Thursday, April 11, 2013

McDowell Mountain Regional Park- Fountain Hills, AZ

Easter weekend we found ourselves tucked into the desert backdrop of McDowell Mountain Regional Park near Fountain Hills, Arizona.  We basked in the sunshine in between mountain bike rides on the vast trail system.
Spring in Arizona is temperamental but we managed some slightly overcast days with warm temps that were just right for some wildflower shows.
When we weren't lounging outside the trailer or cruzing around on our bikes, we were visiting with Grammy.
 Soon the Spring wind will fade and we will be loading up and heading north on our summer sojourn!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Spring Break- Dunes & Trails

Spring Break has finally arrived!  Our departure was delayed by an Arizona Spring snow storm, but it didn't take long for the snow to melt and our tires were rolling west towards the Imperial Sand Dunes in California.  Our first stop- Gordon's Well BLM camp area adjacent to the dunes for a few days of riding with some new friends.


We met some fellow Arizona riders and joined up for some fun rides! 


 Caleb practiced his clutch work, along with catching some air on a nice hill.


Although you can't see his smile under his helmet, you can bet there's a big smile just like on his flag!  Caleb loves to play in the sand!  With our slight delay our time in the dunes was short and then we moved north to the North Glamis Mineral Hot Springs Resort near the Salton Sea in anticipation of the 4th annual RZR Forum ride.


We came a few days early to explore the trails on our own.  We've never ridden in this area and had a slight goof with the gps coordinates on day 1, but we got ourselves back on the right track to explore the bat caves.  Overlooking the Salton Sea, the caves were buzzing with bees so the guys were careful not to disturb the hives.


The sun has been blazing and the temps rose up to 90 today, so we were glad to have the AC blowing in the Toyhauler while we were exploring the trail.


Now going the right direction, we connected with the Bradshaw trail to explore the Red Canyon area.
But first, there are L O N G stretches of road, part of which traverses alongside a canal.  One side reads "No Trespassing!".  While on the opposite side of the road are warning signs saying, "Do Not Enter!  Unexploded Ordnance".   That is why on day 1 we called the campground office..."Hello?  Are we on the right trail?"  We were!  But we had to stay ON THE ROAD. 


Once on the Bradshaw trail the scenery opened up to vast desert vistas. Following our GPS coordinates brought us to the opening of Red Canyon.


Coming from our neck of the woods, we questioned the naming and thought it to be more tan than red, but it was unusual.


We found a shady finger of the canyon to have some snacks and take a break.


Well, I guess we take lots of breaks!  Here we are parked in the shade of an old railroad trestle.  Back in camp, Caleb has been exercising his gills in the pools filled with mineral spring water.  Oh how nice it is to be on Break!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas 2012 from Catalina State Park

Catalina State Park- Oro Valley, AZ

Our rig is tucked in at Catalina State Park outside of Tucson, Arizona for Christmas morning 2012.  We have travelled south for the holiday in search of warmer temps.

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We have exercised our legs on the Sonoran desert trails both inside the park’s boundaries and at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, where we watched the Raptor Free Flight show.  Chris’ ear was grazed by the wing of a hawk as I ducked down to the ground.  Why no photos?  Well, to me it was quite frightening with birds of prey flying inches above our heads.  So instead here is a picture of a Mexican Grey Wolf…

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As we continue on our winter journey, let me show you a glimpse of our trip to the Imperial Sand Dunes at Glamis a few weeks ago.

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Cruzin’ the sand dunes…

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launching …

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hanging out with friends…

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Glamis.