Life on the Open Road (April 2006 - May 2008)

Moving On - I Have a New Blog!

2008-05-20T21:10:00.004-06:00

A friend told me the other day that I REALLY needed to change my blog address. Unfortunately, the only way to do that is to start a new blog. So for my future adventures, click here.

Please save it to your favorites, and thanks for reading!

www.lifeontheopenroad.blogspot.com

Exploring Buffalo National River

2008-05-17T21:30:00.011-06:00

The WINs moved on to Buffalo Point Campground, 14 miles south of Yellville, Arkansas. The Buffalo River was named a national river in 1972 to preserve it as a free-flowing stream.

I guess it was a little too free-flowing recently, when floods destroyed this boat ramp. But there are many more entrances to the river, and the kayakers were anxious to get on the river.

Transporting the menagerie of kayaks and their paddlers usually involves some complicated shuttling, but local outfitter Wild Bill offered us some great deals on rides.

Much of the river is bordered by beautiful high river bluffs, consisting of sandstone, limestone, and dolomite.

The first night there we had a "burn your own," bringing our own meat and sharing side dishes.

One night we went to Yellville for "Music on the Square," but it was moved inside because rain was forecast. Then it was cancelled and we were directed to the basement of the courthouse because of a tornado watch. We drove home instead through some wicked rain.

Another night, Joanne provided the makings for s'mores. The WINs are always up for eating.

There was no phone signal in the campground, but if you went up the hill to the RV dump, you could get a signal. So the dump was a popular place. This deer obviously didn't see the sign that the water was not safe to drink.

A Jiggin' and a Kayakin' We Will Go

2008-05-13T21:21:00.001-06:00

The main activity at the WIN NARKSMO circuit is kayaking. This is the view from the campground down to Sylamore Creek, where it flooded in March and April. Look at that poor little tree!

On one kayaking trip, our group left from the campground and floated down the nearby White River.

We have a tradition that whoever gets dunked in the water has to wear the duck cap until someone else gets dunked. Bob was very happy to hand it off to Nancy.

We also did a lot of dancing in Mountain View. I thought the best place was Taylor's Sons of the Ozarks. Each night they urged us to return, saying "It won't be any better, but it'll be different."

If you look closely, you will see a barefoot jig and sister Barbara dancing.

More barefoot jiggin' and double harmonica playin'. The two harmonicas are in different keys and were necessary because a harmonica doesn't have all notes on it.

On another day, Barbara, Phil and I went to Mountain Home, 50 miles away from Mountain View, so I could buy the kind of bread I like. In order to try to justify the trip, I found a group of historic buildings called the Rapps Barren Settlement in Mountain Home. This is a log cabin from the 1860s.

Ozark Folk Center

2008-05-12T09:58:00.012-06:00

While in Mountain View, we went to visit the Ozark Folk Center. Really a fascinating place, dedicated to preserving traditional Ozark Mountain crafts and music from the period 1820-1920.

They make a lot of their own instruments, including some out of unusual materials.

The blacksmith demonstrated how to tie a knot in a nail.

The cooper had the best selection of tools, and did a lot more than just make barrels.

Twenty-one different crafts were demonstrated.

This woman was spinning angora from a goat in the pen next to her.

She looked more realistic than some of the other demonstrators.

They didn't include making moonshine in the craft area, but I think they should have.

We were entertained with traditional music from dulcimers and other instruments I didn't recognize. (Click on the arrow to view the video.)

Life in Tornado Alley

2008-05-09T12:41:00.010-06:00

Driving to Mountain View, AR, the next stop on the WIN circuit, I started noticing a lot of houses with blue roofs. I finally realized that this was Tornado Alley. It turns out that a tornado went up the road I was on in early February. Unusual for that time of year, it was on the ground for 123 miles.

There were lots and lots of huge trees just torn out of the ground. Sorry these pictures are so bad, but this was "drive by shooting." (I just love my new little camera!)

Up in Mountain View, it hit on the east side of town. I hope the insurance office had good insurance! This was across from the hospital, which was also hit. Fortunately, all the patients got out.

The first two days in Mountain View were stormy and rainy.

But then the sun came out. In addition to tornados, these people have to put up with floods. They had a big one in March and again in April.

This shows the same bridge and tree during the March flood. The top of the bridge is barely above water.

The campground we stayed in was totally under water during both floods, even though it is way uphill from the creek.

The WINs decided to pitch in and help in the cleanup. Here, Max and Phil work on new insulation for the bath house that was underwater in the last picture.

More WINs cleaning up down by the creek.

Hot Springs

2008-05-07T14:03:00.013-06:00

Hot Springs, Arkansas was the first stop on the WINs NARKSMO tour. Forty-seven natural hot springs, flowing at 143 degrees provide the town's main attraction.

This picture shows the town in 1875. The first bathhouses built in the 1800s were crude wooden structures.

In the early 1900s, elaborate buildings replaced the primitive structures. These are the buildings that make up Bathhouse Row today.

The Buckstaff Bathhouse, one of the original bathhouses, is the only one still operational today. A whirlpool mineral bath, loofa mitt, and 20-minute Swedish massage goes for $50.

Bathhouse Row is part of Hot Springs National Park. This restored bathouse is the Visitors Center for the park.

Tours of the three floors are offered by guides in period dress, or you can wander around on your own.

The men's bath hall, where the central fountain depicts Hernando de Soto, legendary visitor to the springs in 1541, being offered hot water by a Caddo Indian maiden.

The hydrotherapy room, which looked like a torture chamber to me. Current was added to the water of the tub in the foreground to make an "electric bath." Amazingly, they never killed anyone!

The ceiling displays a stained glass scene entitled Neptune's Daughter. Guys might want to click on the picture to get a larger view of some of the details.

Free water all over town! A little hot, but possibly the purest mineral water in the world today. The water rising in the spring today fell over 3,500 years ago, thereby missing manmade pollutants.

Water from 44 of the hot springs is piped into the 300,000 gallon reservoir beneath the National Park Headquarters. It is then disbursed throughout town.

We also visited the Garvan Woodland Gardens, on the shore of Lake Hamilton. Beautiful flowers, waterfalls, and trails. But I thought the neatest thing was the Anthony Chapel, made of southern yellow pine and glass. The 60-foot high ceiling seems to float among the trees.

Waco, TX

2008-05-04T14:14:00.000-06:00

After the Dance Rally, I headed for the WIN series of gatherings in Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri. (NARKSMO) On the way, several of us spent a few days in Waco at Speegleville Park, a beautiful Corps of Engineers campground right on Waco Lake.

One day we visited the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

There were lots of guns and other stuff to see, but I was looking for Walker, Texas Ranger.

Ha! Found him!

Waco has a beautiful suspension bridge over the Brazos River. Built in 1870, it was then the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi.

They catch some really big catfish around here!

We also went to the zoo. It was better than most I've been to because you could really see the animals.

The lions were out sunbathing.

And the meerkats were smiling for the camera!

San Antonio Missions

2008-05-02T11:45:00.013-06:00

The missions of San Antonio were far more than just churches, they were communities. Each was a fortified village, with its own church, farm, and ranch. Franciscan friars gathered native people, converted them to Catholicism, and taught them to live as Spaniards. (Was this really a good idea??)

Six missions were established along the San Antonio River. Five of them are still in existence. The Alamo was the first and is the most famous today, but I went to visit the other four.

Mission Concepcion

Considered by some to be the oldest unrestored church in the United States.

It's the only one of the missions built with two towers.

Some of the interior rooms show remnants of colorful designs painted over 250 years ago.

Mission San Jose

Known as "Queen of the Missions" for its size, it became the best known of the Texas missions in its day. It has been almost fully restored to its original design.

This is typical of the Romanesque arches found throughout the missions.

There is lots of detail in the statues on the front of the church.

This is the beautiful "Rose Window."

Mission San Juan

In the mid 1700s, Mission San Juan was a regional supplier of agricultural produce, and had 3500 sheep and nearly as many cattle.

Mission Espada

Mission Espada was the only mission to make brick, which is still visible.

The unusual broken arch over the doorway was either a mistake or an artistic intention.

Lost in the Fifties

2008-04-28T16:13:00.007-06:00

One night we had a "Lost in the Fifties" dance in our rally hall.

I don't know how these women carry around outfits for all these different themes, but they always manage to come up with something.

A lot of the guys wore t-shirts with the sleeves rolled up to hold a pack of cigarettes.

And we rolled up our jeans above our sneakers and bobby socks.

Here's a photo of the line-up of some of the poodle skirts that Donna took. Don't know how I missed this. Oh yeah.... I was DANCING!

Some of the women even carry around saddle shoes!

Back to the 11th Street Cowboy Bar

2008-04-25T20:44:00.011-06:00

Wow! Is this too much smile? This cowboy is Ronnie Furr, who sang 5 nights at our park for the rally, then on Sunday afternoon sang at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar in town.

Once again, our group overran the place.

To hear Ronnie, and to see if my dancing has improved, click on the arrow.

He really puts on a great show, with just the right mix of 2-step, swing, waltz and cha-cha.

He often jumps off the stage and mixes with the crowd. Here he's singing and dancing "Elvira."

But he always saves the last dance for his wife, Terri.

Wild West Dance Hall Night

2008-04-24T23:12:00.003-06:00

One evening in the park we were supposed to dress up in Wild West clothing for our evening dance.

The costumes were amazing.

Oneta seems to have made a full recovery.

I decided that the Wild West needed some law and order.

Andy had the same idea, but he probably didn't get his gun in the Walmart toy department....

Bob, Bobbie, and Andy put on a skit to Robert Service's poem, "The Shooting of Dan McGraw."

To view a short portion of the skit, click on the arrow.

The Dance Rally Starts

2008-04-23T21:24:00.009-06:00

I was pretty excited - dancing and cowboys! What could be better? The rally actually started April 13th, but I've been so busy dancing that I am way behind with the blog.

It all started out with a weenie roast down by the Medina River, called "Down on the Farm with Andy." Here's Andy working hard to keep us fed.

Some of the 170 rally attendees.

I'm in the middle of the picture. After dinner we were entertained by a cowboy poet.

We had breakfast every morning. There were 5 teams of participants who made breakfast and performed various other tasks necessary to keep the rally running smoothly. I served pancakes one morning.

Every afternoon we all got together to "meet and greet." The team in charge that day provided snack foods and entertainment.

There were dance lessons almost every day.

And dances every night, either here in the park or in town. More on the various dances in future posts!

Remember the Alamo

2008-04-20T10:50:00.007-06:00

While we were waiting for the dance rally to start last week, Donna, Tom, Max, Bertie, and I went to San Antonio to see some sights. The Alamo was originally a mission for 70 years in the 1700s, but is most famous for The Battle of the Alamo, which occured March 6, 1836. To read the whole story, click here.

They won't let you take pictures inside the Alamo, (I guess they want to sell postcards), but I managed to sneak a few.

The Riverwalk is near the Alamo, so we walked around there for a while.

This family of ducks with 9 babies did a good job of dodging the boats.

We got a great seat at lunch where we could watch the boats go by and almost collide at this intersection.

Tom found a book he thought I needed.

A Night Out on the Town

2008-04-17T14:31:00.011-06:00

I'm in Bandera, TX for the Annual All-Singles Dance Rally. There are 170 single RVers here with me. Wednesday night a lot of us went to the 11th Street Cowboy Bar for their weekly grill-your-own/dance.

This bar is the biggest dance place in town and is known for all the bras hanging around. Apparently, if you leave your bra, they give you a t-shirt.

Four big grills were set up, and the bar sold sides and setups.

Oneta fell on the dance floor a few nights ago and is unable to dance or cut meat for a week, but Bob was ever helpful.

A cowboy came by and asked me if I wanted some "banes," and I was clueless what he meant. Finally I asked him to spell it and he said "Frijoles." Ooooohhh! Beans! I guess he knew I was a tourist. But I'm eating beef, which I haven't had in years, so maybe I AM becoming a Texan!

The sawdust went down and the Lone Star Pickerz band tuned up.

They have a huge dance floor. Donna, how many of these people do you recognize?

One of the band's party took a great picture of Phil and me.

Some of the women in our group got up on stage and provided backup and dancing. The band named them "The Irritations."

Watch the video and you'll be amazed. Remember all of them are in their 60s! I had such a good time, I can't wait to go back next week!

Cowboy Capital of the World

2008-04-15T11:48:00.009-06:00

Wow! Why didn't I know about this town before?

They even have a store! I wonder how much the cowboys are?? Let's go see....

Well, no cowboys for sale, but I did find an appropriate shirt, just in case.

Wait! What's that? Two cowboys, one on a longhorn steer!

I chased him down, and he offered to let me sit on the steer, but I was too chicken.

Later at our afternoon get-together, I got to meet another cowboy from town. I talked to John for quite a while, while my friends were giggling and taking pictures. We talked about how different our lives are. He doesn't even own a car, so his world is very small, limited by how far he can ride his horse.

He offered to let me ride his horse, but I was afraid I'd make a fool of myself. I probably couldn't even get on it!

Well, I didn't kiss the cowboy, but I did kiss the horse!

Hondo, TX

2008-04-13T19:05:00.009-06:00

The Escapee park in Hondo was a perfect place to stop for a few days on the way to the Bandera All-Singles Dance Rally. Everyone was laughing at me for getting hookups, but it was HOT!

Lots of other WINs had the same idea to stop here, so we got together for a pot luck/burn-your-own dinner.

While in Hondo, I bought a new little camera, a Canon Power Shot SD1000. It's only 3 3/8" by 2 1/8", so it fits easily in a little pocket of my purse. I'm still going to use my big camera when I want to take picturesque stuff.

My first picture!

We all went shopping for cowboy duds in preparation for the Dance Rally. See how handy this new camera is?

Bertie needed to test out the danceability of her new boots.

The Law West of the Pecos

2008-04-11T21:43:00.007-06:00

In Langtry, TX, Judge Roy Bean was the "law west of the Pecos." The West's most colorful justice of the peace, he ruled America's last frontier in the last decades of the 19th century.

In this combination saloon/billiard hall and courtroom called the Jersey Lilly, he dispensed hard liquor and harsh justice.

Tales about the Judge multiplied until he became a legend -- even in his own time.

Next to the Jersey Lilly is now a beautiful cactus garden.

The Pecos River flows into the Rio Grande just east of Langtry.

For a $2 donation, you can stay overnight in the Community Center parking lot, just a block south, and right next to some picturesque, falling-down buildings.

Big Bend Hikes

2008-04-10T09:38:00.011-06:00

Well, this isn't really a hike, just the overlook to The Window. There is a hike to The Window, but I'll have to save that for the next trip.

Santa Elena Canyon is another canyon on the Rio Grande. Here it is from a distance.

And here from inside the canyon.

I decided to go to Balanced Rock late in the day because it was 97 degrees during the day. Unfortunately, it was in the shade.

Here, I was just hoping there wasn't going to be an earthquake!

I decided to go back the next day. It was cooler and the rock was better lit.

The view from the other side. It was a great hike, and not too long. The last quarter mile required some rock-scrambling, though.

The Lost Mine trail had some really nice scenery.

Only here would they have a bear crossing!

Big Bend has a lot of hikes, and I only scratched the surface. But I always like to save something for the next visit.

Arriving at Big Bend

2008-04-09T19:45:00.004-06:00

Few RVers know that you do not have to stay in the campgrounds in Big Bend National Park. There are lots of primitive campsites, marked on the park map, and at least 5 of them are suitable for RVs. I decided to stay at Hannold Draw primitive site, instead of with the WINs at Rio Grande Village campground. Not only was it more centrally located, but the cost for my site was $10 for my entire stay, versus $14 a night at the campground. I even had my own personal corral!

The first day, I went down to the Rio Grande Village area to see what I was missing. They do have a very nice natural hot spring, complete with a Mexican.

But one soak was enough, and I was still glad I was parked up the hill.

After my soak, I went on the short hike into Boquillas Canyon.

The PricklyPear Cactus were just starting to bloom.

Once you reach the river there are Mexican-made walking sticks and other items lying about to be purchased. Unfortunately, the fine for buying one is $5000. I don't really understand why.

Here's the sad story. You used to be able to walk across the river and buy things legally.

Victor serenaded me hoping for a donation, but stopped when he saw all I had was a camera.

Victor and his buddies across the river.

Finally, beautiful Boquillas Canyon!

On the Road to Big Bend

2008-04-08T19:45:00.001-06:00

Alpine was a nice little town on the way south. Clearly a little too mathematical, though...

My first view of the Rio Grande in Texas, from the top of the "Big Hill," with Mexico on the other side. I kept looking for swimmers, but didn't see any.

Although short, the drive down the "Big Hill" is a scary 15% grade.

This movie set along the river was built in 1931 for the movie "Contrabando." For a 360 degree view, click here.

It was also used in the two Larry McMurtry TV mini-series, "Streets of Laredo" and "Dead Man's Walk."

The Terlingua cemetery dates back to the early 1900s when Terlingua became a flourishing mercury mining town. It's filled with wooden crosses marking the graves of people killed in mining accidents and the worldwide 1918 influenza epidemic.

The Fort at Fort Davis

2008-04-07T17:59:00.014-06:00

Fort Davis was a key post in the defense system of west Texas. From 1854 to 1891, troops stationed at the post protected emigrants, freighters, mail coaches, and travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road. This shows the officers quarters.

The commanding officer's quarters reflect the refined life of the post commander.

The enlisted men's barracks were a different matter altogether.

The remains of the chapel, in the foreground, and the non-commissioned officers' quarters.

We decided to hike up the hill behind the fort. The first thing we came to was the privy, located discreetly behind a big rock.

It was a tough climb, but very pretty.

We stopped to admire some Claret Cup Cactus along the way.

Made it! (Okay, Donna, do you recognize any of these people?)

We got a beautiful view of the fort from the top. The officers' quarters are in the row with the trees, the barracks are the other row, and there are various other buildings around. Click on the picture to get a better look.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

2008-04-06T20:31:00.009-06:00

Thirteen miles up hill from Davis Mountains State Park is the McDonald Observatory. It's actually 3 observatories. The original one, in the middle, contains an 82-inch telescope built in 1933.

On the right, in the first picture, is the 107-inch telescope, included in the LONG guided tour.

Can you find the WINs?

Also included in the tour was the big Kahuna, the Hobby-Eberly Telescope on the far hill.

The telescope was built for a small fraction of what a normal telescope this size would cost, because it rotates but does not tilt. By waiting for the stars to come to the right height in the sky, it can still zero in on 70% of the stars a normal telescope would see.

It sports the largest telescope mirror in the world -- 11 meters in diameter. It's hard to see in this picture, but I put arrows around it. The mirror consists of 91 hexagonal elements each 1 meter wide.

We also went to the Star Party at night, under the darkest sky of any observatory in the continental US. The sky was just covered with stars. I tried to take a picture, and it came out like this:

Clearly, I needed a longer exposure...

The Highest Town in Texas

2008-04-05T19:39:00.007-06:00

At just over 5000 feet, Fort Davis has long been a popular retreat from hot Texas summers. I was amazed at how friendly everyone was.

The Jeff Davis County Courthouse, in the center of town, was restored in 2002. Fort Davis is the only town in Texas to have been the seat of two different counties.

You definitely know that you are in Texas!

The WINs had a gathering here, and we stayed at Davis Mountains State Park. A beautiful setting up in the hills, although a bit pricey at $17 a night (gasp!)

Not only are the people here friendly, the animals are too! Javelinas visited my campsite the first night.

And this deer knocked on my door, no doubt looking for a handout. Apparently he made the rounds, because the other WINs reported he was at their door too.

More on this fascinating place to come!

Is He Crazy?

2008-04-03T06:33:00.000-06:00

When I first saw this guy in Van Horn, TX, I couldn't imagine why he would burden himself with a guitar and a big dog. Is his pack half filled with dog food? Who would pick him up?

But then I thought about it some more. Maybe they are the only joys in his life. Maybe he doesn't care if anyone picks him up. And maybe they are his way of connecting with other people.

Guadalupe Mts National Park

2008-03-30T17:45:00.001-06:00

While visiting Carlsbad and Guadalupe Mts National Parks, I stayed on BLM land at MM 5.1 in New Mexico. Texas has NO BLM LAND, so it's going to be tough going across the state. However, you can stay at picnic areas and rest areas for one night.

This is El Capitan, the landmark everyone associates with Guadalupe Mountains. To the right of it is Guadalupe peak, the highest point in Texas.

The Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoaches came through here for a short time, September 1858 to August 1859. This station, called The Pinery, was the highest in elevation of the many stations along the route.

They traveled day and night, carrying up to 9 passengers, baggage, and 12,000 letters.

They had to complete the 2700-mile journey between St. Louis and San Francisco in 25 days as promised in their contract, and they never failed. A passenger going the whole distance paid $150, and a letter cost 10 cents.

While here, I hiked the very pretty trail up McKittrick Canyon to the Pratt Cabin.

Ah, made it. This is the entrance to the cabin area.

Wallace Pratt, petroleum geologist and conservationist, built the cabin as a summer home during the depression.

"The Stone Cabin," as he called it, had stone walls, floor, and roof, made of limestone slabs. He donated the cabin and over 5000 acres of McKittrick Canyon to the National Park Service in 1961. Thanks, Wallace! I really enjoyed it.

Carlsbad Caverns

2008-03-28T15:30:00.000-06:00

Formed 250 million years ago, the area has over 300 known caves. I did the self-guided Natural Entrance tour. This is the bat amphitheater, where you can watch thousands of Mexican Free-tailed bats exit the cave at dusk when they are in residence from April to October.

Hmmmm... Well, I guess I'm okay...

Actually, I didn't know what the big deal was. The natural entrance trail is paved and 800 feet downhill. At the end, you take an elevator back up. The entrance is 90 feet wide and 40 feet high. Here are just a few of the formations I saw.

Devil's Spring -- it's not really a spring, but is fed by dripping water.

Whale's Mouth -- made of a formation they call "Draperies."

The Green Lake Room

Now I'm in the "Big Room," 8.2 acres worth. This was a beautiful formation called the "Temple of the Sun."

And I really liked this one, the "Chinese Theater."

I don't know what this one is called, but all the guys were taking pictures of it.

About half way through the tour, I figured out how to take pictures in the Cavern. Do not use your flash! Just set the camera on the stone wall that is beside the path, try to keep the camera still, and hope for the best. A bean bag would have helped. Maybe next time...

Moving on to Las Cruces

2008-03-25T20:25:00.010-06:00

The old town of Mesilla has an interesting history. It was an important town in its day-- the crossroads of 2 main stagecoach lines, the Butterfield Stagecoach and the Santa Fe Trail.

San Albino Church, on Mesilla Plaza, was originally built of adobe in 1855, then rebuilt in 1906 to its present structure.

This building, which dates to 1850 once housed the capitol of Arizona and New Mexico. Later, it was the courthouse in which Billy the Kid was tried and sentenced to hang.

From my base at the Eagles in Las Cruces, I went to see White Sands National Monument.

There were a couple nice short hikes, one on a boardwalk, and one across the sand. You are allowed to walk off the trail, but they warn that it is VERY easy to get lost here.

It's tough climbing up the dunes -- sometimes you slide back more than you went up!

When I came into the park there were lots of warnings that no alcohol was allowed. I couldn't understand why this was such an issue, until I reached the end of the scenic drive.

This is a real party spot for Southern New Mexicans who want to go sledding!

Last, but certainly not least, I finally got to meet fellow blogger, WIN, and photography enthusiast, Desert Diva. I'm sorry I don't have a picture. We met at a great dancing spot in Las Cruces, Graham Central Station. Wow, I have never seen such good dancers. Thanks for inviting me, Cheryl.

More Rocks and Silver City

2008-03-22T09:13:00.001-06:00

After 3 1/2 months in southern Arizona, I'm heading east to Texas. My first stop in New Mexico was the LoW Hi Ranch in Deming, home of another Singles RV group, Loners on Wheels. There were lots of WINs here too, also on their way to Texas.

We took a day trip to Silver City, on the way stopping to see City of Rocks State Park.

They have 40 gorgeous boondocking sites among the pillars of volcanic rock. Some of the rocks are as high as 40 feet. That's a person up there.

Hmmmmmm... Wonder what this one's called?

I'll do just about anything for a picture.

One of the amazing things about Silver City is that Main Street was totally washed away in a flood in 1902, creating a "Big Ditch."

What the Big Ditch looks like today.

The Warren House, built in 1885, was the only house still standing on Main Street after the flood.

The St. Vincent de Paul church was built in 1874, away from Main Street.

I found some new friends in town.

The Santa Rita Copper mine is one of the oldest mines in North America. Mining goes on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since 1910 more than 2 billion tons of material have been moved. The pit is now more than a mile across and 1600 feet deep.

Hot Springs and Rocks

2008-03-19T19:13:00.001-06:00

Safford, AZ is known for two things -- hot springs and rockhounding. I did a little rockhounding, and found lots of small agates. But collecting rocks is not something RVers should be doing!

So, on to the hot springs. The best one is at Hot Well Dunes, a BLM area 25 miles south of town. I have wanted to go there for a long time. The road was paved about 5 years ago, so it's an easy drive. There are two nice tubs, and I shared mine with 3 handsome guys. The one in the middle is a pole vaulter whose great-grandfather once owned the land the springs are on.

There was a lot of big rusty stuff around, which I just love.

In town, the Essence of Tranquility has 5 private and 1 open communal tub, each delightfully decorated in a different theme.

The heart room was really cute.

This one was about 5 feet deep.

We stayed out of town on the Black Hills Back Country Byway. Great scenery near the rockhounding area.

Right near where we parked was the grave of a convict who was shot in 1916.

The Noisiest Town So Far

2008-03-17T13:04:00.009-06:00

After Sierra Vista, the WINs moved on to Willcox, AZ. We stayed at a wonderful Elks lodge with 28 hookups and additional dry camping. It was great until.....

The first train went through, right next to where we were parked. The trains blew their horns the ENTIRE way through town. And this is the same busy Southern Pacific line that goes by the VFW in Yuma! It was okay during the day, but it seemed like even more trains went through at night.

We stayed long enough to go to Chiricahua National Monument and go on the Echo Canyon loop trail.

The rocks are just fascinating, balanced precariously on each other. They began 27 million years ago with a volcanic eruption. Ash melted together, forming layers of rock called rhyolite. Weathering by ice and erosion by water washed away the weaker layers, leaving an endless variety of spires and balanced rocks.

The pictures don't really do it justice. The rocks are covered with a beautiful bright green lichen, that's hard to see in the distance shots.

WINs at Sierra Vista

2008-03-13T22:49:00.010-06:00

I joined the WINs at their gathering at Sierra Vista, AZ. We were supposed to stay at the Elks (shown here), but we couldn't all fit, so Kmart let the rest of us stay on their huge parking lot. Yeah, Kmart!

We went to check out the cute town of Bisbee, built on some serious hills.

The famous Copper Queen Hotel.

The Copper Queen's bar.

Bisbee in it's heyday, a thriving copper mining town.

The Lavender Pit, an open-pit copper mine.

For you J.A. Jance fans, I found Joanna Brady's car.

The next day we went for a hike up Ramsey Canyon. This is a popular birding hike, and we saw some birds, but didn't know what they were....

While hiking, the aerostat balloon that tracks illegal aliens kept us in sight.

The Town Too Tough to Die

2008-03-09T20:39:00.012-06:00

The most renowned of the Arizona mining towns, Tombstone was a fun place to visit one afternoon. From 1877 to 1884, the mines here produced millions of dollars in silver and gold.

We met up with dentist/gambler/gunfighter Doc Holliday, a participant in the most famous gunfight in the West, the 1881 Battle at the OK Corral.

The stained glass windows in the saloon were magnificent.

A daredevil cowgirl rode down Main Street. There are lots of original 1880s buildings in town.

Don't know what the story is here.

And lots of authentic looking characters, all looking for money.

The Boothill Cemetery had some interesting epitaphs.
"Here lies Lester Moore,
Four slugs from a .44,
No Les, no more."

George, hanged by mistake, innocently bought a stolen horse and suffered the consequences.
"He was right, we was wrong
But we strung him up and now he's gone."

Finally, a Great Dentist!

2008-03-08T08:00:00.004-07:00

I've gone to a lot of dentists in my life, but never met one that I really liked and trusted until today. Referred by another blogger, Dr. Angela Pelletier is all that I've been looking for. She's gentle, precise and very personable. She really took her time with me.

Located at Ellsworth and Brown in Mesa, AZ, next to the RV dump, (ha, we all know where that is!) she's currently running a $69 special for cleaning, 18 xrays, and exam. They spent an hour and a half with me, and showed me pictures of all the problems, prioritizing what needed to be done now (2 fillings and a replacement crown) and what could wait (a bunch of other stuff).

If you're looking for a new dentist, I highly recommend her. Give them a call at (480)830-7801.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-03-04T11:55:00.008-07:00

When Granddaughter Mara, age 3, heard that I was 59 today, she said, "That's a really nice number, Grandma. I love that number!" I guess I like it too. I feel fortunate that I was able to retire at an early-enough age to really enjoy my retirement.

What did I get for my birthday? "Brother-in-law" Ron installed my big 1500-watt inverter that I had gotten in Quartzsite. The only thing I will use it for is the microwave. I have a little inverter for the TV, and a DC charger for the computer.

It's installed under the couch, next to the batteries. Check out that BIG 200-amp circuit breaker!

For those who are worried I'll get a short from the springs under the couch, the batteries do have a cover.

Now to see if the microwave works.... Hmmmmmm.... Guess I need to move some stuff....

Ah, that's better. But it's been 9 years since I've had a microwave. I hope I remember how...

What Do I Do Now?

2008-03-01T14:47:00.006-07:00

After the Dance Rally, I came out to Florence Junction with Barbara and Ron to live in this beautiful cactus garden. Our site even came with a Buddha yard decoration.

The poppies are blooming! Spring has definitely sprung in the Desert Southwest.

I can sit at my table and watch the hummingbirds dodge in and out. What could possibly be the problem!

Barbara and Ron want to leave tomorrow. What do I do? Stay here alone in paradise, or rush back to the safety of the Apache Junction Moose Lodge?

What Will YOU Do on your 80th Birthday?

2008-02-27T16:16:00.002-07:00

Go skydiving?

Probably not, but that's what my friend John Clairmont did on his 80th!

He was one of 8 WINs who took the plunge at the Dance Rally. (He's the one with the camera.)

Then, the next day, he hiked to the top of Picacho Peak.

This is not an easy hike; there are several places where you need to pull yourself up by cables.

I wish we could all be in this great shape on our 80th! Happy Birthday, John!

More Scenes from the Dance Rally

2008-02-25T14:23:00.001-07:00

The Dance Rally is over and it's time to leave. I have really had a wonderful time, and I can't tell you how many people have said they had never seen me smile so much!

The WINs cannot get together with out having a pizza party. Yum!

That's Barbara and Ron looking at the camera.

And we had the usual Talent/No Talent Show.

That's Jim, our DJ, and Judy, the dance instructor for most of the dances. Jim is an excellent dancer, who asked me to dance several times. I must have passed muster. It's always a little intimidating dancing with a guy who is an expert.

On Saturday night, instead of a DJ, we had a live "band," Dakota Kid. He came off the stage to sing "God Bless the USA." Excellent voice!

Bagpipe Bob entertained us during the break, (very popular with the ladies) and some did the Irish Jig.

On the Road to Recovery

2008-02-23T14:53:00.001-07:00

Breaking up with Randy was a real shock, and will certainly take some time to recover from. I am still really hurt and really mad. But I got an email from a fellow blogger, who said I should try to have WAY TOO MUCH FUN. Sounded like good advice to me.

Fortunately, the WIN Dance Rally was this week. All I needed was a little advertisement. I got a shirt at Goodwill and a pin explaining the situation from Too Crazy Ladies.

I think the guys got the message. And I really love to dance!

There were dance lessons all day

And dances every night.

I really love to dance!

There were also socials some afternoons.

Did I mention I really love to dance??

Goldfield Ghost Town

2008-02-15T21:26:00.007-07:00

I have to admit I've never stopped here before because it looked like a tourist trap that costs money. But it doesn't! At least not to walk the streets of the town. So in I went.

There were lots of my favorite things, rusty stuff, to photograph.

And a bordello, near a chapel.

With the Superstition Mountains in the background, it was a beautiful spot.

Barbara found a guy with a big bag of gold, and immediately started flirting with him!

World Championship Hoop Dance Contest

2008-02-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday in Phoenix was the 18th Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest. Dancers from tribes all over the US and Canada compete in different age groups, accompanied by teams of drummers and singers. Here is one of the Youth Division, aged 6-12, with the drummers and singers in the foreground.

This is Dallas Chief Eagle, a Rosebud Sioux from South Dakota, waiting to go on. He was in the "Senior Division," for dancers over 39! Seniors seem to get younger every day....

The number of hoops used ranged from 5 to about 20. Dallas seemed to have the most.

A contestant in the teen division, age 13-17.

Brian Hammill, the 2nd place winner in the adult division, from Phoenix.

This nice young man tried to show my how it was done, but I just didn't get it.

The Green Desert

2008-02-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

With all the rains we've had, I decided to take a side trip to Ajo to see the green desert. There are lots of great rock formations just north of town.

I was surprised to find my favorite camping spot full of Escapee Boondockers. Even though I don't belong, they invited me right in. This is a great group; they really believe in solar power. Wow! I even found some old friends, Ron and Gloria, and finally got to meet Froggi Donna, whose blog I had been reading.

A trip to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was next on the agenda. Organ Pipe cacti are common in Mexico, but in the US are only in this one small area. They like the sunny south side of the hills. Everything was soooo green!

Although the west side of the park is closed because of illegal alien activity, you can still do the 21-mile Ajo Mountain Drive loop on the east side. This is the hike to Arch Canyon on that loop.

Wait! What's this? The first spring flower!

It was Doc's birthday, and he bought pizza for everyone. Apparently this is an annual event, so mark your calendars for February 6th, Cole Rd in Ajo, for free pizza!

Shamelessly Cheesy Grandbaby Pictures

2008-02-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

After Quartzsite, Diana had to run over to San Diego to get another "grandbaby fix." Mara enjoyed trying on Grandma's cowboy hats. The popcorn shirt she has on is the one they are selling at all the flea markets. It's supposed to be for adults, but one size fits all, and she loved it.

Like every other 3-year old girl, she's really, really into Princess stuff.

She has quite an assortment of clothes and shoes. Here she's playing the games on the Sesame Street website.

Grandma and Jonathan watched the Super Bowl together. He likes to watch football, but lost interest quickly when he found out the Chargers weren't playing.

He's 4-months old now, and we tried to feed him some "solid" food, but he didn't seem to understand the food was supposed to go down his throat, not down his chin!

His favorite thing is jumping in his Fisher Price Jumperoo. Every 4-month old should have one!

The Man Who Wears Three Socks

2008-01-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well-known to all the Snowbirds in Quartzsite, Paul Winer is famous as the "Naked Bookseller."

A very personable guy, Paul seems to love posing with everyone. It was in the 50s when we were there, and I was chilly, but he seemed fine.

He's moved to a new location this year, on East Main St., in a real building. The selections were great, and Barbara and I each bought some.

There is a sad side to his story. His daughter, Celia, died in 1995 at the age of eight. She herself was famous for being one of the smallest babies ever to survive, at 1 1/4 pounds. Paul and his wife Joanne have made a large 20-acre garden in her memory.

Many trails wind through the various unusual displays.

This wagon is from the late 1800s, and is thought to be one of the original wagons used to haul goods from the ferry in Ehrenburg to Quartzsite.

The rest of the story of Celia, and Celia's Garden, can be found here.

The Biggest Flea Market in the World!

2008-01-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

Quartzsite, Arizona -- the grandaddy of them all. The whole town is one big flea market, and the busiest time is the last two weeks of January, when the RV show comes to town. The first thing I did was stop and get a window awning. The whole transaction, including installation, took about 15 minutes.

Then out to where 150 WINs are parked, on Plomosa Road, about 7 miles from the center of town.

I'm parked in the "ditch" near the first hole of our desert golf course.

Friday was the big tournament -- The 4th Annual Marty O. Masters Invitational Golf Classic Open," or something like that. My rig is on the right side of the picture.

We use tennis balls instead of golf balls, but it's not as easy as it looks. Here you can see Bertie's shot went about 2 feet.

Next, on to shopping at the RV show. Finding a parking place was a real challenge!

This year the show was in 3 tents, instead of the one big one they've had in the past. If you don't find it here, they don't make it!

Shopping is definitely different here. This is one of the other areas around town.

Today, Barbara, Ron, and I went up to the top of "Q Mountain." Great view of all the rigs and vendors.

The "big tents" from the top.

Hike to Wind Cave

2008-01-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

Diana, Barbara, and Ron felt like hiking, so they headed off to Usury Mountain State Park in Phoenix to go up to Wind Cave. They are aiming for that stripe around the mountain about 2/3 of the way to the top. The desert was green and happy from the recent rains.

Almost there!

Here we are at Wind Cave. Nice, but not as good as the scenery on the way up.

From here, you can see the Phoenix air marker in the distance. We've always wondered why it was there and how it got there.

It's visible for quite a distance on the ground too.

Turns out it was built in 1956 by some Boy Scouts. Still don't know why. Maybe the pilots were having a hard time finding Phoenix?

From a Three-Year-Old's Eyes

2008-01-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm Mara. Grandma Diana bought me a camera for Christmas. It's a Fisher Price, made just for 3-year-olds, with 2 viewfinders.

Here's Grandma trying to figure out how to operate my new camera, but I was too fast for her.

The view from a three-year-old's eyes includes a lot of butts!

Dinner is always a surprise. Can't tell much from the bottom of the dishes.

Here's my most artist shot. I carefully lined up all the iced tea glasses as foreground for my picture of Grandma Lora, Jonathan, and Mommy.

The Largest City Park in the World?

2008-01-09T21:26:00.000-07:00

It says so on the internet, so it must be true, huh? This is South Mountain Park, 7 miles south of downtown Phoenix. Most of the facilities were built in the early 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). There are 51 miles of hiking trails in the park.

The view of the "skyscrapers" of downtown Phoenix from Dobbins Point.

A young Native American woman working at the park seemed mesmerized by the view, even though she probably sees it every day.

There's a forest of TV antennas on the top of the mountain.

And lots of petroglyphs around, but I didn't see them. Maybe next time.

Near the park is the Mystery Castle, built 1930-45 by Boyce Luther Gulley for his daughter. He must have been one wacky dude! His daughter still gives tours of the castle.

Our Year in Review

2008-01-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

It's been another fine year, doing what we want, as free as we can imagine, drifting from south to north and back.

Some statistics--

Miles driven: Randy 10,000; Diana 13,000
Gas cost: Randy $2000; Diana $3000
Different spots camped: 103
Days with the WINs: 61

We each tried to picked our highlights. After a lot of careful thought, Randy came up with his:

1.Bagby Hot Springs, near Estacada, OR. Not only a great hot springs, but a terrific hike through old growth forest.

2.Camping at cool mountain passes.

3. Open ended wandering with no specific destination in Oregon.

Diana did not have any trouble coming up with her top 3:

1. Her new grandson, Jonathan, joined big sister Mara on October 1st.

2. Her new trailer (the one on the right), and the improvements we made to it.

3. The Cascade Lakes near Bend, OR. Wow! They were a real surprise.

The Backlands of Yuma

2007-12-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

RV parks soak up thousands of winter visitors, while the backlands absorb the odd hundreds. Those like us who are undisposed to the ordered lifestyle opt for the backlands.

In addition to the Yuma VFW and the state land around town, which we've already mentioned, there are lots of campable little nooks and crannies around the area.

Diana found this terrific piece of BLM land north of the Foothills. Again, all you need is a good map.

Three years ago, we spent months on Indian land along the All American Canal, while Randy built his trailer. A $45 fishing license is all that is required.

Ogilby Rd west of Yuma is another of our favorites, with great sunsets and access to world-class sand dunes.

This is John, a "compleat nomad," settled in at Yuma Lakes, another little hideaway of ambiguous ownership.

Clever Canadians cluster here in these two hideaways near the VFW.

Talking about boondocking in free places always moves Randy to poetry.

Backlands

Way out West, we're deeply blessed
With lots of public land.
Come camp with me where parking's free
And sky curves down to sand.

Here you won't find the wealthy kind--
They camp in an RV park.
And that's okay in its own way,
But it lacks the wildness spark.

Cheerful codgers and artful dodgers,
And those of the gypsy brood,
From far and near make camp out here
In warm solitude.

Oh I'm content to dodge the rent
Till springtime lets me roam.
Come out and see my gal and me
In our backlands home.

How Do Modern Nomads Celebrate Christmas?

2007-12-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

With decorations and pot luck snacks on Christmas Eve in our "Winwam"

With a "Peoples' Performance" (PP), an instant show we whip up using our own talent

With terrific fireside companionship, and conversations that are spirited and fascinating.

On Christmas Day, our neighbors, the VFW, invited us to a combined pot luck dinner.

We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Randy Hosts WIN Christmas

2007-12-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

Randy was more or less drafted to host our annual WIN Christmas and New Years gathering at the little piece of BLM land behind the Yuma VFW.

On the first day, he inspired his fellow nomads with his poem "The Magic of Motion."

The Magic of Motion

We’ve earned our dollars in white and blue collars.
Our taxes are paid and filed.
The kids are grown and on their own
And we’re hearing the call of the wild.

So we purchased a rig that’s not too big
To go where the tumbleweed goes.
We’ll chase our dreams with headlight beams
Before the horn of Gabriel blows.

We will roll like a stone away from the known,
Losing our moss in that stream
Where the bump and bumble of downstream tumble
Shapes rocks of splendor and gleam.

Seizing the day; we run out and play;
Hurry to the party and dance.
Awaken the urge to love and merge,
Giving cupid a sporting chance.

Clearing our head of hate and dread,
We drift ‘’til we’ve left them behind.
The winds of travel can blow and unravel
Those cobwebs from our mind.

Away from the cities, hassles and pities,
We range like the wolf and the bison,
Viewing stars at night without city light
And the sun on both horizons.

With relaxed intent, we move through events
Like the edge of a fast-moving knife.
So we road pioneers live three hundred years
In the span of a single life.

Life loves motion!— like waves love the ocean
And though our kids and kin fear the worst,
We polish our souls as radials roll
Down roads of the universe.

The human race are but dots in space,
But moving dots can burst into light.
Before we die, we will light the sky
As streaking meteorites.

Winter Wonderland

2007-12-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

The Yuma Foothills is a unique community, where you can buy a lot and either build a house, or live in your RV. This great idea has attracted 20,000 residents, mostly retired Snowbirds.

To drive around the Foothills is an inspiration. Even though it's a very individualistic idea, the residents manage to come together for all sorts of events and activities.

Those on 55th Street get together and dazzle everyone with their rendition of "The Night Before Christmas."

Some of the houses were decorated in great detail. It seemed like every surface was covered. This house had a ferris wheel!

This was Diana's favorite.

Even their dogs get decorated!

The Settlers and the Nomads

2007-12-12T15:55:00.001-07:00

That's us down there, parked on State Land near the Yuma Foothills, enjoying the solitude with Ron and Barbara.

Randy was so moved by the contrast of our parking spot, compared to those in the Foothills, that he was once again moved to poetry.

The Settlers and the Nomads

For 80,000 bucks
You can buy a Foothills square,
A lot to call your own,
And you can settle there.

Build yourself a castle
Or just a modest shed;
Live in solid comfort
Until you are dead.

But look! Out in the desert!
Those nomads ranging free
Paid only fifteen bucks
For a state land permit fee.

There's no right or wrong here,
Each finds his proper groove.
The settler wants to settle;
The nomad wants to move.

I've made my choice--I swear
So long as I have gonads,
I'll pay the 15 bucks,
And live among the nomads.

A Brilliant Invention

2007-12-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

Boondockers know that it pays to tilt your solar panels during the winter months. For most, this means a burdensome and dangerous trip up to the roof.

Our friend, Ron, decided to invent a way to raise and lower panels from the ground. To see the video, click on the black triangle.

He purchased gas struts from The Gambler in Quartzsite, but they can also be found at auto supply stores.

The springed latch is made for a screen door, and was purchased at Ace Hardware.

Ron is a very clever guy who regularly "tweaks" his rig for greater efficiency.

Happily Ever After

2007-12-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

This German couple, Georg and Rhea, lead a fairy tale life, wandering the world in this specially engineered RV, a wonder of electronics and practical design.

Their story is even more fascinating than their rig. Early in their married life, they decided that their goal would be financial independence, then ceaseless travel in moderate climates.

They established a business of preparing scientifuc documents, working 6 days a week for 13 years, and saving every penny till at last they were free.

Now for the past 20 years, they have enjoyed themselves on several continents. Both are superbly healthy, likable, intelligent people, proving that the good life can be earned and lived.

We crossed paths with them at the Slabs. What a joy to interact with this couple who are doing it just right!

On the Fringes of the Slabs

2007-12-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

On the northern fringe, Container Charlie has made his home and his mark. The container he lives in, complete with satellite dish, and the ground he has claimed, hint of his rather broad creative endeavors.

This is Moth, Charlie's friend, watchman and caretaker of the museum Charlie is building. His intent is to transform the junk all around him into art works.

Here are two completed projects, a van and a car, that powerfully express something.

The detail on the vehicles is just amazing.

Charlie was at work when we visited. Moth explained that he works one week and can then "coast" for a month. How many Americans could do that?

The Slabs chapter of Loners on Wheels occupies the southern fringe. They are a nationwide organization for RVing singles.

A hundred or so members cluster here in the winter, enjoying the company of one another and the fairly extensive facilities they have built, such as a kitchen, library, game room, dance floor, and a shelter. They safeguard their holdings in the summer by hiring a "slab sitter."

On the eastern fringe runs the beautiful Coachella Canal, lifeline for man, beast and crops. This is snowmelt from the Colorado mountains, clean, cool, revered almost to the point of worship, squabbled over, and meticulously subdivided by farmers all along its 123-mile course from the All-American Canal near Yuma through the Coachella Valley.

There's a big story here. Can you see it? Side by side, the old and the new concrete-lined canal, completed last year. Too much water was lost to seepage in the old canal.

We say goodbye to the Slabs for now. As Thoreau said, we leave for as good a reason as we came: We have many more lives to lead and cannot spare any more time for this one.

Slabs Amenities

2007-12-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

Slabs residents come from all over, some fleeing high rent or high stress, others seeking adventure. They have in common the gumption to get mobile, and to come to this lonely, remote desert. Like people everywhere, however, they have the urge to connect, create, and contribute. Here are a few of their creations.

The library was begun by Peggy Sadlik, and is continued by her friend, Ron.

It's a fair library, well used, with hundreds of volumes neatly organized. Ron stays here 6 months of the year, sorting and tweaking without pay.

Here's a brush arbor reading room.

Ron has built a memorial to Peggy, who died 5 years ago.

And what's this? What's so brave about playing golf?

Dodging rattlesnakes and falling bombs! This desert course is laid out in the adjacent military bombing range.

The pet cemetery is considered a Slabs holy ground, respected by all and much visited.

Homemade tombstones tell heartfelt stories.

Into the Slabs

2007-12-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

The Slabs are a real-life outland; a desert "Freedom Zone," more or less outside the rules and restraints of conventionality; an accidental experiment in anarchy. A hundred or so call it home, a few hundred more come visit in the winter.

To see it is to be underwhelmed, many hurry away on first encounter.

Yet Sean Penn came here to film "Into the Wild." CBS and ABC did segments on it. Several independent and foreign filmsters documented it. National Geographic came. High dollar motor homes and junkyard trailers are parked within shouting distance of each other.

What is so different about this one square mile of scrub desert, 3 miles east of Niland, CA? It is the most free place in America! The only permanent free campground in the Western world. You can, honest to God, come here and live rent-free for the rest of your life.

We love this bubbling cauldron of eccentricity and hope to give you a sense of it, here and in posts to come.

"The Hole" Certainly one of the most famous showers in the world. A warm stream falls into and runs out a concrete tunnel. Thousands have bathed here.

The protocol is to wait your turn out of sight.

One of the first things you see when entering the Slabs is Salvation Mountain!

It's made of mud, laced with straw, formed and painted; the major life work of Leonard Knight, a gentle religious guy. He did a different thing and the world beat a path to his door. He's been featured on CBS, ABC, and National Geographic, as well as in "Into the Wild."

Gateway to an alternative world. Other than this guard shack, only concrete slabs remain as evidence of a once bustling marine base.

You'll also see this stage, called "The Ranch," in the Penn movie. The singer featured in the movie is "Insane Wayne," who was brought from jail to perform his Slab song. Every Saturday night locals perform. Spotlights and amplifiers are solar/battery powered.

Randy Gets the Story

2007-11-29T10:36:00.001-07:00

Randy is drawn to eccentrics (like himself), and always wants to "get the story." Here on the streets of Calipatria, CA, he approaches traveling artist Robert Guesinard, age 59, originally from Pecos, Texas. Robert wanders full-time, pushing, not riding, this elaborately-packed bicycle, that has neither pedals nor seat.

Proud of his lightweight lifestyle, he explained each component: tent, water, food, clothes, flashlight, Bible, etc. He wanders the warm areas during winter and northward during summer at the rate of about 20 miles per walking day. He pitches his tent in the bushes at night.

His lifestyle is testament to a strong determination to be free of drudgery. He (and Randy) and every vagabond he ever met will do without luxuries, and comforts if need be, to preserve their freedom to wander.

He talked a blue streak, but there was something he needed to hear. Randy couldn't tell him. But then, wonder of wonders, our old friend, Chuck Januska, appeared as if by magic. He had the poem by Robert Service in his head and shared it with us.

The Men That Don't Fit In

There's a race of men that don't fit in,
A race that can't stay still;
So they break the hearts of kith and kin,
And they roam the world at will.
They range the field and they rove the flood,
And they climb the mountain's crest;
Theirs is the curse of the gypsy blood,
And they don't know how to rest.

If they just went straight they might go far;
They are strong and brave and true;
But they're always tired of the things that are,
And they want the strange and new.
They say: "Could I find my proper groove,
What a deep mark I would make!"
So they chop and change, and each fresh move
Is only a fresh mistake.

And each forgets, as he strips and runs
With a brilliant, fitful pace,
It's the steady, quiet, plodding ones
Who win in the lifelong race.
And each forgets that his youth has fled,
Forgets that his prime is past,
Till he stands one day, with a hope that's dead,
In the glare of the truth at last.

He has failed, he has failed; he has missed his chance;
He has just done things by half.
Life's been a jolly good joke on him,
And now is the time to laugh.
Ha, ha! He is one of the Legion Lost;
He was never meant to win;
He's a rolling stone, and it's bred in the bone;
He's a man who won't fit in.

Robert, the traveling artist, was stunned to silence, like God had whispered to him. Chuck and Randy gave him money and left him pleasantly glowing. "That poem's about me," he said, as we walked away.

The "George Effect"

2007-11-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

Wow! Why didn't we chase George down sooner? Being mentioned in his blog on Monday increased our number of visitors dramatically.

This gentle, but adventurous guy wields a large influence. His regular readers number in the thousands and we're pleased that so many of them clicked over and gave us a look. Thanks, George!

Two Sweet Spots

2007-11-27T15:52:00.001-07:00

The first is Julian, CA, a tourist town in the mountains above Borrego Springs. This is Mom of Mom's Pie House, making apple pies by the thousands.

Cider apples after the big squeeze.

The second sweet spot is Palm Canyon in Anza Borrego State Park near Borrego Springs. There are 3 surprises here. The first is the sudden appearance of water up a dry canyon. Just downstream from here it sinks into the ground. That's Barbara and Ron hiking with us.

Add a touch of water to any desert and life flourishes.

The second surprise is this beautiful oasis deep into the canyon. You'd think someone planted these palms, but they are native. Once they were everywhere, then the climate got too dry. This is one of the few surviving groves.

Bats, rats and insects find shelter in the brushy coating.

The third surprise is that Desert Bighorn Sheep are holding their own here and sometimes appear. If we had seen any, they would have looked like this!

We Found George !!

2007-11-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Last night, Diana noticed that George and MsTioga, the famous RV blogging team, were parked only a few miles away! So early this morning, we went to meet them in person.

George was most gracious, and we had a great conversation about our similar camping styles. We got our picture taken by Little Mavicito, and Mr. Datastorm posted our picture to their blog here. Wow!

George is a famous traveler who became famous through his travels. He solitarily wanders the continent, filming and blogging his adventures, and sharing them with a vast readership. He broadens our world, taking us with him on his odyssey. He may be living proof of the "polishing effect" of adventure.

The Saga of Marshal South

2007-11-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

We're off to climb Ghost Mountain to see the improbable homestead of Marshal and Tanya South. With us are Barbara and Ron.

The remains of their 16-year occupancy, which ended in 1948.

A cistern on the right, which we calculated to hold 500 gallons.

Randy looks down into history. Marshal South authored over 100 articles and poems for Desert Magazine during their time here.

A catch basin, one of several, carefully located to catch whatever rain fell, then transferred to the big cistern. Barbara thought it would make a great hot tub.

A trash pile - Randy says the bulk of the cans once contained condensed milk, beans and canned meat.

This nearby Agave, or Century plant caught Randy's interest. They grow for 20 years or so, then surge upward, seed, and die.

Many fantasize living a radical lifestyle. Here was a family that actually did it. Inspirational! For the full story, click here.

Thanksgiving in the Desert

2007-11-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

With over 100 WIN friends, we gathered in the desert at Borrego Springs, CA to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Servers at the ready!

Twelve turkeys, and every conceivable side dish and desert.

Randy filled up and ate 3 plates full.

Barbara and Ron are finally back from their big tour back East.

Does it get any better than this?

Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival

2007-11-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

At a rest area, Randy met some nice folks enroute to Yuma's balloon festival, who gave him a balloon cookie. Later at the festival, they invited him to join the chase team. This sign by a neighboring balloonist hints at the drama of chasing.

But first, the balloon must be inflated. That pretty lady with Randy is Sally Heinrich, the flight commander; diminutive, but unequivocal.

Randy and Philip spreading out the balloon. Philip and Sally, husband and wife, alternate piloting.

Inflation in minutes!

A mighty blast of fire stands the balloon upright. Randy helps Mary and Mike, the regular crew.

Holding down, holding down, and then----

Up, up and away! A wonder just shy of a miracle. Randy took off with the chase crew. At the landing ritual, Sally briefly explained the history of hot air ballooning. Benjamin Franklin watched the first ones fly!

Randy was moved to poetry.

Balloons at Yuma

Paper thin, hummingbird light
Huge, ungainly, sunburst bright,
Colorful pod of whales in flight.

The Sights of Yuma

2007-11-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

Yuma is full of Old West history, mainly because it was the only place the Colorado River could easily be crossed. A ferry operated right here, taking Gold Rushers to California. Of course, more water flowed through in those days.

This railroad bridge, built in 1923, is still part of a very busy train line, the only place trains can cross the river for hundreds of miles. The grey bridge next to it is the original 1915 bridge that completed the Ocean to Ocean Highway, and is still in use today.

Yuma Territorial Prison is a living museum of the Old West. More than 3,000 desperadoes, including 29 women, convicted of crimes ranging from polygamy to murder, were imprisoned in rock and adobe cells here during the prison's 33-year existence between 1876 and 1909.

The Yuma Union High School occupied these buildings from 1910 to 1914. Empty cells provided free lodging for hobos riding the freights in the 1920s and sheltered many homeless families during the Great Depression.

The cells, main gate and guard tower are still standing, providing visitors with a glimpse of convict life in the Southwest a century ago.

An engraved invitation to a hanging!

Nearby is the St. Thomas Indian Mission, founded in 1780 by Padre Garces, who is represented in the statue. He was massacred by Indians in 1781. This building is a replica of the original mission, and is still an active parish.

Diana Goes Over to the "Dark Side"

2007-11-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

Oh no!!!! But it's true! While Randy's in Phoenix, I decided to try staying in a real RV park with hookups, just to see if I was missing anything.

Each day there were 35-40 activities to choose from. It was just exhausting trying to get my money's worth!

Two of the 5 swimming pools in the park. The big topic of conversation always seemed to be which one of these two was one degree warmer than the other.

While everyone was really nice, and I had a great time, I decided that I would really rather be out in the boondocks. My neighbor's park model kind of blocked my view of this gorgeous sunset!

Three Little Pumpkins

2007-11-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

While Randy went to Phoenix to take care of some stuff, Diana hurried back to San Diego to see her grandbabies.

This neighborhood really goes all out for Halloween! But where's the third pumpkin????

There she is!!! Molly was soooooo embarrased!

Mara is such a good big sister. Jonathan is a month old now.

Diana went to see the Mission San Diego de Alcala.

This was California's very first church, founded in 1769.

While in the area, Diana stayed at the El Cajon Elks lodge, under a great big pine tree. What? A pine tree in San Diego???

Or is it????

Pioneertown

2007-11-03T20:30:00.001-06:00

We thought maybe we haven't talked about enough old towns, so here's another one. We promise this is the last one, at least for a while! Pioneertown, located just outside Yucca Valley, CA, isn't really an old town anyway.

It was built in 1946 as a movie set for westerns, and to provide a place for the actors to live, and have their homes used as part of a movie set. Roy Rogers was one of the original investors.

There's entertainment here on the weekends, but during the week, it's a pretty sleepy town.

By the way, these three pictures are all HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos. They're made from multiple shots of different exposures. A computer program then combines the shots. The goal is to have the picture look more like what your eyes see. The bright colors are not blown out and the shadows are not as dark.

Joshua Tree

2007-10-24T15:29:00.000-06:00

Joshua Tree National Park is unique and beautiful, both for the vegetation and the rocks that climbers love so well.

Diana went on three short hikes as she toured the park. The first was Hidden Valley, whose rock formations enclose a valley which may have been a hideout for 19th century cattle rustlers.

The second hike was to Barker Dam, built in the early 1900s, but enlarged in the 1950s by William Keys. Needless to say, it was dry at this time of the year.

On the same trail was evidence of the earlier inhabitants of the Joshua Tree area. Unfortunately, these petroglyphs were defaced by a movie crew that painted over them in order to make them more visible to the cameras.

The best hike by far was the one to Wall Street Mill, the remains of a stamp mill operated by William Keys sporatically from 1930 to 1966 to process gold ore from his mines and the mines of others.

On the way to the mill, an old photogenic pink ranch house amused Diana.

There were lots of old rusted vehicles along the trail, and in the wash near the mill.

Also along the trail, which used to be the road, "Here is where Worth Bagly bit the dust at the hand of W.F. Keys, May 11, 1943." It's hard to believe the Wild West lasted so long here. Keys argued self-defense, but was convicted. He was paroled from San Quentin in 1948, and later pardoned, when his friends intervened and provided more information about Bagly's threats and antagonism toward Keys.

Side Trip to Babyville

2007-10-20T15:47:00.001-06:00

Diana just couldn't wait any longer to see her new grandson, Jonathan, so while we were parked at Apple Valley, she made a quick trip down to San Diego in her car.

She went to a local pumpkin patch with the family, and found a miracle! Pumpkins growing on strawberry plants!

Mara quickly found just what she wanted, a white Ghost pumpkin, and hurried off to pay for it.

Jonathan slept through all the excitement.

That evening was Corrie's birthday party at Ken and Lora's house. Mara had the difficult job of putting all 32 candles on Mommy's cake.

She was soooo proud of herself!

She even helped Mommy lick the frosting off all the candles.

Deep Desert Denouement

2007-10-17T21:24:00.000-06:00

We aimed our rigs toward a cluster of dying towns, south of Ridgecrest, CA, resolved to stay the night in one of them and get the story. We rolled into Randsburg in the late afternoon with no place to stay.

Randy relishes these challenges so we set the stopwatch and sent him on a charm offensive. It took him all of 5 minutes to get us invited to the private ghost town estate of Jack and Goldie Jackson. That's Jack on the right with Cowboy Bob.

Living people in dying towns tend to be extreme individualists and often super-gracious.

So we settled in just above town and toured on foot. Diana went off to photograph things. When she's proud of them, she puts them on Flickr. Randy interviews folks.

Can you imagine opera in a dusty desert town?

Randy engages Jeanne, a local artist. Some of her work dangle behind her.

A puzzler for both of us. What is a spizzerinctum?

Another of the old small towns in the area, Red Mountain, did not seem nearly as friendly. We're guessing Marge is the ex-wife!

Alien Landscapes

2007-10-16T21:16:00.000-06:00

George Lucas was drawn here to the Trona Pinnacles as a backdrop for Star Wars. Many Sci Fi films use this area for its other-worldly ruggedness. Off we went 25 miles east of Ridgecrest, CA deep into the Mojave Desert to see this phenomenom.

Geologists explain that these are ancient lake-bottom stalagmites like the tufa of Mono Lake.

Enroute we passed this movie crew busily filming.

Another alien landscape is Fossil Falls. The mighty Owens River carved these surreal shapes as it cut through volcanic lava. The Los Angeles aquaduct now channels the river south.

Another adventure - Randy gets stuck. Diana to the rescue. Lesson to be learned: Low-slung vehicles and trailers should cross ditches at an angle - not straight across.

The Owens Lake Drama

2007-10-15T23:11:00.001-06:00

Once upon a time, there was a large beautiful lake in the Eastern Sierras, 110 square miles of water. Steamboats plied its waters. However, millions of thirsty people in Los Angeles wanted the water that fed the lake. So, with Teddy Roosevelt's approval, they took it.

The lake dried up. Dust storms blew through the valley, the locals got mad, filed a lawsuit, and won! Los Angeles will not give back the water, but will spend a billion dollars to stop the dust storms. How?

Phase one is to water the lake bed just enough to make hard mud, which resists the wind.

Phase two is to plant a tough grass that will eventually cover all 110 square miles. Thirty-one are already green. The dust storms have stopped.

We two curious travelers spent a night at lake's edge to feel the drama. This hot pool was once the focus of a lakeside spa, then later the washtub of grimy mine workers, hence its name "Dirty Socks."

We were surprised that 8 people came just to look into this pool; however, no one went into it. With the pool covered in algae, certainly understandable.

Keeler -- Town of Lost Souls

2007-10-13T10:10:00.000-06:00

Randy is drawn to dismal extremes. The movie "Bagdad Cafe" awakened his fascination for lonely, remote, end-of-the-world towns where lost souls go.

Keeler, CA is such a place, a ghost town on a ghost lake on the road to Death Valley. A local ranger called it "spooky."

Time and decay eating away this once-bustling train station.

Cars without hope also come here to die.

"Street homesteading" - Even lost souls need shelter and it can be had here for free.

We wandered this silent town, seeing no one, only the evidence of perhaps 50 people hiding hunkered in scattered abandoned houses behind 20-foot walls of bamboo. Randy ached for an interview, but no one came out.

Junk, artistically arranged, is a hallmark of dead-end towns, as are harsh and whimsical signs.

Elvis might have sung:

When yo baby's left you
And you're feeling way low down
Take the road down to Death Valley
And stop at Keeler town

We're all so lonely baby, we could die.

Everyone here has fallen
Off the ladder of success
We're all equally defeated
At our Keeler town address

We're all so lonely baby, we could die.

There is comfort at the bottom
It is peaceful way down low
So come on down to Keeler town
The place where losers go

We're all so lonely baby, we could die.

Lone Pine Film Festival

2007-10-09T19:00:00.000-06:00

With our increased boldness, we parked beside a country road, less than a mile from the festival. Next to cell towers once more, we had perfect phone service and Verizon broadband internet access.

And with this nice view out Diana's big window.

These are the famous Alabama Hills, named by local southern sympathizers to celebrate the naval exploits of the wild Confederate ship, the Alabama, that sank 62 Union ships.

The arrow is pointing to Mount Whitney. This area is called Movie Flats because over 500 movies, mostly Westerns, were filmed here.

For the festival, hundreds of still photos like this are placed exactly where each scene was shot.

As you can see, the weather was a little chilly and windy Friday and Saturday of the festival.

Diana in one of the arches in the Hills.

Randy sitting on Froggie's nose.

Finally, on Sunday, the wind died and the weather warmed, just in time for the parade. This cowboy's horse is named Segway.

Lots of Western movie stars were in the parade, but this was the only name we recognized.

Oh, but wait! Here's John Wayne, Buffalo Bill, Paladin, and Walter Brennan!

All we need now is a band.

And here it is! Six intrepid musicians!

We really enjoyed ourselves in this small town celebrating a big history.

Independence

2007-10-07T20:04:00.000-06:00

Heavy winds caught us at Independence, CA. We parked next to the Eastern California Museum and discussed where to spend the night. To Diana's credit, she said, "What's wrong with right here?" And so we did! No one troubled us. This experience has emboldened us and we are now willing to risk parking in more "iffy" areas.

The museum had lots of century-old farming machinery. Diana was particularly interested in this complicated mule-drawn threshing machine. Farming stopped in 1910 when Los Angeles bought up the entire valley for its water rights.

Molly admires the completed cabinet. It now has a back, and the heater has been attached. Diana is thrilled.

To refresh your memory, here is the "before" picture, showing the factory-installed dinette and the lack of floor space.

Sierra Hikes

2007-10-06T17:50:00.000-06:00

Moving on to Bishop, we stayed at one of our favorite campgrounds, Horton Creek. An inexpensive BLM site, it has amazing views.

Diana went on a couple of great hikes. This one, along the east side of Lake Sabrina, promised great fall color.

And it delivered! She got so many good pictures, it was hard to pick one. There are, of course, more on Flickr.

She also went again on her favorite hike, through the Little Lakes Valley.

This hike starts out at 10,000'. The good news is that it doesn't rise much after that, and the trail goes by lake after lake after lake. Incredible!

Diana's New Grandbaby

2007-10-02T14:32:00.000-06:00

Meet Jonathan Ellis Clay, Diana's new grandson, born October 1st, and weighing in at a hefty 9 pounds, 3 ounces. Brian and Corrie are just thrilled, as is big sister Mara, who just turned 3.

Bridgeport to Bishop - Hot Springs Galore

2007-09-28T15:10:00.000-06:00

This area is rich in natural hot springs. This beautiful one is Travertine Hot Springs, just outside Bridgeport.

The travertine rock dome is formed by minerals leaching out of the hot water. The narrow groove was cut to channel the too-hot water down and over a cooling span of rock.

Here's proof that the best things in life are free.

Another tub at Travertine. Randy's getting the story from a local copper artist.

Clever temperature control system. The sock shunts off excess water.

Diana finally got a photo of this fidgety dragonfly.

One of many natural hot springs in the Hot Creek area near Mammoth Lakes, CA. This one has the redundant name of "Hot Tub." A movable pipe controls flow and temperature. Randy philosophizes with Dacia and her son Clay, originally from Hawaii.

"Hot Tub" hot tub was so nice that we camped nearby to prolong the pleasure.

This spring, called Punky's Pool, is another of the Hot Creek springs.

It's on a hilltop, with a magnificent 360-degree view.

And here's the big secret! These classic books tell all you need to know about hot springs, including pictures, directions, and whether you can camp there. Written by Marjorie Gersh-Young, they are dedicated to Jayson Loam, the "King of the Hot Springs," who originally found and published information on natural hot springs for us all to enjoy.

Mono Lake - Worth Fighting For

2007-09-26T10:52:00.000-06:00

Mono Lake, 100 miles around, has no outlet except evaporation (4 ft per year), no fish, but has billions of alkali flies and trillions of brine shrimp, food for millions of migrating birds and coastal gulls, who fly all the way here to mate and raise their young.

Los Angeles bought the lake and, in 1941, diverted its inflowing waters south, dropping the water level dangerously low. Environmentalists fought back in the late 70s and, after a 10-year legal battle, won. The birds are happy, we're happy.

These strange towers, called tufa, appeared when the lake level dropped.

Reno

2007-09-23T21:00:00.000-06:00

We moved on to Reno, and settled in behind the Atlantis Casino. They have installed some new, louder, speakers since we were last here, and now the music blares 24 hours a day. But it's free parking!

This is bike week, called "Street Vibrations" for good reason. Why isn't Sally here?

We're in the back, just to the left of the pole. Took this shot from the escalator in the Atlantis. Surprisingly, lots of the bikes are trailered, not ridden in, like rodeo horses hauled to the show.

We were parked next to fellow WIN, Grant, and his son came by with his bright yellow bike.

After 3 nights of poor sleep, Diana found us a spot in an industrial park near an RV repair place for the nights. We were ready with our sad story. We stayed in shopping centers during the day, doing the "boondocker shuffle," as Randy has poetized:

Boondocking in the City

Let us travel more boldly,
Range into urban locales,
Dare to camp in the city
Outside campground corrals.

Enjoy its treasures and splendors
And when comes time for dreams,
Slip away from no-no land
Into the city seams.

Seams are iffy zones
Where oversight is rare.
Sleep a full eight hours,
Then move away from there.

You’re doing the boondocker shuffle,
Moving twice a day,
Living free and easy
In Phoenix or San Jose.

Randy working on the blog. He often writes, and Diana edits and does photos. We try not to kill each other. :-)

Gem of Eccentricity

2007-09-22T20:57:00.000-06:00

Continuing our journey south, we arrived in Susanville and settled in at Walmart. Riding the town's lovely bike trail, we kept seeing religious messages chalked on the asphalt.

We soon found the writer -- Wade, a strange and passionate individual, using this unorthodox method to have his say.

Randy, of course, had to get the story. Wade is one of millions of eccentric individuals that shuffle around among us, usually unseen and ignored. They fascinate Randy, however, and he seeks them out, sometimes in hidden camps and hobo jungles. With much practice, he relates to them easily, like the "brother" he is, probing for the passions and fears that animate them. Perhaps it enriches his poetry. At any rate, he thinks all us full-time RVers are at least one standard deviation from the mean.

Moving South on Green-Dotted Highways

2007-09-20T20:19:00.000-06:00

Health food junkies know what Klamath Lake is famous for -- Blue-green Algae, a superfood, is skimmed, processed and bottled here.

After a full days drive (80 miles), we drove off into the Modoc National Forest and found this "home." We were charmed enough to stay two nights. There are countless millions of good free camping places on America's public lands. To fully enjoy this good life, one must be self-contained.

Diana captured the evening magic.

Near Mt. Lassen National Park, we searched and found parking in this forest clearing.

Diana took a side trip to photograph the park. She hiked to Bumpass Hell, a beautiful mini-Yellowstone, the old eroded vent of a dormant dome volcano.

A boardwalk allows you to walk by hissing fumaroles, boiling springs, and active mudpots.

Later, back at camp, a visitor came calling. Perhaps she was curious or lonely. Whatever, she stayed a long while.

Long enough for Baby to join the party for a drink.

Molly watched the whole show from her private window, and didn't bark once.

This great old cedar tree grew at the edge of our clearing. We were delighted to discover that it is a protected tree.

Walking from Mexico to Canada

2007-09-13T17:35:00.000-06:00

Parked near the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail, one could expect great hikers and adventurers to pass. And so Todd Galewski, trail name "Burning Man," walked by, pausing a few minutes to answer our questions:

He began at the Mexican border on April 27, walking up to 30 miles per day.

He's not afraid of bears; considers them scardy cats. "They run away if you yell at them." Cougars, however, are something to fear. Hiking one night, his headlamp reflected menacing eyes that didn't run away. Instead they stalked him for 2 miles. He quickly slipped into his tent, but didn't sleep all night.

After being alone a few days, he became "rattled" by normal city traffic and noise. However, being alone made him keenly aware of the value of human contact.

Experienced hikers don't wear cotton; polyester is better.

There are people who prepare elaborate meals and wait by the trail to share with hikers.

His overall, overwhelming trip conclusion is that people are astoundingly nice and generous.

To read his journal from part of his trip, click here.

Pacific Crest Trail

2007-09-11T14:41:00.000-06:00

It got hot in Merlin, Oregon (elev 900', 95 degrees), so we rerouted ourselves east on Hwy 140 to this cool mountain pass snow park (elev 5000', 79 degrees). Nights are delightfully cool. We'll stay here till the weather breaks.

Pleasant surprise! The famous Pacific Crest trail passes through here enroute from Canada to Mexico.

So we followed it a ways through a huge lava flow, with Mt. McLoughlin (9,495') in the background.

We have to put in a picture of Diana every so often so Mara can keep track of "Trailer Grandma."

Big thanks to the trail makers and trail markers. They make it hard to get lost.

A side trip to Lake of the Woods. Randy sat in an Adirondack chair, a comfortable bit of classic design that has spread nationwide.

Molly received a surprise visit from Jimminy Cricket, who urged us to always tell the truth. Diana snapped this lucky shot before he hopped away.

Even More Tweaks!

2007-09-07T21:08:00.000-06:00

Randy's been very busy with his and Diana's ideas for improvements in her new trailer. She found some downspout extenders in Walmart(!) which seemed like a good idea.

Randy really hated the idea that you couldn't see out the back of the trailer without opening the bathroom window, because the glass was frosted.

He went to work ripping out the top part of the old window. Diana couldn't look.

Ahhhhh! Much better! The glass is tinted like all the other windows, so no one can see in. (You'd have to be 8 feet tall anyway...)

When the dinette was ripped out, it left an opening under the table into an outside storage compartment. What to do with it?

Molly had a great idea! She decided it was just right for her to see what was going on outside.

Diana found a screen to fit at Walmart! Do they have everything???

And last, but certainly not least, the cabinet has been stained and polyurathaned. All it needs now is the back.

Fort Umpqua Days

2007-09-02T21:46:00.000-06:00

With 36 of our WIN friends, we're camped along the Umpqua River in Elkton, Oregon, celebrating the town and the fur trading fort established here in 1836.

Volunteers are recreating the fort. While we were there, a new load of logs arrived.

The WINs pitched in debarking some.

This was the southernmost outpost of the Hudson Bay Company. On the grounds is an original flag from the fort.

Of course, there was a parade. Here are some of the WINs, dressed as pioneers, doing the Virginia Reel to a bagpipe tune. They even won first prize!

Randy, the French Fur Trapper. Diana thought he looked kind of dorky...

Lots going on at the festival grounds. Randy got a chance to philosophize with some mountain men.

The Umpqua River is lovely and great for kayaking.

We were parked next to a noisy flock of sheep and their "guardllama." He protects against coyotes. Some of the sheep wear clanking bells around their necks, and they must never sleep!

Also on the grounds was a butterfly pavilion, raising, feeding and ultimately releasing them to wing their way south.

Back in Eugene

2007-08-27T19:27:00.001-06:00

We're back in Eugene for another 3 days at the Valley River Mall, enjoying berries, ducks and geese at our doorstep.

Another trip to Saturday Market allowed us to see things we missed last time, like CroMagnon Croquet!

Randy just couldn't resist engaging the Prayer Booth people. At least they both parted with smiles on their faces.

Back home at the mall, the tweaking continues. It's a mystery and a frustration to us that the door windows of RVs are frosted so you can't see out. We got a piece of tinted glass to match the other windows for under $15. What a difference that will make!

Next Randy got to work on the cabinet.

Here's the first step. You can also see the new door window!

No matter what we do, Molly is verrry interested!

Advanced Boondocking 5 - Roadsides and Side Roads

2007-08-21T19:44:00.000-06:00

Thoreau said it 150 years ago: "Let the night overtake you everywhere at home." We did just that recently at this lovely pullover along the Clackamas River on Hwy 214 in Oregon. We stopped to eat a bite and got charmed into staying the night. A nearby osprey nest with 2 insistent chicks furnished the evening's drama. Mom splashed into the river and got a fine fish for them.

Here are two more roadside campsites we used recently. Of course, we avoid camping beside busy roads. The rule of thumb would be roadside camping on side roads.

Randy's friend and travel companion for many years, Arnold Eckland, would not worry himself about where to spend the night. On many occasions when Randy would stop to discuss the matter, he would look around and say, "What's wrong with right here?"

Bagby Hot Springs

2007-08-17T17:56:00.000-06:00

Find the village of Estacada, Oregon, and you're on your way to a great experience. This one-time blue collar sawmill town reinvented itself after the mill closed. It's now an artsy gateway town to the Oregon Cascades. Murals around town tell the story.

Diana liked this one about quilting.

There is a fabled sensual treasure hidden near here and we were determined to find it--a unique hot spring to make you forget all others. The way is complicated and not well marked. Locals no doubt hope to discourage the hordes. By asking twice and carefully following instructions, we found the trailhead. The treasured spring is a beautiful 1 1/2 mile hike through an old-growth forest of giant Douglas firs and red cedars.

Trailmakers here have outdone themselves, building what must be one of the best trails in America.

Two major bridges cross minor streams enroute. What do you suppose this bridge cost?

And here it is! Our timing was perfect--for awhile we had it all to ourselves. The tubs are hollowed-out cedar logs. Each has a wooden stopper and an old-fashioned wooden spigot. Tubs are left empty so each user gets a fresh fill of too-hot water. No problem! Just dip a bucket into a large vat of cold water and pour till the temperature is perfect for you.

Need a little privacy? No problem! In the building are five private rooms, each with its own cedar log tub.

The hot water for all these tubs comes from this tiny spring.

A sizable crew of volunteers is responsible for building and maintaining these facilities. Many thanks to them for a memorable experience.

A One-Legged Table

2007-08-15T10:11:00.001-06:00

We changed "domiciles" for no better reason than the hope for more sunshine in Eastern Portland. Also, it puts us near the brand new Ikea store, where Diana purchased a table and one leg. The Moose lodge in Gresham is one of our regular stops and a good place to do the installation.

Diana had a clear mental picture of her new all-purpose table configuration. Randy's job is to make it real. Out with the old, broken into small disposable pieces.

Randy's working hard, but Molly wants a kiss.

In with the new.

Voila! A table with one leg and a happy camper lady.

Timid souls are afraid to tamper with factory installations. Not Diana! She fearlessly rips out and rearranges till her nest is custom fitted to herself.

The exposed wheel well section is a problem for another day. Bookcase? Cabinet? She's still thinking. Exquisite constructions, like pyramids, are built one piece at a time.

Beaverton Extra

2007-08-14T19:21:00.000-06:00

Al steered us to the Beaverton Farmers Market. He did not steer us wrong. Here the accent is on homegrown, natural, organic, wholesome fruits, veggies, and flowers.

We saw things I didn't know existed: lemon cucumbers, "heritage" tomatoes that really taste like tomatoes. Spent a terrific half day with Al and Sally, mingling with wholesome and organic people.

Very near the Elks parking lot, we discovered exotic animals on our doorstep--two alpacas! Molly really enjoyed rubbing noses with them.

A New "Home" and a New Chair

2007-08-11T18:17:00.000-06:00

We nomads know about the empty feeling of being strangers in a strange land. Smart nomads know that "friends" are everywhere, and that there are many ways to quickly "get connected." Joining the Moose and Elks lodges was one of our better moves. These fine folks always make us feel welcome. We feel "at home," and "among friends" in short order. Hundreds of these lodges dot the landscape and most allow camping.

Here we are settled in at the Beaverton, OR Elks' spacious lot-- a perfect base from which to explore all Portland. Could anyone ask for more?

Diana is really fired up with her vision of converting her dinette into a computer-friendly area. Here is the "before" picture. The dinette is really in the way!

Here Randy completes phase one of the project: Taking out half the dinette to make room for "the chair." It takes courage to rip out perfectly servicable equipment to make way for a personal vision. The whole dinette will eventually come out, and a new table put in along the window.

But oh, how sweet the end result!