2. Cactus Galore

First Two Nights Boondocking

Dateland, Arizona 

Last night it was a balmy 70 degrees, so we slept with all the windows open and no covers. Some rumbling semis, a couple trains and howling coyotes made for a somewhat disrupted sleep. We were up early and ready to hit the road. 

Nobody around

Date palms

The next day we took a familiar route to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, south of Ajo, Arizona. We were here in March 2018, the night before we traveled by RV caravan to Rocky Point, Mexico. 

There was no one here when we arrived at the Twin Peaks Campground. Enter 24-7, pay at the kiosk and pick a site. We parked at #21 but we noted a few sites with hard awnings. Immediately we picked #29. It was really nice having a covered patio in to offer shade.

Ocotillo in bloom

Desert life

Teddy Bear Cholla

Organ Pipe cactus

Saguaro in bloom

Blooming saguaro at sunset

The organ pipe cactus are found only here. They’re huge, with multiple arms growing from a tight base. The do resemble pipes from old fashioned pipe organs. Saguaros and ocotillos are starting to bloom. The desert willow trees are full of pale pinkish-lavender blossoms. Even a few Palo Verde trees are starting to show their tiny yellow blooms. 

Dinner was a mystery meal of leftovers I’d frozen ages ago. We didn’t ever recall eating it the first time!

Off tomorrow to visit friends who have a new home in Green Valley. 

Day 1 - See You in September, Jojoba Hills

Today is Day 1 of our 2021 Summer Travels

Shortly after our Board of Directors announced, “Meeting Adjourned,” we hit the road. Our Travato was packed and ready, and boy, were we excited!

Filled up with gas just over the Arizona border, got ice cream (natch) and are now spending the night in Dateland in their free boondock dirt parking lot. Of course, had to repay the favor by buying dates and more snacks!  At this rate, we may not fit in our little Class B. 

Easy dinner of Essential Sandwiches. These are homemade wraps with essentially anything in the fridge. We don’t label them when we make them, so it’s always a mystery. 

Luxury accommodations

Essential sandwich

Back to Blogging

Bob and I are headed out for our summer travels, and I thought it would be a good idea to keep a record. Lo and behold, I found this one from years ago when we were full-time traveling.  It’s been 5 years!

Since that time, we’ve traveled the USA, parked our 5th wheel at a beautiful site in Jojoba Hills SKP Park in Aguanga , California (near Temecula), bought a Travato Class B, sold the Ford 350 dually, and now about to hit the road again. 

Today is Sunday, the day before we leave on Day 1. It’s been a challenge getting our T organized and ready. Our longest time together in the T was a three-week caravan trip to Baja Mexico with the Escapees group, the Mexican Connection. This summer trip will be three months in that tiny rig. A challenge for sure!

I’m hoping to journal every day. It’s easy to forget, and days just run together.