campfires. I hike down to the Virgin River twice, which at this time of year is quite muddy; Clifford goes with me the second time.
Hiking around the bendAnother hike with Clifford
Becka calls on here way to her evening activity… I’m glad cell service here is decent and we can chat. I can also access the net and am able to download documents that need editing.
I am delighted with the late afternoon light as it hits the cholla that cover the slope below the campground.
Afternoon light on chollaAfternoon light on cholla
Clifford spends much of his day using the biochemical analyzer instrument.
This was a fun and productive day for both of us – what a great place to be this time of the year.
One thought on “Winter Journey – Virgin River – March 2017”
Hi Carol,
I love the whole idea of your “Cello” pics ! And for some odd reason to me, your cello in this particular image/setting — this Virgin River Canyon setting, just seems to “naturally fit” ; Like it–(your cello) is just another “part of Nature”, not separate from it-(??).
Carol, looking at the beautiful photographs you take of the natural world — landscapes, sky’scapes, plant life, etc.– is a somewhat bittersweet experience for me: The sweet-part is that I love looking at them because they make me feel good/feel somewhat hopeful; Because Nature/the Natural World represents and is, the opposite of the “Orwellian Organized/Controlled Society” which billions of Souls now suffer under, and in far too many physical and psychological ways to even begin to count. And so, sitting here in front of my computer screen (physically devastated by my Morgellons extreme chronic fatigue and aches/pains, and wondering when this is all going to End and how), when I look at Nature through your ‘sharing’ eyes via your posted images, my Spirit does “rise” even if just for a bit, and I thank you for this. The bitter-part is knowing that it is very unlikely that my health will ever improve enough for me to be able to get “out” there and experience first-hand for myself, those lovely places/wide-open lands of the West that you document.
Again Carol, thank you for your sharing! (And tell Clifford, when I think about him continuing his Truth Work for the Greater Good of Humanity, that makes my Spirit “rise” too!)
Hi Carol,
I love the whole idea of your “Cello” pics ! And for some odd reason to me, your cello in this particular image/setting — this Virgin River Canyon setting, just seems to “naturally fit” ; Like it–(your cello) is just another “part of Nature”, not separate from it-(??).
Carol, looking at the beautiful photographs you take of the natural world — landscapes, sky’scapes, plant life, etc.– is a somewhat bittersweet experience for me: The sweet-part is that I love looking at them because they make me feel good/feel somewhat hopeful; Because Nature/the Natural World represents and is, the opposite of the “Orwellian Organized/Controlled Society” which billions of Souls now suffer under, and in far too many physical and psychological ways to even begin to count. And so, sitting here in front of my computer screen (physically devastated by my Morgellons extreme chronic fatigue and aches/pains, and wondering when this is all going to End and how), when I look at Nature through your ‘sharing’ eyes via your posted images, my Spirit does “rise” even if just for a bit, and I thank you for this. The bitter-part is knowing that it is very unlikely that my health will ever improve enough for me to be able to get “out” there and experience first-hand for myself, those lovely places/wide-open lands of the West that you document.
Again Carol, thank you for your sharing! (And tell Clifford, when I think about him continuing his Truth Work for the Greater Good of Humanity, that makes my Spirit “rise” too!)
Sincerely,
Daryl