Back home to ???SNOW??!!!!

 Vail, AZ

16 Feb, 2023

Sometimes I forget that February is still winter

My pipes were frozen for about half a day when I first got home on the weekend, and then I woke up this morning to THIS.

Snow is lovely when I don't have to shovel it; this was all gone by the afternoon.

17th Annual Molded Fiberglass Trailer Rally in Quartzite AZ

 Quafertzite, AZ

6-12 Feb,2023

Like a pioneer fur trappers rendezvous!

Once a year for 17 years now, owners of small molded fiberglass trailers have been coming to Dome Rock BLM to share travel stories, modifications, tips and techniques, make new friendships and renew old friendships.  It's really a lot of fun - even when the weather doesn't entirely cooperate.  This year was cooler and windier than most, but still really, really fun.

My windsock was a great landmark when trying to locate my white van in the sea of white trailers.

My windsock got quite a workout! 

Just when I thought I had seen everything!

I'm always amazed at what folks can bring along in such tiny trailers - entire sets of cast iron cookware, insta-pots, etc.  This year there was a coffee lover who has taken this hobby to an entirely new level.  In his 21 foot trailer, he manages to not only grind and brew each cup of fresh coffee - but he brings green beans and ROASTS THEM ON THE SPOT!  Apparently, there is an entire sub-culture of people who modify old steel air-poppers (popcorn) and roast, then grind, then aero-press fresh coffee all the time!  He was offering free samples, demonstrations and a $10 class (you got to roast some coffee and leave with a pound of custom roasted coffee and some supplies).

I have to say, the coffee was exceptionally smooth - none of the bitterness I usually associate with hot coffee (I only get such smoothness with cold-brew).

Green beans in the bag, roasted beans (it only took about 7 minutes) on the tray, and modified air-popper.

Warm enough out of the wind and in the sun!

Phoebe loves to soak up the sun.  

She likes being able to hang out with other dogs - here she is with her friend Scruffy and new friend Sunny.  The hooman in the picture is Mary, only wearing shorts because she's down from the Yukon and probably thinks it's warm :)

I really enjoyed this opportunity to visit with some of the friends I made while full-timing and snow-birding.

Oh Oh - I hope that there was no drama off-screen!

 Vail, AZ

09 Feb, 2023

I love seeing what shows up on my game camera.

I have a game camera set up in my side yard and it catches all sorts of wildlife that wanders through the area.  Usually coyotes or javelina, but this is the first time I've seen them together.  I'm hoping that the coyote was just curious  -  I wouldn't think a single coyote would take on a full grown javelina (and truthfully, the javelina doesn't look too worried), so I'm hoping that nothing dire occurred off screen.

WOO HOO! Gifted some great Cacti cuttings

 Vail, AZ

06 Feb, 2023

I've wanted some of these for many years!

While staying in Apache Junction several years ago, I had seen these cacti in bloom.  They are some kind of 'Queen of the Night' and have the biggest, most beautiful blooms that only come out after dark.  I can remember watching the cacti bud out and then going out with neighbors with flashlights on the night we expected them to bloom.

You can see a post of when I first saw these beauties here

Recently, I was back in Apache Junction and was gifted some cuttings!

Needless to say, I am thrilled!!  I know it will be years before I can hope to see any blooms, but so is the nature of gardening in the desert - I can dream and future generations may get to enjoy.

Two Successes and One Failure

 Vail, AZ

03 Feb, 2023

I can't stop tinkering with the Van!

Getting in and out of the Van with my tiny step on uneven desert ground seemed a bit problematic - so, I added a grab handle.  This was a pretty straightforward mod with a kit from ProMasterWorld.com - came with tools, good instructions and except for a couple holes through the plastic column - no drilling holes.  The grab handle made use of existing holes in the Ram frame.  It's very sturdy and just the right height.

The second project was to add some rain gutters over the front and cargo doors.  I hate that rain comes into the van when the cargo door is cracked for ventilation.  This project was also pretty straightforward; the rain gutters came in a long roll with adhesive backing.  We'll see how the adhesive holds up to the brutal summer sun.

The 3rd project was to add some light to the bins - at night, the bins are very dark and it's hard to find anything without a flashlight.  I had found a bunch of very bright, very small (size of a quarter) LED battery lights with adhesive backs.  I stuck one in each bin and was very pleased with the amount of light they cast.  Unfortunately, the adhesive lasted less than 24 hours!  Every one had come loose and disappeared into the bottom of the bin.  I could try glueing them in; I checked and could still unscrew the tops to replace the tiny, flat batteries.  But, I hate doing something permanent until I'm sure of the location, and that the placement won't interfere with getting stuff in and out.  Of course, even glue isn't necessarily permanent in the Sonoran Desert heat.  Guess I'll wait and see on this one.

So very bright - I do like them a lot.