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…… 

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! 

Just a quick note for the evening….

In other words, I don’t have much to blog on……

My dreamstime submissions are moving forward once again. About time, right? The truth is I hadn’t shot anything in weeks, as I was distracted and exhausted. It happens. That’s also why this is a short post. Tired!

So, do I have any reader requests for specific macro photos? I’ve started playing around a lot with macros in the past few days…..and I’m trying to dream up new material. If you’ve got a requested item (maybe tech I’ve written about) let me know.

Ah, he’s so tired he’s asking you to be creative!

One more note….the end of February should see some new photo from Anza-Borrego again. Another trip in the works (finally).

From the dictionary I find the following:

Nostalgia |näˈstaljə; nə-|
noun
-a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations : I was overcome with acute nostalgia for my days in college.
-the evocation of these feelings or tendencies, esp. in commercialized form : an evening of TV nostalgia.

That’s what today was all about. Nostalgia.

See, almost a year ago I drove up a truly FRIGHTENING road on my way to Sedona. Route 89. Sure, folks with low profile cars and crotch rockets (aka slick motorcycles) probably love coming up 89 from Wickenburg to Prescott. But when I came up from the south the color went right out of my face.

A steep road with sharp curves. That’s 89 heading to Prescott from the south. At some points I’d call the turns “hairpin”. Warnings coming up 89 clearly state “Nothing over 40 ft” in so many miles. Well, I thought I’d have a turn off……and I didn’t. Glad to have made it through back then.

My reward that day was Prescott. The cutest town I’d seen in a long time. Just the right feel. Who knew two days later I’d return from Sedona and end up staying so long? I sure didn’t.

Today I thought a lot about that first ride UP into Prescott. I was thinking about it because I drove south today along 89…..all the way down beneath the mountains and into the desert. The change in scenery and temperature happens quickly.

By the time we reached the base of the mountains jackets were no longer necessary. Saguaro cactus were around everywhere. And the random Joshua Tree could be found as well.

And yes, we took a ride. Sadira was hanging out at her shop this morning when I was getting ready to ride out. So she rounded up her camera and we did the big drive. Always nice to have company along!

The drive took us through Peeples Valley, Yarnell, and a few other spots. For me, every curve was fresh in my mind. Wow, I still remember stuff perfectly. And as I drove down I reminded myself, “Never again with the trailer in tow…..NEVER!”

The views were stunning, even if the day turned out to be a little overcast. “Weather” will be coming in tomorrow. Don’t you love that expression? “Looks like we’ll be having some weather tomorrow…..” Uh, we’re having weather right now.

As we bottomed out several thousand feet below where we started the landscape changed so dramatically. Suddenly there were saguaros everywhere. Just so cool. And there was more of a desert feel you’d expect in Arizona. I see it every time I go into Phoenix, but along 89 it’s much more interesting and less populated.

Along the way I found several interesting photo subjects. I kept the shots under 200 for the afternoon (197 instead). And sorting through them tonight I’ve had a tough time selecting out “bad” ones.

On the way back I noticed a burned down home off to my left with several large cactus and a really great joshua tree. So, we pulled a U-Turn and headed back. I’m glad I did. So many interesting subjects in a small amount of space. A javelina skull with half the hair still on it (must have recently met with bad fortune….and the rest of the bones were nowhere to be found), the remains of home plumbing from the burned down home, more tires than you could shake a stick at, and some other interesting plant life. Some interesting photos from that stop, and more than 45 minutes spent looking at the wreckage.

After completing the inspection of the site we headed back up 89. A steep climb, even steeper drop offs, and too many views that I wanted to see. I kept my eyes on the road though. If I hadn’t you wouldn’t be reading this!

A few more stops were made along the way. Also a detour through Skull Valley was taken, just to mix up the ride a bit. Overall, a great afternoon once again. And some new shots to toss on the fire over at Dreamstime!

Finally, in other news……

There’s a new tech podcast about IPods up at the Digital RV Podcast. I’ll work toward getting one new tech podcast up per week. Cross your fingers, and help keep me trucking along with the endeavor. All questions are welcome, and will help fuel future podcasts.

Now, with all that wrapped up, and a few photos sprinkled throughout, I bet your asking yourself………

“What about some more photos from such an epic trip? Who is this guy anyways? He says he brings a camera, but only offers a few measly shots of strange windows, curving roads, and odd outdoor plumbing……. Is this guy man or mouse?”

Well, to satisfy your need for a few more photos, I’ll offer you the following shots…..

[Show as slideshow]

Oh, and having these shots up means that I must not fall into the mouse category!

Have you ever been so tired, on your feet so long, that when you sit down for a moment to catch up you feel as if your whole body is buzzing? Yes?

Well, that’s where I am right now. I’ve been straight out the past few days, on my feet the whole time, and I feel as tired as when I climb. Oh, well, my arms aren’t super tired!

Tonight I’ve got to go back into the “part time job” for some preparations for this week. More time in. I’ll be buzzing even more.

………..pretend some time passed……only because it did…….

I’d started writing this post at 4:45 on Sunday.  Then lots of phone calls from family and friends.  Birthday wishes and all.  Thanks guys.  Sorry to everyone I didn’t answer, the phone is off at work.

After the calls, quick updates, etc., I headed back in.  It’s now 11 p.m.  And yes, I’m all a buzz even more, yet wound up and awake.  Hopefully that won’t last long.  I need some rest.  I’m older you know, so I need to rest more…..  

Updates will come when they can.  Tomorrow is a catchup day, a few errands.  The rest of the week will be off the wall.

 No, I didn’t pack up the trailer and head to Pittsburg New Hampshire today.  Although while out today I felt like I was there.

Instead, I took a new trip in search of those elusive unique photos along the back roads of Arizona, and I found myself remembering so much about my time in New Hampshire’s North country.  I’d been informed that some interesting cliff dwellings existed near Perkinsville, AZ., and I decided to take a ride out and see if I could find them.  While I failed to find the dwellings, I did find something I’ve missed for a while.  A sense of real adventure, exploring, and wondering what’s around the next bend…..

Just like my time in the Great North Woods.  I remembered a lot more too.

For years I’d traveled to the Northern reaches of New Hampshire.  The first trip up was in a 1999 Jeep.  Fully loaded at the time too.  Two people, two labs, and all the gear that goes with the passengers.  Full house.  :)  Getting away from the White Mountains, exploring somewhere new, and finding places where you really are on your own in the woods…..

Trips became more frequent from 2002 forward, and a Eurovan weekender was used in place of the Jeep.  Exploring the abandoned logging roads, mapping routes for mountain bikers, and enjoying the lonely cry of loons were the activities we sought out back then.

Soon the Eurovan was replaced by an Airstream.  The Airstream I’m writing from today as a matter of fact.  One of the major pushes behind buying it was to allow my family more time in the North Woods while keeping some more of the comforts of home with us.  Kayaking, moose photography (loons too), hiking and cycling would all be supported by the Airstream.  It was a good plan, but unfortunately soon after getting it all the big life changes came rushing one after another.  We never really did get to have the next phase of adventures……

As I drove to Perkinsville today on so many lonely dirt roads I remembered the thrill of exploration in Pittsburg, NH.  Sure, Airzona isn’t the North Country, but I still saw glimpses of it in the high desert country.  And I remembered my exploration back there like it was yesterday.  It also struck me that most of my exploration years ago was on my own as well.  My spouse always seemed to have something else to do, and made trips up with me less frequently, and for shorter times.  What a washboard road can remind you of……

30 miles into the washboard riding I still hadn’t found the ruin site I was looking for, but it was ok.  Looking out from Perkinsville I saw the redrocks lining up east of me.  Blue skies, red rocks, high desert…..a stunning site.  Around one bend in the road as I started to descend the scene took me back to the first time I saw the Canadian border while plotting a bike route.  Rough dirt road, top of the land, around a curve preparing to descend.  Nobody but me out there, and nobody for miles around.  And here in Arizona I felt that again, and felt like I was home.

There were no moose on today’s trip (a standard in Pittsburg).  No loon cries either.  And the area lacks massive frigid lakes like Northern NH.  Instead I found a running river, heard the cry of hawks, waited for a few antelope to cross the road (the camera wasn’t ready), and watched a few horses enjoy their view on a hill top.

Sure, it’s not the Great North Woods of New Hampshire, but today’s trip brought all those memories up so easily that it might as well have been.  Here’s to exploring where you are!

Due to several issues yesterday with the site, some really odd stuff, and a spam attack that seems to be continuing, I’m stepping back from the site for a bit.

I’m also blocking all comments for the time being.