November 23-24, 2021

Camping At Picacho Peak

Riverfront RV Park Yuma, Arizona Day 1 and 2

Tuesday morning, I began my walk under densely clouded skies.

I even felt raindrops!  We have been in Yuma for a month and this spitting was the first rain we have had.

We came back to stay in Yuma because we had our credit card compromised while we were in Tucson.  We needed an address where we could receive our new cards.  We decided to return to a place that we knew.  We have since decided to stay here through December 13^th when we will prepare to fly to Atlanta for the holidays.  We feel like this will make things a little smoother.  When we return to Arizona after the New Year, we will travel around a little more.

Tuesday afternoon we packed for another overnight camping trip in the desert.  We went back to Picacho and explored the maze of 4WD trails outside the park. 

We saw burros, their white muzzles are a stark contrast against the rocky mountains, making them easy to spot!

We took a spur off the main road and drove up and over a small berm.  We found ourselves in a bowl surrounded by rock formations.  As we walked around, we realized the view from the ridge was spectacular and so that is where we set up camp.

Tim loves his Jeep shirt!

Tim’s campsite video!

The sunset was magnificent.  It was hard to take it all in because we were surrounded by changing color on all sides.

We went to bed early.  It was really cloudy and the moon had not yet risen so it was very dark.  At around midnight, the wind began to blow pretty steadily.  We were battered for a couple of hours before the winds calmed and we slept.

We were awake at 5 am.  The moon was surrounded by a perfect halo of light…a moon ring that forms when light is reflected off of ice crystals.  We had never seen this before…gorgeous! We slept again until 7 and then it was time for coffee and a fire.  As I was sipping my coffee, I noticed an animal high on the ridge.  A bighorn sheep stood stock-still; his distinct silhouette visible in the morning light.

A morning video as well!

We spent all morning wandering on trails. 

We saw more burros.  These mamas were braying at us.  They were not happy to have visitors.

We had a great day exploring and as always, we were searching for our next campsite…

Our credit card was delivered and so the rest of the day was spent updating accounts with new information.  All is good now!

November 20-22, 2021

Birthday Celebration In Tucson

South Forty RV Park Tucson, Arizona

We left Yuma on Saturday morning.  We saw this hot air balloon drifting above the Colorado River.

On our way out of town, we picked up our new friend Aunt Mavis. 

We were all bound for Tucson.  Our good friend Lee was having a birthday celebration and we were thrilled to be included.

Claudia met us at South Forty and ferried Mavis to the house to be with family.  Lee was surprised because he didn’t know she was going to be there.

On Saturday afternoon, Tim and I went to REI to shop for new shoes. Tim said that he could see my shoes coming before he sees me! They certainly are bright!

Saturday evening, we found a Mexican seafood restaurant called Mariscos Chihuahua where we had really tasty shrimp fajitas.

Sunday, we did our morning exercise and then I spent time grilling peppers and making a goat cheese spread for some appetizers.

Finally, it was time to leave for the party.  Lee was completely surprised when we showed up!  We very much enjoyed meeting his friends and family.  Sometimes, when you go to an event and don’t really know anyone…it can be rather awkward.  But…Lee and Claudia are blessed with a warm and wonderful circle and we were readily welcomed.  We enjoyed the afternoon and then in the evening we went back to Lee and Claudia’s home where we had supper.  I had a blast playing with the children. 

Monday morning, we went to get Mavis from the hotel and then we returned to Yuma.  We are so grateful for our new friendship and for the honor of being included in this weekend’s festivities. 

November 18-19, 2021

Back To Picacho!

Riverfront RV Park Yuma, Arizona Day 24 and 25

Best wishes for a wonderful birthday Andrea!  We love you!

We had no ill effects from our COVID boosters.  We did our morning exercise and then packed up for another tent camping experience.  We wanted to go back to Picacho.

18 miles on gravel washboard to the park.

The campsite that we really wanted was already taken.  We found a spot near the river and spent a pleasant afternoon.

Tim spotted this kingfisher.

Tim also spotted this coyote.

Another amazing sunset.

The moon was full and gorgeous.

We got up at 12:30 and we were able to see the partial lunar eclipse.

The coots were a hoot!  They chattered and bickered and splashed among the reeds ALL night long!  We heard owls and burros and coyotes and other water birds as well…Tim heard them…I actually slept!

This morning we wandered down 4WD trails and through washes, enjoying, as we always do, the desert scenery.

We saw burros and a deer.  We stopped to have our breakfast.  This is an area we want come back to explore and do some more tent camping.

After we got back to the RV…it was chore day!  We cleaned the RV and the Jeep and our gear and washed clothes and did all that normal chore day stuff!

November 17, 2021

BOOSTED!

Riverfront RV Park Yuma, Arizona Day 23

We filled the morning with walking and biking and blogging and then after lunch, we headed to CVS for our COVID boosters.  We are so grateful to be able to get our vaccines!

This evening, I made shredded chicken with grilled onions and peppers and corn and black beans and fire roasted tomatoes in a chipotle lime sauce with corn tortillas.  We packed some wine and went to the athletic complex for a picnic and an evening walk.

The law enforcement memorial at the park is very sobering.  Most of the lives lost were Border Patrol agents.

November 14-16, 2021

Cipriano Pass

Riverfront RV Park Yuma, Arizona Day 20, 21, and 22

When we returned from the rodeo on Saturday, we realized that our coach was not receiving shore power.  It was late and we did as much as we could to problem solve and finally went to bed with no power.  The next morning, we talked to our neighbors about the need to run our generator for electric.  Dale was kind enough to come over to help us figure out what might be wrong.  Soon, we were joined by Ron, a manager here at the park.  The pedestal was apparently working, meaning that the RV was the issue.  We made a call and because it was Sunday, we had to leave a message.  Fortunately, the men were able to find a way to plug the fridge in directly so that at least the food was cold.  We spent Sunday running the generator and sitting with our phones hoping for a return call.  On Monday morning we got a call…Vic wasn’t able to come out until Tuesday.  We made several other calls and found Richard from Best RV Tech.  He was able to come out at around lunchtime on Monday.  He was amazing!  He knew exactly how to check everything and he was able to locate the problem breakers and replace and repair them.  YAY!!!  Just a temporary inconvenience.

Our initial intention was to go tent camping in the desert.  With the power restored, we packed our gear and left!  We went to the Barry Goldwater Range.  We had obtained the necessary permit and as we entered the range, we completed the online check-in. 

We got a late start but the gravel road through the Wellton Hills was well maintained and we made good time.  We took Cipriano Pass and we found a great site near the Gila Mountains.  We set up and for the first time in a couple of days, we relaxed!

Enjoy Tim’s video!

We enjoyed our dinner by the fire.

The moon was about ¾ full and it was bright and beautiful.

Tuesday morning, the sun rose in the cloud-streaked sky.

We meandered through the desert, stopping to have our breakfast.

These exploded ordinances are a reminder that we are in a military range.  No maneuvers or jets flying overhead today.

We took the A9 spur all the way to the end and we stopped to explore and to admire the view.

As we drove back to the main road, I caught sight of a man running in the road ahead.  As we got closer, we saw 4 men sprinting into the vegetation.  All were wearing black from head to toe and each carried a huge black identical backpack.  These men were not there to hike.  Tim said: “They aren’t good guys!”  They ran from us and quickly, wanting nothing to do with us and knowing that we could report them to the authorities. 

We did call the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma and informed them of our encounter.  We also saw a group of Jeeps and a several OTV’s traveling in that direction and we stopped and spoke with them as well.  There are warnings about smuggling and we know there are lots of issues surrounding the border, but today, we witnessed the reality of the problem…this is a real thing.

The remainder of the day was spent cleaning gear and resting.  A shower always feels especially wonderful when we get back!

Enjoy Tim’s video!

November 13, 2021

Cattle Call At Brawley

Riverfront RV Park Yuma, Arizona Day 19

Morning exercise, walking, and biking complete; we drove about 75 miles to Brawley, California.  We were there to see the 65^th Brawley Cattle Call, a professional rodeo.

The bullpen.

Bucking Broncos.

Barrel Racing.

Mutton Bustin…for children 5-8 and weighing less than 60 pounds.  The kids actually rode on the sheep, trying to stay on as long as possible.  The winner was a seven-year-old.  He clung to that sheep for a long time!

The clowns were irreverent and hilarious.

Bull riding.

The patriotism, the pageantry, the danger, the thrill, the power of the animals, the athletic competitors, the skills and animal handling…this was a real western experience and we both enjoyed the day.

We got back to Yuma after dark and decided to have dinner at Prison Hill.  It was a nice evening to be outside and the food was terrific.  We ended our day with a downtown walk.

November 10-12 2021

Quiet Days

Riverfront RV Park Yuma, Arizona Day 16, 17 and 18

We have spent the past three days having more normal and restful time.  Days filled with exercise and walking and biking.  We have been to lunch and out to dinner and done some shopping and chores.  Nothing too picture worthy! 

We did go to the BLM office in Yuma to procure some maps of the surrounding wilderness areas.  We are planning another overnight adventure.

I spent some time outside watching our neighbors’ feeders.  I love watching birds, though taking pictures of them is a challenge!

We are so spoiled because “normal” feels boring.  We are accustomed to having adventures but it is important to balance all that excitement with some quiet and relaxation.  We are sure that NOONE feels sorry for us and NOONE should…we are still having fun!

November 8-9 2021

Overnight At Picacho State Recreation Area

Riverfront RV Park Yuma, Arizona Day 14 & 15

On Monday morning we completed our morning exercise and walking.  After that, we took an 8-mile bike ride along the canal.

Our real adventure began when we drove the loaded Jeep across the desert on Picacho Road.

24 miles – only the first six of which are paved. 

We arrived at Picacho State Recreation Area and we took the Railroad Canyon 4WD trail to the River Overlook.

We continued along the Colorado River through the park.

We found our campsite at 4S Beach Camp.  We have visited this park twice before; each time as a day trip.  To stay the night is to be immersed and offers an altogether unique experience.

These are the reasons for tent camping at Picacho:

Premium riverfront camping on the mighty Colorado

Scooting coots calling and scuttling across the water

Migrating birds in precise vee formation

Snowy white egrets patiently stalking prey

Elegant osprey gliding above the path of the river

Ravens cawing from their roosts in the rocks

Current and flow of the rippling water

Images cast in the crystalline surface

Silver fish jumping

Cool and silty sand beneath my feet

Corn tortillas and savory omelets stuffed with spicy chorizo and cheddar and peppers and onions

Sunset

Absolute stillness punctuated by the comical hee-hawing of wild burros

Howling coyotes at dusk and dawn

Twinkling night sky and the glowing of the crescent moon

Stunning blood orange sunrise

Camping here on the river is such a stark contrast to desert camping.  The flora is emerald green and the trees offer shade from the blazing sun…the difference is life-giving water.

We lingered this morning in part to let our dew dampened tent and bedding dry…it was also hard to leave.

This mama and her foal watched us warily.

We took Indian Pass Road several miles through a sandy wash and then climbed a rough rocky road out of the bottom.

Our breakfast spot.

We unpacked and spent a lazy day relaxing. 

November 7, 2021

Pivot Point

Riverfront RV Park Yuma, Arizona Day 13

A gorgeous morning for a walk along the canal. 

Oliver was able to get his first COVID shot this morning.  Go Ollie-o!! You are a brave boy!  We are so thankful that he was able to get vaccinated so quickly!

Tim took a long bike ride and then later this morning, I went out and cycled for 8 miles.  I spent the rest of the day blogging and making calls and running a couple of errands.  Tim watched the Ravens and then the NASCAR championship.

This evening, we packed our dinner and sat on the benches at Pivot Point.  We were sitting there only a short time when we heard on odd hissing noise…suddenly the sprinklers were on. They sent us from bench to bench trying to stay out of the water spray!

November 6, 2021

Cocopah Speedway

Riverfront RV Park Yuma, Arizona Day 12

I got up and did my walk quickly because I had a hair appointment this morning! 

Tim took a good bike ride while I was out.

This evening, we headed to the Cocopah Speedway.  The smell of racing fuel, the flying dust, the noisy colorful cars, the bright lights, the thrum of the engines that travels through your feet and settles in your chest…this is the ambiance of a dirt track raceway.  Tim loves this stuff and honestly, if he’s happy…then so am I.  Actually, it was fun to be doing something different and we were together and outside on a lovely night!

I got my hair done and Tim got to go to the races…a good day for everyone!