Well, back in early today. There’s a chill in the air right now. Rain too. The thermometer is playing between 40 - 45.

What that means is no shorts today. No Chacos either. So, with the chill in the air I thought of someone who I’ve been teasing a lot about shorts, sandals, and blue skies! This post is for you Bud.

Oh, of course there’s no snow on the ground here though! Couldn’t resist.

Looks like another quieter day. Nice though, the gray skies are reminding me of New England.

I keep forgetting to mention my most recent neighbors.  Another Airstream!  30 foot Classic, 2005.  As they pulled in the other day I noticed the George Sutton RV logo on the bracket that held their license plate.  Hey, I’ve been to George Sutton’s!

I have to say, I love all the windows on their trailer.  Wow, talk about a bright trailer.  Also, they have different interior lights compared to mine.  Ah well, I didn’t get a classic. 

Today they’ll be heading up to the Grand Canyon!  And yes, I’ll be going up there soon as well.  However, I was planning on heading out next Tuesday.  Due to an appointment, I will be pushing out a few days.  Then I’ll go see the Canyon for 4 - 7 days.  Afterward, back to Prescott. 

Oh no!  Has it gotten dull in Prescott already?  No, not at all.

Yesterday I spent the bulk of the day inside, and doing work.  It happens.  Actually, even the days I’m out looking around, I still spend a good bit of time inside working on items.  A few database installs for small clients, helping out a friend with a Wordpress setup, and other fun items.  Yesterday was a blast.  Tax Day!

Oh, probably just lost all the readers with the T word.  Sorry gang.  And yes, I owe, I owe.  More than I thought too (or hoped).  Ah well, get it over with, right?

Also, my two day experiment has paid off.  Unfortunately, I don’t know what to attribute the positive results to.  The annoying rash is disappearing (again).  You might immediately think, “ah, it’s the sun.”  Not necessarily.  I’m a lousy scientist for sure.  What has gone wrong with the experiment?

• Yes, limited sun exposure.  So maybe that’s it.  However, it was occurring in New England where it was cold, no sun, etc.  Maybe not the sun.
• The pollen count here the past few days has been extreme.  Maybe it’s allergies.  Hiding out in the Airstream with my little Hepa grinding away could be helping.
• As an added experiment I hit the benadryl the other day as I was a tad stuffy, and I learned about the pollen count here.  Could be the benadryl too.

Glad I don’t have to write up a report on my findings.  Sloppy testing methodology here when it comes to isolating the cause.  Much easier to figure out computers and networks than the human body! 

I have made an appointment with a local dermatologist…..   just to check things out.  Don’t want to look like a racoon 50% of the time. 

Curious how I knew about the pollen count?  Check out Pollen.com .  Useful site.  I also looked at the Money magazine report again that I’d mentioned back in January.  It had Prescott listed.  75% of the time there’s good air quality here.  Not the high 90% range of Santa Fe and others.  So, Prescott isn’t perfect, but I’m thinking I can find a way to deal with the 25%.  Certainly haven’t been miserable here with the allergies, and it’s a far cry from Florida. 

By request, here are a few more shots from the rail trail I rode several days ago.  The original post is:

Catching up from Prescott

There are several photos of the trail in that post as well, but I dug out 4 more to share. 

This podcast episode might be a little shakey.  So, if you get motion sick, you might want to skip it.

My bicycle does not have a good mount setup for a camera yet.  Therefore, the ride along is just a touch bumpy…… 

Right behind Point of Rocks campground is a wonderful Rail Trail.  Hikers, bikers, folks on horses all share this trail.  The views are stunning.  I’ll look forward to another ride in a few days.

 

 GAC Episode 36 - Riding through the Granite Dells [5:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Today I’ll be staying indoors most of the day.  I did that yesterday as well, spending time on Dice, Monster, Hotjobs, and CareerBuilder.  Too much!

Yesterday I did get out a little, and I’m wondering if that is contributing to the one really annoying issue I’ve still had.

Since last October I got a rash on my face that comes and goes.  Sometimes it’s pretty bad.  Sometimes it’s tolerable and almost gone.  Yesterday it flared up like you wouldn’t believe.  Today, peeling like there’s no tomorrow.  In answer to the big questions I have this list:

• Yes, I’m using SPF 50 every day.
•  Yes, the wide brim hat is on hand.
• Yes, I’m using a dermatologist recomended soap (Cetaphil).
• Yes, I’m using Cetaphil cream.

Across my cheeks I turn bright red.  Actually since last year everyone I’ve met outside has pointed out I’m bright red.  Once I get in and cool off my normal color returns.  Not a sunburn, but seems to be “heat activated.”

If hiding out inside doesn’t help today I will seek out a dermatologist tomorrow.  Not only is it annoying, it’s not very fetching either. 

So, dull day here today.  There will be a new podcast from yesterday, and maybe even another one from last week.  Be sure to check back. 

Yesterday became so busy I completely neglected to post. This happens from time to time.

Early in the day I took a ride out to the Granite Basin Recreaction area. Only a few miles from where I’m currently camping. The ride in was wonderful, and I was blown away by the mountains and rock formations in the area. Just amazing.

The Granite Basin Recreation area is loaded with opportunities for everyone. There is a campground (very busy), and an area to off load and park horse trailers. There are multiple spots to park, and then set off to hike or mountain bike as well. Oh, and let’s not forget the boat launch for those interested in some time on the water below an amazing mountain!

Additionally, the park has too many climbing opportunities. Right now there’s a section closed off for falcon nesting. Ever want to get falcon photos? This might be the spot!

After exploring the Granite Basin Rec Area for a while I returned to Point of Rocks Campground. Did the standard lunch fare (soy), and rested a while. Finally, at 3:00 I headed out to meet up with some new friends I met last week.

While exploring the town of Prescott last week I realized the truck was a “little” dirty. Needed a wash. So, I pulled into a car wash I noticed to get the Titan sparkly.

In the bay next to mine I met a couple who were cleaning off their SportsMobile Van. If you don’t know what a Sportsmobile is, you should check them out. Extremely cool setup.

The couple I met actually lives in Prescott. I assumed that they were on the road too, as they were washing their travel van. Since they were locals I got to ask several questions about the area. Turns out they’re from VT. Small world.

Well, they left, and I resumed washing the truck. A few moments later they pulled back in, gave me a business card, and suggested I get in touch. They’ve got a place in the area they’re looking to rent! And I could park the Airstream there to boot! Not bad.

So yesterday I headed out to meet my new friends and get a look at their place. Wouldn’t you know, it’s on the other side of the park I’d visited in the morning. Stunning view across the “valley”. Just amazing! Sorry all, no pics yet.

We visited for several hours, had a nice time, and found out we had even more in common. During they 80’s they lived in DeLand Florida too. Small world! Of course, I’ll be thinking about their rental property seriously. But first I must find something to do with myself (work wise) in this town or surrounding area. Still, I’m extremely excited about the prospect of staying here.

Today I stayed close to the park. Some computer work in the morning, and then a quick bike ride for this afternoon. There’s a rail trail that runs right behind the campground! Amazing!

Of course, the path goes right through the “Granite Dells”. I’ve been referring to it as Point of Rocks due to the campground’s name. But officially it is the Granite Dells. Learn something new every day.

The trail I rode along is the Peavine Trail.  A very easy and gentle ride full of amazing scenery.  Also it had some interesting warning signs to boot.

Fortunately, nothing tried to eat me while on my little ride.  That’s why I’m able to write this now.  Because nothing made a snack out of me! 

Returning along the path I stopped to take one more picture through the rocks of the lake that is to the immediate south of the park I’m staying at.  Just beautiful!

Now you’re all caught up.  Time to get some dinner together here.  Thinking Beef & Brocolli with rice on the side?  Sound good to you?  I’d rather have a thin crust pepperoni pizza thanks. 

The past few days there have been some photos and podcasts, but what about actual updates?  I’ve been neglecting the writing, sorry about that.  Many private e-mails, “What gives?”

Well, what is up here?  I’m enjoying the town.  Taking a fun walk each day through the rocks.   Spending tons of time on Monster, Dice, Hotjobs, etc.  Trying to find wireless and landline opportunities in the area.  Bascially I’m searching from Phoenix to Flagstaff.

So far, none too thrilled.  Tons of network engineering jobs doing Cisco routers and Internet development.  Very little on the telecommunications side of the house.  Been a while since I’ve set up a Cisco router, and never did the certifications for them.  Maybe I’ll have to take the tests (and pony up the money) just to have the certificates.

Of course, I’m getting contacts from recruiters now.  All with jobs in VA, FL, TX, WA, etc.  Nobody seems to pay attention to what you list as a regional preference.  Recruiters like to “skim” your resume.  They don’t read it.  Then you get a call and you’re asked to, “Go over your resume with me.”

Recruiters are tons of fun actually.  9 times out of 10 they’re calling about a position that has nothing to do with your skillset.  I’ve had some ask me, “What should I be looking for in a candidate?”  Pretty pathetic.

Keep in mind though, most of these contract comapnies go through recruiters every few months.  Turn over is amazing.  One of the big reputable firms for instance has been in touch with me for a year now.  I’ve gone through 5 recruiters in that time period.  Eeek!

Down the road I’ll share some recruiter / HR horror stories from my past.  Humorous stuff.  Dilbert is dead on sometimes.

So, there’s the update.  Keeping busy in Prescott, really liking the area, and digging into a job hunt for this region.  I’ll take any and all suggestions from readers, leads too.  Or HR horror stories, just because they’re funny.

Oh, one final note.  Since I’m in the area, I’m planning a trip to the Grand Canyon.  Why be so close to the place and not see it?  I can check Monster.com from anywhere, right?  In another week or so I’ll leave Prescott for a few days and see what I see. 

Been busy the past few days getting to know the Prescott area.  Definitely a nice spot that I’m enjoying.

My “neighbor” Max’s rig.  Max is from British Columbia.  He’s been in Mexico for months, and now on his way back to BC.  One of the coolest RV’s I’ve seen in while.

Prescott….

A few shots from downtown Prescott…..

One more of Max’s rig.

This episode was created after arriving at Point of Rocks Campground in Prescott, AZ. Really nice spot! If you’re ever passing through the area, I think it’s worth a stop.

Hopefully this episode will post properly. I believe the issues with the podcasts playing on the site have been resolved. However, the ability to download with ITunes may have been broken now. If so, I’ll be working on that today as well, and posting when it is resolved.

 

 GAC Episode 35 - Point of Rocks Campground, Prescott AZ [9:58m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download