I had the opportunity to spend almost a week in Wickenburg, AZ- December 15-21st. I camped on BLM land. I doubt I will be back in Wickenburg but I wanted to share the birds seen in the BLM land.
Cactus wrens
juniper titmouse
white crowned sparrows
curved bill thrasher
loggerhead shrike
western kingbird
northern cardinal
western Bluebird
it is Christmas Day and I am in Quartzsite, AZ. The sun is shining after 24 hours of a chilly cloudy holiday eve.. It rained a bit last night. I bought Lights to put under my engine to deter mice and pack rats- realized last night I DID decorate for the holiday. Sending each of you holiday cheer and joy WHEREever you are! We are in this together so enjoy the light, the truth and be okay right where you find yourself on this Christmas Day. oh my I could use a hug! Virtual hugs please!
On my bucket list has been to drive and find wild horses. There are many western states that have wild bands of horses and I have wanted to see!
During a day of hikes I noticed a lone wild horse near the parked vans. After a long day of hiking we were driving out of the wilderness in New Mexico I noticed more horses up the road as Rose and Steven drove near them.
Rose & Steven pulled over to the right side of the road right after this group of horses. I pulled up behind their van as wild young stallions were furiously fighting among themselves. Just like in the movies- horses rearing on their back legs to come crashing down on another horses chest with their front legs. All of this fighting was occurring 10-13 feet away from my van. It was scary and exciting.
Just as I noticed the horse stuck in barbwire I saw Steven heading to get some tools. I had been inspired by Steven and his tools to go through my tools and For some reason the day I left Lakewood I put a full size wire cutter under the passenger seat. I handed him the wirecutters and he surveyed the problem. In the picture of the horses the small horse on the left is the foal of the mare stuck in the fence (the 2nd horse on the left)
While Steven worked his way around the fence to get to the rear of the horse since the front of the horse had a young wild stallion trying to protect the mare or was just pissed that we were in his territory. I think the young stallion was an yearling and it was his mother catch in the fence. I tried to keep the young wild stallion at bay while Rose kept her eyes on the rest of the band of horses which included the HEAD stallion rumbling 50 feet away. The only thing we missed was to video this amazing event.
The mare was totally quiet. She never moved while Steven cut the layers of barbwire cutting into her thighs and belly. She was in shock and already knew if she moved it caused more pain. The foal in back must have known Steven was helping because the foal stayed calm, nearby its mother but not threatening. The young wild stallion was a different story. He charged me at least three times- I used my knowledge of horses to make movements and noises to intimidate the stallion- I also did not want to disturb the mare anymore than needed. On the three charge the young stallion came on to the road and I moved BEHIND my van.
The mare did not move until all the barbwire was removed from around her. When she moved into the field the lead stallion screamed into the air “a thank you and get the fuck away”.
This experience touched my heart on so many levels. Steven is a hero and I am so proud of the end results.
Sunscreen care- lotions, hats, long sleeve shirts;
Bug Repellants- sprays, lotions and swatters;
Warmth at night- extra blankets, working furnaces, a bedtime hoodie to cover the head;
Security- bear spray, hornet/ wasp spray, small baseball bat, whistles, noise makers, mace, motion detector porch light;
Food prep/ Storage- RV fridges are known for not working properly.
All said and done I got a huge sense of accomplishment this morning after I built a fire and burnt my burnable trash. My fellow traveler went into town to discard the rest of the trash. My van was clean, trash removed and a brand new day! I feel great!
Hello from New Mexico! After checking off, with WELL Done. all the health and dental issues- I hit the road on December 4th after getting my permanent crowns. The van has been updated with 200watts of solar, furnace is working well, motion detector porch light installed, a new cloth covering for the air conditioner, a new shower floor cover. My first stop was from my bucket list- I stayed at Joyful Journey Hot Springs! Yes, it is pricey but my soul would have paid much more to soak in the evening and again in the morning with vegetarian dinners and breakfast. The weather has been brisk so far on this trip. I have already winterized (remove the water from the van and add RV antifreeze) so I don’t have to worry about my pipes freezing since the nighttime temps have been under 20 degrees.
Notice the Sangre De Cristo Mountains in the background. Joyful Journey has yurts and rooms to rent. Also notice the cloth cover on the back of my van. Designed by Steven, Susan and myself. Marine snaps hold the cover in place- waterproof and hopefully dirt and wind proof! If your eyes noticed a For Sale sign- it is true- MollyG is for sale. The solar panels are on the top of the van. Ready for rolling!
I left Joyful Journey to meet up with Rose & Steven near the four corners area. We stayed at a Harvest Host in Blanco, NM- Wines of the San Juans. Great to catch up with R & S to enjoy an afternoon/evening of sipping wine, swinging and being back with family.
Masks and distancing is alive and done well in New Mexico.
We spent the next morning at Aztec, NM at the Aztec Ruins. The reconstructed ruins and the verbal descriptions from an automated phone system gave us a good idea of what was in store for us over the next few days. I do not take many pictures since others do a much better job and I really need to watch my own feet to stay safe. If interested- Go to my daughter’s FaceBook page to see the great pictures and descriptions. Rose Pon- Facebook.
The 2nd part of the day was checking out petroglyphics in Crow Canyon on our way to Chaco Canyon. Here is a picture Rose took.
The days have been in the 50’s and can get cold quickly so what you see is my warm bag lady outfit. Long johns and cordaroy pants on the bottom and a sweatshirt, a long sleeve shirt with long johns on top. Backback has water, scarves, gloves, hat, etc.
Met a young American native photographer at Crow Canyon. His work is used in creating stories to help people understand the land. Trying to help others protest all the oil & gas rigs in New Mexico. It is not pretty! Also told me about a book to read “House of Rain. John told me about Changing Woman who I felt a kinship- I am going to research her. John was looking for hourglass petroglyphics that represent Changing Woman.
The day we spent at Chaco was full! We walked to all the ruins but two which the distance was too far for our time span. Interesting, to see the ruins and how people lived hundreds of years ago. The road in to Chaco Headquarters is horrid and I will never take an older van down those roads again. I wonder if 4 wheel drive would help the drive?
Not sure, but think this is Bonita Village ruins in the background.
We spent the night at the parking lot of AH-SHI-SLE-PAH. I was tired from all the walking at Chaco Canyon and it was a chilly morning so I thought I would not go but I had woke up real early and was actually ready to go at 8:30. I am so glad I went because this area is my ALL time favorite place! It is magical! Every piece of blown sand created a piece of art! Every where I looked I saw Mother Nature in her wonderous ways! Not ONE bit of manmade anything. I want to come back when there is water- that trip is now on my bucket list!
Steven took this picture.
We had an amazing experience with wild horses- my first time seeing wild horses. Steven is a hero I will share on another blog.
Looking forward to get to Quartzsite by Christmas.
