Arizona Desert Museum

Sunset at Gilbert Ray Campground.

After leaving the Escapade, we went to Gilbert Ray Campgound which was not far away and very near to the Arizona Desert Museum. It's a beautiful campground, and it felt quite decadent to have an electric hook-up! We were treated to a colorful sunset and enjoyed walking around and seeing all the desert plants.

Maguey (Agave avellanidens), at the museum.

Grey Hawk.

Harris' hawk in flight.

Great Horned Owl.

Gilbert Ray Campground as dusk was creeping upon us.

Flowering cactus at Gilbert Ray.

The next day we met up with Neal and his family, a friend of Jerry's that grew up next door to him.  We went first to the Raptor Free Flight show which was amazing. We were able to get quite a few good shots of the birds flying near us or perched and posing! There were about 8 different ones. We also saw the hummingbirds in their own area, and one flew so close to me, up one arm and down the other; I could feel the wind from it's wings. Breathtaking!


To see the desert blooming is such a delightful thing. This barren-seeming land has such exotic colors. We have seen so many more blooms this year. Partly because we are here a little later, partly because the rains have caused so much more to bloom.

Beautiful trumpet shaped flower on cactus at the AZ Desert Museum.

57th Escapade

Boomers potluck for the Thursday night Happy Hour.

What a great time we had at the 57th Escapees Escapade at the Pima County Fairgrounds south of Tucson. We parked with the Boomers BOF (Birds of a Feather group) and it was great to see not only a few people we had just been boondocking with in Bouse, but people we haven't seen since last year. Add to that the fun of making new friends and you know I'm having a fabulous time! Even though there were lots of seminars, I focused on meeting people and renewing friendships rather than stuffing my brain with more info.

Mostly we went to Happy Hour with the Boomers, but one day we met up with the Boondockers where we felt like some of the "Experienced Ones"! That was kinda funny to me, but Jerry pointed out that it was actually true. We've been boondocking for years, going out to the sand dunes with our sand toys when the kids were younger. Good times. We've never really been that much into RV parks. They are fine sometimes, but we'd much rather be boondocking or dry camping.

Woodie and the Longboards

They had some great entertainment with Native Spirit, world class Native American dancers on Sunday evening, then a group who played Beach Boys and Eagles songs which was great fun on Monday. Many got up to dance to the music. So much to do: many seminars, Happy Hours, crafts, line dancing, Zumba, meet ups, shopping and people to talk to. I didn't try to do it all, but I got my money's worth!

And then before you know it, it's time to hook up and head off with "Safe Travels" and "Happy Trails" and "See you down the road!" ringing in your ears. Yep, these are my peeps!

Boondocking near Bouse

On a walk at dusk near Bouse. Love the different moods of the desert!

What fun it was to finally meet up with the Boondockers BOF group and get out into the desert! It's a great group of people that we met last year. Cowboy coffee at the fire in the morning (which we seldom got up early enough to do), 3pm Happy Hour to meet up and see what's happening the next day, and if weather permits, an evening fire to sit around and chat.

   I was fighting a cold, so I wasn't out doing as much as I would have liked, but I did get to join the "Beading" ladies a couple of times, although I don't really bead. But it's inspiring to have all that creative energy around me. I worked on wire things and taught the Viking Wire Weaving technique to a few ladies. That's always fun to do. I also finished a wire dragon I had started last year and one of the ladies decided he needed to live in her RV, so I sold him. That was fun! 

Something I've been wanting to do and finally got around to doing was making some ear cuffs. 

We had a 'yard sale' and I sold a few of my ear cuffs, enough to buy some fun things from others (boot toppers, greeting cards, scrubby). I even have some left to wear myself. And more ideas, always more ideas! And finally time to do something with those ideas. I also got a chance to get together with a guy who likes to sing Gospel songs. He brought the music books and I got out my keyboard and we had a lovely evening of singing. This is my first year to bring my keyboard and I'm so glad I did. I wasn't able to do it again because of the cold. Having one of those in the dry of the desert is not my favorite thing!

Black wire ear cuffs displayed on cloth with a pencil underneath.

Moonrise over the hill with the campfire going on the left.

Silver and blue wire ear cuffs on black fabric.

The small town of Bouse has a lot going on in the winter. There is a very active Community Center that puts on a Craft Show, Bingo, Breakfast, Spaghetti Dinners and so on. They also have a great little library. I didn't make it to the library since I was creating stuff with the ladies. There is also a guy who brings a large panel truck with produce on Friday and Saturday into Bouse, so I was able to stock up on some fresh veggies and eggs. Out in the more remote areas, it's a fun challenge to figure out where to get some fresh food. Although I prefer organic, I settle for fresh since the choices are slim. But it's worth it to be out here in the desert. 

Stocking up in Indio

While stocking up in Indio, we found this sauerkraut juice and had to get it. I used to hate sauerkraut, but since learning of its benefits, I started to eat a little here and there. Now a day doesn't go by without some sauerkraut to top my veggies, salad, eggs, whatever! I have found that We eat lots of Bubbies Sauerkraut and have come to appreciate how beneficial this live fermented food is for out health in so many ways. We (politely) argue over who gets the sauerkraut juice that's left over. I like it mixed in some bone broth for a powerful tonic and gut health. Every time I feel some kind of 'bug' sneaking up on me, I grab the juice and chug a couple of tablespoons full or so. For a stomach bug, nothing works quicker! It can turn it around in a matter of hours. Here is a website that goes into more detail on the benefits of sauerkraut and even how to make your own. Since most of the immune system is in the gut, it makes sense to take care of your gut to keep the immune system healthy and smart.

We were able to get quit a bit of my specialty foods in Indio before heading to Bouse where the options are slim. We didn't really do much besides shop and rest, but that was necessary and helpful.

Now, finally after parking in parking lots all the way down here, we're heading out into the desert!