Why No More

 

It was moving week again.  Once again it was time to pack up and move to a new address – fortunately, we need less than an hour to get this job done so not a big deal!

We started the week by doing a bit of exploring to see where the road went.  We found that we were simply able to circle back and come back home.  But we do wonder why, or what happened, when we came across this grave marker just out in the middle of……

Then our friend, Gary, stopped by.  We were at his place in Yuma and when an order still hadn’t arrived when we left, he delivered it.  Bless his heart because, he not only delivered the part, he also helped install it and help come to a solution so it would stop blowing fuses.

Then it was time to move on and we decided to try a new location north-west of Tucson.  It is called cactus forest and it is incredibly beautiful as there is a lot of different trees and shrubs and particularly, cacti.  When we arrived we unhooked and went scouting but not a spot was open.  There was one unit in a large area at the entrance and we asked if they would mind if we parked there for the night and it was no problem.  The next morning we went for a walk and sure enough, someone had moved and it is likely the nicest spot in the area.  It is interesting how people come and go.  This morning when we went for a walk, there were very few units left, and tonight, spots are at a premium.

The view outside our door

The other side

Across the road tucked under a tree

The other day we went for a drive and again checking to see where the various roads lead to and we came across a mystery.  There was stuff strewn all of the place, a tent was kind of standing.  I don’t know if some of it was garbage but there was a lot of new items – such as a case of Starbucks Iced Coffee, a case of coke, coolers that looked fairly new (from a distance), a case of tuna, and so on.  We wonder what in the world that was all about, and why.

The temperature yesterday and today (and tomorrow) was at 34*C ( 93*F), and 7% humidity, so it is hot although with a bit of a breeze it is quite bearable in the shade.  In fact we shampooed our carpet today and it sure did dry fast.  Fortunately, the nights cool down quite nicely.

It has been a while since the sunsets have been spectacular but the past couple of evenings, they are back.

I hope you have a great week, so until  next week, may the sun shine upon you.

Still at Why

Another week has gone and we are still at Why.  This past week was very quiet without much going on.  Mostly we watched the birds as they gather around waiting to be fed.  Chris had bought a bag of bird food which they absolutely devoured.  As well, she has a humming bird feeder which she has to fill daily.  It’s not from the hungry humming birds as there seem to be very few around.  It is the Gila woodpeckers who have mastered clinging on to the feeder and sucking it dry.  In fact, one morning when the bird feeder was dry, one came and started pecking (as woodpeckers do) on our roof as well as on Chris and Ricks.  Another day (again when the feeder was dry) a woodpecker was hanging on the windshield wiper, and then moved to cling on the edge of the window and looked in.  Crazy birds they are!  We have been here a number of times and have never realized the number and variety of birds.  My favourite is the cardinal – he seems to be all alone while the others are multiples.

  And the quail, one shows up and clucks away until the whole flock shows up.  This morning, the count was over 20.  It is not only the food, but set out a dish of water and one realizes just how dry these poor animas and birds must be.  Gerry has been pouring about a gallon a day into the dish.

We have set up our game camera so one can see what creatures show up.  I have left the information on the photos so you can tell when there is any activity.

We did take a couple of drives this week – one was up on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Preserve where we took the Charlie Bell Road to the end of the line.  At that point a person would hike further but it was quite a long way down a rocky road which means it will be uphill all the way back.

Another day we set out exploring looking for a back way to the town of Ajo.  With a bit of guess work, a couple of turn arounds, we found our way.  We did see some interesting rock formations.  Plus, there is finally signs of some flowers blooming.  Another great drive.

An unusual ocotillo bloom

Today our friends Chris and Rick let to carry on to another spot.  We are hanging around for a few more days before we carry on.

This past week was nice and relaxing.  We truly have been enjoying perfect weather.  I hope you all had a great week and until next week, take care and stay safe!

 

  

Back at Why

Well, finally it’s Saturday night and I am back on track.  It has been really hard to stay on schedule with all the demands of this life!!!

We spent two great weeks in Yuma visiting friends but time marches on and it was time to move.  We certainly did not want to over stay our welcome.  You know what the say – after three days we can be like fish – we start to smell and heavens, we were way past that length of time!

We went back down to Why, AZ which is right down by the Mexican border where we met with our friends, Rick and Chris.  Along the road, about half way here, we pass a power generating plant .  It is the Solana Solar Power Generating Station which uses a “parabolic trough system which rotates with the movement of the sun and thermal storage using molten salts.

The technology involves mirrors which reflect the sunlight onto a pipe containing synthetic fuel, which is heated to temperatures of up to 700°F. The heated synthetic oil is transferred to a heat exchanger that heats water to produce steam. The steam generated is then used for spinning conventional steam turbines for generating electricity.

The technology also allows for the synthetic oil to flow into the molten salt storage tanks which retain the heat to be used occasionally when there is no sunlight. The storage tanks at the project site can store heat for six hours at a stretch.”

Once down at Why there seem to be quite a lot of birds – they are always singing.  Our friend puts out a dish of water and scatters bird seed which is very effective in attracting not only birds but an occasional other critters.

A little walk the other day took us to an old ranch. 

Now, as you can see, everyone decided to be mean and put me in a cattle hold – meanies!!

We also found some morteros - holes created in the rock by ancient native Americans as they ground their food (mainly corn).

We went down a trail and saw some very interesting scenery and places.  There was a crested Saguaro – these are quite rare, and there seems to be several theories as to why some have this misshapen top.

We also stopped at an old ranch that seems to be in the process of being rebuilt.  There was an interesting sign.

And an old grave site.

  There was also some great scenery as we drove up into the mountains.  In never ceases to amaze me of the different types of vegetation.

I hope everyone has a great week - hope to see you next week.  Take care and stay safe!!

A New Month!!

 

I woke this morning and the first thought that came to mind was “Good Heavens – today is Sunday” – I missed another Saturday  night posting. 

Made cookies instead

A person sometimes forgets things when their schedule is full and and life is a whirlwind.  But, I can’t even use that as an excuse, so here I am, a day late, with a promise to do better.

The week was spent relaxing, visiting, and enjoying the weather.  The temperatures were quite warm at the beginning of the week but have cooled down substantially (only a high of 22C today) although it is supposed to warm up again with a promise of 25C later on in the week.  But the wind sure did blow for a couple of days.  Today, little wind and lots of sunshine!!

One day there was a falcon across the street

We started the week with our friend’s, Gary, birthday as he celebrated his 81^st birthday.  We had a pizza party (his favourite food – or at least one of them) complete with a cake, a few candles and a small gathering.  Now he gets to start his 82^nd year!!!!

A novel pizza

Many years ago I used to stay at my brothers in a small town outside of Saskatoon where I met a wonderful gal.  A friendship developed although over the years we haven’t been in touch as often as we should have.  This week we had lunch together and it was long overdue.  Of course I forgot to take some pictures to share.

But we saw a new way to park

Most days we go for a walk around the neighbourhood and it’s always very interesting what one sees.  Here is a bit of a sampling.

No idea who is buried here

Love the tree in full bloom

This week we will be changing addresses so hopefully my tardiness will have come to an end.  Until then, stay safe and healthy and I hope you all have a great week.