QUIET BEAUTY….THE DESERT

Wednesday, April 11 – We took a hike out in the desert this morning, wondering around for a couple hours. This is BLM land (Bureau of Land Management) and dry camping (free) for up to 14-days is permitted here. Paul follows several blogs of people that have camped out here. The road are very rough and one would have to be careful driving into this area. I sure couldn't get our diesel pusher in here!

There are tons of trails through the desert in back of North Ranch.

View of the WEAVER Mountains.

This is actually called the "Lone Saguaro." It is the only one in this area of the desert.

Didn't see much wildlife, just enjoyed a leisurely walk among the scrub brush.

This is also cattle grazing country. You come across many head of cattle and an abundance of “cow patties.” Better be careful where you're stepping.

Paul rides his bike out here each morning and really enjoys riding on these trails. It's a little more challenging than riding of normal bike paths or on the street, especially when crossing sandy washes or traveling through areas that 4-wheelers have dug up.

It's surprising when you come around an area of scrub brush and into a herd of grazing cattle. Don't know who's more surprised, Paul or the cattle!

The desert in this area isn't all scrub brush, there are some beautiful flowering vegetation.

All alone in this great big world.

We thought we would frame the WEAVER Mts. with a WEAVER on each side.

Marsha presented Louise with a basket. This is the first basket Marsha made with the tiles she had painted in Mexico. Louise was so surprised and so thankful.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!

 

OFF TO CONGRESS, ARIZONA

Monday, April 9 - We pulled out of Apache Junction this morning and headed northwest to Congress, AZ.

We had an interesting experience on our drive up to Congress. We passed a sign warning us to be on the lookout for wild burros. Yeah, right! What are the chances of seeing a burro? Two minutes down the road Paul says, “look” and there stood TWO burros. How cool is that!

We are at the Escapee's North Ranch Park, site 110. Our site is roomy with a picnic table. A very nice campground.

Site 110
 

Looking to our right.

To our left.

We are parked next door to our friends, Duane & Louise. They are the reason we stopped here. They are a great couple, good friends, and fun to spend time with.

Since we didn't' get to play pickleball in Mission this year, we headed up to the INDOOR Pickleball court for a couple games of Pickleball. We forgot the camera so will have pictures soon of this indoor facility. Those unfamiliar with the game, it is played on a miniature tennis court using large ping pong style paddles. A great game for we seniors.....LOL

We finished the evening by taking Bella, our cat, on a walk through the Saguaro Park located right here in the park and right across the street from our site.

What a beautiful job the park residents have done with this garden. Dozens of cacti planted in their natural desert environment.

Those are the Weaver Mountains in the background.

They even have name plaques by each plant.

How appropriate…an Easter cactus.

Red Sage.

In the garden is, Methuselah, one of the oldest Saguaro Cactus in Arizona. They have determined that this cactus has been here since around 1600.

Many birds still call it home.

Bella enjoyed her walk, and we are sure we'll be returning there daily while here in the North Ranch.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!