3445 E Benson Hwy, Tucson, AZ, 85706. 520-907-6848.
I don’t usually market my favorite places but I am making an exception! The el pais motel and campground is so much fun!
If you belong to Harvest Hosts- give this place a try!
if you enjoy unique, fun, interesting and funky- this might be the place for you.
I left Quartzsite last week and currently heading towards Tucson to meet up with Rose & Steven. The desert always brings new light to my world. This journey has been highlighted with traveling with special folks.
Starting around The beginning of March I will be heading back to Lakewood, Colorado- back home. Need to be back by the 8th- Max & Susan are leaving town.
Some special stories:
While spending time near the Imperial Dam in SW Arizona a murmuration of red winged black birds flew around the camp- the bright wings streaking through the sky. I did not get a picture. This picture is red winged black birds visiting my camp.
The desert may seem barren and sparse but looking into the space known as the desert it is full of life! This cactus is so healthy and lives in an RV park. Cactus are just beginning to bloom and by June will be too hot for new growth.
The desert is full of palm trees. Many different types- whole orchards of palm trees for palm oil. Some palm trees grow coconuts and more do not grow coconuts. Palm trees live a long time. One palm tree was known to live over 600 years. 150 years is more like it!
Quail run freely through the desert. They love to roam the Sandy washes/ arroyos. I was lucky one day while hiking to see seven quail cross the wash ahead of me. I saw the group several more times as they tried to escape my presence. I enjoyed the sighting without taking a picture. Here is a stock picture to check out quail.
Lots of bird sightings! Western Kingbirds, hummingbirds, sparrows, hawks and vultures have been plentiful.
The desert is wonderful in the winter. 60-70 degree days. The nights can be chilly (in the 30s- 40s). While there is regular wind the sun shines almost every day. During the winter the snakes, scorpions and tarantulas stay underground and I have yet to see one. As spring arrives so do the creatures. This lizard found on our outside rug is signaling the warmer temps and the snakes will be out soon.
Creativity in the desert!
I am a glowing human in the Arizona desert.
I had the opportunity to pick my own oranges and grapefruit. The farmer inside is smiling!
Words that have touched me- Connie Carol Cantrell! Sweet Reminders!
Traveling in the southern part of Arizona and California has it’s own perks-one being the sunsets- they are spectacular. These pitiful pictures from my iphone do NOT show the true beauty that arises almost every evening. I belong to lots of online forums- RV, Friendly women/ camper chicks, campers, Leisure Travel vans, vans for sale, boondocking, Meet at Q, Home on Wheels Ass, , RTR, over 60 solo women, Nomads helping Nomads- to name a few. Many people from these forums are currently camped in southern Arizona and California- and the evening social media is one where ALL the pictures of sunsets brighten up the screens on phones, ipads and computers. Thought I would join you in on the fun!
The desert has my heart. The solitude of being surrounded by Mother Nature allows time and space for a slower pace of living. I love the history of the land!
Currently, the states of Arizona and California are aware of the homeless/houseless issues in front of many Americans. Both states have BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and have created long term campgrounds that allow campers/ boondockers/ nomads the ability to live on designated land for $1-2.00 a day- this includes trash, water and dumping. Also many more acres that allow FREE camping for 14 days. Many many people use these facilities to live their lives.
Just got back from a jaunt where we drove through Box Canyon near Joshua National Monument. At first glance the canyon looks like it has been through a massive weather event. Researching facts:
1.This Box Canyon (there are many Box Canyons) was the route to get from east to west southern parts of California before 1-10 was built. Also known as the Mecca Hills Wilderness.
2. The only weather event known in the canyon occurred 2018. The entire canyon became a huge wash, an arroyo that rearranged the entire canyon.
3. A cult lived in the canyon until removed. Several of the cult members went on to Jim’s cult to drink the Koolaid.
4. I am going to check out Google Earth to check out what is behind those dirt ridges.
Daring Greatly- Brene’ Brown
When we stop caring about what people think, we lose capacity for connection. When we become defined by what people think, we lose our willingness to be vulnerable. If we dismiss all criticism, we lose out on important feedback, but if we subject ourselves to the hatefulness, our spirits get crushed. It’s a tightrope, shame resilience is the balance act, and the safety net is the one or two people in our lives who can help us reality-check the criticism and cynicism.
The quote above has touched my heart, mind and body. I picked up “Daring Greatly” by Brene’ Brown after three weeks of not reading any non-fiction and the book opened to page 169. The words have made a difference!
The solitude in the desert gives me time and space to hear my thoughts, ideas, beliefs, dysfunctions, wishes, wants, and needs. I give gratitude for the people, situations and experiences where being uncomfortable shines new paths, creates new ways to change and allows me to release, allow and find my own life journey.
Big SHOUT out to the people who are my safety net- those sweet humans who see me as a wholehearted person who is NOT perfect, who understand my tone, my body language, my volume, my words used because I am a passionate & overly caring human! I am trying to speak my truth while learning what my truth looks like.
Here I am in the desert near Blythe, CAlifornia. My plan is to stay in the area for several reasons:
Covid- CAlifornia and Arizona are spiking so MY plan is to stay out in the desert. I have food for 2-3 weeks. Propane for 2-3 weeks, access to water and a friend with a dog. Daily walks, shared brunches, reading, writing, cooking, eating, meditating, and enjoying life is the plan. My safety is important! I reevaluate my situation each day.
A rain event is happening as I type. Rain in the desert can be dangerous if one is not careful. Avoid Washes/ arroyos! Stay on higher ground. Don’t drive into sand. I am camping on a high flat area! Be prepared for generators running constantly and solar systems not producing power.
The Quartzsite area is very crowded during the MLK long holiday weekend brings people to the Big RV tent sale, an ATV race and many gatherings of nomads, campers, adventurers, 4 wheelers, etc. a Mecca for outdoor fun! Staying away from the crowds has been my goal.
While I am content – my hair is not! Hoodie hair is a reality!
I ordered an electric hair trimmer which should arrive later this week. I can’t wait! Really could not wait. I cut all the hairs that flipped inappropriately!
Yesterday I found the scissors again and cut more hair off. The scissors are dull. I have NO idea what I am doing. The right side is more difficult for me so I am a bit unbalanced.
Just wanted to share the my journey of the shorter hair.
Currently, in the Big Maria Mountains outside of Blythe,CA hanging with a fellow boondocker, Michele and her I year old Shih tzu- Tessa.
I am enjoying 2021! Currently hanging near the Colorado River in CAlifornia. Just chilling before heading further south.
Last night, I did a bad thing – I left a bag of trash outside my van. I WAS planning on walking ? the bag 200 feet to the trash bins but my comfy bed won.
Around midnight I heard the plastic bag and assumed I had rodents! A much better surprise- when I switched on the porch light I discovered the cutest Kit Fox dragging the bag of trash across the desert floor.
The Fox was small enough I wasn’t afraid and he wasn’t afraid of me either. As I gathered my bag of trash he stayed within 6-8 feet of me- moving near the front of the van near the holiday lights under my engine which are suppose to repel rodents from getting into the engine and chewing wires.
5-6 pounds is so small!
Before this trip I had a motion detector porch light installed. I had been wondering if animals would trigger the light. The light was NOT triggered by my small visitor.
Jamie Sams Medicine cards says FOX medicine is camouflage. I am thinking this is my 2021 energy!