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!