Fun is Done

The last week of our winter was spent just outside of Phoenix at a place called Florence.  From there we went out into the mountains in search of scenery, and challenges, and whatever else might be out there.    Some days we were gone all day and some days we were back by mid-afternoon.  It was all dependent upon the distance from camp, and the terrain.

Driving in a Box Canyon

Just a little help over the obstacle

A Tree House

Coke ovens which made charcoal for smelter purposes

Don't want to get in it's way

Our trail

During the first day, there seemed to be a problem with the Jeep.  Gerry was sure that it was the driveshaft, so when we got back, under it he went and took out the suspected problem.  But it was fine.  After being under the Jeep and working on it by flashlight because he was out all day, the driveshaft went back in.  It was determined that maybe there was no problem and based on the rest of the week, there was no problem.

While we were  promised quite a bit of rain, we were fortunate enough that most of it fell during the night so every day was a trail day.  The rain did increase the number of water crossings but never was it very deep.  It also created some waterfalls – something that is rare in the desert.

Driving down this wash

One particular day, the clouds still had not cleared when we hit the trail.  With this particular trail, we did discover that the ceiling was at 5,000 feet when we went to about 5,400 feet.  I did not particularly care to be driving in the clouds; however if one was afraid of heights, that problem was solved.  I don’t know if it was because of the weather but we did see some deer a number of times which is always a treat.

The desert is very green and lush this year as a result of rains throughout the winter.  In addition, the wildflowers are spectacular.  We are driving on rocky ledges, and trails, and everywhere, the area is covered in flowers.

An one must not forget the Saguaro Cactus.

The arms are every which way

This is a crested cactus - a result of genetic defect

Planted all in a row

While we had expected to be gone for a couple more weeks, the advancing Covid-19 pandemic made us decide to get back home and self-isolate.  As  I write this, we are on our way home so this will be my final blog until we decide on another trip.  I don’t imagine anyone would be interested in hearing about our two weeks in self isolation – there might be a huge amount of rambling as I pass the time.


I would like to thank those of you who followed our travels.  Stay safe and stay healthy!

The Weather is Perfect

The past week was mostly spent at Mittry Lake, just north of Yuma with perfect weather. There was no wind to speak of, warm temperatures, and blue skies.  In fact, it was so nice that we didn’t turn the heat on in the evening at all and even missed a couple of mornings.  That means it is nice.


We made a couple of off-road trips this past week.  The first one was an area called Muggins Mountain – a relatively easy drive of which a quite a lot of it was along ridges which is the tops of hills/mountains and it’s a long way down either side.  That does result in some spectacular views.

An insect trap

Vegetable gardens

The next trip was through McPherson Pass.  We had done this trip several times in past years but it is still one of my favourites.  The drive is easy and scenic.  There are several tanks along this route.  These tanks are natural but sometimes there has been concrete to create deeper tanks.  They are sometimes at ground level, and they are sometimes partway up the mountains and the purpose is to create watering holes for the wildlife.

The end of the week meant it was time to move on so we went to a park near Casa Grande, AZ that we had stayed at often in the past.  It is a county park which has large sites, quite a distance between sites, and quiet.  We took a drive into Casa Grande and marveled at the feedlots – they are huge and contain mostly Holsteins.  There are also a few very large dairies which certainly helps contribute to the numerous, large feedlots.

We stopped at a soap factory - Buff City Soap.  Many of the soaps looked like one should eat them rather than wash with them.

As a result of some rains over the winter, the flowers are really starting to come out in full force.  While I don’t know the names of many of them, it is unbelievable to see all this growth in the often dry, barren land.

Brittle Bush along the highway

Fairy Duster

Lipstick Plant

Beaver Tail Cactus

While I often mention the spectacular desert sunsets, this week I have included a sunrise, which!! is often as beautiful (but I don’t often get to see them). 

 And once again, the hummingbirds were busy feeding, and at times we would have five of the little hummers fighting for a spot at the feeder.

It’s been a fun week and I hope last week was enjoyable for you too.  Until next week, have a good week

Back Online

We still haven’t moved from fringe cell service to good service, but by making a trip into town, I can fill you in on our past week.  We started the week off at Quartzsite and had plans to spend the next week with friends.  But Mr. Weatherman was calling for cool weather, with some rain, so we changed our plans and headed south to Yuma to an old favourite spot which we hadn’t stayed at for a number of years – Mittry Lake.  Here, you can sit out and enjoy the scenery; however, there is very limited cell service – sometimes a plus, sometimes not!!


The start of the week at Quartzsite was spent wandering through whatever was left of the vendors but once again, nothing new.  I guess that after all these years, there isn’t likely much new, that we didn’t already have, or needed, or have room for.  It is still fun, though, to wander through to see the same old, same old!!


We went dining at Carl Jrs one day and Gerry was intrigued by the number of charging stations they had for electric cars.  Plus there were a couple of Tesla cars being charged (likely as the owners dined inside😊).

We headed down to Yuma, and Mittry Lake, about mid-week.  When we arrived at Mittry, there was a great spot, except someone had left a chair in that spot.  My first thought was that someone was already parked there but had to leave for a while and wanted to ensure it was still open when they got back.  As luck would have it, that spot was for us – our friends, Vern and Dorothy heard we were coming and save, so once again, we had a great visit.  Actually, this was the third time this year that our paths crossed which is fabulous.

Behind Us

In front of us

Off to the side

The end of the week we were invited to join in celebrating our friend’s, Gary, birthday as he completed his 79^th year around the sun and started into his 80^th trip.  We enjoyed a terrific supper, plus a wonderful visit with friends and family (yes family – Gerry’s cousin Myrna and Jim had also just arrived).

Thanks for being patient as I work around sporadic cell service.  Have a great week!