Christmas morning is sunny and bright at our camp on the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.
We’re camped off Palm Canyon Road. Bridget, Spike, and I walk a wash that takes us into the Bureau of Land Management land that borders the Refuge.
I can’t think of any place I’d rather be this Christmas morning.
I can’t think of any other way I’d rather start this special day than walking with the crew (as long as they stay away from the evil cholla!).
Around midday we visit Bill and Ann’s campsite up the lane from our camp.
We sit on the sunny side of their travel trailer, out of the breeze. The four canines get along like family.
Al and Kelly drive up on the way to their campsite, having finished a jeep jaunt and trek in the Kofa Mountains. Pheebs joins her canine pals, while we five human pals chat a bit.
The Bayfield bunch, weary from their long hike, depart for their Winnebago up the road.
Later Bridget, Spike, and I join Bill, Ann and their crew for Christmas dinner.
Ann is a wonderful cook! She serves us pork roast from the barbeque, fried potatoes and onions, and broccoli with just the right seasoning. Creamy horseradish sauce and sour cream accompany the meal. It’s all delicious. For dessert we have the pumpkin pie I brought from my kitchen . . . by way of Wal-Mart.
Bill and Ann treat their dogs like members of the family.
Julie the dachshund
Samantha the beagle, aka Sammy
Naturally they treat Bridget and Spike the same way. Each of the four canines get their portion of the pork roast. After dinner, I look at Spike luxuriating on the soft bed Ann put down especially for his comfort.
“I think Spike would like to live here,” I remark to Bill and Ann. They think I’m kidding!
The next morning I let Spike out to do his business.
Usually he circles around our camp until he finds the right bush, does what he has to do, and then trots back inside. I always go out, too, to keep an eye on him.
This morning Spike makes a bee-line for the dirt road and takes off toward Bill and Ann’s!
I know what is going through the mind of that little traitor . . . I’m going back for some more of that pork roast! I sprint after him, scoop him up, and carry him back home.
Thursday, December 26
Bill, Ann, Sammy, Julie, Bridget, Spike, and I hike into Palm Canyon of Signal Mountain. That’s the story for my next post.
I’m typing this at the end of the day, after the hike. Bridget and Spike are conked out in the bed next to me. All the exercise and fresh air wore them out. I’m tired, too, and ready to crawl into bed with them with a book.
Good night all!
rvsue
MY SINCERE THANKS TO EVERYONE
WHO SHOPS AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
