The desert surprises me again.
Fog! The mountain range I photographed recently with peaks covered in snow is draped in mist this morning. We’re pelted with rain most of the night. None of this pitter-patter- on-the-roof nonsense. Wind-driven rain that doesn’t let up for hours, and leaves large puddles, brings out more leaves on the ocotillo plants, and washes the desert anew. On our short hike I see tender, green sprouts that will enliven the landscape with flowers later this spring.
The fog lifts but a chilly breeze arrives.
I try a few times to sit outside with the crew to read. Even with the throw around my shoulders, the breeze is cool enough to be distracting. It’s much better inside, sitting in the sunbeams that stream warmth through the windows.
It’s amusing how Bridget and Spike quickly realize, too, that inside is better than outside. No clamoring at the door. Willingly they settle in for a long nap.
Fickle light and damp wind makes picture-taking a challenge.
These photos are not high quality. I share them anyway so you can see our camp and the plants and rocks that surround it. [slideshow]
rvsue
Great yard you have there!
Yes, it’s our rock garden!
Beautiful campsite! Makes me real sorry that we didn’t make it over to Ajo this winter! Love all the photos…. bad weather or not, your images are wonderful! Geri
Thanks. Well, Geri, maybe next year!
Love your backyard! Is that Bridget sitting near the PTV….acting like she’s posing for the camera?
Stay warm and have a nice evening.
That’s Bridget. She refused to hike with Spike and me today. Too wet for her dainty paws, I guess. So we had a very short hike.
I got it……..she’s protesting not posing! Silly girl!
Yes, that’s classic Bridget protest. Sit and stare.
I must be an ignorant northerner; I never imagined that the desert could be so green. The crew seem to be enjoying the new back yard. I’m envious, having shoveled 4 inches of snow off the drive today.
Katydid, south of Chicago
Not all desert is this green… The Sonoran is called the green desert. More rain than usual has made it even greener.
I always enjoy your blog, Sue. Nice pics, too, even if they aren’t what you consider the best. You have a talent for finding nice, quiet places to kick back. Grace and peace to you all….
Same to you, Varmint.
It does look rather rocky and rough around you there…. Makes me wonder how you managed to drive into such a place….. But then the pictures of the BLT and PTV show that they are on flatter ground… well not too flat look at those back jacks….LOL…
Hi Rod,
There are long-established campsites here. Short lanes off the main, dirt road. Ha! You noticed those back jacks propped up with rocks.
Cozy Casita or windy chilly outside – cozy wins every time. How blessed you are to be able to enjoy the area but stay warm and dry and sit in the sunshine inside. Cold and windy here in north Texas also. Fire in the fireplace was warm and cheerful.
You’re right, Reine. I am blessed. It’s all about freedom. Freedom to choose how to spend the gift of a day… outside or inside, here or there or maybe over there!
I’d trade with you. I lied about 12-14 inches snow. We had 17-18; and, another 8-10 Sunday/Monday. Oh well, snowflakes are kisses from heaven. Keep dry and warm.
I read about your weather, Emily. Just when you think it can’t get any worse . . .
Kisses from heaven, huh? I like the kisses you don’t have to shovel . . . as in “sun-kissed.” 🙂
A woodpecker was tapping on my Casita this morning and woke me up. I went outside and my neighbor had forgotten to fill his hummingbird feeder up and just like what happened to you, it happened to me. My neighbor said ” I guess the woodpecker thought the feeder was yours, I’ll fill it up right now”. I looked over at the feeder and the darn woodpecker was hanging from it waiting for his fix ha. What a bright bird…and they call them Birdbrains huh?
Woodpeckers figure out who’s responsible for the sweet water, and they aren’t shy about drilling reminders into the side of your house! I’ve had hummingbirds peek in the open door when we first arrive at camp. “Hurry up and put up a feeder!”
Nice pics as usual Sue.
Thanks, Jim. Nice of you to say so.
Howdy from Tucson. That is a nice looking site you’re in. It’s just lovely. I had our first woodpecker hanging upside down on the hummingbird feeder this morning. Who knew?
Hi Allison . . . You probably have more than one by now. I’m up to five.
I’m sure you’ve spoken of this before but how did you train Bridget and Spike to go off leash and not just flee into the great beyond and how old is the crew, or young as the case may be. I would gander 7 or 8 but I’m no vet! Stay warm!
I didn’t train the crew about anything. Spike has been wandering off for years now with me chasing after him. Only lately, since his sight and hearing have weakened, does he make sure he doesn’t go too far. He also is responding to my “come here” gesture which is remarkable for a guy who’s always ignored everything I want him to do.
Bridget never lets me out of her sight, so no training needed.
As for ages, your guesses are as good as mine. I suspect Bridget is 7 or 8, but Spike is probably 13 or 14. No one at the pound knew their ages.
I ordered a Kindle book off your site the other day. one that was listed at the bottom”Giant George, the worlds largest dog”. good read. love your pictures and your voice of campsite. did you have to use your Wave3 heater a lot with the bad weather?
Hello, Jean . . . Thanks for the compliments on my blog and for your order. I appreciate it. No, I haven’t used the heater at all since coming to Ajo, except for a few hours one early evening last week when it rained and I wanted to get the cold dampness out.
I see a Monitor Lizard made of rock in your Rock Garden, a serpents face, a sparrow and up on Black Mountain an Indian head in profile. These are old Spanish Treasure Signs. Look at the Saguaro cactus and notice the bands that mark the trail to treasure. The Spaniards used rock and the Mexicans used Saguaro cactus. You need a keen eye to see these sometimes, but they still mark the old trails.
Howdy RV SUE, Maybe it is best you don’t put this on your blog. Some people go nuts thinking I can guide them to Gold and I don’t need that and you don’t either.
Thanks, Linda! I appreciate the support.