More Off-Roading

Slot Canyon

This past week has been spent mostly on the trails as well as a move.  We started the week at Borrego Springs where we met some folks from Texas who were eager to go on some trails so that we did.

First trip out was to hike slot canyon which as about two miles round trip.  As soon as we came to a particularly narrow spot, I headed back while everyone else went to the end.  I made sure that the vehicles stayed safe.

Then we went to spot where there was a spring and several palm trees are growing.  It's kind of neat to see this green spot in the middle of the desert.  Then we carried on until we got high centered going over a ridge so the newbies did a rescue.  Unfortunately the day ended on a sad note as one of the fellows slipped going down the hill and broke his hip.  What a long trip it was for him as we were about four miles from the highway and then another fifty miles to the hospital.  Reports say that he is recovering nicely.

Tow Job

Then it was time to move to Quartzsite for some more 4-wheeling. Here we went up over mountain ridges and then down into washes - a number of times I might add.  As well friends from Yuma came up so it was a great few days of visiting and driving.  Then it was time to go to the RV show.  There is a huge tent set up full of vendors selling all sorts of things.  Of course one has to go to see what you just can't live without.

Just a couple of places in Quartzsite

Here are some of the things we see out on the trails

This is a pack rat nest.  They gather up pieces of the cholla cactus and build this nest - protected from predators.

Petroglyphs

Saguaro Moccasin - birds create holes in the cactus and build nests.  The cactus forms scar tissue around the nest.  This is what you find when the cactus dies.

Here is a wildlife watering hole.  A spillway is created from the mountain which goes into a tank.  There are concrete steps down to the water for the wildlife.

Here are a couple of samples of different cactus

This is up, up and over the mountain

Now it is time for a couple of days rest and then some friends are arriving tomorrow so it will be off to the playground again.  We will try and see some new scenery.  Looking forward to the coming week.

It's been a good week, a busy week!!  I hope every one of you had a great week and may the week upcoming be great as well.  Until next week...........

Back to the Desert

We headed back south mid-week after a great trip home.  While the temperatures were mighty frigid at the start of our stay, they certainly warmed up.  Over the years we have flown home for a week partway through the winter.  As always, it is never cold or mild the entire week, it either cold at the beginning or at the end - I guess it is just a reminder of what we are able to avoid.

Flying into Calgary at sunrise

Love to see the snowy mountains (from above)

Solar farms just south of Las Vegas

It was great to have a visit with the kids and attend some of their activities.  Plus a brief visit with friends and neighbours was fit in our week.  Then it was back  to some warmer temps - Palm Springs was 27C - just about perfect.  We picked up some groceries and then back to the motorhome - we arrived just in time for happy hour!!

The first chore was to replace the hinge on our bay door.  Gerry and I had planned on doing it ourself because how hard could it be.  Well, it took five of us two hours and our bay door was back on.  What a job that was - we were certainly thankful for the help of friends and neighbours.

We even had a day to just relax and enjoy  the wonderfully warm temperatures before the winds blew and the temperatures fell.  Since it was too chilly to sit outside and enjoy the sun, we decided to trip out on some backroads with another couple.  Someone mentioned how great it would be to be a kid with the giant boulders.  I guess that they must be in their second childhood as some of them clambered over rocks to reach the top.  Unfortunately, I was designated as the photographer so I was unable to join them.

Up and over, or around?

An usual tree - no idea what kind!

A few more days here around Borrego Springs and then it will be time to move on.  We had a great week ad I hope you all did as well.  And may you have a great week next week!