Showing posts with label hike. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hike. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Wonderful Hike, Truth or Consequences, Lazy Afternoon, Too Many Pictures


With us both getting up so early, 6:15 today, Tuesday, Mar. 5th, the day is plenty long and no wonder I’m ready for bed at 9. Last night I was falling asleep in my chair by 8:30. I guess the television wasn’t too exciting. I’m not complaining about the length of the days at all but I do wish I could stay awake longer in the evenings.

And while we were drinking our morning brew
The sun came up behind me

My walk entailed quiet paved roads, trail directions, yucca plants
and a visitor centre off in the distance
We had our morning brew together and then at 7:30 I went for my walk. The temperature was 37F/3C so I had to bundle up. The wind, however, was low and I probably went into overkill with the extra layer. This was a great hike. I just kept going and going on the marked trail. A couple of places I admit that I stepped off to follow that brief flash of Jack. I know he is taunting me but I also know that it wasn’t me who spooked him when I noticed another hiker with his dog up ahead.

a closer look at the yucca flower, more directions
morning doves, stoney paths
and trees with birds
I came to the bench where Pat and I sat yesterday and the sign indicating directions. We took the Playground route then so today I took the Visitor Centre. Winding this way and that, I caught glimpses of bunny rabbits, birds, morning doves and quails and soon enough I looked up to see how close I was to the entrance. That was where I checked the time, realized I’d been gone my usual 30 minutes and texted Bill that I was on my way back.
Bunny rabbits (not Jacks) curvy roads
Blue Bird coaches and lake views
This was my morning walk
I walked slow, knowing that now he wouldn’t worry, and followed the trail back to Quail Run campground and eventually onto Sumac Road. Quail Run has 26 sites, Desert Cove has 17, Lion’s Beach (where we are) has 45 (17 non-reserve) and there are 15 sites along the hilltop looking over the lake and Marina. These do not have electric on site but there is a shelter with a plugin and a water tap handy. The prices for these sites are $10. There is a 14 day stay limit in the park.

Back home, I took Clemson for a walk and started my post. It is warming up nicely and I’ve opened the blinds to let the sun in this morning. Looks to be a beauty of a day coming our way. Eventually, Bill vacuumed and then had his shower while I emptied the recycle bags for plastic and aluminum. Our garbage bin is over full but there is another one not too far away. Not too many people recycle by the looks of the blue bins, they are only half full.

We drove to Truth or Consequences
We didn't go in the museum, but enjoyed all of the old equipment
outside
I made breakfast, bacon and eggs, nothing fancy. I’m trying to avoid the bread but I’m finding I’m craving my omelette sandwiches. Maybe tomorrow we’ll have those, our last day here. After cleaning up dishes, it was my turn to get washed up. Bill and Clemson sat in his chair and relaxed. I’m trying to find an online tutorial for my project (sorry to keep you in suspense, it is a necessary evil) just for an added perk. I’m sure I can do it, once I get started. I’m excited to get it finished.

Turbine Runner? I'm sure it makes sense to some of you!

I like the metal display on top of the fence
Our plans for the afternoon may be to go for a drive into T or C but for the moment, I thought I’d just sit outside with my book. No sooner did I sit down and Clemson wanted out. Rob walked over and asked if we wanted to go to town, so in other words, reading our minds. We went along and it gave us an opportunity to walk one side of the town. The town is divided by two-lane one-way streets.

A few pretty areas in this little town
We took our time, just exploring the town before walking back to the truck. Rob then drove down further to the Veteran’s Memorial Park & Hamilton Military Museum. We’ve been to the park before and although Bill walked around again reading the plaques for the different wars, I sat on the bench and waited for them to finish and join me. Then we walked into the museum, of which was closed last year. It was all free with the exception of any donation you wished to make.

If you wish to take the time to read this, it is
an interesting story
Love this selection
The quail, the stone house on the hill
and the movie theatre
I signed our name and Bill dropped something in the pot. It was very well done with tons of information. You would be there, as Rob said, for a week reading all the information. Once we got back to the parking lot and truck Rob asked if us girls would like to take a walk through the Community Health Thrift Store. ‘Does peanut butter go with jam?’ Pat asked. I’m glad we went in and praised myself for not even looking at clothes.

The Historical Walk of Education

Inside the museum
I found the craft aisle and picked up a couple of bags of 3 ply wool in various colours. I have another project in mind. They also had a package with at least 20 crochet hooks of varying sizes for $10. Uh, no. I wanted just a few different sizes and when I asked the lady at the counter, she was quite obliging. I picked 4 and gave her what she asked. Pat found a couple of casual summer hats for her walks.  

I have another project in mind
When we returned home, we had new neighbours again. Seems people are coming in for overnight and then leaving. Bill started chatting with the young couple and they certainly seem friendly enough and loving the park. It’s their first time here so we understand the feeling. I made myself a creamy hot tea and a lettuce, cheese and meat sandwich on rye. I know the time was off to eat but we were hungry. Bill made his sandwich and we relaxed for the rest of the afternoon.

Cute plant in bloom
I actually indulged myself. I put my bathing suit on and stretched out on my lounge chair. I read for a while, facing the west sun with the wind behind my back. It was quite lovely out there. Bill was inside sleeping with Clemson so when Rob texted about Happy Hour, I actually declined. I’m sure he understood. We have one more day to do that before we leave here.

This touched me the last time I saw it

Today, it still did and these little plastic soldiers
were sad and sweet
When the performance in front of my eyes quieted down (quails, doves and bunnies) I was ready to move in to change into my shorts. Bill had fed Clemson and taken him for a walk but when I went inside, he bugged me for another one. Little goof, I guess he wants us to take him together. What do you mean ‘he is the boss of us?’ LOL So, I took him and we walked across the main road into the sand. I can imagine that feels nice on his little feet.

This little bunny is trying to hide
We had a nice long walk and returned to the Suite. This seemed to satisfy him. For supper tonight, I have sausage thawed for grilling and we have leftover potatoes from last night. At 5, I didn’t feel the least bit hungry because of that sandwich so we’ll see when the urge to eat hits and take care of it at that time. We both got involved in NCIS reruns and the The Voice came on. Before we knew it, it was 6:15 and neither of us had moved for supper.

A beautiful day
I was feeling a headache so knew we had to eat something. I opened a can of tomato soup and made it creamy with mostly milk. With toast on the side, it hit the spot. This was our tv night so we had a lot of programs to watch and record. 

Good hot tomato soup
Hit the spot when we didn't need anything too heavy
Pat had opted to skip our walk today but I still got over 4 miles in by myself and with the walking around town. We’ll pick up where we left off tomorrow. I hope you’ve had a good day.

Pat took this one of me on a bench in T or C
Thanks buddy
From our position, I don't get the sunset
but this blurry shot at least shows the pretty sky
Good night
Thank you for stopping in today. I hope you didn’t mind all of the collages, I couldn’t decide.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Chilly Morning, Great Hike, Hobby Lobby, Big Lots, Slow Afternoon, Fun Evening


I don’t know what it is that makes you dream for nights on end and then you get a lull of peaceful sleep for even more nights. At least that happens to me. Last night, or early this morning I had very vivid dreams until I woke up at 6:30. I was so relieved to be able to find Bill’s hand by my pillow on Monday, Dec. 3rd. He was absent in my dream, making it even more weird since I was with the CanAm group.

Pretty sky to the north
and to the east
southeast - just gorgeous!
We were up out of bed by 6:45 and had a tea and coffee together. I’d read blogs last night so caught up on the few new ones this morning. The clouds were heavy first thing but ‘pretty in pink’ as we opened the blinds. Clemson was up soon after so went out and did his business. This meant that after our drinks were done, we were able to bundle against the brisk 47F and go for a walk together. Bill was keen to walk and we invited Rob to join us. He walks anyway so may as well have company.

Heading off towards the Hand

My walking partners
It was a different path we took today but a great workout again. Down, around, along some beautiful red rocks with animal caves and then back up again. The old heart was sure pumping and we stopped a couple of times for a breather. Next time, we’ll go back to the water reservoir and we’ll take Kleenex and water. You never know how long you’ll be once you get out there.

We love the colours
That is actually green right in the middle of the photo
Wonder who lives up there?
Today, we didn’t take any chances, like Jill and I did 2 years ago. We had plans to be on the road into town at 10:30 so headed back in good time to have our bacon and egg breakfast and get dishes and ourselves cleaned up. The sun was persistent, yay! and finally, the clouds moved off somewhere. Wherever clouds go. I guess they dissipate into the sky since I don’t see them sitting on the mountain tops.

A fork in the road - hmmm, we went to the left (closer to home base)
I chatted a bit with Donna on text this morning and she sent an email with a couple of pictures yesterday. My Christmas cactus back home has decided to flower this year! Donna is plant sitting it for me and last year it did nothing so I’m happy about that. On Dec. 1st she helped Mom decorate her room at Rockwood and sent a picture of that too. Not only are the decorations lovely but Mom looks so beautiful and happy.

Climbing the steep hill, I kept my eyes on the ground and the feet ahead of me

A nourishing breakfast
I'm enjoying the salsa on my eggs
At 10:30 we left Clem in charge and Rob dropped Pat and I at Hobby Lobby. I’ve been in one before but knew Pat wanted to browse so took more time checking things out. They have a lot of nice things, it is similar to a Michael’s store back home in London. Pat steered me towards downloading the free app and it got me 40% off one item today. I found a couple of wire wreath frames for under $3 and a couple more paint colours at 30% off. She has created a monster with the crafts! 😊

Happy Hour
We walked to Big Lots! along the strip and then a quick pop into the 99¢ store. The boys were back from checking out the Classic car sales and getting propane. Too bad the propane was right beside Dunkin’ Donuts. LOL I was happy with my purchases and we didn’t need to go anywhere else. Rob drove us back to our site and I made myself a coffee before settling outside with my book. The sun felt nice as long as the wind remained minimal. I had to be seated in the perfect spot.

My Christmas cactus is blooming at home
Thanks sis for looking after it for me!
Bill poured me a diet ginger ale and came outside for a while. Soon, Rob and Pat brought their chairs over for an early Happy Hour. The air gets cooler still around 4 so we get our outside chats taken care of around 3 instead. We made plans for a game of Double Series after supper so went our separate ways around 4:30. Bill lit the Weber to warm up the 2 pcs. of leftover pollock we brought home from Black Bear Diner. I put salad out on our plates inside and we were eating by 5 and cleaned up by 5:30.

Mom in her decorated room and red sweater
She looks so relaxed, doesn't she?
For some reason, our batteries were reading low so we made use of the new generator we’d bought last winter and fixed this summer. Bill started it to get the batteries up at a more comfortable reading. I snuck outside to get a picture of the sunset and it was just going down behind the mountains. Supper was good but of course the fish wasn’t as good as the night we had it in the restaurant. Oh well, a nice easy meal, regardless.

supper hit the spot tonight
We walked over to Rob and Pat’s around 6:30 and taught them how to play the game. Soon enough we were all playing it comfortably and the boys beat the gals 5 games to 4 so a close challenge. 

A little embibing - a reward sip for each "Good girl!" from my partner

The game was a challenge and fun
We packed it up and walked back home around 9ish and read our books for a while. By 9:30 Clemson was dancing his jig trying to tell me that it was time to go to bed. That meant ‘time for you to come to bed with me, Mom’, so I took my book up and read for 15 minutes until I was ready to sleep. Don’t even think that he controls us!

And the sun set on another great day in Paradise
It was a fun day and one to be repeated down the road, I’m sure. I hope you had a great one as well. Thanks for reading along!