Gadget’s Airstream Chronicles

Ah yes, another early wakeup……but 4:30 Arizona time is 3:30 California time you know.  So, I made myself go back to sleep.  No worries, not too much effort this morning……I’m still catching up from the cold and the excitement of returning to Palm Canyon.

The next time I woke it was thanks to my IBook’s alarm going off, playing “Bare Naked Ladies” song, “Pinch Me”.

We got up and started getting ready for a 6 a.m. hike up Palm Canyon with Bill.  The plan was to get a jump on the day and see if we could find ourselves some big horn sheep.

Palm Canyon is an interesting walk.  Rock walls on either side, a dry desert floor, and this year, an abundance of small desert wild flowers.  Nice!

Bill was ready at 6 sharp, and I’d just wrapped up a few sunrise photos.  It’s always fun to get a sunrise with desert palms in it.  The silhouettes are amazing!

We made our way up slowly into the canyon.  Stops happened often.  I swapped from a video camera to the 30D, and later back to the video camera.  Remember, the hike up Palm Canyon won out as a future podcast, so I had to take the time to shoot a little.

The hike was a little different this year.  In the distance at all times I could hear water flowing.  One year ago the canyon was dry!  Bone dry.  And it lacked any type of blooming wild flower.  This year the canyon is alive, and it even sounded alive!  What a nice change!!! 

As we approached the oasis I began hearing frogs.  We crossed a small stream several times, and came across lush green patches growing along the water and in the water.

Finally we rounded a bend and I could see the palm stands in the distance.  The entire hike we went past downed palm after downed palm.  Years ago a major storm dumped water into the canyon, and the bulk of the palms got washed down toward the camprgound.  We walked through the wreckage today, and I could only imagine what it must have looked like before the palms were washed out.

What remains in the canyon is still stunning.  A true desert oasis in the middle of some fairly barren land.  If you’re ever in the area, be sure to stop in and walk up the canyon.  It’s worth the trip.

By the way, I know I never give great detail on the history of the sites I visit.  Sorry about that.  But I figure that just like me, readers have Google, and they can quickly find some great historical information about spots I’ve traveled to.  Rather than pop up what someone else wrote about the area, I like relaying what the visit was like for me.  :)  I say all of this because Anaza-Borrego, Borrego Springs, Julian, Ghost Mountain, and the rest of my favorite spots have some really interesting stories behind them, and they’re worth a read.  So, use that Google Bar…… and plan a trip for yourself!  It’s worth it.

After the hike in we took a while near the oasis.  Everyone kicked back, snacked, and enjoyed sitting riverside while looking for Big Horn Sheep.  Did any make an appearance for us?  Nope.  Sorry to say.  But there are still a few more days left in this trip, so you never know.

With time spent in the canyon we began making out way back.  As an added bonus to the trip, Sadira’s father and sister were coming out to say hi.  She hasn’t seen either of them in a few years, and they live in San Diego.  So, quick trip for them to come and have a little reunion.  Since they were coming in early we had to cut our time in the canyon to get back.  But we’ll be going up again soon for sure. 

There’s the wrap for this post.  Later this evening more might go up, but I’m going to take a break from the blog, sort more photos, and get ready for another dinner with the guys at site 28.

After posting this afternoon I settled down for what worked out to be a long and necessary nap. It was pretty good, and honestly I think I could have napped an hour or more. Ah well, almost bed time, so I’ll get some more Z’s yet. Plus I’m going to break out the big guns and have some Nyquil. I’ve opted to not take it quite yet….otherwise the blog could get real goofy.

After the long nap Sadira and I headed out to check with the ranger station about a site on Saturday night. See, they’re all booked on Saturday. They were when I first registered. But Bill & Larry scored a Saturday spot even though they registered after me. Clearly somebody canceled, and they lucked out with the online booking.

Along our walk to the ranger booth I stopped often for shots. Sadira did too. I’d hear her SD1000 beeping away with shots, so I knew it wasn’t just me.

Once we arrived at the ranger station we saw that it was very busy. Car after car pulled in, RV after RV. No hope to get attention this afternoon, so I’ll save it for tomorrow morning. Worst case scenario, we’ll pull out to the Peg Leg area, pick an open spot in the desert and set up shop for an evening or two (we’ll figure Sunday out later).

On the walk back I realized something very important about Anza-Borrego….

It’s hot, and I’ve been running a fever off and on…..making it feel hotter.

Ah, gotta shake this cold! The allergies calmed down, and I’m glad to be out of the line of fire with the local smog.

We knew Bill & Larry were running behind, so we kept the afternoon mellow. Little went on, and we stuck around the Airstream resting, recharging our Apples, and fidgeting with blogs. Sadira spent some time reviewing comments on her blog………

Oh, and responding to e-mails.

Interesting side note: I received an e-mail last night from an editor with the Escapees. I’ll be sending out a review copy of the Digital RV next week. Funny, I’d tried to contact them the other year regarding the release of the book and never heard back. So I’m happy she contacted me on her own regarding the book and a review. I’ll take all the marketing avenues I can get! If the book goes “best seller” there will be more climbing and traveling once more. Come on all, let’s get Best Seller on our minds.

Finally I received a call late afternoon from Larry. They were mere moments away! Hoorah!

At the same time Bobbie, Danine, and Elise came walking up to the trailer. They’re Airstream owners who have been traveling for months with their Airstream. Sound familiar? Well, they also paid a visit to Rich Luhr in Tucson recently. I think he spent some time showing them his new cabinets, or something along those lines……unfortunately he and the Tour of America trailer couldn’t join in this weekend….something about counter tops……hmmmmm….home ownership……

So, the photo to the left is for Rich.  You said to make sure we got updated photos out there for you from Borrego.   This photo is of almost everyone dining with Bill & Larry tonight.  Who’s missing?  Well, I am, as I’m taking the shot.  And Bill is, as he was walking the dogs with his new Petzl head lamp.  Yup, Bill is another victim of my Gadget junkie ways, and after seeing my lamp last year he felt it was a useful tool as well.

So, as all readers have now surmised, dinner was put on at Bill & Larry’s 23 foot Safari.  Just like last year Larry always puts on a wonderful dinner.  And just like last year the company was great.  Nice meeting some more Airstream owners, and full-time travelers.  While I haven’t been traveling much, I’m still a full-timer, and coming up on 2 years in the Airstream.  Wow.

Bobbie and Danine will be heading to San Diego next, so Larry was making suggestions for spots to stay.  He described a few interesting parks, and if I ever get back on the road longer term I’ll probably have to check one or two out.

We wrapped up the evening early and said our good byes to Bobbie, Danine, and Elise.  They’ll be heading out tomorrow.  And we’ll be taking an early hike up Palm Canyon.  6 a.m. walk anyone?  Well, since I’m still on AZ time it will be 7 for me.

With all of that reported I’m now off to down some NyQuil and see if I can’t sleep through the night!  Hopefully I’ll feel more human tomorrow and I can enjoy the area and the recreation it offers.  Oh, and snap a bunch of photos! 

Last year I planned on staying in the Quartzite area for a few days.  But a sandstorm, and a really strange “something” in the air moved me right out of the area.

Last night that strange something in the air was present once again.  By the time I posted yesterday’s entry I was totally clogged (could be the cold), my eyes were red and itchy, and I was having what I’d describe as “difficulty” with my breathing.  The inhaler was nearby for the evening.

Sadira experienced a similar reaction.  Red eyes, runny nose, the works.  Hmmmm…..something in the air at Quartzite for sure.

This morning got up at 4:30.  Not feeling perfect.  A combination of allergies and this cold that has definitely gripped me.  Yuck!  I’ll try not to spread it around, although everybody seems to be getting it.

We headed out by 7:30 MST.  Quickly we were in the Pacific time zone.  California is only a short hop from Quartzite.

The ride for the morning went well.  Pretty skies, no big winds, and few vehicles on the road.  Nice.  A few rest stops were made, and nothing eventful there either.

As we closed in on the entrance to Joshua Tree I decided to pull off to a rest area and take 5.  The turn off led to the General Patton Memorial museum.  It was in a lonely spot, and didn’t seem to blend in with the area.  We talked about taking a few photos, but I thwarted that.

Within 5 minutes of getting out of the truck I felt like I was choking.  There was something really strong in the air, and it bothered Sadira too.  Best guess, given the color of the haze (a yellow green layer in the sky) was smog.  And it whalloped me good.

From the memorial to Indio I struggled today.  The on board hepa in the truck chugged away and kept me going, but wow, nasty air.  As we descended into Indio we could see this layer of air floating half way up the mountains.  Nasty!  It almost made me want to turn around, but I kept going.  I remembered my experience in Palm Springs last year, and also remembered Borrego was better.  So I banked on that.

After gassing up in Indio we turned south toward Salton City, and hoped for a better air quality.  We got it, but it took a while.  You could see the “air” thin out, until there was only a slight haze as we made our way to Borrego Springs.

Hooray!  I had a sinking feeling I’d be hiding in the trailer with the Hepa on all weekend, but I think I’ve dodged that bullet.

We’re now all settled in here at Palm Canyon.  It’s as nice as last year, with an extra splash of green here and there.  Definitely a change from last year’s drought condition!

I’m still feeling the effects of the cold and this morning’s allergic reaction, so I’m off for a nap shortly.  Not sure what Sadira will be up to.  We’ve got to wander to the ranger’s office at some point in order to see about cancellations for Saturday……cross your fingers! 

Another post will come for sure tonight.  Bill & Larry are running behind.  I called Bill moments ago, and he’s just refueling the truck.  Whoops, a little behind schedule for them, but that’s ok.  I remember a similar call last year! 

Well, off to rest, and then maybe a short hike. 

Today started out with another 4 a.m. wakeup……ugh, please stop it. Why the early wakeup? Simple…..

Snot

Yes, I was beyond a little clogged this morning. Well, actually I was a lot clogged. And the tissues were on the other side of the trailer. Quite a dilemma. See, once you get out of bed and your feet hit the cold Airstream floor (a daily ritual) you’re awake.

Fortunately I had to use many tissues, so it was a long term deal anyway.

Combined with being so clogged I was also fairly excited about heading out today. Alright, super excited…..painfully even. Maybe the painful part had something to do with running a temperature as well.

I spent the morning going over final preparations.   Last minute cabinet machinations, realizing I had no paper plates, coming to terms with the pathetic performance of my Interstate Batteries (they’re two years old, what’s the deal with the charge), and gassing up the truck.

After filling the tank I returned to Point of Rocks and hitched the truck up.  See, even though I had to work for the day I wanted to be ready to roll out immediately afterward.  How did I get to work?

Sadira.

Sadira is currently on her first Airstream trip.  Since the day I met her she’s always claimed to like Airstreams, so I thought she should try a trip with one (that will discourage the aluminum desire for sure).  :)  Nah, it won’t, but she’ll get the first hand experience of what it is to live out of a 25×8 silver tube for a few days.  She’ll probably want to buy a larger one…… 

Our ride out tonight was an interesting experience.  I’ve been traveling alone for quite a while.  The last co-pilot on a “fun trip” was my friend Tom back in March of 05′.  Since that time I’ve driven the Airstream around solo.  So it was different to have someone in the passenger seat again.  Also, I couldn’t put all of my junk food in the passenger seat, and I’ll talk to Sadira about it in the morning.

Well, I’m exhausted.  I’ve taken more Dayquil, and it’s kept me sounding ok for the most part today, and helped minimize Puffs usage.  But I’m definitely run down.  Maybe I’ll sleep in tomorrow……fat chance of that happening…..keep the tissues handy….

Tonight’s photos were taken right outside of Quartzite Arizona.  I think I’m parked in almost the exact same spot I was last year….and on the same day.  Wow, almost like I planned this or something!

Well, that’s it.  Too tired.  More pictures will follow tomorrow.  Oh, and tonight’s photos were “quickies”.  I’ll do some better night shots after I get some rest…… 

It’s just about time to go!

Am I fighting a cold?  Yup, it’s here, but I’m still rolling out this evening.  Why?  Because home will be right behind me.  So, I’ll deal with the cold, and still take the time I’ve planned to head out to Anza-Borrego.  Cross your fingers I beat it and can enjoy the visit to a favorite spot.

Another early rise today.  That’s ok.  I have a few items to finish up, fill the gas tank, and hitch up the trailer.  Everything is looking road ready, so there’s a plus!!!

Maybe another post will show up tonight after the first leg of the trip.  If not, you’ll get a long one tomorrow from Anza-Borrego complete with trip photos! 

Over the past week I’ve seen a lot of people getting the latest cold / flu.  People working around me have had it.  And I’ve been trying my hardest to avoid direct contact…..

No hand shaking, no touching, and please don’t sneeze on me!

Last night my throat was a little sore.  This morning it’s a lot sore.  I’m a little clogged too.

I’m taking my daily vitamin C.  Just had some moments ago.  Lots of grape juice too.  As much water as I can get.  Doing all the right stuff.

This trip will not be interrupted.  I’m telling myself that I will not get this cold!  I will not! 

2 more days gang!  And there will be no cold!

The past few mornings I’ve been waking up at completely strange times.  4 a.m., 4:30 more than once, and I can’t get back to sleep.  I think I’m getting into travel mode.  Wide awake, and no chance of going back to sleep.

This morning was a 4:30 wake up call.  I sat up, was completely awake, and knew I was not getting back to sleep.

So, what am I doing so early in the morning?  A little reading of course.  More packing and organizing.  I’m confident the Airstream is now back in travel mode.  This morning my big external hard drives have been put away, and they’ll remain away until I return to Prescott.

The small portable drives are now out and ready for use on the road.  Photos, media, etc.  They’ll bear the burden of hundreds to thousands of photos.  Yup, I’ll be snapping away.  Cross your fingers I have some interesting subjects!

It seems that the trip schedule will be moving up.  I’ve rearranged my schedule on Wednesday, and with luck I’ll head out late afternoon, and find a spot between Prescott and Anza-Borrego to camp for the night.  We’ll see what happens.  But if I get out there earlier it will just give me more time to enjoy the Borrego Springs area!

Little else to write on this morning.  Tonight I’ll be wrapping up laundry, and then rounding up a few last minute supplies.  Even with my big supply run, I’ve remembered a few items that were left off the list.

Maybe more will follow tonight….we’ll see.

Yup, dull post, but keep in mind I’m waking up way too early! 

The 10 day forecast from Weather.com.  Do I normally believe 10 day forecasts?

Are you kidding?  Have they ever worked out???

But the forecast for Borrego Springs sounds good to me.  I’ll be seeing sun, sun, and oh yes, sun!   Well, that’s what I’m hoping for.

While I was in California last year I saw nothing but sun.  Oh, and some dust storms as well, but no rain.  And the lack of rain was an issue.  The wildflowers were nowhere to be found.

This year the area has seen water, and has had rain over the past week as well!  What’s that mean?  Wildflowers.  I’m looking forward to seeing many colors in the desert!

By the way, we’re now 5 days from the 5 day trip.  Hmmmm……. And I chatted with Bill & Larry again last night.  I’ve got to drop a note to Bert & Janie to see if they might be coming through again (that would be fun).

Oh, and I’m looking forward to sun.  I can’t believe that I’ve been missing it lately.  I remember wondering if it ever rained here last year.  All I saw from the moment I arrived in Prescott was sun, sun, sun.  Actually, when I arrived we had storms in the first week, and then months of only sun.  Recently we’ve had snow, rain, sleet, gray skies, the works.  It’s felt like NH.  And I’ve missed the sun.  So I’m hoping for clear days and amazing views.

6 days.  Only 6 more days and I’ll be hitched up and rolling to Anza-Borrego.

How am I dealing with all this pent up energy and excitement?  Well, I’m getting ready.  Extra ready.  Super ready.  More ready than I can even describe (I need to grab a thesaurus).

Yesterday I wrapped up the big preparations.  A visit to my local Fry’s hit me for almost $90.  The supplies I picked up are 100% for the trip.  My pantry is over flowing!  No kidding, it’s full.  The fridge is too.

In addition to the Fry’s visit I also popped by Wal-Mart to re-fill my medications.  Can’t run out of my Protonix while in AB.  That would go over poorly.

Oh, and I got a haircut.  You need to look presentable when visiting a favorite spot.  You know, in case you meet a big horn sheep and you want to get a photo of them.  Bad hair days could scare off your photo subject!

I’m not the only one who is excited.  There’s been a flurry of e-mails between my friends Bill, Larry, and myself.  We’re closing in on daily e-mails, so I know we’re all excited!  Plus Bill & Larry will be bringing their new Mac!  Ah yes, they’ve converted to Mac!  No worries, this won’t be a Mac conference in the desert.  But you might see a few photos of Macs in the desert.  It just might happen.  :)  I’m thinking 4 macs with a desert palm backdrop…….

So, the Airstream is almost completely ready.  Tires have been filled, lug nuts checked and tightened, and the interior has been getting a travel ready overhaul.  Little else to do now but sit back and wait to hit the road.

The plan…..hitch up the trailer after work on Wednesday.  Be on the road by 6 a.m. Thursday.  The ride should be about 6 hours in total, so I’ll be in CA early afternoon setting up.  If I’m not too tired, maybe a quick hike up into Palm Canyon just to see what’s new along the trail.

Well, that’s about it for the morning.  Too distracted to even talk economics today!  I’m sure many readers are happy about that! 

That I got my truck washed the other day…..  Maybe you did know about that…….

An interesting storm rolled in last night, complete with thunder, lightening, high winds, sleet, and finally snow…..

That I had an early appointment this morning…..

That I had to drive in slush & dirt covered roads…..

And now my truck doesn’t look all clean and pretty?

Yeah, I figured you didn’t know all of that.  Maybe some parts of it were on your radar screen, but I bet you didn’t know all of it, and if you did, why are you stalking me??? 

Now come the big questions……Bigger than the last set, and these questions are very important.  They lead to other even bigger questions.

Can you guess why I had an early appointment?  Let’s do some more, “Did you know?”

In 1993 I popped a filling due to my consumption of Jelly Belly Jelly Beans……

I received some Jelly Bellies just last week……

Just like 1993, I popped another filling while enjoying my favorite Jelly Beans in the world………

I had to wait a week to get an appointment with my dentist…..

That appointment occurred this morning…….

I’ve happily returned home through the slush, covering my nicely cleaned truck in gunk…….

My filling has been replaced?

Ah, hooray!  A pain free dental visit.  All thanks to my “addiction” to Jelly Bellies.  I’ll never blame them, never sue them, and never claim that their marketing made me do it.  No, Jelly Bellies are just good.  Even if they pose a small hazard to my dental work.  Let’s face it, 2 incidents in 15 years……not a big deal.

Of course, if I did blame Jelly Belly I might be able to become rich as all get out…..just like all the fools who sue fast food restaurants for so many perceived wrongs……..

Ah well, not gonna sue them.  If I did, who would make new jelly beans for me?

How about a final round of questions?  Ready?  Start everything with “Did you know?”

I’ve been waiting for over a week for a package to arrive……

Several packages showed up last week, but not the one I really wanted…….

The much desired package arrived last night……

Sadira popped by to pick up her share of the package contents……

We happily munched on Vermont Beef Jerky Company’s tasty snacks during a major wind storm…….

Sadira drove home in driving snow……

I continued munching beef jerky, even with a popped filling…….

I’m looking forward to munching more beef jerky today with a newly replaced filling……..

Well,  now you know many things you didn’t just a few minutes ago.  Unfortunately I don’t think it will add anything to your day.  Unless you want a share of my beef jerky……and that isn’t a realistic possibility.  Order your own!  :)  I’m saving mine for Anza-Borrego next week! 

Off to enjoy a day of rest!  Everything is cold and snow covered, so I think I’ll stay in and catch up on e-mail and contract work….