Boondocking....My Favorite Way to Camp

Finally! The needed repairs on my toad came to an end and I was able to get out to where it was peaceful and I could relax. About 5 miles out of  town, this beautiful (to me) place had once been a part of the town but for some reason there was nothing left but cement slabs where houses had once been. I counted at least 14 sites. I wonder what could have made them all leave..... Was it that the copper mine had shut down and there was no longer work for these people?

Some pictures of where I camped...

These 2 trees were very interesting to me.

They looked like they had been through many battles and their scars were deep and in the healing process they over grew to protect themselves from further harm.

I went about setting up camp with the door side facing away from the sun.

I put out my mat, table and 2 chairs. Always 2 chairs...

After supper I just enjoyed the quiet. The next morning when I got up I discovered I had visitors!

They did not seem at all bothered by my presence, nor me by theirs. I quietly sat on my steps and snapped some pictures. I think I counted 7  of them. 

It was so much fun watching them. They ate what they could find, then wandered off over the rail road tracks and down into the next patch of  grasses beginning to appear.

This.... is what I call a tree skeleton.I love the forms of the branches and the patterns in the bark. It had apparently seen a long life and now stood as if protecting younger ones coming up.

As that first day ended, I was so happy to finally be able to relax a bit from life's little troubles. The evening sky seemed to give hints to a brighter tomorrow.

We shall see what adventures await us ....

Feeling Stuck but not Stagnating, In an RV Park

After a month sitting at Belly Acres RV park in Ajo Arizona, while my tow vehicle was having some major front-end issues that needed repaired, I am finally free to be out in the desert again! The campground was fine and the camp-hosts were very friendly and helpful, and people there were also. Its just my nature to be off by myself most of the time. I had meant to take pictures of the campground but never got around to it....
I did however find a park where I decided to let Sasha off leash and
see if she would run her energy off and come back to me without running off. That .... was a success! I am so proud of my girl!!

I loved watching her run for the sheer pleasure of it!!
I used my time at the RV campground to paint as much as I could and sold several paintings via a sign and paintings displayed in my front window. I even had new business cards made up while I was there and started knitting on another pair of socks. Something to keep my mind occupied and my hands busy. My daughter had sent me the yarn for a Christmas present

 The best part of staying at the RV park was that there was free cable and so was able to watch our new president and vice-president sworn into office. Yes, free wifi and free cable!

More later on. Have a great day!

Sites in the Town of Ajo

As I have spent most of my winter here I have had a chance to look around a bit and admire some of businesses and the sights in and around town, as well as the structures. What I was amazed at probably the most was their copper mine, and the history behind it. This is a picture looking down into the abandoned mine. I loved seeing the colors on the "steps" of the mine. When visiting the tour center, which is actually where I was standing here, I found out that the mine is 1 and 1/2 miles across. WHAT??? Yes, almost unbelievable that we could see the other side at that distance. I also learned that each a railroad track ran around each rim and that there was even room for a vehicle to go alongside the tracks.

About another half mile down the road is this older mission museum and in the yards in front and beside it is some of the equipment used to work the mine and do some hauling in the early days.

Cousin Kris at the copper ore car that could haul 30 tons

Me at one of the freight wagons that was used to haul supplies by horses from Gila Bend to Ajo, a distance of about 40+ miles.

A depiction of the workings of the copper mine

Back in the town of Ajo ( by the way, pronounced Ah-Hoe)Is a Radio Shack / antique/ parts store and in the front windows had these displayed. An old-time washing machine with a copper tub, and an enameled wood cook stove. Interesting pieces!

Another antique-y place sported this old rusty car with wooden-spoked wheels.

Now for some of my favorite structures.... the old missions!

Two different ones each on a corner opposite the town square which hoses little shops and local businesses.Left side in next picture is a second-hand store which has books, art, bedding, clothes,  nic-nacs and other paraphernalia. Interesting shop...

This also houses an old movie theater which I believe is open from time to time and on the right end is the Post Office.

I love the neat row of arches.... and the middle of this back row is a very nice visitor canter, along the row that would be on the right (looking toward the back) Is an art gallery and shop, a food goods store, a library and a real estate office. I just love the structures of these buildings! Oh and in the middle of this is lined with palm trees and has a lawn of Green grass!

This town definitely calls to me and I have a hard time getting away...

Now for some cute houses!

Palm trees, blooms in winter, beautiful cactus plants. What more could you ask :)

I love this little adobe house with tree trunks for porch posts. Quite a unique design!

And this one with ladders to the top of the house.

The town also has a car-wash 3 gas stations, 3 (or more) rv parks, town park with swimming pool, a few restaurants, and an IGA Market with a water station outside for $.25 per gallon'

I hope you have enjoyed viewing this little town with me. Its a great place to spend the winter!

Bits 'n Pieces and Weather in Tucson

The wind picked up yesterday in the Tucson area. I could tell by the sky that a change in the weather was coming. Besides that, the weather app on my phone was working just fine 

 I took my chimes and other decor down, rolled my awning in, and folded the chairs and set them against the RV.

The table was still setting near the outer edge of the mat so I thought that would hold the mat in place pretty well. Supper over with and the dogs settled until their last out, I thought I would use the time to prep more canvases for painting, and as I worked I watched the 85th Hollywood Christmas Parade on tv.

After going to bed I laid there and listened to the wind; felt the ever-so-gentle rocking effect on the RV, even though my stablizers were down. Sometime during the night I heard the rain come in.  I love listening to the sounds of nature during the night and you can hear things more clearly in a camper with its thinner roof. It really poured for a bit.... I rolled over and went back to sleep.

 In the morning when I went to take the dogs out, I opened the door to the sight of the mat blown up against the table and the chairs all down, not in the place they had been. My lantern cage was several feet away, and the welcome rug was over by the tree. Hmm, this weather reminded me of Pennsylvania in the fall or spring! I finished taking care of the furry members of the family and went out to straighten up the mess. I realized my arms and legs were aching. Probably from the change in weather. So I added Tylenol to the many vitamin pills I take daily. I don't think it got out of the 50's all day. The predictions are for in the 60's the next several days.

 I decided to finish the pencil sketch of a painting I am working on. I also had started a oil painting study of the same, but I would like to make a larger painting of it (this small version is not finished yet.

Other than that I spent a good part of the day just reflecting on life in general. My great granddaughter was at her graduation ceremony for RN school. I am so very proud of her! She and her husband have worked long and hard to make this a possibility. Also they are expecting their first child at the end of January! Seems like it was perfectly timed. So my family continues to grow and I am out here enjoying the days I have left with my travels and painting.

I may decide to put up a few decorations for Christmas and the New Year. We shall see how my body reacts with the weather tomorrow or Monday.... 

Thanks for visiting!

Isaiah 54: 5b Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, who is called the Lord God of all the earth

My time in Tucson

So I have been here at my brother's home since a week ago today. I had been here 4 years ago, and they had flown back to PA for their 50th wedding anniversary a couple years ago, but it sure was good to be able to visit again. I was going to leave Wednesday, but he wanted some tips and help with his beginning oil painting. Since all I have is time, I thought, "It's not like I need to be in a hurry.... I have several days more that I could spend here as I am not committed to be anywhere....", so I decided to stay. Its good to have plans, but also good to be flexible. I enjoy being with my brother and sister-in-law. She is the perfect hostess; always concerned if I would like to eat with them, if I need anything, I am welcome to use the washer and dryer.... Besides I get to do what I love most! helping and encouraging someone else to be creative. ( as well as painting myself ....) Can't beat that :)  It has also been fun reminiscing our childhood adventures.

 Their property boasts beautiful desert plants... as well as a couple orange trees

                                               

Here is my motor home, all set up.

...... and set up for our first art lesson....

So it is fun, but I would still like to be out in the deserted desert before Christmas.

Just a preference of this "hermitess" lady.

The wind has been high  all day today and according to what my brother saw, its to be up to 40+ mph tomorrow. I felt the wind hit the side of the motor home a couple times today. Can't imagine what it will be tomorrow. Hmmmm.... maybe we should be painting waves instead of desert the way the wind rocks me around! 

Safe travels everyone and Merry Christmas to you all!!

Isaiah 9:6  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting  Father, Prince of Peace.

Historic Willcox

Driving into the town of Willcox, Arizona, I was mainly interested in touring the historic district. I came onto Rex Allen Blvd, named for one of the first of the famous cowboy actors that came on the scene before I was born. I vaguely remember seeing his episodes when we got our first tv. I was about 8 yrs old and loved the cowboy movies. Who didn't?? 

 I turned onto Railroad street and stopped near the old train station. There are still trains running through the west on a regular schedule, The huge engines pull very long lines of cars, making their rumbling noise as they cross the vast countryside.

There are a couple railroad cars here near the station that have been turned into restaurants. There is a nice railed porch all along the near side,

This one boasted fabulous Barbeque. As it was early morning I did not go in to order.

 I headed on down the street past the Willcox Historic Theater, which to my understanding still shows movies for special occasions . You can also see the wall art on the side of the Rex Allen Museum.

A very interesting museum, displaying the costumes, including boots, hats, and spurs worn by this early-days hero of cowboy films, as well as other interesting memorabilia.

Immediately next door in the white attached building, is the Marty Robbins Museum and Gift Shop. Small but lots of interesting items. Copies of his old recordings included. 

I have added the photo of the Willcox Commercial building as its decorative colors add to the interest of this western town

Across the broad street is The Railroad museum and park displaying a statue of Rex Allen and in front of it is the grave of his beautiful horse that was such a huge part of his films.

Close-up of the Rex Allen statue....

I would like to know the age of this humongous tree, with it branches spread so wide...

It grows on the esat end of this park

You can get a good idea of circumference of this tree here....

A couple more interesting places in town are this "unique antique" shop opening right into the street With all its old-fashion barrel of tools, wagon wheels and other oddities.

And a couple pictures of the western landscape as I left town and headed back to the campground.

The next day I would continue on to Tucson and my brother's home. 

Isaiah 26:3 He will keep them in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon Thee.