Another 250

Yesterday we slept in and didn't get on the road until 8:30. By 5 we had done our 250 miles and were in Bryson, Texas settled into our "boondocking" site for the night. We tried to get into the state park here but it was full, March Break, and the schools are closed for two weeks.
I don't know what the gas prices are doing back home, but down here, diesel has gone from $3.12/gallon when we arrived in December to over $4.15/gal. at the pumps. If you are lucky you can find a bargain and Texas seems to be the best right now:

In Texas everything is bigger and tougher than anywhere else in the USA. Just look at what the woodpeckers did to these mailboxes. Now that's tough.

Speaking of "bigger" look at the size of this steer. We could see him miles back, just standing watching the cars go by, never moved, or blinked. I don't think you would get much meat off of his bones. Like to see what the woodpeckers could do to his hide.

Our "boondocking" place last night. Today we go to Paul's  and Monday he will start the solar installation. No more generator! YEAH!!!!!!!

Watched the sun go down and it was a beautiful sight to finish off another wonderful day.

Stay safe and keep in touch.

Unbelievable!

As you know we have been on the road the past three days trying to reach Fort Worth, Texas by Sunday. We have an appointment with Paul Mayeux to install a solar system on our trailer. With the cost of gas continuing to rise, it makes the cost of installing solar all the more attractive. Most RVers who do any “boondocking” (dry camping) have at least one solar panel to help recharge the batteries in their RV.

 Last night we reached, Brownfield, Texas which is about 250 miles west of Fort Worth and decided to stay the night at a picnic area, just off highway 380. In Texas it is legal to stay overnight in their rest and picnic areas unless otherwise posted. Our spot is very isolated, in the middle of a cotton growing area and on a two lane paved highway. No homes or buildings within sight of our location.  By 9 p.m. we were thinking it was about time to turn in and get some sleep when another camper pulled in behind us. Since our batteries are dead we use “head-lights” that Leanne & Jamie gave us for Christmas to see while in the trailer. From the outside our trailer looks dark and people think we have gone to bed.

We could see this camper was also pulling an “Airstream” trailer and once they were settled I went over to say hi and see if they were staying for the night or just stopping for a late supper. (It’s always comforting to have another RVer beside you when you camp beside the highway.)

 That’s when I got an unexpected surprise. It was Paul and his wife Ann. Paul, the guy who will install our solar system, the guy I had never met but only corresponded by e-mail had pulled into the same picnic area, on the same road, on the same day at the same time as we had. Now, what are the chances of that happening, without prior planning? Here we were two couples who had never met, getting acquainted and chatting about “solar power” in our trailer, at a roadside stop, in the middle of Texas; gave me goose-bumps up and down my spine. 

They only stayed a few minutes, anxious to push on and get closer to home. We decided we had enough excitement for the night and got ready for bed. About 3:30 a tanker truck pulled in beside us and turned in for the night and that is how our day ended, meeting good people, safe and sound beside a Texas highway.

Travel safe and keep in touch.

Tonto Basin Cliff Dwellings

Wednesday we explored the Indian Cliff Dwellings of the Tonto Basin just down the road from our camp-site. These people lived here for hundreds of years until the early 1400's when they either left, died off or were driven off,  but no one knows for sure. There was no Roosevelt Lake here at that time, just the Salt River which gave them drinking water as well as water for their crops. (corn, squash)

As you climb the side of the cliff, you face their dwellings, untouched for hundreds of years. Now they are protected and preserved for generations to come. About 70 people lived healthy, active lives in the dwellings you see below.

Imagine this view out your front door every morning; of course the youngest one had to walk down there to get the drinking water. Would you be up to the task?

These cliff dwellings sites have been found all down the valley, each about 4 miles apart.

Here we are just inside the entrance. Some walls have collapsed,  while on others you can see the fingerprints of those who plastered the mud on the walls, 600 years ago.

Here you can see how the second story was constructed and supported by the rooms below.

The entrance was a narrow V, which made defence of the village very easy. Just climbing up the paved path was exhausting enough for me. I can't imagine carrying water up each day for the family needs.

We enjoy learning about the history of an area we are camping in. Hope you enjoyed the brief tour and get a chance to see it yourself some day. 

We are now trying to cover 250 miles each day in order to be in Fort Worth, Texas by Sunday. It may be a few days before I am able to write my next entry. 

Thanks again for dropping by.

Mogollon Rim

Tuesday was exploration day. We left early and stopped in Payson for a delicious breakfast.

While we ate, Smoky stayed in the truck and took a nap.

We climbed above 6,000 feet, up onto the rim, and enjoyed the views.

I was amazed at all the beautiful,  free camping areas up on the rim. Look at this, put down your stabilizers and stay a while, no charge; can you believe it? Sean, this is great bike riding country.

As you can see Mary enjoyed the trip. She was ready to spend the afternoon collecting rocks, but I reminded her we already have enough ballast for four boats. She was happy with one more small one.

That is Roosevelt Lake off in the distance. It is the largest lake in Arizona and we are camped on the far side of it, about an hours drive from where this picture was taken.

Mike and Sheri showed us where they will be "camp hosts" this summer. Well,..... they didn't show us the campground, because snow still kept the road closed, but we did visit the area and believe me it's beautiful.

Mike and Sheri were our tour guides for the day and they did an excellent job until Mike said "Turn left Art" Soon we were on dirt roads, confused and I suspect a little lost. When Mike asked for a map, I knew he was lost, and if he was lost, we were lost. Now I ask you, when you have a guide do you need a map? After  80 miles of back roads, through some of the prettiest areas in Arizona, Mike got us home safe and sound. It   was an adventure and I'm sure we will talk about it around the campfire for years to come. Thanks Mike and Sherri for a fabulous day.

Safe travels and we will talk later.

Camp Days

Monday,  Mary and Sheri spent the afternoon working on their quilting projects.

Their trailer is right across from ours.

Mary cutting fabric for her quilt.

Sherri busy at her machine. Both girls were glad to be working outside. The birds were busy darting by, enjoying the seeds and juice from the feeders as Mary and Sheri worked.

Sunrise over Mike's trailer, March 15, 2011.

Enjoy your day, tomorrow we follow the rising sun.

Cholla Campsite

Originally we were going to explore the "Rim" yesterday but Mary woke up with a sore hip so we changed plans and stayed in camp. Mary cut my hair (no pictures) then she worked on quilting with Sherri. So here are a few thoughts from the camp-ground in Arizona.

We are seen every type of RV on this trip. Here is a recent find we saw in Miami, Arizona. It must be from the 70s, but looked in good shape.

Once set-up we needed to register. Off to the visitors' Center with Mike and Sheri.

Sheri prepared supper for these weary travellers. Thanks, Sheri, much appreciated. Smoky, wanted his supper too.

Mike and Sheri are also "Airstreamers". We met them in Quartzsite. Their trailer holds 5. Two adults. two dogs. 1 parrot.  Where does everyone sleep? Lovely trailer!

Apache Trail

Saturday we left Quartzsite and drove to Tortilla Flats just east of Phoenix. Once on Apache Trail the scenery was breathtaking and pictures don't begin to capture the beauty of the country. Although the road is narrow in places we had no problem pulling our 30 ft trailer and arrived safely at our free campsite at mile post 219. You are allowed to camp for free on Forest Service Land for up to 14 days.

The road to Tortilla Flats, a real twister, with no shoulders.

Canyon Lake, in the middle of the desert.

All bridges on this road were single lane.............. here comes another "Airstream"

We got our wagon wet going through this wash, real cowboy riding ; right Jimmy!

Great views and it was peaceful, our spot for the night.

This wagon brought supplies to the Roosevelt Dam project from 1905 to 1911; right through Tortilla Flats.

We even had internet connection on the FLS land. Mary climbed the rocks so we could get the Verizon Card positioned for maximum coverage.

Off to the "Rim" today. I'll report on that trip on Tuesday.