Sunday, February 26, 2023
Up after the sunrise this morning we really did not have anything planned beyond our coffee. There was a beautiful blue sky and Tom stepped out to set up our chairs so they could dry out after last night's rain. Coming in he said he thought it was a little to chilly to sit out this morning. As we sat drinking our coffee inside I mentioned we had several batches of wash that need to be taken care of so what to do today was decided. After a late breakfast we headed into Quartzsite to do laundry. Not my favorite thing to do I would much rather be using the combination washer/dryer in our home. The thing is when we are boondocking it really is not practical to use it and truthfully I like boondocking in the desert more then I dislike using a laundromat.
Back home after putting our clothes away it was time for Happy Hour. With very little wind, finally, and the sun shining down it was by no means hot but warm enough to sit out and enjoy a couple of hours of talking about this and that. I say this and that because honestly for the most part I would not be able to tell you everything we talked about. What I do remember is the conversation flowed, we enjoyed the company of friends, and more then once laughter filled the air around us. Then as the sun began to make its way down towards the Dome Rock Mountains the coolness set in and it was time to say Good Night and head inside.
The sun had already slipped behind the Dome Rock Mountains when I took this picture. It left behind a golden glow which filled the sky above our neighborhood. |
Top to Bottom The sunlight could still be seen touching the mountains to the North, South, and East of us. |
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Today's Coffee Hour started with a calm breeze in front of the Stinger "B" and then the wind was upon us. We persevered and moved our chairs to the other side and continued our Coffee Hour or maybe it was two. During that time the wind found us but we continued to persevere for a time. Then we all agreed the wind had won for now and we headed inside to the calm of our homes. (When I say we I mean mostly Deb and I. Doug came and went. Tom went for fresh water and spent time with us while he pumped it in to our tank. Then he went and dumped our blue boy after we went inside.)
Looking at the weather for the day it looked like the wind would be with us until later in the day and just as it was predicted to calm down it looked like the rain would be starting. Decision was no Happy Hour this evening. Tom and I decided to head over to Parker for Saturday Vigil Mass.
Heading North on AZ-95 we could see dust in the air. I believe those are the Mesquite Mountains. |
When I saw these clouds my first thought was there is a mustache in the sky..😊. |
At this point we can usually see mountains ahead of us. Today we could mostly see dust. |
It is hard to tell in the picture but all we could see was brown dust ahead. |
The Altar at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parker, AZ. |
After Mass, since we were in Parker, we headed over to Walmart to pick up some groceries.
Friday, February 24, 2023
Looking for a new place to boondock in the future we decided to head east to an area near the Harquahala Mountains. At around 9:30AM Deb, Riley, Tom and I headed out in the Little Black Limo followed by Doug and Yuma in the Little Silver Streak. Merging on to I-10 we were headed East towards Salome Road. It was a good day for a ride blue skies with big white clouds. We did find a couple of places with wonderful views but the cell service was spotty at best and that was just for texting if you were standing in the right spot. None of us were able to connect to the internet or make a phone call. It would be a nice for a couple of days if you do not mind the lack of cell service. It is on our list of possible spots.
Never the less it was a beautiful ride down Eagle Eye Road. The sun, the clouds. the shadows on the mountains, and on the desert floor all came together to put on a wonderful show of light and dark throughout our time in the area.
Interesting side note for Tom and I: the last time we took a ride down this road was to drive up to the Harquahala Smithsonian Solar Observatory which we did on Saturday, February 25, 2017. The ride was a once in a lifetime one we would not attempt it again. Yet after all is said and done we are glad we took the ride. The views at the top were breathtaking. Click Here for those pictures if you are interested. Doug and Yuma also took that ride a few days later in 2017. Click Here for the great pictures Doug took.
Most of the pictures I took on this day were of the mountains. I just love how the sunlight lights up all the "nooks and crannies" and the shadows of the clouds brings a dark contrast that is constantly changing. I often describe it as a dance across the mountains because that is what I see a beautiful dance of light and shadows.
This is one of the places |
we saw that would be a |
beautiful spot to park. |
With views |
that seem |
to go on forever. |
There is so much beauty to be seen |
we just need to be willing to look |
with "open eyes". |
It is beautiful how the sunlight hits one area of the desert floor |
while the clouds keep the rest of the area in the shadows. |
A beautiful ride, we enjoyed it very much. The days seem to blow by quickly and while not one moment truly stands out more than another, they are all memorable for the special friends, the quiet relaxed times, and the peaceful feeling of the days.
ReplyDeleteDeb
So true the days all seem to melt together and looking back it will bring a feeling of peace remembering these days.
DeleteTo really get the beauty of that area you are in, one had to experience it themselves. However, keep posting all those nice photos for the folks that never have or never will be able to travel there.
ReplyDeleteMarlene, you are so right the beauty out here needs to be experienced to really see it because you have to more then see it you need to feel it.
DeleteLove the pictures! Such a beautiful area and even better with friends! You have certainly had that this winter :) Always enjoy Happy Hour with y'all!
ReplyDeleteYou are right, experiencing the beauty out here is eveb more special when you are with friends. We feel the same, Happy Hour with you and Ken is always enjoyable fun.
DeleteMy, your cactus and mountain pictures on Friday are amazing, Deb. I could just print and hang on my wall. The sand was really blowing on Saturday during your drive to Parker. Doesn't look as bad on the desert floor surrounded by the sturdy desert bushes holding the sand down.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Doug.
DeleteI get the feeling when the sand blows out here nothing holds it down. It is just an illusion that it is not on the desert floor...lol