Painted Desert and Petrified Forest

Sun Valley,  AZ

First welcome to John and Linda who have stopped by to visit our blog.  Glad to see you here.

What a windy day it is.    This morning we drove about 15 miles east of the campground to the Petrified Forest National Park.     After visiting the Visitor Center and watching a short movie, we set off on the 28 mile drive.  

The drive took us through some beautiful, awesome scenery of the Painted Desert.

We stopped at the Painted Desert Inn that houses cultural history exhibits. 

There are several hand-painted murals inside the building.  These were painted by a Hopi artist.  The building was renovated by the CCC in the 1930's.

The park encompasses land that once was part of historic Route 66.   As such, there were several relics left along the road to rust.  What once was Route 66, is now dirt and grasses.  You can see the old telephone lines running along the left.

We took a couple of short walks, fighting the wind each time.    One of them was to the Puerco Pueblo.   It is a partially stabilized 100-room pueblo built about 1250 and may have housed nearly 1,200 people.

In several areas of the park are petroglyphs, ancient etchings in stone.

One area has formations that are cone shaped of layered iron, carbon, manganese and other minerals.  Because of their cone shape, they are called Tepees.

And then the petrified wood.    It ranges from small pieces to almost entire trees laid out along the ground.  Partial trees can be seen peeking out from rocks and soil.    It is illegal to take any of the wood.  Sadly about one ton of petrified wood is removed from the park EVERY MONTH!     Why people do this is hard to say.  There is wood for sale and even given away throughout the surrounding towns. No reason to rob one of our National Parks.

We spent over 3 hours in the park.   We were hungry!   Coming out of the park we headed to Holbrook, about 19 miles away.    We decided Mexican food sounded good. 

This small restaurant served good Mexican food and was decorated with lots of old and interesting stuff.

We both decided on the combination dinner.    After devouring two baskets of hot chips and fresh made salsa, we were each presented with one of these:

And we did eat MOST of it.

We first entered Arizona on January 8.  Tomorrow we leave.   Next stop for a few days is New Mexico.

Hey, but it's cheap!

Sun Valley,  AZ

While still in Congress yesterday we stopped at the store pictured above that is right up the road from North Ranch.  It is a combination of feed store and antique shop.  One lady was asking when they would get the chickens in that lay blue eggs.   I guess she prefers her Easter Eggs already colored.

After checking out and saying goodbye to Linda and Joe, we pulled out of North Ranch at 8:37 this morning.

About Linda and Joe - we met them while staying at Raccoon Valley outside of Knoxville, TX last fall.  They were the managers.   Then we saw them at Dreamcatcher in Deming, NM early this year where they were the managers.   They were moved to North Ranch a few months ago and we again caught up with them. 

A funny thing - we were all talking the other night and they mentioned they were assigned to the Livingston, TX Escapees Park last January to March.   It hit us!   We remember Linda from the park last February.  It was our first week of fulltime traveling.      Linda and Joe's next assignment is in Branson,  MO. in April.  We are due for a NOMADS project in MO. during April.   However, they want 20 people but only 5 have signed up.  If it is cancelled, we will probably head to Branson.    Watch out Joe and Linda, here we come again (maybe).

After studying the map, we decided the easiest (not the shortest) drive would be to head south on Rt 60, take RT 74 east before getting into Phoenix and pick up I17 north to I40 east.    WOW!  Some of the ride on I17 has steep climbs and descents.

Years ago we did some touring of this area of Arizona.  We "think" we went to Montezuma's Castle.  As it is right off of I17, we decided to tour it again.  We pulled into the road going back to it and about 100 feet down the road was a sign "No trucks over 40 feet"   Our truck and fiver combined is 56 feet.   We had no choice but to proceed.  We got to the parking lot, there was no parking for RV's our size and not even any spots left for a car.    Len's driving skill got us around the parking lot and we headed on our way again.

We passed a sign saying 2000 ft elevation.  Then 3,000 ft elevation,   A short while later 4,000 ft elevation.  Then 5,000 and 6,000 ft.    Nearing Flagstaff we were at 7,000.   At that elevation we saw this mountain ahead with it''s snow capped peaks.

At Flagstaff we picked up I40 and headed east.   We realized we needed fuel and found a Safeway station.   Because we have a Safeway shoppers card and recently made purchases, we got a discount.  We paid $3.73 a gallon, the cheapest we've paid in over a month.   But, ouch!  With all the climbing, we were only averaging 4.24 mpg.

Once we got on I40 and pass the more the populated area, we remarked it looked much like driving through the plains states.    We saw miles and miles of waving grasses.

A lot of I40 runs parallel to historic Rt 66.   We would see old abandoned campgrounds, restaurants and tourist attractions.  This one sits at an exit and is still in business.

After driving 295 miles we pulled into our destination for the next two nights.   This is one sad looking campground.  However, for Escapees or Passport America members (we are both) it is 1/2 half off, making the cost just $31.00 for two nights.  

I figure, we only need a place to pull into.  Tomorrow we will go to the nearby Petrified Forest and on Sunday we head on down the road.    

Vulture Mine

Wickenburg,  AZ

About 12 miles out of Wickenburg is an abandoned gold and silver mine.   It seems Mr. Wickenburg discovered gold in this area in the 1860's.  The mine operated until 1942 when it and all such mines were ordered closed by the Federal Government.   The government wanted mining to be concentrated on lead, zinc and other metals that would help the war effort.  Because of this regulation, many mines were closed and people put out of work.

Welcome building.  No electric, parts falling down, full of interesting stuff.  Sells cold drinks and several types of rocks and rock jewelry.  If you need to use the restroom (outside) it will cost you $1.00.

Assay building.  Not safe to enter.

Mine shaft

The cost of a self-guided tour is a $10.00 per person "donation".   We were told the property is owned by one man who wishes to remain anonymous.   What a hot day it was for a walk under the Arizona sun.   I am glad we had a bottle of water but even so, I felt exhausted by the time we were done.  Fortunately we set out to tour early - around 10:30.   I can only imagine how it would feel in the afternoon.

Maybe the jail?

Conveyor tracks for ore from bottom of mine

6 cylinder diesel generator made in Germany and put in service 1904.

Early 1900's drill press

The Brothel.    Was in operation for 60 years.

Entering the kitchen of the brothel

In the main dining building

18 men were hung from this tree when caught stealing ore

After the tour we went into town for lunch.  I had read recommendations on the Horseshoe Cafe.  We had burgers, they were okay - just okay.  We walked about the corner for ice cream.  The waitress at the Cafe suggested it.   The ice cream is made there.  It was good but I find $3.50 for one SCOOP a little much.

Then we walked a little around town.  Lots of western type stores.  We have been buying Christmas gifts as we find something interesting.  We bought 4 more gifts today.   We are so proud - we've brought 12 gifts already and it is only March.

Right outside of Congress we have noticed this huge frog sitting up on the rocks.   He's must be lazy like I am.  He's been sitting there since we entered town 6 days ago.

Elected to Congress.

Congress,  AZ

After leaving the Gypsy Journal Rally on Friday, we elected to go to Congress.   Congress, AZ that is.  

We were hooked up and ready to leave Yuma around 8:45.   The 181 mile drive took about 4 hours.   It is seldom that one heads northward from southern AZ that you do not pass through a Border Patrol roadblock.  This drive was no different

We drove route 95 from Yuma to Quartzsite.   Rt 95 is an easy drive through the Yuma Proving Ground and Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.   This was our first time through Quartzsite and saw what we expected.  Lots of RV's parked wherever.  Many of them there for lenghts of time judging by all the solar panels.

Once at Quartzsite we picked up I10 and headed east for about 15 miles to Rt. 60 north that took us to Rt 89 and to our destination,  North Ranch, an Escapees Park.

We knew Linda and Joe are the current managers at North Ranch.  We met this lovely couple when we stayed at Raccoon Valley in TN where they were the managers.   They left TN about the time we did to be the managers at the Deming, NM park.   We surprise them there when we were headed to Tucson and stayed a few days in Deming.    Linda was surprised to see us here.  We assured her we were not stalkers!

 I saw Joe yesterday and he said he thought it was our rig he saw pulling in on Friday and went it to check it out with Linda.    After they leave here in a few months, their next assignment is at Rainbow's End in Livingston, TX.  I assured Linda we were NOT headed that way.

We settled in on Friday and plan to stay for a week to take advantage of the cheaper rates.    The only thing we did after getting settled on Friday was take a ride to the nearest decent size town - Wickenburg, about 17 miles away.   We only drove through the town, no stops for now.

Yesterday we took a ride to Prescott.   The most direct route is RT 89.   However, there is one section that is off limits to any vehicle over 40 ft.  I should say!   This around trip was a little over 100 miles.  

Upon leaving Congress RT 89 crosses some mountians.   The road is divided but quite curvy with steep dropoffs.   The larger vehiles are still allowed on this seciton but I sure would be uncomfortable pulling a rig behind us never-the-less.

 

At least this section had wide shoulders.   Once we got to the top, there were a few small towns.   This is not the scary road, it still lay ahead. 

I did not take any pictures of the more frightening road.   It was 15 miles long, two lanes, no shoulder and very narrow.  There was no way a semi, motorhome or fifthwheel could squeeze along.  I counted 11 crosses on this road. Most were on a curve and apparently the vehicles went over the edge.   I just know there were more than 11, but lots of time I was looking over the edge, not at the road all the while digging fingernails into the center console and door handle.  We came back another, longer route.  That is just fine with me!

Looking for help here.  I just attempted to upload another picture on this blog.   A notice came up that I was out of space and would need to purchase more space for pictures from Gmail/Picasa.  Is this legit?

Gypsy Journal Rally Part 1

Yuma, AZ

We arrived at the park on Sunday as "early birds".  However, the Rally officially started Monday afternoon with welcome introductions  by our hosts Nick Russell and Miss Terry.

Then it was time for door prizes.  Lots and Lots of door prizes.   Of course, we won none.

Each morning starts with coffee and donuts.    There were 72 seminars from which to choose.  On Tuesday Len started with Electrical Management Systems while I went to Gypsy Journal FAQ's.  We both went to Tips and Tidbits: Why Didn't I think of that? Later Len attended a seminar led by Pat and Mike McFall on the Pressure Pro System and I went to 10 things to never do with your computer.   Wish I did this months ago and not clicked on that screen telling me I had a virus, thus giving me the virus.

After lunch we attended Transporting Firearms in Your RV  and Frustration Free RVing (an oxymoron I say).

By Monday afternoon there were about 175 rigs scattered around the Fairgrounds.

On Wednesday we learned about traveling to Alaska, a dream of ours; the care and operation of awnings (not so much fun), and RVing in Atlantic Canada.  Then we attended a two part session on Staying Married and Happy in an RV!   Enough said.

Wednesday evening was the Pizza Party.

Following the Pizza was the contest for Miss Cactus Queen.   

 Some UGLY looking dames.   And the winner was:

Matt.    Matt and Nancy are parked next to us in their Montana Mountaineer trailer.  They are fulltimers from Washington State.  Nancy is SOOOOO proud.

From Gila Bend to Yuma

Yuma, AZ

On our last day in Gila Bend we had lunch at the only really interesting building in the town.   The Space Age Motel and Restaurant.

     Looks like something out of the 50's.

The prices were reasonable as was the food.

We were on the road about 10 on Sunday morning.    The trip was uneventful with mostly flat desert scenery.   Not too far east of Yuma there is one area where we passed through mountains for a short time.

We arrived at the Yuma County Fairgrounds shortly before noon.

The parking crew directed us to the waiting area which was a paved parking lot. The information we received said that parking of rigs would start at noon.  Already there must have been 40 rigs lined up ahead of us.   Someone came by and said it would be one o'clock before they would start getting rigs parked.  

The temperature was in the high 80's.   We found a shady spot and spent the time talking to other RVers.  About 2:30 they started taking in the vendors and handicap attendees.    Then they sought out the smaller rigs that are able to be parked under shelters.   We finally got moved about 3:30.  That's okay.  Everyone was patient and enjoyed the time just sitting in the shade of the rigs and talking.   No one was in a hurry and the parking crew was friendly and helpful.

We knew to arrive with our fresh water tank full and gray and black tanks empty as there is no water or sewer hookups.   We were also told we would have only 20 amp service.   That's okay.  We can manage even though our fresh water tank holds 60 gallons and at 6 days that would mean we have 10 gallons a day usage.  We can do it.

We were directed where to park.

Our site backs up to a fence and beyond that a side road.     We started to hook up our electric to the box sitting on the right side (looking at our rig) when the parking attendant noticed there was an electric box on the pole on the left.   Checked in out and it was 50 Amps!!!!    EUREKA!  If the temps stay high we can have air AND microwave AND tv.   How cool is that!

Even though we are across from the airport, we slept sound last night until the winds started early this morning.    It has been windy all day with gusts up to 45 mph.    The temps are in the 70's but much too windy to hang around outside.   The start at the rally starts in about 30 minutes with introductions and then a panel discussion relating to Rving issues.

We are expecting a fun filled and informational few days.  Off we go.

Desert, only desert

Gila Bend, AZ

We are still in Gila Bend, AZ.   We are parked at a very small Passport America campground right off I8.    Gila Bend is small town with one small grocery store, lots of boarded up store fronts, a post office, auto parts store, a couple of motels and tons of RV parks.  Of course there are the ever-present fast food places =Taco Bell, McDonalds, DQ and Burger King that you find at most Interstate exits.

The only place of interest to us is about 25 miles from Gila Bend.  

Out in the middle of the desert sits this pile of rocks on which the ancient Indians would paint various symbols.

The site is on Bureau of Land Management property.   There were several RV's boondocking in the area.   I envy those who are able to do that.  I would like to try living off the grid for a few days.  It would mean no nightly showers and lots of conserving power and water.  Yea, for a few days I could do that.

On the way back to I8 we saw a dirt road running through the desert.  The road was on the Arizona map we had and showed it went about 20 miles through the desert and ended back at Gila Bend.  We decided to give it a try.

The road was bumpy and dusty.  We saw no other cars.   About 7 miles in we came to an area about 100 feet long that was sandy, wet and with deep ruts.  We knew even with 4-wheel drive not to chance it.   Did not want to get stuck on a desert road, no cell coverage and nothing within miles and miles.   So turn around we did!

The rest of our time in Gila Bend has been spent talking to other campers, going to the DQ for Blizzards, playing on the computer (no TV here), and doing another puzzle.  Got it done yesterday.

Last night we drove about 40 miles north to Buckeye and had dinner at the Cracker Barrel with my cousin Muriel's daughter Annette and husband Ross.    It was great really meeting Annette.

 I had not seen her since she was an infant.   They live in the Phoenix area.   For sure if we come through this area again, we will spend more time with this nice couple.

Today will be spent catching up on the laundry and running into town.  The small grocery store in town is expensive for most items except for their meats which are really reasonable and quite good.

Tomorrow we head to Yuma, AZ for the Gypsy Journal Gathering.   This will be a first for us.