“C’mon, guys! Let’s go for a walk!”
Down the lane we go and find that Jeff and Glenda are sitting outside their Casita. We stop for a visit. My plan is to take the lane down to the wide, dirt road and follow the road at a steady, brisk pace for some sustained exercise. No stopping for sniffs and photos. Oh no, a good, invigorating, heart-pumping jaunt is what we need.
Glenda asks, “Have you seen the crested cactus?”
She points toward the tailings of Ajo’s copper mine.
“It’s right before those two brown boulders.”
“Really? That’s not far. I’m going to get my walking stick and go over there.”
So much for the intensive walk.
Bridget, Spike, and I head back up the lane to retrieve the walking stick from the PTV. Spike races ahead with more energy than usual. (Socializing always makes him happy.)
“Spikey! You’re such a frisky boy this morning!” I laugh, delighted at the sight of his legs, the way they pump his body in wild abandon. Bridget and I chase after him.
Soon we’re carefully working our way over the rocky ground in a winding route toward the brown boulders. It doesn’t take us long.
“There it is!”
I’ve seen pictures of crested saguaros, but never a crested organ pipe.
The closer you look, the more fascinating the crest becomes. Nature never ceases to amaze.
I walk around the organ pipe and find another crest on the other side! A two-fer!
Finished examining the cactus, I look around and there goes Spike, heading for home. I can’t call him back because he won’t hear me, and I can’t catch up to stop him. Darn. I wanted to keep exploring further out.
“Well, Bridge. It looks like you don’t get to lead us home today.”
Later I feel the need to accomplish something.
It’s a perfectly warm day. Time for a project! The paint in the gutter on one side of the PTV is chipping off, all the way from front to back.
First I sand the gutter well. Then I wipe it clean. Using pieces of cardboard I saved for this purpose, I shield the PTV’s windows below and spray-paint the gutter with white gloss paint. Beautiful!
Okay. That’s enough work for today.
Time to pour myself something to drink, settle in my lounger, and read until it’s mealtime! What a life . . .
rvsue
Notes: The money page for February is up!
Also I added more items to each of the three pages under Shopping Links.
And if you haven’t read the comments below yesterday’s post, I urge you to do so. Readers’ shared memories of their fathers — some funny, some touching — as well as adventures in the family station wagon during the fifties.
You know Sue, I have NEVER understood the charm of the desert, UNTIL NOW. Your photos make me ready to head out! Thank you.
That’s great, Barb! You’re welcome.
I so agree with you Barb………….until getting totally drawn into Sue’s desert world I would not have given the desert a thought for a holiday destination. Sue has made it a magical place, full of interest that I had not thought possible!
I hope you find it as wondrous as I do when seeing it in person!
Wow! I have never heard of a crested organ pipe cactus either, let alone the bonus of a two-fer!
Great photos of them too! Thanks for sharing! Near to 80 degrees here today! YaY!
Geri T or C NM
Hi, Geri!
I wish I could say I discovered that crested organ pipe but that credit goes to Glenda.
Isn’t this warm spell great? It was sunny and warm yesterday, probably in the low 80s. Today, more of the same.
How neat! Isn’t it wonderful to experience something for the first time? Great pictures…thanks for sharing.
Can you share more of your creative dinner plates in your blog? The last meal you photographed looked yummy. Do you have a bbq available for nice days or do you do most of your cooking inside?
Oh, dear. My cooking is nothing to blog about. I’ve been cooking inside, having gotten away from using my outdoor grill due to the cold of winter months. I’ll try to remember to take a photo of the next meal that I deem presentable for worldwide publication… Ha! You may have a long wait!
Talking about memories from yesterday’s post….back in the 70’s when seat belts weren’t enforced I agreed to have daughter in front seat (I always have them in the back seat). I instructed her to not grab the door handle for support. Just as we pulled out of Circle K and started to accelerate, she grabbed the door handle, the door flew open and out she went! I slammed on my brakes, no harm done except she was scared…a kind gentleman rushed to help me pick up my daughter off the ground. My daughter still remembers this incident….she always did the opposite of ‘no don’t do that’ and always got herself in trouble. Another time, I was changing out the flash bulb on my camera (back in the day when we used flash bulbs) I told her not to play with the bulb….she didn’t listen and stuck the bulb to her tongue and the bulb went off w/a huge flash….again no harm done but she got scared. I have tons of stories about daughter like this and she remembers each incident. She doesn’t know why she never listened to ‘No don’t do that you’ll hurt yourself.’ On the other hand my son always listened to that phrase and never got himself into trouble like daughter. I’m sure she’ll remember long after I am gone. We laugh about them now together.
Sounds like a girl who likes to test the limits and learns by doing. Tough on mom! Your story is very familiar to me. I have a cousin who, as a child, climbed from the back seat to the front while the car was moving. She stepped on the door handle and found herself flung out into the road. She survived — the way babies survive falling out of high windows without getting a scratch.
Back in the day when there were only bench seats (1950’s) my grandmother (driver), sister and I were sitting in the front seat when grandma turned onto the highway, the door swung open (I later claimed my sister pushed me but she didn’t) and I fell out of the moving car. Luckily I had received a doll (“as big as a two year old”) for Christmas named George Anne and I fell on her, sustaining no injuries. Our Pastor was the first car after ours and he claimed that I jumped up and ran after Grandma’s car before she managed to get stopped. I didn’t want to get left.
I shouldn’t have laughed but the ending got to me, D.J. I’m glad you survived!
She sounds like my daughter, Holly. She did the same thing and flew out the door and ended up in the ER with 4 stitches above her eyebrow. She still blames me for spoiling her modeling career. oh, and the time she put an AlkaSelzer on her tongue as a dare from her brother and tried to swallow it–just for 25 cents. Not funny at all. Her little adventures go on and on and when we get together we always tell them and have the best laughs.
You know I am addicted to crested saguaro but that crested Organ Pipe is amazing. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure. If you want to see something incredibly amazing, look at this!
WOW… those flowers are beautiful. And I was wondering about the cause of the cresting and there is an explanations of sorts on the right of the page. (we don’t know for sure is the answer)
The flowers are beautiful and they’re sticking up out of UG-LEEEE!
Very interesting! Thanks!
Nice. Going to send the link to my daughter.
Do you think Spike would hear a dog whistle? You might be able to train him with one? Or you could try a regular police whistle first, if your ears can stand it?
I’ve been wondering about a whistle. I don’t know if I could find one in this little town. I’ll check the hardware stores. I might not have to give him extra training. I need something to get his attention so he’ll look at me. Then I can do the come-here gesture which he’s learned. A dog whistle might do it.
Or you could pry the bullet out of one of your cartridges, dump out the powder and just fire off the cap. That would get his attention.
I too never understood the lure of the desert until seeing your photos, Sue. It’s on my “gotta do” list now. Come on 2016 … you can’t arrive fast enough for my newfound wanderlust!
katydid, south of Chicago
You want time to speed up so you can get on the road. I want it to slow down so I can savor every day. No wonder no one is satisfied all of the time! 🙂
When I read “My cooking is nothing to blog about,” it reminds me of how fast we can become dated. I USED TO SAY: “That’s nothing to write home about.” Now I guess I should update myself and say: “That’s nothing to blog about.” Thanks for today’s wonderful post — gotta go spin some platters on my hi-fi now. Isn’t that swell?!
Jeepers-creepers, Gayle! Go cut a rug!
The first time I really began to take notice of the amazing wonders nature distributes in the desert was during a trip to Death Valley NP some years back. I saw beautiful wildflowers, tracks in the sand made by critters during the night, marble canyons, sand of every color imaginable, and so much more.
I enjoy seeing the desert through your eyes, particularly in that I’ve not been privileged to see a crested organ pipe in the wild. (Do you know I don’t consider photos of plants in pots or front yards to “count” . . . it only counts if I find it in the wild!)
Hi Tamara,
You appreciate the desert because you take the time to pause and take in its beauty. I love the contrasts… prickly plants next to tender flowers, statuesque cacti with blooms on top, subtle colors of seemingly infinite variations, and, oh, the light… I love the light, the way it glorifies the mountains as if they’re lit from within, the way it colors the clouds, and wakes me up with gold splashing through the windows. I could go on and on . . . and I agree, it’s better to find a natural wonder (large or small) in the “wild.”
How I love the crested cactus. There is one at the Botanical Gardens in Phoenix that is so gorgeous. It is worth the price of admission just to see it in all it glory.
I imagine they’re quite majestic when fanning out from the top of a tall saguaro.
Hi Sue,
I finally took off on my, across the west adventure. I left Southern Oregon and zoomed up the Siskiyou Mountains and down the I-5. I want to tell anyone out there that is hesitant about towing a small trailer to, don’t be. I could hall that baby anywhere! It is way easier than I thought it would be. I cruise along 55-60 as big rigs pass me by and it doesn’t even budge my little 16 foot Nash. While camping in Corning, CA I saw my first jack rabbit (in desert surroundings) and some other big quail looking bird. Man, it’s so much fun being footloose and fancy free. Headed toward AZ tomorrow and meander towards Yuma. Ah the RV life!
Hi Laurie, I’m from Southern Oregon too and you’re gonna love it down here in AZ. The weather is just now brightening up just for you. Stop in at the Hidden Oasis RV park and say hello to me and my wife if you are going down hwy 93 and hit my town of Wikieup. We have a cafe right here at the park and I’ll buy you a cup of coffee, just look for my Casita here in this small park. Lots of sites available too if you want to camp awhile.
Hi Joe, Made a side detour in Laughlin for a couple days then headed to Az. I have not looked at which way I go yet, but if it,s by your town I’ll stop an give ya a holler.
Hi, Laurie,
You sound like me! I remember picking up the BLT and being surprised how easy it is to tow, to wiggle in and out of small gas stations, to make U-turns, and, yes, even to back up! Your thrill at being on the road (and seeing your first jack rabbit and other new-to-you sights and creatures) reminds me why we’re vagabonds. I am so happy for you! “Footloose and fancy free” . . . What FUN!
If you ever need an idea where to camp, please feel free to ask here. No matter what, ask! Any way I or my readers can help, let us know. I get the impression from your comment that you are going to get the most out of your new life. Congratulations, Laurie! ENJOY!
Ok the honeymoon is over hard rving reality is here. I’m traveling with another Rver and she had a blowout 20 miles west of Needles on I-40. Not a problem we both have Good Sam roadside asst. She calls them as we are out in the middle of nowhere and is put on hold for over a half hour. After this she comes back on and says no one wants to drive out to us. What? This is suppose to be what we pay for. So we or rather I get on the phone and say “FINE! we will just drive to Laughlin and if we get killed they will get sued. We made it to the Rv park and called again and the guy came out in about an hour to change the tire. Thank God for duallies. I think I will try AAA Anyone have any suggestions?
Laurie, I’m so sorry you and your friend had a problem on the road. I’m copying your comment and pasting it under the most recent post so readers will see your question.
Those crested Organ Pipe look like they should live in the sea instead of the desert.
From Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa.
You’re right, Gaelyn… It does look like an underwater plant or creature.
I’m enjoying your visit to South Africa. You must be having a great time exploring and taking those photos. Thank you!
Hi Sue, I still can’t figure out how to access your money bar to see the monthly reports or to view the sub headings in your links for shopping. Perhaps one of your readers with a tablet could give me a clue? Oh, we are camped on the ocean in San Orofino, CA. Awesome location, perfect weather too. Thanks in advance,
Cathy,
Tamara has a suggestion for you (I don’t think her msg. will be emailed to you because it’s a new thread.) Come back to my blog to see!
Cathy, what works for me on my tablet, a Kindle Fire, is to enlarge the size until the ‘Money’ tab takes up half the screen. I can then see and quickly tap the drop down choice I’m interested in looking at.
Thanks Tamara, I tried to do as you suggested, and it just won’t let me tap on the pull down menu. I can get the menu, but cannot click on any details. Frustrating for sure. I have an Acer tablet, which I love…I just know there is an answer out there somewhere. Might have to get Acer help…..yuck
We are at San Onofre…just south of San Clemente…sorry for the type-o
Cathy… Can you read the February money page through this link? Feb. 2013
Cathy . . . Click on Shopping Links in the header. I put three links there so you can go to “For the road and campsite,” “For your crew”, and “For your home.”
Please let me know if this works for you. If it does, I’ll do the same for all the other drop-down menus.
Works perfectly!!! Thanks so much. Now my only problem is Amazon’s delivery system. We still have to figure out a way for stuff to get delivered when using general delivery…but, I can create my wish list now. Thanks again, hope this help’s a lot of other tablet owners
Great! I’m glad you brought up the problem you were having. I had no idea. I’ll make all the drop-down menus set up that way.
Yeah, the UPS/General Deliver address is a pain. I’m anxious to get somewhere that receives UPS packages so I can make my wish list a reality.
UPS has a locator service. Here is what I got when entering Wickenburg, AZ:
http://www.ups.com/dropoff?loc=en_US&WT.svl=PriNav
Thanks, Mick. I’ve used the link twice already. Very handy.
Caught up on reading your blog after one week with no service. The crested Organ Pipe is beautiful. Sounds like you all are enjoying your new neighbors. Wish we were down there to see the Ocatillo bloom. Samantha is well and jumping again. At last.
Good news about Sammy! Next year stay here longer, okay?
Sue, you have opened my eyes to a whole new world. We had planned a visit to see my brother and sister-in-law in Phoenix, but the recent snow in KS caused us to leave three days earlier than planned. We barely escaped the storm. We ran into snow an hour south of home, but by the time we crossed the border to OK it had turned to rain. We passed lots of cars off the highway and one overturned eighteen wheeler. Ordinarily we would have traveled west on I-40, but the TX panhandle is not a good place to be stranded. We continued south to San Antonio and spent a couple of days there before driving west on I-10. We saw lots of desert and experienced some high winds and blowing dust.
We visited the Botanical garden in Phoenix and saw the crested saguaro. I thought it was a plant cancer. We loved the garden. We rented scooters and managed a five hour visit. Without the scooters that would have been impossible. We listened to a volunteer talking about the value of mesquite trees to the Native people. I enjoyed it all far more than I might have before reading your blog.
There is a lot of subtle beauty in the desert. The flowers are spectacular. We even saw a road runner and a bunch of quail while we ate lunch!
When we returned home and I was able to catch up on my blog reading i saw this item about the crested cactus. Thank you so much for the link. We even saw a Casita on the highway while we traveled. Your writings have greatly expanded our ability to see the nuances of the desert. Thank you.
Pat in KS