Yuma and Fortuna Pond

 You can't help getting older but you don't have to get old.

 It’s November.  I’m not so sure why I should have been surprised to see all the Christmas trees and decorations at the Big K Mart on our trip into Blythe last week.  There were lots of trees, lots of decorations and lots of other things suggesting that this holiday was just around the corner.  Sometimes time gets away from all of us.

 

We’ve bought a few little Christmas gifts for our family but not many yet.  All the decorations are letting us know that it won’t be long and we’ll be on our way north to spend it with them … we hope.  Winter weather dictates it all.  Right now we’re trying to figure out where we’ll be leaving the motorhome and “Jag” while we’re gone.  We can’t leave Duchess behind which means, of course, our plans don’t include flying.

 

We went to the little library in Quartzsite.  Did you know as a non-resident you can get a library card at their library?  We didn’t know that.  It’s probably because most of the folks around the little town are non-residents who donate lots of books to them.  That’s probably good planning on their part.  It’s actually a very nice library.  There were lots of books on their shelves I hadn’t read plus many more I can download via the internet and their library website.  Local artwork was on display directing us to the doorway.  Some of the paintings were absolutely gorgeous.

 

Things are happening around here.  We had an early cold front blow through the area which meant no Jag riding for a while as it was way too windy and cold.  We’ve become pretty spoiled with the nice warm weather.  Denise pulled out and headed south.  Barbara moved her rig down to a much nicer spot but she’s still in our sites.  Toni and Doug had has over for dinner.  It was fantastic.  She fixed English-style shepherd’s pie and lemon meringue pie!!  It was so good!!  Matter of fact, it was even better than that.  It was fantastic!  We ate so much we had to roll home.

 

We made a trip to Yuma.  We were thinking we’d make a day trip to Phoenix but it was a little farther so we went to Yuma.  One of the things we intended to do was find Fortuna Pond and stop by the swap meet there. 

On the way down we came across an accident.  Evidently the marines were doing maneuvers and the maneuvers didn’t go as planned.  One marine was flight lifted to a hospital.  We always hate to come across accidents and especially one as serious as this.

 

We did find Fortuna Pond.  There were a few folks fishing, a few ATVs, a few campers but it certainly wasn’t packed.  I’m not sure we will go there but it was fun to check it out.  We looked for Denise but thought she might have seen us and was hiding in the brush!!

Check out the pond!  Wouldn’t this be a great place to learn to kayak? Problem is ... we don't have a kayak ... yet.

 

 

We had to take a little detour before we headed towards the Swap Meet.  The detour was to In-N-Out.  We hadn’t visited this year and neither had the Lairds.  I love that place!  I love the lemonade lite, I love the sauce and just love the hamburgers.  That’s where we had lunch and then a much needed car wash before we headed towards the swap meet.

 

Yuma Swap Meet

We really didn’t expect many of the vendors to be open but quite a few were.  I had thought it was a little too early.  I was wrong.  It was fun.  We walked through most of it picking up a few cheap essentials here and there but not too much.

  

We did a little shopping as you can tell

Toni and I tried on furry hoodies        Photo by Doug

Terry bought some more tools.

We weren’t there long and before you know it, we were on our way back to Quartzsite.

 

Today we bugged Toni to take the new header picture and tomorrow we'll take another long ride.  The weather should be back close to 80 so we're hoping it'll be warm enough to get out there again.

It was a nice day.  ‘Tis life on the road.

Arriving at “Q” :~( More Problems

 

Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

 

“Q” is definitely a very well known place in the world of RVers.  After all, thousands and thousands converge on this small town in January.  At that time RV parks are overflowing at the seams and deserts fill up with every type of camper and RV.  “Q” is definitely the place to be then.  However, it is not a place to be during the summer when temperatures can soar about 110.  As fall arrives so do desert dwellers start arriving in small streams.

Actually “Q” is quite empty right now.  The parks have a splattering of folks and rigs but not too many.  There are lots of prime spots still available in the BLM but folks have started going in and homesteading for the winter.  Every type and kind of RV and camping gear and be found in this area over the next five or six months.  It’s a mecca of the RV world.  Folks congregate, have campfires, join music jams and just enjoy life.  Obviously most folks are retired.  They’ve worked most their life.  They have a few short years to enjoy a nomad lifestyle while they can and that's what they want to do.  They all know the time will come that this will no longer be possible for them.  Age tends to creep up.

 Barbara & Denise – in the wide open spaces.

We pulled out of Parker not really knowing where we would be heading that day.  Would it be “Q” or would it be the Phoenix area?  It ended up being “Q”.  It was a short day … about 30 miles.   Daily rates definitely aren’t cheap but monthly rates at these parks can be a bargain.  Many can be found right around $200 a month …. well, that is except for January and February when all festivities start and the Big Tent goes up.  The rates take a steep hike for those couple of months. 

Friday morning we still weren’t sure what we were going to do.  We knew we wanted to visit Barbara and Katie (Me and My Dog) and Denise (Sassy’s on ‘Da Road).  They had arrived at “Q” and already picked their ideal location.  Driving down the road into the LTVA we felt like we had arrived.  Thus, we decided to move and spend a few days at the BLM.  After all, we had great people to visit and trails and trails to ride on.  We were thinking things were looking up.  Wrong!

Ever feel like Job?  Most of you I am sure know who Job was.  Job was hit with one problem after another.  We feel like Job.  Now we’re wondering when it’s going to stop.  No sooner had we arrived, got set up and then discovered our six house batteries may have a full charge on them but they are not supplying any power to the coach – None!  Zippo!  Zilch! 

Barbara, Denise, Terry

No power is different than little power.  With no power the water pump doesn’t work, the on board generator doesn’t start and even the refrigerator doesn’t run on LP.  Thank goodness we also brought along our little Honda 2000.  We ran it until about 10:00 last night keeping the refrigerator door shut and then started in at 7:00 this morning.  Items in the freezer remained frozen and in the refrigerator they were still quite cold.  We are hoping to have a repair person out this morning.  Barbara used him in the past.  Denise had planned on calling for an issue she had so the phone number was handy.

We hesitated about moving into the desert in the first place. The reason was because of lack of air conditioning during the middle of the very warm days.  However, we did discover that the wonderful breezes through the open windows have done more to cool down the inside of the motorhome than the air conditioner did.  We like it here but obviously would like it better if everything was working as it should.  It’ll certainly be interesting to see how today goes and if “Bob” gets us all fixed up.  Our fingers are crossed as well as our toes.

Remember the little Verizon phone I mentioned we added to our list of gadgets?  Well, it was definitely a deal.  The phone was picked up at Wal-Mart.  The price of the phone itself was $14.98 but it included $10 worth of air time bringing the cost of the actual phone down to $4.98.  When we set up the phone we were given an option of plans.  This phone was just to be used as a temporary phone when we were in areas without a signal for our AT&T phones.  We wouldn’t be using it every day and actually we were hoping the need for it would be less than more. Verizon has a option where you can pay only for the days you use it.  That was the plan that would work best for us and at $1.99 per day was the cheapest option.  We think it was definitely a deal.

------

So, this is Bob.  We think he knows what’s wrong.  We’re hoping this is the end of our problems.  That’s what we’re hoping.

And, now it seems all we know is that stupid tire we blew took a lot of things with it.  The ,transfer switch has now been replaced along with the main battery cut-off and we still have no 12 volt to the coach.  None, zero, zilch.

After nearly all day and replacing lots of wires and expensive gadgets, guess what they found ... a bad fuse.  We now have 12 volt to the coach.  Terry's talking to "Bob" while I update this blog.  The bill is next.  I don't want to see it.

'Tis an expensive life on the road.

Zipping Through Quartzsite in September?

 

If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.

Now that we’ve got the things we needed to do behind us we almost feel as if we’re on vacation.  When else do you have a rental car, a hotel and run around all day looking at things.  Isn’t that vacation?  Actually, we are staying longer than we figured.  We didn’t bring much in the line of leisure clothes so we went shopping.  We know lots of discount places in this area.  One place I really like is the Dillard’s Outlet.  We had one of these when we lived in Dallas.  Everything is at least 65% off and many things are reduced much more than that.  Terry needed pants and wanted a couple of new shirts plus other stuff.  There are definitely some great places to find stuff in this area.

Check out the bargain on this tag!  Regular price $425 – Sale price $148.75.  What a bargain!!  You'd think the t-shirt would be nice looking but I didn’t even like it!

Monday we decided to take a drive.  Boy, did we take a drive.  We went to Parker and Quartzsite.  Normally we only visit these places during the winter months.  We didn’t expect to see those places popping with people.  We also didn’t expect to see any RVs boondocking on BLM land.  Temperature was over 100 degrees!  However, we did see 3 RVs out there and they were boondocking!!  Many places in Quartzsite weren’t open yet but there were a few locals around.  We were going to stop at the Palo Verde Restaurant but it was even closed.

A while back I wrote a blog comparing the local law enforcement in that town to how we think of Boss Hogg.  Thus, we were anxious to get an update on the local Chief of Police, the mayor and the police officers who had been placed on administrative leave.  Rumor has it that the officers are now working for the Parker Police Department and the Chief of Police is on administrative leave while being investigated.  Other officials on the City Council have been replaced and the town appears to be trying to clean things up.  Well, that’s only how it appears but I have no idea.  That’s the rumors.  My previous blog is here.

While in Parker we did a couple things.  First of all we renewed the license plates on our ATV.  We also checked out a brand new RV park.  It’s the Pirate’s Den Resort!  What a park!  It sits right on the Colorado River with a sandy beach and cabanas.  The bad part is that all the beachfront sites are full and they have a very long waiting list.  If I can’t have a front row site, I’m not interested.  Wi-Fi has been installed throughout the park but cell service is pretty poor regardless of your carrier.  However, they have a gem of a place and I’m sure folks will flock there.  I'm also thinking that there may be many openings in RV parks this winter.  If the rumors of very high fuel prices come true, many snowbirds may not travel south. 

Pirate's Den RV Park

The bar and grill

The highlight of the day was meeting Jim and Sandie at Texas Roadhouse back in Mesa that evening.  The food was fantastic and we enjoyed it immensely.  However, we normally enjoy anyplace we go with the Dixons.  They’re fantastic people and we couldn’t ask for better friends!

‘Tis life on the road.

On the road -- Quartzsite and Lake Havasu

Finance is the art of passing money from one hand to another hand until it disappears.

Our first day of travel heading just a little north didn’t get us too far.  We traveled the approximate 100 miles to Quartzsite from the BLM at Pilot Knob which is just west of Yuma.  We didn't stay at the fee BLM but the one three miles west on the very bumpy frontage road just off Sidewinder.  We were loaded fairly early and we were ready to go ….  slowly down that road.  In addition to passing quite a few walkers, we also passed a dark blue truck pulled over on the side with the driver in the back having a cigarette.  It didn't take him long to get back in his truck and fly right past us.   We discovered his hurry when we got in line at the Shell dump station.  He wanted to beat us there!!  

The travel north on Highway 95 was slow.  There were lots of vehicles and RVs heading north and also heading south.  The biggest delay was the construction.  For about 12 miles of this road there was only one lane of traffic.  Actually, it wasn’t too bad and we did get to enjoy the new spring flowers along the way.  The flowers weren’t out yet when we were heading south just a few weeks before.

We had left Quartzsite less than a month ago.  At that time it was flooded with vendors, people and RVs.  On Wednesday it looked bare compared to then but it really wasn’t.  There was still lots of activity but nothing close to what it had been.   The BLM had been packed with the RVs at that time.  There were still lots of RVs but definitely not as many.

Wednesday’s journey landed us at the Hi Jolly area just north of Quartzsite at mile marker 112.  We figured we’d spend the night, visit the town and eat at Palo Verde’s.  That we did.  Duchess was also thrilled that we weren’t moving into an RV park where she had very little room.

Checking the weather report we discovered that the area around Lake Havasu was expecting some pretty strong winds the following afternoon or at least that's what the weatherman was saying.   Our plan was to leave early with only 67 miles to go .  It was an uneventful drive.  When we left we weren’t even sure where we were going to stay.  First we checked out the Elks but ended up at Lake Havasu State Park.  

Sites are huge but we didn't get a pull-thru so had to unhook the trailer to back in.

Check out the waterfront view ..... it only lasted until two other RVs moved into their sites.

It was still dry camping but we certainly had a gorgeous site and along with it came a temporary lake view.  It was pretty darn nice …. at least for a couple days.  The park has quite a few sites right at the edge of the lake.  It's a perfect spot for launching canoes or small boats right from your own RV site.

 

We also took a little drive in the afternoon.  First we went across the LONDON BRIDGE.



Then, we took a drive around the island.



By the time we got back to our site, the wind was starting to blow a little but the temperature was still close to 80.  We didn’t do much else other than enjoy the sunshine, the view and the ribs on the barbecue.

Friday more wind was expected but that’s okay.  We had no plans to go any place.  Laundry needed to be done.  Whatever happened to the idea of disposable clothes? 

‘Tis life on the road.

The Great Escape

Everyone is entitled to be stupid but some abuse the privilege.

Our motorhome was parked in Quartzsite for a very long time.  We were actually concerned if we were going to be able to get it out of there.  First of all, we arrived the very end of November and booked an RV park for the month of December.  We needed the park because we had planned on being gone for two weeks over the holidays.  Then, when we returned we moved out to the BLM to join dozens of other folks.  We hung around for just about two months …. a very long time for us.

It was way past time to go so we finally pulled in the slides and left.  We wandered just a little south towards the Yuma area.  Isn’t this the place that has just about the best winter weather in the USA?  I think it is. 

One of the most important things to me was being able to find a new camera. Remember that I broke the last one I had by dropping it on the rocks. Finding a replacement was not an easy task especially when I wanted the same model I had broke. The good thing was Best Buy had one coming in on their truck Tuesday morning … only one. You could almost say we met the truck but not quite. If I didn’t get that camera, I’d have to order one online but our timing was right and soon the camera was mine. Now I have to just be sure I don’t drop it and break it again.

After dry camping for so long, it’s taking a little to get used to having facilities again.  I find I watch the water I run, the lights and other power I use.  We did get the car cleaned out but are still working on getting all the dirt out of the motorhome.  The ATVs are next.  We also discovered this area has just as many riding places as Quartzsite so we’ll probably be doing a bit of that around here too.  There are also a few mines we plan on checking out.  We’ll just have to see if we have time.  So much to do and so little time.

We met a group of other escapees from Quartzsite for breakfast at the Quechan Casino.  Even though we had just left everyone it was still nice seeing them again.  It was also good that I had an opportunity to play my favorite little slot machine ….. and walk away with an extra $170!!  The problem with winning anything is that you want to go back and you know what’s going to happen when you go back …………..  you’re going to lose!

Last night we sat around another campfire and enjoyed the company, the conversation and the opportunity to share it one more time.

'Tis life on the road.

House Arrest for “Q” Police ?

Dream as if you’ll live forever.  Live as if you’ll die today.

When out exploring the area around Quartzsite we drove by the Police Department in town several times.  We wondered why there were so many police cars parked at the station but never any around town.  Now the town of Quartzsite is small.  It’s actually smaller than small.  We also couldn’t understand why a town this small had so many police cars.


A couple years ago when we were here police cars were out ticketing cars along the roadways during the Big Tent.  They had lined the sides of the road and every one of the cars had been given a ticket.  Not so this year .... just about any place you want to park is open.  At least that's what it seems since many cars park right next to the "no parking" signs where it used to be off limits.  You also rarely see a police car around town … rarely.

We asked a few locals about it, read comments in the town paper and even picked up other stories online.  The difference between town politics in a small town versus a large town is that everyone knows what’s going on.  In a large town some of the news can actually be hidden inside other news.  That doesn’t appear to be the case in “Q”.  There are many small town rumors floating around about city council politics and special favors for special people.  We wondered if they were just rumors or if there was any truth to it.

According to a news article published by KWST News (Channel 13) most of the police officers in town are on administrative leave for telling the truth.  In other words the article refers to them as being under house arrest because they are confined to their home during what would be normal working hours.  Reportedly, the officers are on “house arrest” from 8 am – noon, and 1 pm – 5 pm.

The story from KWST indicated one of the city council candidates had warrants out on her.  The mayor indicated the officers were told by the Chief to ignore those warrants.  Eventually she was suspected of driving drunk and picked up for DUI.  The officers who picked her up got in trouble.  She screamed and shouted that the Chief had her protected and that they couldn't do anything to her.  The video taken by the arresting officer of the events was turned in and put in the police file.  That video has since disappeared from the file.

An emergency was called and The Desert Freedom Press printed that under that “emergency” the police chief suspended ALL officers who had filed criminal and ethical complaints against him.  They were placed under house arrest. 

The town currently has a shortage of police officers working.  I believe I read there are only four police officers who aren’t on administrative leave including the Police chief.   The Mayor had requested assistance from the state government but was having trouble getting anyone to respond.  The La Paz County Sheriff was then called in to help.  However, some locals really are not too pleased with that either since the Police Chief and the Sheriff have both worked together previously.

The local newspaper is full of letters to the editor regarding what residents consider corruption. After hearing and reading the stories of the goings on in this town, we were left to wonder why the State of Arizona or Attorney General or FBI hasn’t stepped in to investigate. Maybe they have.  Or, why voters don’t remove the folks they feel should be removed. It seems many of the people in town are only part-year residents. Thus, not entitled to a voice in city issues.

In addition there is also a rumor floating around about misconduct from the Police Chief.  Is it true he refuses to take a report or even arrest one of his officers on child rape? Check the blog out here.    Is it true he has harassed local city businesses who oppose him?  Is it true he spied on certain residents who had been outspoken about misconduct looking for evidence of wrong doing? Does he bully, badger, harass and ticket those opposing him?  Does he cover up evidence and unlawful actions?  I don't know the answer to any of those questions.  However, the townsfolk of Quartzsite sure express a lot of opinions about the questions.

Is there more to the stories in this town? Why don’t the voters take a stand? Is the Police Chief in this little town really corrupt?  Should law enforcement be above the law?

Some of the most interesting reading I've done in years has been about the town affairs of Quartzsite. The reading has reminded me of the town Boss Hogg ran in the Dukes of Hazard. Is the Boss alive, is it clean-up time in Quartzsite or is this just Hogg-wash?


The little town of Quartzsite definitely needs the hoards of visitors who show up each January and February.  The Big Tent, the people and all the money floating around helps with the economy of the town.  Without this influx of cash, the town would definitely be struggling.

Are normal licensing procedures also ignored in order to encourage sales during this time?  There is another rumor floating around regarding the issuance of Arizona health food cards being issued to temporary food handling vendors without questioning and even without the need to show up or any food handling knowledge.  Is this true?    It might make us think twice next time we order a hot dog from a local vendor or eat in a local restaurant. 

There are lots of questions about this little town.  I don’t know the answer.  I wonder if anyone really does.  I also wonder if any of them ever will be answered.   Then, are they true or are they false?   I must admit though after reading comments left on other blogs by city officials, I felt better posting this one after we left town and we were out of there  .... just to be safe.

‘Tis just an interesting life on the road.

Blogger’s Party in “Q”

Red meat is not bad for you.  Now blue-green meat, that’s bad for you!

 

Here it is the end of January.  The Big Tent is still going strong.  The BLM is still filled with hundreds .. no, I mean thousands of RVs.  It definitely is getting to be about time we left for another place and other things to do.  We've been here a mighty long time  We were down to  seven rigs and that was even after friends of Steve and Carol pulled in.  Then, on Saturday it was down to four after the Dahls and Dwyers pulled out.  On Sunday it will be down to three.  Our numbers certainly went down fast.

It was just a short time ago that we were so packed in here that we had to measure and figure out where we could possibly put any more RVs.  That’s not the case today.  The lines around town are still very, very long but the lines at the dump seem to be getting shorter.  At least it was pretty short yesterday.  We actually noticed the line with only one rig in it.  Remember that earlier in the week we saw 32 RVs in that line.

Next week the Big Tent changes.  Vendors currently there will switch out with several other groups including the hobby and craft folks.  A big car show will also start bringing in more people with their RVs.   With so much going on it's really hard to keep track of all the activities, events and when they will take place.

Bloggers at work ... talking

Fantastic food and lots of it

Thursday Paul and Marti fixed lots of yummy hors d'oeuvres and had their own little blogger’s party. Everyone was invited.  Blogging seems to connect RVers.  It’s always fun to meet folks, chat for an hour or two and eat more food.  The nice thing about a blogging party is that even though you haven’t met the folks face to face before you really know all about them from their blog.  That seems to be the life of RVing.  This was no different.  Stories were shared, places to visit recommended and embellishments ran rampid.  It was a great time.  Bloggers in attendance other than the hosts and the writer of this blog were Bob and Linda, Ron and Linda and Diana.  Also, Ed was there even though his wife wasn’t and she’s really the writer of their blog.  Carol and Steve also enjoyed the food, conversation and people.

Terry is getting pretty proficient at filling the 40 gallon water bladder and then transferring the water to the motorhome.  He’s also getting pretty good at using the blueboy and making trips to the dump.  This is a job (or, rather a chore) that isn't needed everyplace.  When we're boondocking though it sure makes it convenient not to have to move the motorhome.  

I ran to take a picture of him ….. dropped my camera and broke the display.  Needless to say, I certainly wasn’t a happy camper.  I can’t remember the last time I was without a camera.  The sad part is that there isn’t even a Fry’s Electronics around to replace the one I broke.

An evening circle around the campfire is almost expected especially if the wind isn't blowing.  Some folks come and others not so much.  It's nice to be able to share the fire and the stories with those who also enjoy sitting around it.  It's just a nice way to end the day.  And, that we did.

Sunday is now here and we'll soon be on the road again.

Food at “Q’s” Grubstake and Tire Troubles

 

There’s no next time.  It’s now or never.

Sometimes get togethers and meals out are impromptu.  That was the case on Tuesday.  It was definitely an impromptu event.  Not everyone was present at the campsite when Toni and Doug got home from working and suggested we all go out to eat.  A few of us were and off we went to the Grubstake Restaurant.  Our wait wasn’t too long for the table but once seated we had quite a wait for the food.  With folks to laugh and talk with, it wasn’t so bad.  It was still fun eating out and being with some pretty great people.

Steve, Terry Doug, Toni, Carol ------ Jeri, Deb, Marti, Mike, Paul

At least it was fun while we were there.  It wasn't so fun for a few overnight.  They got sick!!  Paul had the fish.  He got sick.  Toni had the seafood platter.  She got sick too.    Carol also had the fish but didn't get sick so go figure. Terry had the driest hamburger ever.  He got sick too but we're thinking his portion wasn't from the hamburger but because he had way more carbs than he eaten in a while.

Toni and Doug's seafood feast

A few days ago I posted a photo of our torn up tire and mentioned that we had been to the Big Tent and ordered tires.  We were all set to have them installed on Tuesday.  Wait a minute …. I need to rephrase that.  We thought we were all set to have them installed on Tuesday.  Our Jeep was dropped off at one of the tents that had been set up for repairs and installations of various items sold by vendors in the Big Tent.  Before dropping it off we checked to be sure the tires were there and had been assured they were.  The job was to be completed within the next hour and we’d  be on our way back to camp by 12:30.  Obviously, that didn’t happen or I wouldn’t be telling this story.

When we returned to pick up our vehicle, we discovered that the wrong tires were ordered and the wrong size tires were delivered.  Back to the vendor booth we went.   Of course, apologies were said and in order to make it right, they assured us they could have the correct tires delivered and installed the next day.  That was great …..  right?  Well, not so fast as there was a catch.  The correct tires would cost us an additional $68 per tire (plus tax).  What?  Was this a bait and switch?  We didn’t know. What we did know is that we weren’t buying tires from Pete’s.  We’ll buy tires when we get to Yuma from someone else but it certainly won’t be Pete’s.

The little sign has a special little meaning for our family.  See …. Michael, there really are LANDSHARKS!!

The lines are very long in Quartzsite.  We thought they were long before.  The other day we counted 32 RVs in line at the dump station.  We've decided to avoid the town area where the lines are longer yet.  The BIG Tent will come to an end this weekend.  Some people around will head out.  Others will start to show up for the huge craft fair and the car show.  Most of the folks in our little group have already pulled out.  We're just dragging our feet but we'll be on the road soon heading either north or south.  The exact place is yet to be determined.

For now ... 'Tis just life on the road.

Making Memories in “Q” with Our RV Group

Memory... is the diary that we all carry about with us.

Carol is a professional photographer.  We are so very lucky to have her as part of our group.  Other groups take pictures in the desert and the result is shadows and fuzzy focus. Being the professional she is, we ended up with a very professional photo even considering the group she had to work with.  Thank you, Carol!

She took the big group picture several days ago and I started to post it then except we had more folks arrive.  I was hoping we’d be able to get another photo of the others and post it at the same time.  Well, it didn’t really happen.

 

We had some pretty strong winds and folks' calendars got pretty full.  It was hard to schedule the photo while there was still light on the desert.  Before we knew it others were leaving.  In other words, it just didn't work out.  Maybe the idea of the camera scared them off. 

I wanted a photo of everyone who had shared our campfire this year with us.  So, with camera in hand, that was the goal even though timing wasn't right and shadows were everywhere.  At least I got the picture and here they are.  

Well, we didn’t get them all.  Bea and Peter snuck out before we got them in the group picture but here's a picture of the two of them that was posted previously.

That’s the post for today and 'tis just life on the road.

Yesterday's "Another Flat on the Way to the Big Tent" Post 

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