EVEN THE DUST WAS LOOKING FOR SOME SHADE TO-DAY!!

 

SUNRISE AT THE RANCH

The sun was so hot to-day even the dust was looking for shade.  Luckily there was a breeze but the sun's hot rays kept setting my skin on fire so I spent most of the day inside catching up on a lot of wayward computer emails, files, & photos.  When you take as many photos every day as I do it doesn't take long to end up with files & files of photos waiting to be captioned & organized into categories & albums.  I have uploaded 2 new albums to our Picasa web album site that details in photos our trip so far but just noticed they are way out of order so I'm going to have another re-organizing job to do with hopes of getting all the photos into a proper sequence.  Good thing we slowed down when we did!!  Some of the photos have made it into the blog & the bulk of photos can be seen at our PICASA WEB ALBUM SITE  if anyone is interested.  For example, I included one Roadrunner & 1 Lizard photo in the blog but took another 5 or 6 of each subject.  I'm still experimenting with Live Writer ideas on how best to present the photos too.

 

SAND HILL CRANES MAKE THEIR WAY UP THE VALLEY

Saw some clouds in the faint light of early morn over the Swiss Helm mountains to the east so knew there was going to be a nice sunrise.  And, there was.  And lots of Sand Hill Cranes in the morning air as well.  Last summer I was talking to a lady who told me she had looked at our website a couple of times last winter but she said the only thing I had on it both times were birds.  Lotsa birds!!  Awwww nuts, lost another one!!  Well, this ranch is located about a mile north of probably America's largest Sand Hill Crane population for the winter months.  Early every morning thousands upon thousands of Sand Hill Cranes wing their way overhead in large flocks heading for feeding areas up the valley to the north.  About mid afternoon they return to their roosting quarters at a place called, The Whitewater Draw.  I have photos of the cranes in large flocks flying through the morning sunrises & evening sunsets.  Yes, I do have a few bird photos alright.  They can be found in our archives for February & March of 2009.  

 

PASTEL SUNRISE

I think we got up into the mid to high 80's to-day but we did get out with the dogs for our usual morning walk before the heat build up.  Both Checkers & Max dropped way behind so we turned & went back taking Pearce & the Motormouse with us.  Jeanie continued on with Pearce.

 

On our mountain road drive to Paradise a few days ago we dropped into the GEORGE WALKER HOUSE Birding Bed & Breakfast.  I mentioned it then but didn't have the photos ready to go so here are the pictures from that day as a nice lady by the name of Nancy showed us around................

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Jeanie & Ray, with Carol from the PAWS & HOOVES RANCH up near Sun City will drive to San Diego to-morrow morning whereupon the 3 of them will board a cruise ship for Hawaii.  It's kind of a special Birthday trip for Carolyn.  They will return around the 23rd.  So, to-morrow morning we begin our heavy duty ranch sitting chores.  Eight chickens, 3 donkeys, 2 dogs, & one cat to feed.  Do you think the Bayfield Bunch can handle it:))

 

Remember to keep an eye on RICK'S  blog these days if your interested in the new Microsoft Windows 7.  Rick & Paulette were blessed with a new Win 7 in the family a few days ago & Rick's pretty excited about it:))  Heard he's even been handing out some cigars!!

 

LOOKING EAST TO THE SWISS HELM MOUNTAINS

And welcome to our latest blog follower Sandy:))

I've just run into some unforeseen problems with the Picasa Web album site so it's probably going to take me longer than I figured to get everything sorted out.  Give me a day or two to get it all straightened  around............................:))

HOVER YOUR MOUSE OVER THE PHOTOS FOR CAPTIONS

GROANER'S CORNER:))  A man rushed into the doctor's office and shouted, "Doctor! I think I'm shrinking!!" The doctor calmly responded, "Now, settle down. You'll just have to be a little patient."

FACEBOOK READERS GO HERE TO SEE OUR ACTUAL WEBSITE COMPLETE WITH PHOTOS & MORE INFO.

BLOGGER WEBSITE http://thebayfieldbunch.com/

OUR PHOTO ALBUMS  http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/

The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now....AL.

THE BAYFIELD BUNCH ROLLS INTO THE ARIZONA RANCH:))

 

OUR FIRST OF MANY BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS AT THE RANCH

It was the sound of the Aspen leaves rustling in the early morning breeze that caught my attention when I stepped out of the motorhome in the pre-dawn hours.  This whole area is an Astronomer's paradise & despite the moon high in the west I was still able to stand outside in my pajamas & identify some favorite constellations.  What a beautiful land this is & what a beautiful night sky it is for the few people who take the time to see it.

EARLY MORNING MIST IN THE CANYONS OF THE CHIRICAHUAS

Rusty had told us the previous day there was a group of Astronomy buffs living over near Portal.  What made this unique is that a desert community was created for people interested in Astronomy.  Lots were sold & people built homes with their very own in-house or attached observatories.  Obviously very wealthy people.  A community of stargazers with their very own community.  We took a drive over to the location & I took some photos from the car.  Other observatories could also be seen dotted in the mountains.  Some of the shiny white domes were mere specs in the distance.

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SAYING GOOD-BYE TO RUSTY THIS MORNING

We said our good-byes to Rusty this morning & rolled out of the Park at 9:50 a.m. heading south for Douglas, Arizona.  As usual there was no traffic & the highway was clear for as far as the eye could see in both directions.  It was another reminder of why the southwest is so attractive to us.  Mountain ranges on both sides with the open road ahead stretching to the horizon.  A smattering of wispy clouds gave the sky it's morning personality & it was a great feeling inside to share that feeling with the rest of the day.  I thought of the long boring summer I just had & was so grateful to now be out here in nature's wonderment with Mother Nature herself pointing out her handiwork ahead, to our right, to our left, to everywhere we looked.

ON THE ROAD TO DOUGLAS, ARIZONA….A QUIET & PEACEFUL LAND

As we approached Douglas I recognized old familiar shapes.  Coronado Peak loomed out of the haze on the far distant horizon & reminded me of the morning we drove up a steep narrow road to a parking lot where we proceeded to hike high atop a hill last March.  A sweeping panoramic view stretched out before us as we easily gazed a hundred miles deep into the heart of Mexico.  Another formation of rocks brought back memories of a drive to the Texas John Slaughter Ranch.  Over another rise & I was looking across the Sulphur Springs valley where the ranch is located.  A glance in the direction of the Mule mountains told me where the little picturesque alpine like town of Bisbee was located & that brought back more pleasant memories for me.  A mine tour, the BBC...Bisbee Breakfast Club, & the park with all the old vintage travel trailers.  It was a great 60 mile drive from Rusty's to Douglas & it just re-affirmed my love & desire for the American southwest.

Topped up our propane tank in Douglas & was surprised that we had only used $11 worth of propane since leaving Ontario.  Our fridge, hot water heater, stove, & furnace all run on propane but luckily we bought a Legacy Blue Flame heater a couple years ago so never had to use the furnace.  RV furnaces are propane gas guzzlers.  We were hungry so parked in a Wally World lot & walked to a Church's Chicken place.  We normally never eat that kind of food but to-day we made an exception.  We hadn't had fried chicken since last March when we were in this very same place.  Luckily the owner had a friend with a front end loader who was able to scoop up Kelly & I with the bucket & haul us over to Wal-Mart afterwards.  He had seen us waddling out the door I guess.  It will probably be a very long time before we load ourselves up with a lot of greasy chicken again!!

 

OOOOOOOOH, I CAN’T BELIEVE WE ATE THE WHOLE THING!!

We were on familiar turf in the Douglas Wally World so it didn't take us long to pick up a bunch of groceries & stuff.  That big chicken dinner weighed me down like an old bag of cement & it wasn't long & Kelly had to tip me over & dump me into the cart with the groceries.  When the clerk tried to run me through the scanner a message flashed up on his screen saying, 'this old sack of potatoes is out of date......reject & apologize to customer for any inconvenience!!'  I hauled myself off the conveyer built & told the clerk, "no apology necessary, I'll look after it!!”

HANGIN OUT AT WALLY WORLD

It was 20 miles to the ranch & for the first time on our trip we had to kick on the A/C to kick out the daytime's 85F temps.  We all had our tongues hanging out including the dogs.  McNeal Arizona looked the same as it did the day we left here last March.  It was good to see the ranch come into view because it marks the end of our journeys first phase for now.  Jeanie & Ray with our two old ranch pal dogs, Gleeson & Mr. Pearce came out to greet us & it was really great to see everyone.  Had some catching up to do & then it was time to set up the rig.  Jeanie & Ray walked over about 5 & we all headed off to do the afternoon chores.  Main gate to be locked, water on cold nights to turn off, 8 chickens & 2 dogs to feed.  And a funny thing happened when I fed Gleeson & Pearce.  Gleeson barreled into his food but Pearce hesitated & stood there looking at me.  I had forgot to give him his smooch.  I was in the habit of giving him a smooch every time I fed him over 7 months ago & he remembered that.  Now how's that for one smart dog.  He remembered but I had forgotten.  So, a big smooch it was:))  I’ll get some pictures of the guys to-morrow.

THE CHIRICAUHUA MOUNTAINS SUNSET PROFILE

J & R are rolling out Friday morning & driving over to California to board a cruise ship for Hawaii.  They will return to the ranch in about 3 weeks for Thanksgiving & are then taking off in their 5th wheel so the Bayfield Bunch will be at the ranch for awhile.  Not as much work this year because the 2 boarded horses from last year have gone home & the 3 donkeys, Sarah, Nellie, & Poncho will spend the majority of their time in the pastures grazing grass.  Only time we have to feed them is if the weather gets bad & we bring them in for shelter.  We're going to have a lot of time on our hands so we'll be busy scouting out new day trips & Kelly has talked me into going with her for free Yoga classes in nearby Elfrida & McNeal.  Well, it should be a bit easier than the 108 moves Tai Chi I was doing a few years ago anyway.

 

Anyway, that was it for our first day at the ranch & we're really glad to finally be here.  And, so are the furry guys because now they have free range to come & go from the motorhome whenever they like.  There is coyote proof fencing for quite a few acres surrounding the ranch house so we're comfortable with letting the guys out to roam.  Plus, they have their 2 Arizona ranch cousins, Gleeson & Pearce to keep an eye on things & show them around too.  Oh, & you may have noticed that we are back in the land of beautiful sunsets again......:))

GROANER'S CORNER:((  Evidence has been found that William Tell and his family were avid bowlers. However, all the league records were unfortunately destroyed in a fire. Thus we'll never know for whom the Tells bowled.

FACEBOOK READERS GO HERE TO SEE OUR ACTUAL WEBSITE COMPLETE WITH PHOTOS & MORE INFO.

BLOGGER WEBSITE http://thebayfieldbunch.com/

OUR PHOTO ALBUMS  http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/

The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now....AL.

TO-DAY WE ENDED UP IN PARADISE

 

A DESERT SUNRISE BEGINS A NEW DAY

I beat the sunrise again this morning & was outside enjoying the fine desert air before old Sol even made it over the mountain ridge to the east.  Watched the sun's rays begin their slow descent down the rugged Chiricahua mountains casting soft pastel colors into the deep canyons & ravines of the steep rock faces, bringing a start to another new day.

MET THIS CHARMING FELLOW IN THE WOODS TO-DAY

That was this morning & right now I am sitting in a relaxing lawn chair outside the motorhome with the rising desert moon directly in front of me casting a pale glow across the desert floor.  The day is behind me now & the aroma from my 7 o'clock coffee fills the night air around me.  Soft ambient music whispers out of the laptop.  A fine way to wind down another day I'd say:))

NANCY SHOWING US AROUND THE BED & BREAKFAST COTTAGE

We are amazed at how our furry guys love the fenced in doggy do do & play yard across from us.  When they rumbled down the motorhome's steps this morning they all headed the short distance to the play yard & waited by the door to go in.  

We had breakfast at home before setting out around 9:30.  Saves a few dollars & some time.  Headed back over to the quaint little town of Portal again & decided to do the Cave Creek loop drive to a place called Paradise.  We first came across Paradise last March on our trek over the Chiricahua mountains from the west.  Heading east on the bumpy dirt mountain road we saw a sign pointing to Paradise with an even dirtier &  bumpier road so decided to follow that & it led us to the tiny settlement last spring.  After some creek fording with our little Santa Fe we finally reached Paradise at that time.  And, that is where we returned to-day.  On rainy days the total population of Paradise is about 7 people with the population swelling to 8 on sunny days.  Don't ask me why that is but a lady from Paradise told us that to-day.

THIS IS THE ROAD TO PARADISE

Rusty, here at Rusty's RV Ranch told us this morning about a bed & breakfast place in the mountains that caters to birding folks.  Bird watchers flock to this area by the thousands in the spring & it is probably one of the most popular birding areas in the whole country.  We bumped & grunted along the old dirt road past the Paradise cemetery, over an old bridge, made a left hand turn past an old abandoned house & officially entered Paradise, well sort of.  With only 8 people living here (7 if it rains) there isn't much in the way of living quarters.  Maybe have a dozen old houses scattered along the old road in a half mile stretch.  Some of them livable & some of them not.

HIS NAME IS TUNDRA & HE GREETED US AT THE GEORGE WALKER HOUSE TO-DAY

At the western end is  THE GEORGE WALKER HOUSE bed & breakfast.  Normally we wouldn't drive into someone's driveway & bother them but Rusty said to go right on in because the folks there are real friendly.  So, up a bumpy laneway we trundled to have us a look at a place advertised for birding & lodging.  It was immediately apparent this was a true nature hideaway.  First thing we saw was a young deer grazing by the driveway.  Mexican Jays were darting about everywhere & a friendly doggy guy came running right up to the side of the car looking for a big smooch.  A lady came out of a big newly constructed house and we quickly walked up explaining that our intrusion was OK'd by Rusty at Rusty's RV Ranch:))

AN EARLY BUILDING IN PARADISE

The ladies name who welcomed us was Nancy & she was looking after things for a few days while the owners of the George Walker House took a week off to return to their other home in Las Cruces.  Nancy pointed out all the different birds that seemed to be absolutely everywhere flitting amongst the trees from feeder to feeder.  Tundra, the friendly poochy guy kept a close eye on the feeding deer & when that deer later came up close to us Tundra put the run on him back into the bush.  Nancy took us in & showed us the old quaint bed & breakfast cottage & gave us some of the areas history.  I busied myself with photos while Kelly & Nancy chatted about the bed & breakfast concept & RVing.  Nancy is a fulltimer & has just recently purchased herself a 29' Class C Jamboree.  She is a computer person so hopefully we'll hear from her down the road somewhere & see how she's making out.  We probably ended up staying there for nearly an hour before resuming our journey back in the direction of Portal.  Stopped & checked out a couple really nice picturesque camping sites & finally stopped at a trail head whereupon we set off on a wee hike.

INSIDE THE BED & BREAKFAST COTTAGE

We didn't go far when I began to tire.  I just haven't got my hiking legs under me yet & have been unable to tap into my extra energy resources needed for these longer fun days.  But, no matter because I couldn't -help feeling as we were winding our way through the mountain roads to-day how lucky we were & how great it was to be once again actively doing something everyday in a place as beautiful as these southwestern States.  When I think back to the long boring summer I'm just energized by the fact that we are here:))

KELLY MADE ME POSE FOR A PICTURE AGAIN

To-morrow morning we will head for the Ranch over near McNeal which is on the other side of the Chiricahua mountains in Arizona.  We have really enjoyed our stay here at Rusty's.  As everyone who reads this blog knows, we are not RV Park people but I must say in this past week we have had some favorable RV Park experiences.  Kelly made the statement this morning that Rusty's is probably one of the nicest parks we have been in.  For me personally, one of the things that makes it a nice park is the fact there are few rigs here at the present time.  With the exception of one fella playing his western music kinda loud a couple nights ago this has been a stress free stay for us.  Rusty, the owner is a very pleasant & personable person & is always right there to answer any questions you may have about the Park or the area.  The grounds are immaculate, sites are very spacious, & all & all we think this is a great place for any RV'er to stay.  Even you high enders would like it here despite not having your pristine little spotless dust free cement pads..............10-4!!

TYPING UP TO-NIGHT’S BLOG UNDER A DESERT MOON

I have taken a multitude of photos these past few days & next week I will put some photo albums to-gether of our travels & experiences these past few days.  Most of you computer people out there will recognize the name, McAfee from the anti-virus world.  John McAfee frequented this area a few years ago working on some rather bizarre business ventures.  He's somewhere in Belize now but his flamboyant lifestyle here has left behind some prominent landmarks.......which I have pictures of.  And I will post more photos from the George Walker House visit in the coming days as well.  And then there is the Astronomy community. 

I have not been able to get Rusty’s photo album to upload in Live Writer to-night again so I’m going to put them in their own album which will be accessible on our Picasa web album site so just click RUSTY'S to find the pictures.  I will caption them later.

IT’S RUSTY HER VERY SELF GIVING US SOME HIKING TRAIL IDEAS

Hey, Walkabout Jack……..welcome aboard:))

GROANER'S CORNER:((  If you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an average of 6 months waiting at red lights.

FACEBOOK READERS GO HERE TO SEE OUR ACTUAL WEBSITE COMPLETE WITH PHOTOS & MORE INFO.

BLOGGER WEBSITE http://thebayfieldbunch.com/

OUR PHOTO ALBUMS  http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/

The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now......Al.

OUR FIRST HIKE INTO THE CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS

THE VIEW FROM CATHEDRAL VISTA

It felt so great to step out of the motorhome this morning into the predawn dusk & wait for the sun to rise over the Peloncilla mountains.  Hadn't been outside for a sunrise since leaving the ranch last March.  Not a sound in the campground except for a few birds shaking off the sandman.  Always felt this was the finest part of any day to be outside & enjoy the wonders around us.  A quiet time.  A time for reflection.  A time for appreciation.

SUNRISE ON THE CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS BEHIND PORTAL ARIZONA (Photo taken from Rusty’s RV Ranch)

Took us awhile to get ourselves motivated this morning but we finally got it to-gether * headed out in the car around 8:45.  First stop was the just newly opened Chiricahua Desert Museum a few miles south of Rustys.  Met co-owner Sheri just as she was hanging out the open sign.  With husband Bob they opened the Desert Museum just four short months ago.  Everything is new & they have put themselves to-gether a fine facility.  Be sure to see my photos of their efforts.  A large reptile & amphibian room is nearing completion & Bob (Herpetologist) will be bringing the creatures back from Texas in couple weeks.  If your in the area be sure to drop in to their nature store & check out the hiking gear, nature books, gifts, paintings, sculptures, southwest jewelry, etc plus amphibian reptile room.  They also do silk screen hats & T-shirts on site.  And if all that isn't enough, Sheri & Bob have future plans for a large water garden to the south of the building.  ECO WEAR & PUBLISHING

CHIRICAHUA DESERT MUSEUM

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From the Desert Museum we drove the short 4 miles to Rodeo where breakfast had been recommended.  Stopped into the Rodeo Cafe for a good old feed of bacon & eggs.  My favorite but rarely have anymore because of the ridiculous prices most places charge these days.  But, at $5.99 we thought that was a bargoon & we both had B & E's & coffee.  And, it was a great breakfast to boot. 

PHOTO ABOVE IS FROM RUSTY’S WATER GARDEN.  APPEARS TO BE SOME FEATHERS CAUGHT ON A ROCK IN THE LITTLE STREAM

RUSTY'S RV RANCH << (click for Rusty’s website)  Having connection problems so will have to try & add Rusty’s photo album either later to-day or try again to-morrow.  I don’t think it was Live Writer causing the problems last night.  Just think it was sporadic dis-connects to the internet interupting the upload process.

Headed back up the road to Portal, Arizona & headed for the old Post Office & Library.  We had come across Portal last March when we came over the Chiricahua mountains from near McNeal on the other side.  I had taken photos of the Portal store at that time but had missed the old Post Office & Library.

LOCAL PORTAL RESIDENTS WAITING FOR THE MORNING MAIL

From Portal we drove into the Cave Creek Canyon area.  Caught a lucky break when I pulled over to take a picture of the canyon & Kelly spotted a Roadrunner in a tree right beside the car.  Finally, after 3 years I was able to grab a few pics of a real Roadrunner.  We then headed for a short hiking trail called Vista Point.  Figured we had better start out with a few easy short hikes to get our legs back into shape again.  What a great feeling it was to be out walking on a new rocky trail again surrounded by beautiful trees, mountains, & rich deep blue skies.  First trail we've been on since leaving the southwest back in the spring.  No wonder our legs felt like rubber when we got home later.

ROADRUNNER…….’meep meep’

Drove into the Sunny Flats campground again & it looked just as beautifully peaceful as it did 6 months ago when we first came across it on a day trip over the mountains.  No hook-ups here & no cell phone or internet signal.  It's a small campground with only the wind & the birds in your ears.  Took a few photos & talked to another RV couple camping there in their motorhome.  Really friendly folks who invited us in for a tour of their Georgy Boy Class A coach.  Really nice rig.....really nice people.

IN FRONT OF THE PORTAL POST OFFICE & LIBRARY

It was only 12:30 but we were already so tired we decided to head back to the rig.  We just haven't been able to tap into our energy resources since arriving from the north & we spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing & dragging ourselves around between short snoozes & dozes.  I think if I could sleep totally uninterrupted for about 3 days I might be OK.

We had fans going inside as the sun really heated things up to-day.  In fact we never spent any time in our lawn chairs at all.  Almost missed the moonrise in late afternoon but did spend some time outside as things nicely cooled down.  I will go outside later to-night & just sit quietly under the big desert moon listening to the distant coyotes.

A QUIET BENCH OUTSIDE THE PORTAL LIBRARY

We will stay one additional night here at Rusty's & then head out Wednesday morning for the short drive to the ranch just over on the other side of the Chiricahuas to the south. We're looking forward to hopefully getting ourselves caught up with our time zone dilemma as we begin phase two our trip this year......our life on the ranch:))

 

JAGGED CHIRICAHUA PROFILE (Photos taken from Rusty’s RV Ranch)

 

TO-NIGHT’S BIG DESERT MOON

GROANER'S CORNER:))  Mark, our five-year-old grandson, couldn't wait to tell his grandfather about the film we had watched on television, "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." The scenes with the submarine and the giant octopus had kept him wide-eyed. In the middle of the telling, my husband interrupted Mark,  'What caused the submarine to sink?'   With a look of incredulity Mark replied, 'Grandpa, it was the 20,000 leaks!'

FACEBOOK READERS GO HERE TO SEE OUR ACTUAL WEBSITE COMPLETE WITH PHOTOS & MORE INFO.

BLOGGER WEBSITE http://thebayfieldbunch.com/

OUR PHOTO ALBUMS  http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/

The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now....AL.

PROBLEM TO-NIGHT PUBLISHING THE BLOG

Don’t know what the problem is but I have not been able to publish the blog to-night.  Could be a Live Writer problem.  I will try again in the morning:((