It has been a while since we have reported in; for over a week we had no reception. So I'll start back where we left off.
Thursday, 13 Feb
We left Casa Grande and met up with friends in Maricopa to head west to Quartzsite, AZ for four days of boondocking in the desert. Boondocking is described as having no hook-ups:, no water, sewer or electricity. It was a very different experience for us and we had a great time with our friends, former Quad-Citians.
We explored the various vendors, that frequent Quartzsite during the winter months, one afternoon and found a few good deals. There are dozens of vendors there at any one time and during some of the big events, such as the Gem and Rock show or the RV show, there will be hundreds of vendors to satisfy the shopping needs of thousands of boondockers.
Another day we explored a little of the vast area of BLM land that surrounds Quartzsite, which is where all the boondockers camp while in the area. For more information about Quartzsite check out this link: Quartzsite This article was written back in 2006, but it is still pretty accurate. Would we do it again? By ourselves, no, I like hook-ups too much, but with friends or part of a rally for a few days, yes. The good was we sat around and caught up with our friends who we hadn't seen in four years, cooked and ate some nice meals and enjoyed the evenings under the stars until we got chilly and then went inside for our nightly Mexican train domino contest. One night the moon was full and so bright, we couldn't see the stars.
Monday, 17 Feb
This morning after another delicious breakfast (we shared some good meals for boondocking), :) we all packed up and headed north to an Arizona state park, Cattail Cove, near Lake Havasu City, AZ. This town is known for the town developer that bought the London Bridge and brought it brick by brick back to Arizona and had it erected and a water way constructed under it. The whole town developed around this attraction.
Wednesday, 19 Feb
After bidding our friends a farewell, we left for Joshua Tree National Park and camping for one night at Joshua Tree RV and Lake Park. Oh my!!! The wind was horrible when we arrived in the area. We could hardly walk the dogs or open the door to the Airstream. Sand and dirt blowing everywhere; what grit!!! UGH!!! Since we planned to head out again the next day, we spent the late afternoon touring the park and then had a late supper at a Rib joint. Really good ribs, they just fell off the bone. Our plan was to get up with the sunrise and explore the park for a couple hours in the very early morning for the best sun exposure on the granite rocks and the Joshua Trees.
When we got up, Dave wasn't so sure we were going to make it as I was feeling sick for a good portion of the night. We made it though, I was feeling better than I though I would and since we drove thousands of miles I didn't want to miss the experience. The trees are so unique and the groves of them in the park make for a surreal viewing experience. At least for this Midwest girl!
Dave has some really good pictures on his camera so anyone interested, I'll show them when we are back home.
After touring the park we returned and hooked up the Airstream and headed for our next destination which was Borrego Springs State Park just south of Joshua Tree. Quite a few people raved about this park, but after spending a couple days in the area, I just don't see the attraction unless you like ATVing in the desert. The town itself had a nice little Farmer's Market where we bought some just picked Clementines. They are so good!!! We also purchased just picked strawberries and I made a shortcake when we got back to the campsite. Oh so good!
The best part of these two days was the park itself, Leap'in Lizzard. It was so nice for being in the middle of the desert and nothing but sand. They rack and sweep the sites daily; the whole park is immaculate!!! Peaceful, but only because there were no ATVers staying there at the time.
Saturday, 22 Feb
After a restful and enjoyable two days, we started our trip to Jojoba Hills Escapee Co-op where we intended to stay for two weeks. The route was exhausting!!! It was very slow going because even though the elevation only ranges between 2300 - 5000 the roads are narrow, curvy, winding, and up and down the whole way. Jojoba Hills is beautiful as a RV resort can be; built into the side of the mountain, the views are very nice.
After two days there though we were enjoying the place it was evident we would have to leave after only one week instead of two. A local farmer has a cannon boom on a motion detector to scare away wildlife from his crops. Nacho was freaked out the whole time!!!! He didn't want to leave the Airstream. We did spend Tuesday traveling to Oceanside and San Juan Capistrano where we enjoyed some ocean views and walked along a beachside walkway.
Wednesday we woke up to a Severe weather alert that San Diego and Riverside Counties were expecting high winds, heavy rains (up to 7 inches) and thunderstorms. So we chose not to drive in that weather on Saturday, our original day of departure, but instead took off for Casa Grande. A six hour (supposedly) drive from Jojoba Hills. The roads out were even worse then the roads in (different route) so it took us a bit over 8 hours to arrive at our destination.
We will stay here for a couple days relaxing and visiting with our friends again, before we head to Texas where we will stay until we can find a 4 day window to drive back to Cedar Falls. Our destination right now, for next week is a state park just south of Austin. We will check back soon, but until then stay warm in the frozen north!!!!
Kisses, KT and Nacho
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