Cattle by the Sign,The Ocotillo was Blooming, and A Campfire with Friends

(Clicking on the pictures will open them larger in a new window.)

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Today we had an errand to run in Parker and because we were headed that way made a quick stop at Walmart and Safeway. This will be our last ride to Parker this adventure and every time we have made the drive I have missed taking a picture of the welcome sign. Tom circled around the block so I could finally get it.

This was the only picture I had planned on taking on today's ride. Even though I had my camera with us and the wildflowers (purple, yellow, orange, and white) were all along the roadside I had decided to just enjoy the ride.

On our way back to Quartzsite we decided not to turn at the light and stay on AZ-95 but to go straight on AZ-72. Turning west at Blouse we planned to take Plomosa Road across and back to AZ-95 one last time for this year. Again the wildflowers were beautiful. (Interesting note: Something I never noticed before until today when I was checking for something on the map. Highway 95 in Arizona is US-95 from Yuma to Quartzsite and then it is AZ-95 from Quartzsite until it connects to AZ-68 south of Bullhead City.)

We were just enjoying the ride, the sunshine, the blue sky, and the views of the mountains; then there they were right by their sign. How could I not take a picture of these guys. Three of them even looked up and posed.

Then we turned another corner and right along the side of the road this beautiful Ocotillo with its red blooms jumped out. Well it was at this moment I realized there would be pictures. I told Tom to pull over and I walked back. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love the Ocotillos. They are my absolute favorite.

To pretty to pass by and not take its picture.

Then just in front of the Jeep, where we pulled over, were all
of these purple and yellow wildflowers.
Plus there in the rocks right on the edge of the road the tiniest white flowers. 

After taking the above pictures I looked across the road and there was
this Saguaro standing proud and tall next to two more blooming Ocotillos.

While I was taking the above pictures Tom spotted this and took a walk
down and up a wash to take a picture.

Then he took several more. Including this Saguaro,

purple wildflowers covering the ground,

and these Ocotillos. As green as the ones were along the road
these just a little ways off were barely green.

The Teddy Bear Chollas in the distance along with purple wildflowers
covering the hillside. 

  A little further down the road and we were driving through the Plomosa Mountains.

Tom stopped so I could take

these two pictures.

Then I looked up 

and took these two.

Once on the other side of the mountains we opted to turn off of Plomosa Road on to Sunkist Road which will take us in to Quartzsite. This road is a back road and is not maintained. It is rough and there are several washes to go up and down, none that are very steep, along the way. We have been down it a couple of other times in the past and we could see how all the recent rain has caused some deterioration in places.

Still standing proud.

One of several washes.

Back home we sat out and enjoyed the sunshine. There may have been adult beverages involved. Then just as Tom was getting ready to barbecue our hamburgers for dinner we heard from Rick. The wind had died down and the campfire was back on. Tom had talked to him earlier and with the wind the decision had been to cancel. So after eating dinner Tom put our chairs in the Jeep and we were off.

As we left to head over to Kathy and Rick's

the sun was already behind the mountains.

Then We Went to a Campfire.
The last to arrive we sat down and soon were enjoying a wonderful campfire. The best part was the lively conversation that took place throughout the evening. I think it was an evening everyone sitting in the semi-circle thoroughly enjoyed. So much so that by the time we all decided it was time to call it an evening it was around 11 o'clock. Since, we were not sure we would get another chance to see Kathy and Rick before we head out we said our see you down the roads and travel safes. Then after hugs so long we headed home. It was a wonderful evening, thank you for inviting us. We are already looking forward to the next time.

Honestly, I never even thought of taking pictures. My excuse is that I was so enjoying the conversation with Kathy and Sue taking pictures never crossed my mind. So in order to have pictures I "borrowed" these from Rick. (That just sounds so much better then I stole them.) Thank you for remembering to take pictures, Rick.

Left to Right: Deb, Kathy, Sue, Tom, Rick's chair, Ken, Wayne, and Skelty.

Skelty came with Ken this evening and is the perfect guest, so quiet.

I do not know if it is just my eyesight but it looks to me
like the fire is trying to look like Skelty.

It was a good day.  A nice ride with colorful scenery and a campfire enjoyed with friends.  A day to be put in our memory book.

So glad you took the time to stop by for a visit. Hope you enjoyed the pictures.

If you have time to leave a comment we would enjoy hearing from you.