La Posa Walk, Quartzsite Tour, Restful Afternoon

Quartzsite, AZ

On Thursday, Jan. 16^th we were both pretty well rested when we woke up. We should have been too! It was 9 when Bill went to bed last night and 9:30 for me. We just couldn’t keep our eyes open and weren’t keen on any television programs that were on. Not too sure why we were so tired other than Bill missing his snooze and it is normal for me to go at that time.

As we walked, I snapped pictures of the clouds  that
I was hoping not to see all day

 Today, the only thing on our ‘schedule’ (do retirees have schedules?) was to take a drive into the little town of Quartzsite. We wanted to show Bob and Jo-Anne where things were, the key things at least, and wander a bit around the ‘before-show’ vendors. Bill found a parking spot for B.B. back behind the row of tents on Keuhn St. We walked along that side, up and down the rows, just to get an idea of what they had and some prices.

The picture on the left is the additional drive up dump station
which is new this winter

This saguaro is very old but with a buddy waving as we walked by

There are few of these old buses coming into La Posa South
I'm sure there will be more

We crossed the street to K & B Tools and the vendor directly across from them. Both Bill and I thought of George as we got our free stick-on 2020 calendar. 

These little calendars come in handy

He was the first one to tell us about them so we try to get a couple each year for the fridge and for the truck. Lastly, we ended up in the Food tent where I like to spend a lot of time poking. Some of the canned goods are outdated but if you look, and check the dates, you’ll luck out at cheap prices.

A few more pictures from our walk this morning
and bottom corner is the big tent, up and ready for the onslaught
on Saturday

I found about 8 cans of things for our pantry and eventually we made our way back to the truck. I had a phone call from Gayle to catch up and discuss some things regarding Mom and made tentative plans to get together before they leave Plomosa Road and head to Mexico. They are in the area until the 23^rd of January so if no where else, we’ll see them at Silly Al’s for a pizza meal. It was nice to chat with her.

We stopped briefly at RV Lifestyles but Bob didn't get any
satisfaction here for his inverter

Back home, we were hungry so I made our bacon and eggs and a coffee each. It was 12 noon when we were ready to eat. The Suite felt cool when we stepped inside, warmer outside than in. It was 61F indoors and 57F outdoors so with the sun fighting to push its way through the clouds, we opened the outside door.

Bill took a couple of pictures today at our Happy Hour
Thanks dear.
Left to right: Ken, Kim, Bob, Tom, Deb, Jo-Anne & Higgins, Patsy

He is in the picture by way of his shadow

After dishes, Bill went out to putter with more of his solar lights and I took my book out to do some chair hopping (as our blogger friend, Bob, says). I’m good at it so why not do it? The sun was so hot that even the winds from the southwest felt nice. I read for a while and when Bill finished with the lights, he also sat in the sun with his book. He eventually dozed, right there in the chair and I stretched out and did the same. It was wonderful! Our friends around us were also enjoying the afternoon outdoors.

Through a dirty window, the sun sets

At 2:50, Ken arrived at his doorstep with a beer in his hand. Nothing else needed to be said so after the laughter subsided, we all moved our chairs out to the middle and proceeded with today’s Happy Hour. The party didn’t break up until 5:30 and the sun was beginning to drop. The temperature sure began dropping too with the winds gusting to 16 mph. It doesn’t sound like much but it is considerable enough to send a chill over our heated bodies. Suppertime!

Bill had the plain and I had the peppered
They were tasty and we'll buy them again

Bill lit the Weber Q and began cooking our bacon wrapped beef tenderloins. These were a recommendation so we thought for $4 per, we’d give them a try. Inside, I steamed broccoli and Bill did some corn on the grill as well. We were eating by 6 and cleaned up by 6:20. I know! We eat fast and don’t linger at the table like some people do. The meal isn’t a big deal for us and we just want to get it over with and get on with the remainder of the evening.

Right off the grill, it was still quite pink inside
but letting it rest for a couple of minutes

It was very tasty and juicy
(Not red juicy, just tender juicy)
Good night y'all!

I sat to download pictures and finish my blog. This has been a fun day from beginning to end. I hope yours was just as great.

Thank you for your visit!

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

With us both getting up so early, 6:15 today, Tuesday, Mar. 5^th, 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.

Someone Turned the Heat Off, Looking for Jack, Trip into Town, Trail Tour

We woke up again at the same time and I opened the blind on my little bedside window. I could see the lake, how nice is that? I watched it gradually brighten up until 6:15 when a patch of red showed, we got up. Photo op! Bill made his coffee, yes, our Keurig is still holding on even though it leaks once turned on. I ran outside for a picture or two and waited to have my tea until I got a walk in.

We read a few blog posts from our friends to see what they were up to and after taking some beautiful sky shots, I bundled up good and went for my ‘hike’. What the heck happened overnight? Did someone turn the dial back to the outside heat? Our weather station was reading 37F/3C. 

Once the sun was out in full, I wasted no time. Today’s mission – find Jack. Each year we’ve come here, I’ve seen ONE jack rabbit. The first year for a few seconds, I thought it was a kangaroo, having never seen a ‘Jack’ before.

Time to go for a walk

I walked up the main road towards Quail Run Campground area. This is where we camped our first year, when we didn’t know these spots were here. It is where I’ve seen Jack both times. I cut in through the campground and found the stone lined trail back in through the brambles and bushes. I whispered a silent prayer or did I actually say it aloud? “Please Mr. Jack Rabbit, let me see you today. I promise not to chase you.”

And then, there he was, sitting watching me
Can't see him?

How about now?

Within minutes, he appeared. “Hello, Jack!” We both stopped in our tracks and this is when I swore at myself for not having my zooms lens. I should know better but it is extra weight to carry. 

I like it when time is taken to create walkways for us

 I snapped pictures with my big and little Canons and even with my phone. I did the best I could before he turned tail and ran. I was happy though for the brief appearance. Maybe later I’ll try again, now that he knows I’m back. 😊

Clemson woke up with a chill so he had his sweater on and wrapped
in his blanket

When we returned from town, he was warm enough for the
sweater to come off and he sat in the sun

Back home, I made my tea in the warmth of the Suite. After having eggs and bacon for breakfast we drove into Truth or Consequences with Rob and Pat. First stop was the post office where I needed to mail a card and then we all went to Walmart. We picked up cream, DEF and withdrew some cash (at no cost). Bill drove around to show them the town before e headed back to the park where he drove around some more. Some really nice sites down on the water if you want to boondock.

The lake was so pretty and some took advantage
and camped right beside it

Others just parked to go fishing

Back home, I changed into capris and sat outside crocheting in the sun. Another beautiful day here in paradise. The wind hadn’t picked up yet but we knew it was going to according to the forecast. It was only about 59F and yet it felt like 70. We each made a coffee and Bill worked on cleaning the rims on Black Beauty. Clemson made it a family affair by sitting on his blanket and my shirt between us.

Bill cleans up the rims on our truck

A couple who are camping up on Level B came down to ask Bill about his flag pole. The wife checks our wind sock every morning to see how windy it is outside so they wondered about getting their own. She chatted with me about Clemson and my crochet project. She even gave me a suggestion for the next one. After my tea, I texted Pat to see if she was up for another walk today. She said yes and I grabbed an apple for lunch.

We walked in a different direction, the same way I walked this morning. I had my zoom lens and once more was hoping to find Jack. We had more fun today, snapping pictures of various things and she placed one of her painted rocks in a stone heart I noticed on the trail side. Further on down, I placed a couple on rocks that created the path. The colours of all 3 will certainly be noticed if not retrieved. We got goofy again, sitting on a bench and using our phone cameras.

I won't show you the real goofy ones

Back at home an hour and a half later, we were pleased with the steps we’d put in today. We didn’t see Jack enough to get a picture, but I glimpsed him off in the distance. Just to tease me, I think. No happy hour today, at least not together. I did take a hot creamy tea outside to read but the strong easterly winds had me moving inside for cover. The temperature was dropping, now at 5:30 it is 64F and the winds have been bouncing between 17 and 23 mph since 2 pm.

Pat's little rock in the big heart

And my rocks found a home too

I prepped a small chuck roast and set the IP for 45 minutes of cooking. There are whole potatoes, onion and halved carrots in there as well. While it was cooking, Clemson told us very clearly that it was time for his walk. Bill and I took him out for a 20-minute walk and it was the best behaved he’s been for as long as I can remember. He walked so well and we can only hope it tired him out for at least a couple of hours. This is his pestering time. LOL

Pat was enjoying the 'rock' hunt

When IP shut off, I let it go into Natural Release. During this time, I reheated gravy that was left over from our last roast dinner and cooked corn for Bill. The release process went for 15 minutes (enough, right Kim?) and then I vented it from there. The roast was another delicious one. Probably this one was only about 3 lbs if that so I’m not embarrassed to say that we ate the whole thing. 

IP did its job

And supper was delicious

It was a great meal. We cleaned up dishes, I wrote more on my post while we watched The Voice. After watching many ‘bad’ acts on American Idol last night, this show just moved up a notch or two.

Quite an original Blue Bird in the Quail Run campground

This was a great day again and other than the wind, I’d change nothing. We are so fortunate to have this weather and these beautiful places to spend our time.

And we got another cute picture today

Thank you for visiting, I hope you enjoyed it.