Photos, photos, photos....
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Sunday, February 28, 2010
Last day at The Slabs
2/27/10 Saturday
Update on Cheryl. Her surgery went well and is at home recovering. Cheryl we are thinking of you and also her husband Steve and Kelsey that are taking good care of her.
Today it was suppose to rain and it did. It was off and on from the afternoon until after dark. Once while it was raining we went out and washed off the truck. When the sun came out between rain clouds, the truck looked so much better. Late in the afternoon, the wind picked up and blew very hard.
Seann let us borrow his ladder so that we could clean our solar panels. It is amazing how much dust and dirt was up there. Thanks Seann.
Last night we went down and heard a couple of the groups playing music. It was fun to watch for a while. Tonight we went down to The Range to see what was happening there. They were playing music even though it was sprinkling some off and on. There was a 55 gallon barrel being used on each side of the dance floor for fires to chase away the cold. Tonight we stood out for a while then sat in the truck and listened when it started to rain harder. The band stopped for a while then started back up.
At both places the “bands” are made up of just whoever has an instrument and wants to join in. LOL That can be quiet interesting not to mention the people dancing. The band played until almost 1:30am and we could barely hear them from the trailer.
Due to the wind and rain, there was no camp fire tonight.
Tomorrow we leave so we are starting to make preparations to leave. Sure will miss the new friends that we have made here. A special word of "thanks" to each and everyone. Look forward to seeing you again soon.
From here we go to Bakersfield. Somewhere along the way we will upload the photos and any updates we have.
On the road again……..
Update on Cheryl. Her surgery went well and is at home recovering. Cheryl we are thinking of you and also her husband Steve and Kelsey that are taking good care of her.
Today it was suppose to rain and it did. It was off and on from the afternoon until after dark. Once while it was raining we went out and washed off the truck. When the sun came out between rain clouds, the truck looked so much better. Late in the afternoon, the wind picked up and blew very hard.
Seann let us borrow his ladder so that we could clean our solar panels. It is amazing how much dust and dirt was up there. Thanks Seann.
Last night we went down and heard a couple of the groups playing music. It was fun to watch for a while. Tonight we went down to The Range to see what was happening there. They were playing music even though it was sprinkling some off and on. There was a 55 gallon barrel being used on each side of the dance floor for fires to chase away the cold. Tonight we stood out for a while then sat in the truck and listened when it started to rain harder. The band stopped for a while then started back up.
At both places the “bands” are made up of just whoever has an instrument and wants to join in. LOL That can be quiet interesting not to mention the people dancing. The band played until almost 1:30am and we could barely hear them from the trailer.
Due to the wind and rain, there was no camp fire tonight.
Tomorrow we leave so we are starting to make preparations to leave. Sure will miss the new friends that we have made here. A special word of "thanks" to each and everyone. Look forward to seeing you again soon.
From here we go to Bakersfield. Somewhere along the way we will upload the photos and any updates we have.
On the road again……..
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Salvation Mtn & Revisiting places for a second look
2/26/10 Friday
We headed out by our selves this morning. I wanted to spend more time just looking around. The trip included another trip to the library, Salvation Mtn and the Mud Pots.
Salvation Mountain has part of it washed away during the big rains here a couple of weeks ago. The mountain is topped with what looks like hay/straw bales and adobe then painted. The man that was inspired to create Salvation Mtn was there and took us on a tour.
Inside there were trees that he built out of tires and hay bales then the adobe. These are so strong that in a couple of places he has telephone poles as the main inner structure of the limbs. He used come-alongs to place many of the “branches” in place. He collected old car windows to be used as windows. When someone comes and brags on his work, he is inspired to do more. Salvation Mtn has been added on Google Maps recently. He said that when that happened, his Mtn went international and he has seen an increase in interest. This site was also featured in a movie recently.
I was really surprised when we went to the Mud Pots again. A lot of the water had evaporated and the pools were smaller. You could still hear what sounded like water gurgling in hollow pipes and there was still gas escaping from holes. Some of the holes were still covered with water and made bubbles, others just whistled.
We stopped at Bobby D’s which is a restaurant in Niland. On the wall were photos from when the Salton Sea first came to be and some of the events that took place there like speed boat races. There were also photos of Salvation Mtn in it’s early days.
On the way back “home” we stopped and took some photos at the Cactus Lady’s place. She pots and sells cactus. Her place is on the way in in Poverty Flats. She didn’t seem to be around. Sorry Christine.
We also saw another Streamline Trailer. It was larger than ours and not in as good a condition. We chatted with the owner for a while and he showed us a brochure he had from 1974.
Back at home, it was time for lunch and me to update here. Tonight will be another fire and we will see if the rain comes tomorrow.
Off and on today the bombs have been going off. Seems strange to get used to that kind of thing.
Talked to Samantha today. She is almost 6 months along now and doing good. We are hoping that she is able to carry the baby the whole time. Her next dr visit is next Tuesday so we should have an update then.
Until tomorrow………..
We headed out by our selves this morning. I wanted to spend more time just looking around. The trip included another trip to the library, Salvation Mtn and the Mud Pots.
Salvation Mountain has part of it washed away during the big rains here a couple of weeks ago. The mountain is topped with what looks like hay/straw bales and adobe then painted. The man that was inspired to create Salvation Mtn was there and took us on a tour.
Inside there were trees that he built out of tires and hay bales then the adobe. These are so strong that in a couple of places he has telephone poles as the main inner structure of the limbs. He used come-alongs to place many of the “branches” in place. He collected old car windows to be used as windows. When someone comes and brags on his work, he is inspired to do more. Salvation Mtn has been added on Google Maps recently. He said that when that happened, his Mtn went international and he has seen an increase in interest. This site was also featured in a movie recently.
I was really surprised when we went to the Mud Pots again. A lot of the water had evaporated and the pools were smaller. You could still hear what sounded like water gurgling in hollow pipes and there was still gas escaping from holes. Some of the holes were still covered with water and made bubbles, others just whistled.
We stopped at Bobby D’s which is a restaurant in Niland. On the wall were photos from when the Salton Sea first came to be and some of the events that took place there like speed boat races. There were also photos of Salvation Mtn in it’s early days.
On the way back “home” we stopped and took some photos at the Cactus Lady’s place. She pots and sells cactus. Her place is on the way in in Poverty Flats. She didn’t seem to be around. Sorry Christine.
We also saw another Streamline Trailer. It was larger than ours and not in as good a condition. We chatted with the owner for a while and he showed us a brochure he had from 1974.
Back at home, it was time for lunch and me to update here. Tonight will be another fire and we will see if the rain comes tomorrow.
Off and on today the bombs have been going off. Seems strange to get used to that kind of thing.
Talked to Samantha today. She is almost 6 months along now and doing good. We are hoping that she is able to carry the baby the whole time. Her next dr visit is next Tuesday so we should have an update then.
Until tomorrow………..
Chicken Corn Chowder
2/25/10 Chicken Corn Chowder
1 T butter
6 green onions
2 T flour
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
2- 10 oz frozen corn, thawed & divided
1- 14 oz can chicken broth
2 cups milk
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Melt butter. Chop green onions, set aside green part, sauté white part in butter for 2 minutes. Add flour, stir for 1 minute. Add chicken, salt, papper, 1 pkg corn, and broth to pan. Boil then simmer for 5 minutes. Combine remaining corn and milk in blender then add to pan & simmer until warmed thru. Place in bowls, top with green onion tops and cheese.
Note: Not having a blender I substituted:
1 can whole corn, drained in the pan with chicken and other ingrediants.
1 can creamed corn + 1 can condensed milk instead of corn & 2 cups milk.
After all was added to a pot, I simmered in the Sun Oven for about 2 hours while we were gone.
1 T butter
6 green onions
2 T flour
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
2- 10 oz frozen corn, thawed & divided
1- 14 oz can chicken broth
2 cups milk
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Melt butter. Chop green onions, set aside green part, sauté white part in butter for 2 minutes. Add flour, stir for 1 minute. Add chicken, salt, papper, 1 pkg corn, and broth to pan. Boil then simmer for 5 minutes. Combine remaining corn and milk in blender then add to pan & simmer until warmed thru. Place in bowls, top with green onion tops and cheese.
Note: Not having a blender I substituted:
1 can whole corn, drained in the pan with chicken and other ingrediants.
1 can creamed corn + 1 can condensed milk instead of corn & 2 cups milk.
After all was added to a pot, I simmered in the Sun Oven for about 2 hours while we were gone.
Hanging out at The Slabs
2/25/10 Thursday
Today was a relaxation day. On Wednesday I had cooked some chicken breasts in the Sun Oven. Today the chicken will be part of the Chicken Corn Chowder that Christine had made for us in Hot Springs, AR. This morning a loaf of bread went into the Sun Oven and was out by lunch time.
We had made an appointment with Solar Mike for him to take a look at our unit at 2 pm today. Before heading down to meet with him, I put the Chowder in the Sun Oven.
Solar Mike looked at our system. The batteries we have need to be replaced. He said that one new battery could do what the 4 batteries we now have are doing plus more. Also the converter/inverter we have is not working properly. The converter is not working and the transfer switch is not working either. We decided to do nothing until we get back home and then look for batteries and have someone try to work on the converter/inverter. Bummer!
There was another camp fire last night. Mary cooked a wonderful lasagna and salad. She is a great cook! It sure is nice to have these camp fires again.
Saturday there is a chance of rain here and also in Bakersfield, CA. That is to be our overnight stop when we leave here. Not wanting to drive in the rain, we will leave on Sunday morning instead of Saturday. Everyone says we can’t leave without going to hear the entertainment on Saturday night so hopefully it won’t rain that out.
I think we might be becoming Slab-itized! Or so our new friends are saying. We are learning all about how to save a spot until the following year, how to dig a gopher hole, where to resupply on water, etc.
The next post will be the requested recipe for the Chicken Corn Chowder.
Today was a relaxation day. On Wednesday I had cooked some chicken breasts in the Sun Oven. Today the chicken will be part of the Chicken Corn Chowder that Christine had made for us in Hot Springs, AR. This morning a loaf of bread went into the Sun Oven and was out by lunch time.
We had made an appointment with Solar Mike for him to take a look at our unit at 2 pm today. Before heading down to meet with him, I put the Chowder in the Sun Oven.
Solar Mike looked at our system. The batteries we have need to be replaced. He said that one new battery could do what the 4 batteries we now have are doing plus more. Also the converter/inverter we have is not working properly. The converter is not working and the transfer switch is not working either. We decided to do nothing until we get back home and then look for batteries and have someone try to work on the converter/inverter. Bummer!
There was another camp fire last night. Mary cooked a wonderful lasagna and salad. She is a great cook! It sure is nice to have these camp fires again.
Saturday there is a chance of rain here and also in Bakersfield, CA. That is to be our overnight stop when we leave here. Not wanting to drive in the rain, we will leave on Sunday morning instead of Saturday. Everyone says we can’t leave without going to hear the entertainment on Saturday night so hopefully it won’t rain that out.
I think we might be becoming Slab-itized! Or so our new friends are saying. We are learning all about how to save a spot until the following year, how to dig a gopher hole, where to resupply on water, etc.
The next post will be the requested recipe for the Chicken Corn Chowder.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tour of Slabs
2/24/10 Wednesday
First note: Cheryl had surgery to remove her gall bladder on Tuesday. Steve is suppose to call and let us know that she is OK. Will update all when we get word.
One of our new friends here is letting me use thier internet connection on a limited basis. So the photos will be coming after we are able to get a wifi connection with enough time to update. Sorry but unless someone wants to get us a sat. dish, we are at the mercy of others internet.
As a little history, The Slabs was previously a Marine Base. The base needed to be built fast so cement “slabs” were poured and the buildings erected on them. Years later the TV show Gomer Pile will be modeled after the base here. When the base was closed, the buildings were taken down and the slabs remained. The land was turned over to the school system here which still owns it today.
I am not sure at what point it became “The Slabs” but today and for the past several years this has been a place for people to come and stay for free. A handful actually stay all year. But in the winter the population swells with folks hunting a warm place to winter over.
Next door there is still a military base. They do a lot of testing and training there. It is not unusual to have “thunder” on a cloudless day (bombs), or to hear machine gun fire or to see helicopters and planes shooting. BLM is also active in this area as the Illegal’s will come across the border and up the canal that runs through here.
At 9:30am, we loaded up into Chili Bob’s tour “bus” and off we went. The first stop was the Library. This would be the library closest to us. There are actually three here. People bring in old books they have and trade them for another. You would not believe the collection of National Geographic Magazines they have! The library is divide up into sections by topic just like are real library. In the front “yard” the lady that began this library is buried there.
Next stop is Gopher Flats. This is an 18 hole golf course, no kidding. There are no “greens” because this is the desert. But there are flags and it is just like a real course. There is a warning sign that if your ball lands next to something metal sticking out of the ground – DO NOT PLAY IT, CALL THE MILITARY BASE. If you play the ball or pick up something metal it just might be unexploded arsenal. OUCH! Can you say “Fore?”
We continued on through and was shown some of the people that are permanent residents here or that have permanent spots.
*Photo 3202 is of someone that is permanent. Their motor home died here and they just stayed. The fence was added this year.
*3203 is a sailboat on a trailer that someone lives in.
*3204 is the site that someone made theirs. They are gone but will return. People that are gone for the summer will also mark their permanent spots and it will be there when they return in the fall.
*In 3205, you can see one of the slabs that is being used.
*3206 is the Oasis Club. This is where morning coffee is served. There is also another library here. This is a permanent resident. To the left, out of view is a regular mobile home that someone pulled in here and lives in.
We were told that you have not been to the Slabs without a visit to the pet sanitary. Some people have been cremated and had their remains returned to their pets grave.
The next photos are of the old water towers that were used for the military. Nice paint jobs to brighten up the remains.
Photo 3214 has someone living in it. This past year when the bikers had their annual rally here, they moved him out and they stayed there. After the bikers left, he moved back in.
Our next stop was the local hot spring. The water bubbles up out of the ground and is very hot. Thomas felt of the water on the outside edge and it was as hot as the hot spring in Holtville. But the water doesn’t look nearly as clean. This area is “clothing optional.”
Three miles south of Niland are the Mud Pots. Before we got here others told us of the Mud Pots and that it was a must see. We were not to be disappointed. This is about as close as you can get to the planet rebuilding herself. Last fall when the earthquake hit here, these pots became more active. Chili Bob said that he was here a few weeks ago and since then more bubbling pools have opened up and the others have gotten larger.
The ground around the area is white with alkaline deposits. The mounds are built up with the mud being belched up with the gases and cooled on top of the last layer. Surprisingly the water is cool. The bubbles are just from escaping gas and not from hot thermal water. This was very interesting to watch and feel the mud. Once while trying to take a photo, I got “splatted” in the face/camera with mud, LOL.
We traveled on to see the Salton Sea. This Sea was made in 1906 when the local canal (which comes off the Colorado River) burst through and flooded the valley farm land. It was about 2 years before the canal was fixed and the Salton Sea remained. This water is very salty due to the chemical make up of the land and the evaporation that takes place here. It is surprising to see sea birds here but then this is more or less ocean-like water.
On the way back Chili Bob showed us the “shower”. The water from the hot spring eventually flows here. This water used to be warm before someone tried to divert part of it and use it elsewhere. Now it is too cool for us to take a shower in. Maybe in summer when the temps are 120* but not now. Thomas went down in the shower to get a “feel” for it without getting wet.
Because my camera batteries were getting low, we drove by Salvation Mountian but didn’t stop. We will come back to that later. Had we arrived by the front entrance instead of having to take a detour, first we would come by the shower, then the hot spring and then Salvation Mountain.
After passing Salvation Mountain, you come to “Poverty Flats”. Need I say more? There are many of the no to lower income folks living here, some permanently. Solar Mike also has a “store” set up here and does a lot of business. He is also a full time resident. But with enough solar panels to run 4 a/c units he can survive the 120* summers easier than most.
The next couple of photos are of a truck and car that are here. They were photographed for a movie that shot here recently. I can’t remember the name but will try to find out again.
Back at home again after our almost 3 hour tour. Thank you so much Chili Bob for being a wonderful tour guide!
After lunch and a rest, it was time for supper. I cooked salmon and broccoli in the Sun Oven. It never amazes me how wonderful food is when cooked this way.
After supper, we sat around the fire with the rest of the group. The BLM helicopter was looking for someone in the field tonight.
Bedtime again………..
First note: Cheryl had surgery to remove her gall bladder on Tuesday. Steve is suppose to call and let us know that she is OK. Will update all when we get word.
One of our new friends here is letting me use thier internet connection on a limited basis. So the photos will be coming after we are able to get a wifi connection with enough time to update. Sorry but unless someone wants to get us a sat. dish, we are at the mercy of others internet.
As a little history, The Slabs was previously a Marine Base. The base needed to be built fast so cement “slabs” were poured and the buildings erected on them. Years later the TV show Gomer Pile will be modeled after the base here. When the base was closed, the buildings were taken down and the slabs remained. The land was turned over to the school system here which still owns it today.
I am not sure at what point it became “The Slabs” but today and for the past several years this has been a place for people to come and stay for free. A handful actually stay all year. But in the winter the population swells with folks hunting a warm place to winter over.
Next door there is still a military base. They do a lot of testing and training there. It is not unusual to have “thunder” on a cloudless day (bombs), or to hear machine gun fire or to see helicopters and planes shooting. BLM is also active in this area as the Illegal’s will come across the border and up the canal that runs through here.
At 9:30am, we loaded up into Chili Bob’s tour “bus” and off we went. The first stop was the Library. This would be the library closest to us. There are actually three here. People bring in old books they have and trade them for another. You would not believe the collection of National Geographic Magazines they have! The library is divide up into sections by topic just like are real library. In the front “yard” the lady that began this library is buried there.
Next stop is Gopher Flats. This is an 18 hole golf course, no kidding. There are no “greens” because this is the desert. But there are flags and it is just like a real course. There is a warning sign that if your ball lands next to something metal sticking out of the ground – DO NOT PLAY IT, CALL THE MILITARY BASE. If you play the ball or pick up something metal it just might be unexploded arsenal. OUCH! Can you say “Fore?”
We continued on through and was shown some of the people that are permanent residents here or that have permanent spots.
*Photo 3202 is of someone that is permanent. Their motor home died here and they just stayed. The fence was added this year.
*3203 is a sailboat on a trailer that someone lives in.
*3204 is the site that someone made theirs. They are gone but will return. People that are gone for the summer will also mark their permanent spots and it will be there when they return in the fall.
*In 3205, you can see one of the slabs that is being used.
*3206 is the Oasis Club. This is where morning coffee is served. There is also another library here. This is a permanent resident. To the left, out of view is a regular mobile home that someone pulled in here and lives in.
We were told that you have not been to the Slabs without a visit to the pet sanitary. Some people have been cremated and had their remains returned to their pets grave.
The next photos are of the old water towers that were used for the military. Nice paint jobs to brighten up the remains.
Photo 3214 has someone living in it. This past year when the bikers had their annual rally here, they moved him out and they stayed there. After the bikers left, he moved back in.
Our next stop was the local hot spring. The water bubbles up out of the ground and is very hot. Thomas felt of the water on the outside edge and it was as hot as the hot spring in Holtville. But the water doesn’t look nearly as clean. This area is “clothing optional.”
Three miles south of Niland are the Mud Pots. Before we got here others told us of the Mud Pots and that it was a must see. We were not to be disappointed. This is about as close as you can get to the planet rebuilding herself. Last fall when the earthquake hit here, these pots became more active. Chili Bob said that he was here a few weeks ago and since then more bubbling pools have opened up and the others have gotten larger.
The ground around the area is white with alkaline deposits. The mounds are built up with the mud being belched up with the gases and cooled on top of the last layer. Surprisingly the water is cool. The bubbles are just from escaping gas and not from hot thermal water. This was very interesting to watch and feel the mud. Once while trying to take a photo, I got “splatted” in the face/camera with mud, LOL.
We traveled on to see the Salton Sea. This Sea was made in 1906 when the local canal (which comes off the Colorado River) burst through and flooded the valley farm land. It was about 2 years before the canal was fixed and the Salton Sea remained. This water is very salty due to the chemical make up of the land and the evaporation that takes place here. It is surprising to see sea birds here but then this is more or less ocean-like water.
On the way back Chili Bob showed us the “shower”. The water from the hot spring eventually flows here. This water used to be warm before someone tried to divert part of it and use it elsewhere. Now it is too cool for us to take a shower in. Maybe in summer when the temps are 120* but not now. Thomas went down in the shower to get a “feel” for it without getting wet.
Because my camera batteries were getting low, we drove by Salvation Mountian but didn’t stop. We will come back to that later. Had we arrived by the front entrance instead of having to take a detour, first we would come by the shower, then the hot spring and then Salvation Mountain.
After passing Salvation Mountain, you come to “Poverty Flats”. Need I say more? There are many of the no to lower income folks living here, some permanently. Solar Mike also has a “store” set up here and does a lot of business. He is also a full time resident. But with enough solar panels to run 4 a/c units he can survive the 120* summers easier than most.
The next couple of photos are of a truck and car that are here. They were photographed for a movie that shot here recently. I can’t remember the name but will try to find out again.
Back at home again after our almost 3 hour tour. Thank you so much Chili Bob for being a wonderful tour guide!
After lunch and a rest, it was time for supper. I cooked salmon and broccoli in the Sun Oven. It never amazes me how wonderful food is when cooked this way.
After supper, we sat around the fire with the rest of the group. The BLM helicopter was looking for someone in the field tonight.
Bedtime again………..
Heading to Niland, CA - The Slabs!
2/23/10 Tuesday
Moving day again. The trailer is all hooked up and everything secured for travel. The first stop will be, yes, the hot spring for one final time. A quick change and at 11L50am we are heading for Brawley, CA. Brawley is the closest place with a Wal-Mart to Holtville.
The stupid GPS found the address which was in the map but it was just a field. Maybe all this produce growing here goes to Wal-Mart. We drove on into Brawley and asked a man about the location of Wal-Mart only to be told that he speaks only a little English. (Brawley looks to be mostly of Mexican heritage.) He gave us directions by saying and pointing – “McDonald’s” and pointing straight ahead, “Wa-mat” and pointing to the left. Hey, what else do you need to know besides these two places?
Wal-Mart seemed to have taken on a southwest flare in their design and décor here. This store has only been here about a year. No one at the store seemed in a pleasant mood. No one was smiling or happy.
After a fast sandwich, I finally found a lady to ask about the location of a laundry and where the cheapest gas is in town. She at least was in a fairly good mood.
Laundry done and gas tank filled, we are on the road again. The next stop will be the rest stop on the north side of Calpatria. The rest stop here is very RV friendly. It has two dump stations with water. Yea for the CA DOT!
Seven miles further on is Niland. A few days ago, we sent the yahoo boondocking group a request for someone at The Slabs to meet us and take us into the slabs. Seann answered and told us to call him from Niland and someone from the group would come meet us. We also received an email from Chili Bob saying he would be glad to show us around.
Both Seann and Chili Bob met us at the Post Office. There was no sign to The Slabs and if you don’t know where you are going, you would miss the turn off. We hit a detour due to a med evac helicopter. The police made us go in the back way instead of letting us wait.
It was 5:30pm when we pulled in. The folks next to us, Golfer Mary and Golfer Rich, came over and offered supper by the group fire which we readily accepted with much thanks.
Tomorrow Chili Bob will give us the grand tour of The Slabs.
Yawn, another long hard day!
Moving day again. The trailer is all hooked up and everything secured for travel. The first stop will be, yes, the hot spring for one final time. A quick change and at 11L50am we are heading for Brawley, CA. Brawley is the closest place with a Wal-Mart to Holtville.
The stupid GPS found the address which was in the map but it was just a field. Maybe all this produce growing here goes to Wal-Mart. We drove on into Brawley and asked a man about the location of Wal-Mart only to be told that he speaks only a little English. (Brawley looks to be mostly of Mexican heritage.) He gave us directions by saying and pointing – “McDonald’s” and pointing straight ahead, “Wa-mat” and pointing to the left. Hey, what else do you need to know besides these two places?
Wal-Mart seemed to have taken on a southwest flare in their design and décor here. This store has only been here about a year. No one at the store seemed in a pleasant mood. No one was smiling or happy.
After a fast sandwich, I finally found a lady to ask about the location of a laundry and where the cheapest gas is in town. She at least was in a fairly good mood.
Laundry done and gas tank filled, we are on the road again. The next stop will be the rest stop on the north side of Calpatria. The rest stop here is very RV friendly. It has two dump stations with water. Yea for the CA DOT!
Seven miles further on is Niland. A few days ago, we sent the yahoo boondocking group a request for someone at The Slabs to meet us and take us into the slabs. Seann answered and told us to call him from Niland and someone from the group would come meet us. We also received an email from Chili Bob saying he would be glad to show us around.
Both Seann and Chili Bob met us at the Post Office. There was no sign to The Slabs and if you don’t know where you are going, you would miss the turn off. We hit a detour due to a med evac helicopter. The police made us go in the back way instead of letting us wait.
It was 5:30pm when we pulled in. The folks next to us, Golfer Mary and Golfer Rich, came over and offered supper by the group fire which we readily accepted with much thanks.
Tomorrow Chili Bob will give us the grand tour of The Slabs.
Yawn, another long hard day!
Last days in Holtville Hot Springs, CA
2/19/10 – 2/22/10 Friday-Monday
The past few days have been much like the rest…..going to the hot spring in the morning and again at night. In between the days are just leisurely filled with hanging out at the trailer.
Thursday night looked like it was going to be a great sunset. We sat our chairs out and waited for the show. In the photos look for the little bird sitting in the top of the tree/bush. I also took some photos of the area around us from the road beside our space just to give you an idea of where we are.
We met a lady from Salinas, CA. This is a few miles above Marina, CA where Thomas’ Mom and Dad live. Small world! Her name is Pia and she wants us to call her when we get there so we can get together.
On Sunday while Thomas took a nap, I went for a walk along some of the winding roads in this area. I took some really neat photos of a bush, the cracked mud left from the rain and one of the really old trees here. In the mud shapes was one that was heart shaped. How sweet.
Later, we took a ride into Holtville to see about a CA fishing license. Driving by the canal and seeing fish jump and not trying to catch some was driving me bonkers! However, CA likes their fish and not non-residents. They wanted $42 for a 10 day non-resident license and $110 for a year. Maybe next time.
On the way into town is a sign that I finally was able to get a photo of. Beware Bad Dog and Shot Gun. Friendly neighborhood, LOL.
There would be no fish in the pan but I did have the Sun Oven working. That night everything we ate was cooked in the Sun Oven. The photos show it all. Barbequed ribs, baked sweet potatoes, deviled eggs, and baked onion….yummy. My first attempt at cooking ribs turned out delicious!
After stuffing ourselves silly, we needed to take a walk. Our closest neighbor knew Pia previously and told us where she and her friend were parked. They had a couple of dogs with them so we headed over to their camp to deliver the rib bones. Pia and Gary were not home so we hung the bones in a tree at their site. Hopefully they would find them.
On the way home was another delightful sunset. The red turned a deep neon burgundy red that could not get any brighter. I only hope the photos can give you a partial inkling of the richness of the colors.
Sunday night we woke up to the coyotes sounding like they were right in our camp. I worried that Pia and Gary didn’t find the bones and the scent drew the coyotes into their camp. They were using a tent. But with two dogs, hopefully the coyotes wouldn’t come too close. Guess we will find out.
Monday was a day to really enjoy the hot springs and start getting prepared to move tomorrow. Our next destination will be The Slabs outside of Niland, CA.
UPDATE: The goats are still behaving and it seems that the weather has broken and is getting better than it was back in Rutherfordton. Dan and Darlene seem to have everything under control.
Hope all is well with each of you.
The past few days have been much like the rest…..going to the hot spring in the morning and again at night. In between the days are just leisurely filled with hanging out at the trailer.
Thursday night looked like it was going to be a great sunset. We sat our chairs out and waited for the show. In the photos look for the little bird sitting in the top of the tree/bush. I also took some photos of the area around us from the road beside our space just to give you an idea of where we are.
We met a lady from Salinas, CA. This is a few miles above Marina, CA where Thomas’ Mom and Dad live. Small world! Her name is Pia and she wants us to call her when we get there so we can get together.
On Sunday while Thomas took a nap, I went for a walk along some of the winding roads in this area. I took some really neat photos of a bush, the cracked mud left from the rain and one of the really old trees here. In the mud shapes was one that was heart shaped. How sweet.
Later, we took a ride into Holtville to see about a CA fishing license. Driving by the canal and seeing fish jump and not trying to catch some was driving me bonkers! However, CA likes their fish and not non-residents. They wanted $42 for a 10 day non-resident license and $110 for a year. Maybe next time.
On the way into town is a sign that I finally was able to get a photo of. Beware Bad Dog and Shot Gun. Friendly neighborhood, LOL.
There would be no fish in the pan but I did have the Sun Oven working. That night everything we ate was cooked in the Sun Oven. The photos show it all. Barbequed ribs, baked sweet potatoes, deviled eggs, and baked onion….yummy. My first attempt at cooking ribs turned out delicious!
After stuffing ourselves silly, we needed to take a walk. Our closest neighbor knew Pia previously and told us where she and her friend were parked. They had a couple of dogs with them so we headed over to their camp to deliver the rib bones. Pia and Gary were not home so we hung the bones in a tree at their site. Hopefully they would find them.
On the way home was another delightful sunset. The red turned a deep neon burgundy red that could not get any brighter. I only hope the photos can give you a partial inkling of the richness of the colors.
Sunday night we woke up to the coyotes sounding like they were right in our camp. I worried that Pia and Gary didn’t find the bones and the scent drew the coyotes into their camp. They were using a tent. But with two dogs, hopefully the coyotes wouldn’t come too close. Guess we will find out.
Monday was a day to really enjoy the hot springs and start getting prepared to move tomorrow. Our next destination will be The Slabs outside of Niland, CA.
UPDATE: The goats are still behaving and it seems that the weather has broken and is getting better than it was back in Rutherfordton. Dan and Darlene seem to have everything under control.
Hope all is well with each of you.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Next Photos link
Here are the photos from 02-12/18-2010. Hope you enjoy: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/463
Santa
2/18/10 Thursday
We got up early and headed to the Hot Spring. After coffee and a fast snack it was still almost 8:30am before we got there. Hey, what can I say – such is the life when out boondocking?!
Every time we go it seems that we meet different people. Two days ago Thomas met a man who works as a Santa during December. He told Thomas that there is more money in being a “Real” Santa which means having the natural white hair and full beard. For the kind of money he says he makes as a Real Santa, Thomas thought he might be able to even like Christmas. I don’t hold my breath and don’t think Thomas will be signing up for Santa School anytime soon.
Back at our camping area, we made breakfast and cleaned up. I’m gonna wash up some clothes (in a bucket.) Maybe this afternoon we will ride into town and find the library where I can update again.
Still no word on how the goats are behaving.
When we were in Mittry Lake I started crocheting a fruit basket for the counter. We had fruits in small bags sitting on the counter and needed something that would contain it all. The basket is made from Wal-Mart bags that were cut into strips. After the trip to the produce stand when leaving Mittry Lake, it really came in handy and everything we bought fit into it very nicely. I have included a photo of it but about ½ of the fruit has already been eaten.
Talk to you again soon…….
As you can see, we made it into town and are updating………
We got up early and headed to the Hot Spring. After coffee and a fast snack it was still almost 8:30am before we got there. Hey, what can I say – such is the life when out boondocking?!
Every time we go it seems that we meet different people. Two days ago Thomas met a man who works as a Santa during December. He told Thomas that there is more money in being a “Real” Santa which means having the natural white hair and full beard. For the kind of money he says he makes as a Real Santa, Thomas thought he might be able to even like Christmas. I don’t hold my breath and don’t think Thomas will be signing up for Santa School anytime soon.
Back at our camping area, we made breakfast and cleaned up. I’m gonna wash up some clothes (in a bucket.) Maybe this afternoon we will ride into town and find the library where I can update again.
Still no word on how the goats are behaving.
When we were in Mittry Lake I started crocheting a fruit basket for the counter. We had fruits in small bags sitting on the counter and needed something that would contain it all. The basket is made from Wal-Mart bags that were cut into strips. After the trip to the produce stand when leaving Mittry Lake, it really came in handy and everything we bought fit into it very nicely. I have included a photo of it but about ½ of the fruit has already been eaten.
Talk to you again soon…….
As you can see, we made it into town and are updating………
No news is good news
2/17/10 Wednesday
No news is good news? We didn’t hear from Dan and Darlene so maybe the extra food helped to keep Buddah in his pasture.
Last night was Thomas’ night to not sleep. He worried about the goats all night. Should we cut the trip short and head back. Then we could do some adjustments to the trailer and take care of the boys before heading out again? He is worried about the fruit trees that he babied all last year and hoped to get fruit off this year. And the grapes, one day of the goats getting loose could destroy a years work in the garden! We will see what happens next.
Around 10:30am we headed out for a dip at the Hot Spring. After returning, I cooked p-nut butter pan cookies in the sun oven. Then put in a pork stew to cook. The pan cookies were great!
Right now, I am typing this and Thomas is taking the stew out. I’m getting ready to make some rice and call it a meal.
After supper Thomas sat up the massage table and I gave him a massage under the stars. He jokingly said that he didn’t want to turn over and loose the view of the night sky. It seems that 6:00pm is a good time to give massages. During the day there are flies that are pestering you. At dusk other gnats and pesky things are around to buzz your ears.
Tonight we will do a later trip to the Hot Spring. Afterward, we made a snack of avocado and jicama. Jicama is also known as a Mexican potato. It is juicy, crunchy and seemed to be sweet. These are eaten by peeling and cutting into sticks then served with dips or sauces (like salsa) or added to salads. It seemed somewhat similar to a water chestnut to us.
See you in the morning……..
No news is good news? We didn’t hear from Dan and Darlene so maybe the extra food helped to keep Buddah in his pasture.
Last night was Thomas’ night to not sleep. He worried about the goats all night. Should we cut the trip short and head back. Then we could do some adjustments to the trailer and take care of the boys before heading out again? He is worried about the fruit trees that he babied all last year and hoped to get fruit off this year. And the grapes, one day of the goats getting loose could destroy a years work in the garden! We will see what happens next.
Around 10:30am we headed out for a dip at the Hot Spring. After returning, I cooked p-nut butter pan cookies in the sun oven. Then put in a pork stew to cook. The pan cookies were great!
Right now, I am typing this and Thomas is taking the stew out. I’m getting ready to make some rice and call it a meal.
After supper Thomas sat up the massage table and I gave him a massage under the stars. He jokingly said that he didn’t want to turn over and loose the view of the night sky. It seems that 6:00pm is a good time to give massages. During the day there are flies that are pestering you. At dusk other gnats and pesky things are around to buzz your ears.
Tonight we will do a later trip to the Hot Spring. Afterward, we made a snack of avocado and jicama. Jicama is also known as a Mexican potato. It is juicy, crunchy and seemed to be sweet. These are eaten by peeling and cutting into sticks then served with dips or sauces (like salsa) or added to salads. It seemed somewhat similar to a water chestnut to us.
See you in the morning……..
Stupid Goat
2/16/10 Tuesday
Last night I couldn’t sleep. It was just one of those nights. After 1:30am, I was wide awake all night.
Darlene called this morning. We thought she had gotten our message but she was calling to tell us that Buddah had jumped the fence as soon as he saw them pull in. Evidently he wants more food and went to welcome them! The gate between the chicken yard and the goat yard was open. The two pippin apple trees that Thomas planted before we left are now only 6 inches tall. Arrrrr! Stupid Goats!
We asked Dan to please increase their feed and hopefully that will work. Darlene said that if this keeps happening, they would take the boys to their barn and keep them there. We will see what happens.
The rest of the day was full of worry and concern for not only the goats but for the rest of our garden and also for the neighbors. The last thing we want is for the goats to get into something they shouldn’t and damage something.
Today only saw one trip to the hot spring but we went about 3:30pm. Trying to find the perfect time to go. It is open except for midnight-5am.
When we first arrived we met a couple from BC, Canada. They were in a trailer that he made. Inside was a wood burning stove made from an old propane tank. It was a really nice unit. The truck to pull it was an old fire truck.
Until tomorrow…….
Last night I couldn’t sleep. It was just one of those nights. After 1:30am, I was wide awake all night.
Darlene called this morning. We thought she had gotten our message but she was calling to tell us that Buddah had jumped the fence as soon as he saw them pull in. Evidently he wants more food and went to welcome them! The gate between the chicken yard and the goat yard was open. The two pippin apple trees that Thomas planted before we left are now only 6 inches tall. Arrrrr! Stupid Goats!
We asked Dan to please increase their feed and hopefully that will work. Darlene said that if this keeps happening, they would take the boys to their barn and keep them there. We will see what happens.
The rest of the day was full of worry and concern for not only the goats but for the rest of our garden and also for the neighbors. The last thing we want is for the goats to get into something they shouldn’t and damage something.
Today only saw one trip to the hot spring but we went about 3:30pm. Trying to find the perfect time to go. It is open except for midnight-5am.
When we first arrived we met a couple from BC, Canada. They were in a trailer that he made. Inside was a wood burning stove made from an old propane tank. It was a really nice unit. The truck to pull it was an old fire truck.
Until tomorrow…….
Love the Hot Spring
2/15/10 Monday
Who can resist a hot spring dip before lunch? Especially when it is free! This totally zapped my energy for the rest of the day. So to revitalize why not have another visit to the hot spring tonight?
Back up a little. Before we headed to the morning dip, I got a meatloaf ready to go into the sun oven when we got back. This cooked while we took a nap.
Tonight our neighbor, Carel, called to tell us that Buddah had jumped the fence and was in his back yard. No way! Neither had ever jumped the fence before. We told him how to get him back into the fenced area and thanked him for his efforts. Now a new worry…what happened to the fence? We tried to call Dan and Darlene (the couple feeding the goats) but only got their machine.
Oh, well. Supper and another dip – nothing we can do from here. We will see what tomorrow brings.
Just about forgot….we tried the oroblanca at lunch. I have never eaten a grapefruit before this one and even though it was sweet, I still had to add sugar.
What a day!
Who can resist a hot spring dip before lunch? Especially when it is free! This totally zapped my energy for the rest of the day. So to revitalize why not have another visit to the hot spring tonight?
Back up a little. Before we headed to the morning dip, I got a meatloaf ready to go into the sun oven when we got back. This cooked while we took a nap.
Tonight our neighbor, Carel, called to tell us that Buddah had jumped the fence and was in his back yard. No way! Neither had ever jumped the fence before. We told him how to get him back into the fenced area and thanked him for his efforts. Now a new worry…what happened to the fence? We tried to call Dan and Darlene (the couple feeding the goats) but only got their machine.
Oh, well. Supper and another dip – nothing we can do from here. We will see what tomorrow brings.
Just about forgot….we tried the oroblanca at lunch. I have never eaten a grapefruit before this one and even though it was sweet, I still had to add sugar.
What a day!
Happy Valentines Day!
2/14/10 Sunday
Happy Valentines Day everyone!
Back on the road again and we are on the way to Holtville, CA and the BLM area known as Hot Spring. This BLM area has 2 LTVA parking areas and 1 no-fee area. The no fee area is approximately 2 miles south from the hot spring accessed through the South LTVA. The BLM seems to be notorious for putting the no fee area in the fartherest, hardest to reach and least maintained places. No only that, the signage is poor and the BLM seems to not want you to know where these areas are.
We stopped at the camp host for directions first. Across the road is the hot spring and we had to take a look before finding a camping spot. There is a group of large palm trees surrounding a pool of very green but cool water. This is like an oasis in the desert! The main hot spring has been enclosed and cemented around it with two cement pools for people to relax in. The first pool is the hottest and is deep enough to stand in or sit along the sides. It has an overflow which funnels the water into the second pool. This pool is cooler and is deep enough to sit in comfortably. The overflow from this pool goes into the “pond” or oasis and is much cooler. There are signs to not swim in the pond area but people do get in to cool off.
This is a very different type of area than we have been in. Imagine being in a packed sandy dune type landscape. You must stay in areas that it is obvious it has been packed down and driven on before. Off of the roads, you will find yourself in a sandy loose patch that can be trouble especially without a 4 wheel drive. Just turning around was enough to make us wonder if we could get stuck. Finally we found an area where the trailer door would be away from the sun all day. This is something you need to consider for some extra cooling.
After getting set up, we headed off to the hot spring. Wow! It was great. This water is soft water and feels wonderful and doesn’t give off a sulfur odor. Oh, I meant to mention that someone has added a pipe with multiple holes that sprays a misting fountain of hot water that you get into first. This is Thomas’ favorite place. Not too hot and not too cool. I start there but go looking for a spot in the first pool. A perfect time to go seems to later as the air temp cools off.
I think I have found a great place to spend the whole winter.
Happy Valentines Day everyone!
Back on the road again and we are on the way to Holtville, CA and the BLM area known as Hot Spring. This BLM area has 2 LTVA parking areas and 1 no-fee area. The no fee area is approximately 2 miles south from the hot spring accessed through the South LTVA. The BLM seems to be notorious for putting the no fee area in the fartherest, hardest to reach and least maintained places. No only that, the signage is poor and the BLM seems to not want you to know where these areas are.
We stopped at the camp host for directions first. Across the road is the hot spring and we had to take a look before finding a camping spot. There is a group of large palm trees surrounding a pool of very green but cool water. This is like an oasis in the desert! The main hot spring has been enclosed and cemented around it with two cement pools for people to relax in. The first pool is the hottest and is deep enough to stand in or sit along the sides. It has an overflow which funnels the water into the second pool. This pool is cooler and is deep enough to sit in comfortably. The overflow from this pool goes into the “pond” or oasis and is much cooler. There are signs to not swim in the pond area but people do get in to cool off.
This is a very different type of area than we have been in. Imagine being in a packed sandy dune type landscape. You must stay in areas that it is obvious it has been packed down and driven on before. Off of the roads, you will find yourself in a sandy loose patch that can be trouble especially without a 4 wheel drive. Just turning around was enough to make us wonder if we could get stuck. Finally we found an area where the trailer door would be away from the sun all day. This is something you need to consider for some extra cooling.
After getting set up, we headed off to the hot spring. Wow! It was great. This water is soft water and feels wonderful and doesn’t give off a sulfur odor. Oh, I meant to mention that someone has added a pipe with multiple holes that sprays a misting fountain of hot water that you get into first. This is Thomas’ favorite place. Not too hot and not too cool. I start there but go looking for a spot in the first pool. A perfect time to go seems to later as the air temp cools off.
I think I have found a great place to spend the whole winter.
Thanks for the clarification Steve
2/13/10 Saturday - after note
After we posted the photo updates this morning. We received an email on my phone from Steve (Thomas’s daughter Cheryl’s husband.) He told us that:
“You are correct in your identification of the Great White Heron; however I believe that what you were seeing a lot of in the water near you were the American Coot. They are small and black with white beaks. They are common water bird found in that area year round and are routinely mistaken for ducks. They have a smaller pointed beak rather than a long, broad and flat beak of a duck. Keep in mind that I worked for several years for the Ducks Unlimited Organization doing production on their television shows. OK, now back to your trip! Steve”
Thanks for the info. Now to call them “Coots” and not ducks will be hard.
After we posted the photo updates this morning. We received an email on my phone from Steve (Thomas’s daughter Cheryl’s husband.) He told us that:
“You are correct in your identification of the Great White Heron; however I believe that what you were seeing a lot of in the water near you were the American Coot. They are small and black with white beaks. They are common water bird found in that area year round and are routinely mistaken for ducks. They have a smaller pointed beak rather than a long, broad and flat beak of a duck. Keep in mind that I worked for several years for the Ducks Unlimited Organization doing production on their television shows. OK, now back to your trip! Steve”
Thanks for the info. Now to call them “Coots” and not ducks will be hard.
Leaving Mittry Lake
2/13/10 Saturday
This morning we broke down camp at Mittry Lake and headed into town. Goodbye Ducks. I told Thomas that at every place we have visited so far there is at least one thing I will miss. In Pilot Knob (Yuma, AZ) it was the blazing sunsets and to a lesser extent the sunrises. From here it will be the faithful little ducks to wake us each morning.
On the way we paused to take some photos of the workers harvesting heads of lettuce from the fields. This is really backbreaking work. It is amazing that they can straighten up after bending over all day. Many thanks to the workers who do the work that we don’t want to do.
The first stop was at a local farmers produce stand. Here we bought avocados at 7 for $2, kiwis, blood oranges, romaine lettuce and an Oroblanco. Oroblanco means white gold in Spanish and it is a sweet grapefruit hybrid that is a pummelo-grapefruit. Will let you know how it is after we try it.
Next on the list was to rinse off the dust and mud off the truck and trailer. Then on to fill up with gas, propane, groceries and do laundry. This is mainly a routine day to prepare to travel on.
We arrived back at the Quechan Casino at around 4:30 pm. Off to one side were Indians preparing to walk in to the Casino. Tonight and tomorrow is their celebration at the Casino for their 1 year Anniversary. The Indian parade was right in front of us as we drove into the Casino.
Due to them expecting a large crowd, all the RV’s had been told to leave the parking lot and not return until Monday morning. Shoot! Now what? They pointed to an area that was a good hike to the casino or either unhook the truck and drive back. We opted to park here, have supper and then depart for Pilot Knob to spend the night before traveling on. Fire works were at 9:30pm so we could leave after those.
The man that we parked in front of was driving a 1968 large bus. He works in Alaska as a carpenter during the summers and fills his 3 freezers with salmon and other local game meats then heads out to the south in the winter.
Thomas didn’t want to unhook the truck and then have to reconnect it a couple of hours later. He also didn’t want me to push my knee and try to walk up to the casino. But finally I persuaded him that I would be ok and wanted to see the events that we could only hear from our parking area.
By the time we got there, the main events were over outside. We did look at the few remaining booths and watch some of the entertainment. Inside the casino, it was full. It amazed me that this casino only has slot machines and card tables – no roulette or craps tables. For this to be an anniversary party, the games seemed very well occupied but no one was really winning anything much – no one seemed very happy because of big hits or wins. At 9 pm, they drew a name of someone to go into the Cash Machine. The man whose name was drawn got into the machine and in 1 minute was able to grab $1800 and put into the holding box. He seemed to be the big winner of the night.
The fire works were good and well worth the stay. They lasted about 30 minutes and there were many that we had never seen before.
Now to hobble back to the truck. Then it is a fast trip through the inspection station and to the next exit and Pilot Knob. At Pilot Knob, we only paused to make sure we were basically flat and then went to bed.
Another long day…………
This morning we broke down camp at Mittry Lake and headed into town. Goodbye Ducks. I told Thomas that at every place we have visited so far there is at least one thing I will miss. In Pilot Knob (Yuma, AZ) it was the blazing sunsets and to a lesser extent the sunrises. From here it will be the faithful little ducks to wake us each morning.
On the way we paused to take some photos of the workers harvesting heads of lettuce from the fields. This is really backbreaking work. It is amazing that they can straighten up after bending over all day. Many thanks to the workers who do the work that we don’t want to do.
The first stop was at a local farmers produce stand. Here we bought avocados at 7 for $2, kiwis, blood oranges, romaine lettuce and an Oroblanco. Oroblanco means white gold in Spanish and it is a sweet grapefruit hybrid that is a pummelo-grapefruit. Will let you know how it is after we try it.
Next on the list was to rinse off the dust and mud off the truck and trailer. Then on to fill up with gas, propane, groceries and do laundry. This is mainly a routine day to prepare to travel on.
We arrived back at the Quechan Casino at around 4:30 pm. Off to one side were Indians preparing to walk in to the Casino. Tonight and tomorrow is their celebration at the Casino for their 1 year Anniversary. The Indian parade was right in front of us as we drove into the Casino.
Due to them expecting a large crowd, all the RV’s had been told to leave the parking lot and not return until Monday morning. Shoot! Now what? They pointed to an area that was a good hike to the casino or either unhook the truck and drive back. We opted to park here, have supper and then depart for Pilot Knob to spend the night before traveling on. Fire works were at 9:30pm so we could leave after those.
The man that we parked in front of was driving a 1968 large bus. He works in Alaska as a carpenter during the summers and fills his 3 freezers with salmon and other local game meats then heads out to the south in the winter.
Thomas didn’t want to unhook the truck and then have to reconnect it a couple of hours later. He also didn’t want me to push my knee and try to walk up to the casino. But finally I persuaded him that I would be ok and wanted to see the events that we could only hear from our parking area.
By the time we got there, the main events were over outside. We did look at the few remaining booths and watch some of the entertainment. Inside the casino, it was full. It amazed me that this casino only has slot machines and card tables – no roulette or craps tables. For this to be an anniversary party, the games seemed very well occupied but no one was really winning anything much – no one seemed very happy because of big hits or wins. At 9 pm, they drew a name of someone to go into the Cash Machine. The man whose name was drawn got into the machine and in 1 minute was able to grab $1800 and put into the holding box. He seemed to be the big winner of the night.
The fire works were good and well worth the stay. They lasted about 30 minutes and there were many that we had never seen before.
Now to hobble back to the truck. Then it is a fast trip through the inspection station and to the next exit and Pilot Knob. At Pilot Knob, we only paused to make sure we were basically flat and then went to bed.
Another long day…………
Saturday, February 13, 2010
2/03/10 – 2/12/10 Mittry Lake
2/03/10 – 2/12/10 Wednesday – Friday
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/313
We found a spot at Mittry Lake. This area will be our camp area for the next several days.
Mittry Lake is located 17 miles northeast of Yuma, AZ. It is actually the Mittry Lake Wildlife Area which includes about 600 acres of water surface and 2400 acres of marsh or upland. There are 3 different mountain ranges surrounding it.
Tuesday night we located a camping area. It was fairly close to the dock and picnic area. The only thing it lacked was a view of the lake from the trailer. Also on the walkway to the lake another couple had set up a small tent.
The next morning we moved around the lake to a spot that is almost perfect. This is a long area and someone has a screen tent set up at the one end. We moved almost to the other end. The bad thing is that someone could, if they chose to, fit in between us and the tenters or between us and the road. But if you take 10 steps out our front door then you are wet!
On the lagoon in front of us are little ducks. They have a dark gray body, black head and white bill. They are so cute! Their sound is similar to a squeak toy. It must be or getting ready to be mating season. They seem to stay in two’s or group together. You can tell the males because they are a little more aggressive and chase after the females.
I couldn’t stand it any longer. Thursday morning found us finding the Fish and Game Office to get me a fishing license. That afternoon was for fishing! Most of our remaining days here consisted of fishing or taking a hike and just relaxing.
On Saturday it looks like we are going to have company. Two airstream trailers with matching trucks pulled in between us and the tenters. The tag on the trucks is from Texas but they are full-timers and are on the road all the time. He is German, she is from Poland. They met in Canada and have been married for 25 years. Really sweet couple. Later a 5th wheeler pulled in between us and the road. They are from Canada. Now our strip of land beside the lake is full.
Late in the day a very large white bird (see photos) which might be a heron paid us a visit. It froze on the edge of the water and we were able to get a good look at it. There are several of these pure white birds here.
Saturday night brought a terrible thunder storm. First was the torrential rain which turned to hail then back to rain. The lightning seemed like it was inside the trailer. The thunder seemed to rattle and shake us! This has been the worse thunder storm we have seen in the trailer. Thankfully no damage from the storm.
Sunday, the 7th, brought another beautiful day here in Yuma. Just after lunch we went for a hike to the top of the mountains behind us. Well, to the top of the highest we could see from where we were. This is a very different type of hiking than hiking in the green mountains of the east.
This is desert mountains. They are full of large rocks and gravel and sand. Every thing on first glance appears bare and desolate. But if you slow down and just be, you will find this land is very much alive. The recent rains have brought a fine green hue to the mountains where tiny grasses and plants seem to flourish everywhere. The Crucifixion Cactus which we found to have red blooms on while at Pilot Knob now are covered in green leaves which hide the thorns. Keep looking and you start to find barrel cactus everywhere. They are turning a burgundy red and look very healthy and dangerous. Sitting down for a rest, we spotted a couple of lizards which were trying to stay hidden (and doing a good job of it) and looking for food.
Tonight introduced us to another native creature. Coyotes. A couple of packs sang us to sleep. We could tell that both packs were on the far side of the lake and that was just fine by me!
Monday, the 8th, brought a full day of sun. The Sun Oven came out and was filled with a turkey breast and cornbread. Ohhhh, supper will be great.
Once again, I took to the fishing pole. Needless to say….stupid fish! No fish for supper so instead it was turkey, cornbread, mashed potatoes, gravy and broccoli. Yum.
The rest of the week was pretty much the same slow pace. I tried my best to coax a fish from this lake. It seems that the crazy weather is affecting the fish. We have seen a few large bass jump but nothing will bite.
The coyotes have taken to having a sing-fest almost every night now. On Wednesday night they were on our side of the lake and in the mountains where we had hiked previously. Thursday night/early Friday morning one ventured into our little area and called to his friends from right in front of our trailer. Yikes!
Thursday morning broke full of clouds and promise of more rain. This area has had all the rain they usually get for years. We checked out the Imperial Dam LTVA and free boondocking area. All the rains have washed out the road to Ferguson Lake where the free camping is so this location is out. We drove into town for pizza and just to get out. Also part of the trip was to decide on our next location. The first spot was just parking on flat areas on the hills. The second, Redondo Lake was wall to wall with RV’ers and no room for anything called privacy. Fortuna Pond was much better and had a better access to fishing the pond and there were several sights but decided to stay where we are and just leave on Saturday.
Thursday night we decided to take a walk down the road. Just as we started out, I turned/twisted my knee. The same area and same type pains as what Thomas experienced in Hot Springs, AR. I was able to finish the walk and felt a little weak on it but otherwise fine.
Friday morning found me not able to straighten out my leg without pain. The swelling in the knee was minimal. The aching pain was what woke me up. Tylenol didn’t help. We still have the crutches; maybe they were for me and not Thomas. I have no plans of going to the Dr unless things do not get better or get worse. Hopefully I will heal as fast as Thomas did.
Friday afternoon I finally hooked a 1 ½ foot catfish. I got it to the bank and Thomas was helping me to get it onto the bank. The fish thought Thomas looked hungry so it took off. Oh well, at least I did get to enjoy reeling one in. When we leave I will sure miss our ducks which were there faithfully every morning and most of the day. Good bye ducks.
We plan on leaving Saturday morning and staying at the Quechan Casino RV parking lot. There we will have internet and be able to update the photos and journal. Before we get to the casino the usual stuff….laundry, restocking food, supplies, propane and water.
From there we will be going to Holtville, CA. This is a small town with a natural hot spring on the BLM land and we will have free access and be able to camp for free. Depending on what we find, we will stay there somewhere between a couple of days to a week. The next stop will be “The Slabs” on the east side of the Salton Sea in Niland, CA.
I do have internet on my phone and have tried to update through it but it gives me problems. So if you need us or just want to say hello, give us a call.
Happy Valentines Day to everyone on Sunday!
PS- Hear it is snowing back home again!
And to Cheryl: I meant to tell you that Sylvia Brown was at the Quechan Casino while we were there the first time. Thought about you. No, I didn't go because the tickets were too much.
Photos: http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/313
We found a spot at Mittry Lake. This area will be our camp area for the next several days.
Mittry Lake is located 17 miles northeast of Yuma, AZ. It is actually the Mittry Lake Wildlife Area which includes about 600 acres of water surface and 2400 acres of marsh or upland. There are 3 different mountain ranges surrounding it.
Tuesday night we located a camping area. It was fairly close to the dock and picnic area. The only thing it lacked was a view of the lake from the trailer. Also on the walkway to the lake another couple had set up a small tent.
The next morning we moved around the lake to a spot that is almost perfect. This is a long area and someone has a screen tent set up at the one end. We moved almost to the other end. The bad thing is that someone could, if they chose to, fit in between us and the tenters or between us and the road. But if you take 10 steps out our front door then you are wet!
On the lagoon in front of us are little ducks. They have a dark gray body, black head and white bill. They are so cute! Their sound is similar to a squeak toy. It must be or getting ready to be mating season. They seem to stay in two’s or group together. You can tell the males because they are a little more aggressive and chase after the females.
I couldn’t stand it any longer. Thursday morning found us finding the Fish and Game Office to get me a fishing license. That afternoon was for fishing! Most of our remaining days here consisted of fishing or taking a hike and just relaxing.
On Saturday it looks like we are going to have company. Two airstream trailers with matching trucks pulled in between us and the tenters. The tag on the trucks is from Texas but they are full-timers and are on the road all the time. He is German, she is from Poland. They met in Canada and have been married for 25 years. Really sweet couple. Later a 5th wheeler pulled in between us and the road. They are from Canada. Now our strip of land beside the lake is full.
Late in the day a very large white bird (see photos) which might be a heron paid us a visit. It froze on the edge of the water and we were able to get a good look at it. There are several of these pure white birds here.
Saturday night brought a terrible thunder storm. First was the torrential rain which turned to hail then back to rain. The lightning seemed like it was inside the trailer. The thunder seemed to rattle and shake us! This has been the worse thunder storm we have seen in the trailer. Thankfully no damage from the storm.
Sunday, the 7th, brought another beautiful day here in Yuma. Just after lunch we went for a hike to the top of the mountains behind us. Well, to the top of the highest we could see from where we were. This is a very different type of hiking than hiking in the green mountains of the east.
This is desert mountains. They are full of large rocks and gravel and sand. Every thing on first glance appears bare and desolate. But if you slow down and just be, you will find this land is very much alive. The recent rains have brought a fine green hue to the mountains where tiny grasses and plants seem to flourish everywhere. The Crucifixion Cactus which we found to have red blooms on while at Pilot Knob now are covered in green leaves which hide the thorns. Keep looking and you start to find barrel cactus everywhere. They are turning a burgundy red and look very healthy and dangerous. Sitting down for a rest, we spotted a couple of lizards which were trying to stay hidden (and doing a good job of it) and looking for food.
Tonight introduced us to another native creature. Coyotes. A couple of packs sang us to sleep. We could tell that both packs were on the far side of the lake and that was just fine by me!
Monday, the 8th, brought a full day of sun. The Sun Oven came out and was filled with a turkey breast and cornbread. Ohhhh, supper will be great.
Once again, I took to the fishing pole. Needless to say….stupid fish! No fish for supper so instead it was turkey, cornbread, mashed potatoes, gravy and broccoli. Yum.
The rest of the week was pretty much the same slow pace. I tried my best to coax a fish from this lake. It seems that the crazy weather is affecting the fish. We have seen a few large bass jump but nothing will bite.
The coyotes have taken to having a sing-fest almost every night now. On Wednesday night they were on our side of the lake and in the mountains where we had hiked previously. Thursday night/early Friday morning one ventured into our little area and called to his friends from right in front of our trailer. Yikes!
Thursday morning broke full of clouds and promise of more rain. This area has had all the rain they usually get for years. We checked out the Imperial Dam LTVA and free boondocking area. All the rains have washed out the road to Ferguson Lake where the free camping is so this location is out. We drove into town for pizza and just to get out. Also part of the trip was to decide on our next location. The first spot was just parking on flat areas on the hills. The second, Redondo Lake was wall to wall with RV’ers and no room for anything called privacy. Fortuna Pond was much better and had a better access to fishing the pond and there were several sights but decided to stay where we are and just leave on Saturday.
Thursday night we decided to take a walk down the road. Just as we started out, I turned/twisted my knee. The same area and same type pains as what Thomas experienced in Hot Springs, AR. I was able to finish the walk and felt a little weak on it but otherwise fine.
Friday morning found me not able to straighten out my leg without pain. The swelling in the knee was minimal. The aching pain was what woke me up. Tylenol didn’t help. We still have the crutches; maybe they were for me and not Thomas. I have no plans of going to the Dr unless things do not get better or get worse. Hopefully I will heal as fast as Thomas did.
Friday afternoon I finally hooked a 1 ½ foot catfish. I got it to the bank and Thomas was helping me to get it onto the bank. The fish thought Thomas looked hungry so it took off. Oh well, at least I did get to enjoy reeling one in. When we leave I will sure miss our ducks which were there faithfully every morning and most of the day. Good bye ducks.
We plan on leaving Saturday morning and staying at the Quechan Casino RV parking lot. There we will have internet and be able to update the photos and journal. Before we get to the casino the usual stuff….laundry, restocking food, supplies, propane and water.
From there we will be going to Holtville, CA. This is a small town with a natural hot spring on the BLM land and we will have free access and be able to camp for free. Depending on what we find, we will stay there somewhere between a couple of days to a week. The next stop will be “The Slabs” on the east side of the Salton Sea in Niland, CA.
I do have internet on my phone and have tried to update through it but it gives me problems. So if you need us or just want to say hello, give us a call.
Happy Valentines Day to everyone on Sunday!
PS- Hear it is snowing back home again!
And to Cheryl: I meant to tell you that Sylvia Brown was at the Quechan Casino while we were there the first time. Thought about you. No, I didn't go because the tickets were too much.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Photos
Here is the link for the photos from Jan 27th through Feb 2. Hope you enjoy!
http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/255
http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/255
Tuesday - Congratulations!
2/02/10 – Tuesday
Great morning!!! The 2-4-1 breakfast buffet ($6.95) at the Casino called our name. Oh goodness was it great. If you could only take a doggie bag with you we would be set for the rest of the day.
Then the good news came……It is a girl! Her name is to be Bailey Marie Williams. Samantha said that this will probably be the only BMW they ever have. LOL Now comes the long wait for her to be born. Actually it could be anytime between now and the end of May. It all depends on Bailey and how sick she makes Sam. Congratulations to Sami Jo and Rodney on bringing a new little girl into our family circle!
Being happy and feeling lucky, I had to play the slot machine one more time. I went back to the same area where I hit before and found another “Lady Bug” game. (Seemed appropriate.) Same results but better! I put in $5 and left with $63.30 in about 5 minutes. Guess I will have to call Bailey “Lady Bug”.
Right now we are waiting at the Big O Tire Store for the alignment and tire rotation before hitting the road. After rinsing the dust off the truck and trailer, we will hit the road for a new location.
First we will try Mittry Lake. If there is no spot there, we will go on to Fortuna Pond. We would also like to go to the Imperial Dam area for a while. Probably there will be no wifi service so it might be a bit before we can update again.
If you want to send an email that will go straight to my phone use: bronawince@gmail.com. Or you can always call us.
Safe travels to you all…..where ever you are!
PS – They are expecting another big storm this weekend back in NC. Marshal and Carolyn, our neighbors, have threatened us if we ever think about leaving again. A special thanks to Marshal and Carolyn and for watching after our place and taking care of Buddah and Cosmo when Dan and Darlene are not able to get there. Another thanks to Dan and Darlene who are taking care of Buddah and Cosmo until we get home. Hugs to you all.
Great morning!!! The 2-4-1 breakfast buffet ($6.95) at the Casino called our name. Oh goodness was it great. If you could only take a doggie bag with you we would be set for the rest of the day.
Then the good news came……It is a girl! Her name is to be Bailey Marie Williams. Samantha said that this will probably be the only BMW they ever have. LOL Now comes the long wait for her to be born. Actually it could be anytime between now and the end of May. It all depends on Bailey and how sick she makes Sam. Congratulations to Sami Jo and Rodney on bringing a new little girl into our family circle!
Being happy and feeling lucky, I had to play the slot machine one more time. I went back to the same area where I hit before and found another “Lady Bug” game. (Seemed appropriate.) Same results but better! I put in $5 and left with $63.30 in about 5 minutes. Guess I will have to call Bailey “Lady Bug”.
Right now we are waiting at the Big O Tire Store for the alignment and tire rotation before hitting the road. After rinsing the dust off the truck and trailer, we will hit the road for a new location.
First we will try Mittry Lake. If there is no spot there, we will go on to Fortuna Pond. We would also like to go to the Imperial Dam area for a while. Probably there will be no wifi service so it might be a bit before we can update again.
If you want to send an email that will go straight to my phone use: bronawince@gmail.com. Or you can always call us.
Safe travels to you all…..where ever you are!
PS – They are expecting another big storm this weekend back in NC. Marshal and Carolyn, our neighbors, have threatened us if we ever think about leaving again. A special thanks to Marshal and Carolyn and for watching after our place and taking care of Buddah and Cosmo when Dan and Darlene are not able to get there. Another thanks to Dan and Darlene who are taking care of Buddah and Cosmo until we get home. Hugs to you all.
Monday - Last day at Pilot Knob & Mexico
2/01/10 – Monday
Up early! We made it to Mexico by 9 am which gave us plenty of time to pick up my glasses and look around.
The new glasses work great. I wore them the whole time we were in Mexico and for the first time didn’t feel self-conscious. My glasses have previously always had to be very thick and required larger frames. I felt like Mr. Magoo. (Oops, maybe I just told how old I was. LOL If not, Mr. Magoo was a cartoon character from many… I mean.. a few years ago. He wore these huge magnifying glasses that made his eyes look really large.) These have a smaller frame and are silver.
Next stop was the dentist office even though we were about 45 minutes early. Thomas’ partial was ready and they gave it to us. We were to walk around for about 45 minutes and come back.
Now I have time to find the candy vendor again. Caramelized pecans…yum. And who could not get one of the candied sweet potatoes? They also had candied almonds, mangos, pumpkin, papaya, mango, coconut and other things that I still didn’t know what they were even after he told me. There were several kinds of cookies and fudge.
Still with time left Thomas sat in the town square while I ventured down another street looking at the vendors’ tables. Every one of them had “special price for early morning”, “best price for you Lady”, “Come look-Mexican Wal-Mart inside” and “Everything a $1 for just you today.”
Back at the dentist office Janira (the dentist) fixed a rough spot on my crown and told us to come back in a week or so. Thomas will probably need an adjustment on his partial even though he is having no problem with it now. Janira will not be there since she will be taking off to have her baby but one of the other dentists can take care of it.
To anyone going to Algodones to get dental work done, we recommend Janira Rodarte Alcalde, DDS. Here web site is www.dentpro.net. Phone number from the US is: (928) 446-8064. She has always done great work and she even replaced a cap that she put on 2 years ago because it came off. Janira stands behind her work.
This was a fast trip and we were back in the US by 11 am. We then found the Big O tire store to get the front end aligned on the truck but they could not see us until tomorrow. A trip into this Wal-Mart to kill some time and then back to the trailer at Pilot Knob finished our afternoon.
The rest of the day was spent preparing as much as we could to leave really early in the morning. Oh, we borrowed a latter from another RV’er so I could get on the roof to wash off the solar panels. Over the past few days we have found out that our solar batteries are not holding a charge and recharging as needed. Somewhere along the way we will need to purchase new batteries for the solar system.
Getting ready to leave tomorrow!
Up early! We made it to Mexico by 9 am which gave us plenty of time to pick up my glasses and look around.
The new glasses work great. I wore them the whole time we were in Mexico and for the first time didn’t feel self-conscious. My glasses have previously always had to be very thick and required larger frames. I felt like Mr. Magoo. (Oops, maybe I just told how old I was. LOL If not, Mr. Magoo was a cartoon character from many… I mean.. a few years ago. He wore these huge magnifying glasses that made his eyes look really large.) These have a smaller frame and are silver.
Next stop was the dentist office even though we were about 45 minutes early. Thomas’ partial was ready and they gave it to us. We were to walk around for about 45 minutes and come back.
Now I have time to find the candy vendor again. Caramelized pecans…yum. And who could not get one of the candied sweet potatoes? They also had candied almonds, mangos, pumpkin, papaya, mango, coconut and other things that I still didn’t know what they were even after he told me. There were several kinds of cookies and fudge.
Still with time left Thomas sat in the town square while I ventured down another street looking at the vendors’ tables. Every one of them had “special price for early morning”, “best price for you Lady”, “Come look-Mexican Wal-Mart inside” and “Everything a $1 for just you today.”
Back at the dentist office Janira (the dentist) fixed a rough spot on my crown and told us to come back in a week or so. Thomas will probably need an adjustment on his partial even though he is having no problem with it now. Janira will not be there since she will be taking off to have her baby but one of the other dentists can take care of it.
To anyone going to Algodones to get dental work done, we recommend Janira Rodarte Alcalde, DDS. Here web site is www.dentpro.net. Phone number from the US is: (928) 446-8064. She has always done great work and she even replaced a cap that she put on 2 years ago because it came off. Janira stands behind her work.
This was a fast trip and we were back in the US by 11 am. We then found the Big O tire store to get the front end aligned on the truck but they could not see us until tomorrow. A trip into this Wal-Mart to kill some time and then back to the trailer at Pilot Knob finished our afternoon.
The rest of the day was spent preparing as much as we could to leave really early in the morning. Oh, we borrowed a latter from another RV’er so I could get on the roof to wash off the solar panels. Over the past few days we have found out that our solar batteries are not holding a charge and recharging as needed. Somewhere along the way we will need to purchase new batteries for the solar system.
Getting ready to leave tomorrow!
Sunday - Relaxing
1/31/10 – Sunday
Knowing that Monday is suppose to be our last day in Mexico today was a day of doing the laundry, restocking supplies from Walmart etc. Not much happening. Isn’t this fun?
Wish you were here!
Knowing that Monday is suppose to be our last day in Mexico today was a day of doing the laundry, restocking supplies from Walmart etc. Not much happening. Isn’t this fun?
Wish you were here!
Saturday -Next trip to Mexico
1/30/10 – Saturday
Back to Mexico again. In the photos you will find photos of some of the blankets that they make.
We went early enough for me to look for some glasses before the dental appointments. I looked at a couple of different places and finally went back to the first place we looked. Just so you know, Progressives were only $115. They will be ready in 2 hours but we will pick them up when we return on Monday. All the dental work is complete except for Thomas picking up his partial on Monday.
Next a quick trip to the bakery to pick up fresh rolls that are wonderful and a couple of sweet treats for desert. We sat in the town square and ate a picnic lunch. It is fun to just watch people coming and going and to also watch the street vendors.
Wow, no real line to get back through the check point. This is weird on a Saturday. It seems like the American economy is hitting this area also.
This afternoon curiosity finally got the best of us. From our campsite we can see a church on a hill across the interstate from us. There are also several buildings in a crème color. Let’s check it out.
This is the town of Felicity, CA – The Official Center of the World. Population 280. The man who is mayor of Felicity was the one to construct this area. He has put up a museum in granite. When he moved here, he bought up 5 square miles of land because it was so cheap! He built the hill that the church is sitting on with dirt from his own land. Then he added the Museum and the granite in which has been engraved the history of many different things including: Language, French Foreign Legion, Arizona, California, Flight, Religions, Currency, etc. This work is not complete and workers were there adding to it. There are many granite faces waiting to be engraved with the history of something else. I took some photos of some that we found interesting.
At the entrance is a set of circular stairs. This is the 12th section of stairs that were in the Eiffel Tower before they were replaced with an elevator.
Just inside the entrance is a pyramid. Inside the pyramid is a marker for the Official Center of the World. When you stand on this spot, you face the church and make a wish. They give you a certificate marking the date and exact time you stood at the Center of the World.
It took us just over 2 hours to tour the whole area. We didn’t see it all. Once you pay for the tour which includes a short video, you can return at any time to walk through again. At least now we finally know what that is on the other side of the road from us!
As a side note!!! While we sit here with the thermometer reading 79*, they are getting 7 inches of snow back home. This is the most snow Rutherfordton has had in years. They are expecting more this weekend.
Wish you were here!
Back to Mexico again. In the photos you will find photos of some of the blankets that they make.
We went early enough for me to look for some glasses before the dental appointments. I looked at a couple of different places and finally went back to the first place we looked. Just so you know, Progressives were only $115. They will be ready in 2 hours but we will pick them up when we return on Monday. All the dental work is complete except for Thomas picking up his partial on Monday.
Next a quick trip to the bakery to pick up fresh rolls that are wonderful and a couple of sweet treats for desert. We sat in the town square and ate a picnic lunch. It is fun to just watch people coming and going and to also watch the street vendors.
Wow, no real line to get back through the check point. This is weird on a Saturday. It seems like the American economy is hitting this area also.
This afternoon curiosity finally got the best of us. From our campsite we can see a church on a hill across the interstate from us. There are also several buildings in a crème color. Let’s check it out.
This is the town of Felicity, CA – The Official Center of the World. Population 280. The man who is mayor of Felicity was the one to construct this area. He has put up a museum in granite. When he moved here, he bought up 5 square miles of land because it was so cheap! He built the hill that the church is sitting on with dirt from his own land. Then he added the Museum and the granite in which has been engraved the history of many different things including: Language, French Foreign Legion, Arizona, California, Flight, Religions, Currency, etc. This work is not complete and workers were there adding to it. There are many granite faces waiting to be engraved with the history of something else. I took some photos of some that we found interesting.
At the entrance is a set of circular stairs. This is the 12th section of stairs that were in the Eiffel Tower before they were replaced with an elevator.
Just inside the entrance is a pyramid. Inside the pyramid is a marker for the Official Center of the World. When you stand on this spot, you face the church and make a wish. They give you a certificate marking the date and exact time you stood at the Center of the World.
It took us just over 2 hours to tour the whole area. We didn’t see it all. Once you pay for the tour which includes a short video, you can return at any time to walk through again. At least now we finally know what that is on the other side of the road from us!
As a side note!!! While we sit here with the thermometer reading 79*, they are getting 7 inches of snow back home. This is the most snow Rutherfordton has had in years. They are expecting more this weekend.
Wish you were here!
Friday-wonderful sunrise and moonset
1/29/10 – Friday
This morning we awoke to a sunrise and moonset! The moon setting was the same orange-red glow of the sunsets here. The brilliant colors were in the East with the sun and the Northwest with the Moon. Sorry to tell you this but it was 50* at 7 am this morning!
Many of the RV’s in our area have left. Right now there are 12 counting us. It is less crowded and feels like we have more privacy.
In the center are 4 RV’s arranged in a square so they have a small communal area to themselves. This is just an open flat area marked off as a designated camping spot beside the road. There is an identical area about 30 yards up the road from us which is closer to the main road. These areas are 1/6 miles from the exit road off interstate.
Directly at the end of the exit road is the LTVA which is a pay area. Here they have lots of room for privacy if they choose that. No assigned camping spots – just stop where you please. If you decide you don’t like where you are parked, then move. Simple rules.
I have seen some of the most outstandingly awesome sunsets while we have been here. Thomas says that it is that “big sky” thing where you can see for miles before the horizon. Tonight’s sunset started with the Chocolate Mountains turning a burgundy color. The sky followed with the bright pink turning burgundy and then exploding with vibrant oranges and reds. The painted sky continues to expand and brighten. The color vibrates more than 180 degrees around you. There is no way to describe in words or even capture by camera the beauty that unfolds on most nights here.
Wish you were here!
This morning we awoke to a sunrise and moonset! The moon setting was the same orange-red glow of the sunsets here. The brilliant colors were in the East with the sun and the Northwest with the Moon. Sorry to tell you this but it was 50* at 7 am this morning!
Many of the RV’s in our area have left. Right now there are 12 counting us. It is less crowded and feels like we have more privacy.
In the center are 4 RV’s arranged in a square so they have a small communal area to themselves. This is just an open flat area marked off as a designated camping spot beside the road. There is an identical area about 30 yards up the road from us which is closer to the main road. These areas are 1/6 miles from the exit road off interstate.
Directly at the end of the exit road is the LTVA which is a pay area. Here they have lots of room for privacy if they choose that. No assigned camping spots – just stop where you please. If you decide you don’t like where you are parked, then move. Simple rules.
I have seen some of the most outstandingly awesome sunsets while we have been here. Thomas says that it is that “big sky” thing where you can see for miles before the horizon. Tonight’s sunset started with the Chocolate Mountains turning a burgundy color. The sky followed with the bright pink turning burgundy and then exploding with vibrant oranges and reds. The painted sky continues to expand and brighten. The color vibrates more than 180 degrees around you. There is no way to describe in words or even capture by camera the beauty that unfolds on most nights here.
Wish you were here!
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