Life in the Desert

We have been blessed with wonderful weather here in Arizona this year.  Yes, we have had wind at times and a few cold spells from the weather coming over from California, but all in all it has been very pleasant. There has been a good amount of rain but usually confined to all day rains and not “a lot of days of rain” so the spring desert flowers should be really good this year.

We love boondocking or dry camping as it is also known.  It is camping without utilities or hook-ups.  You go somewhere and park, you have a tank full of fresh water…about 40 gallons for us…and empty holding tanks…70 gallon for “black water” for the sewer and two 25-35 gallon “gray water” tanks; one for the kitchen sink area and one for the shower/bathroom sink area.  We can go about 12-14 days without dumping…so that’s a fer piece of time.

It’s quiet out here in the desert, with the occasional train going by, which we rather enjoy.  You’ll see a coyote walking by in back of a rig, or in this case a tortoise ambling along across an open space.

People who boondock like their space so we usually park a bit apart. 

 

 

 

 

The scenery out here in Sidewinder road is pretty with a lot of different cacti around us and nice rock formations in the distance.

 

There is always time to take a nap in the afternoon.

 

 

 

 

  And we have happy hour usually every day at 4 pm and not always with booze.  We gather and share what we did that day and maybe plan what to do tomorrow.  Here are some of the snacks we served this week.  They are seafood poppers with the recipe coming from our Escapee Class of 2007, Jim and Nancy Tidball. So yummy with cream cheese, crab meat and shrimp!

 

We do some work on our rigs like Marty Cassidy here putting in a new window in his door that he bought in Algodones, Mexico.

We get WONDERFUL sunrises and sunsets here in Arizona.  Here is a sunrise and its reflection in the Mossman’s windows…striking!

The days are lazy with reading outside, tanning and dinners together, along with our normal household chores of dusting continuously, laundry, cooking and washing dishes.  It’s a wonderful lifestyle and we love it!

Remember, you are loved also!!!!

Algodones, Mexico

Last Friday was our day for going across the border.  We went early so we could get back early.

Jim Mossman and Jim C wanted to get checked out for glasses, so we went to Algodones Optical, which was recommended to us by several people. Jim M. didn’t need new glasses so he only had to pay $20 for his exam.  Jim C. had his exam, picked out new frames, got new tri-focal lenses,  waited two hours and got his glasses for a shocking $49!!!!

Here’s a cute picture of Linda and Jim Mossman mugging at the optical shop.

Linda Mossman got her teeth cleaned for $35; no appointment, just walk in and got it done! Unheard of back home!!!

Jim and I both got our lower dentures relined, no appointment just wait 10 minutes.  I was attended to by a licensed dentist and within 20 minutes I had relined dentures that fit great. We were quoted $700 back home to reline one denture; in Algodones it cost us $60.

Waiting for Jim’s glasses we walked around and shopped a bit.

 

We were surprised to see “open air” massages taking place right on the sidewalk by the side of the road.

 

 

 

 

We had our first taste of Shrimp Tacos.  Oh, my, Todo, best taste ever!!!! Smallish shrimp dipped in a tempera batter, two shrimps to a taco on a corn tortilla.

 

 

The condiments were pico de gallo, hot sauce, chopped cabbage, lime wedges and a diluted mayo spread. 

I’d go back to Algodones just to have more Shrimp Tacos.

 

It’s funny to see prescription drugs sold so casually on shelves behind open counters in little stores, with hand-written signs outside advertising the drug prices on the sidewalk outside. Luckily I get my drugs cheaper with my insurance.

 

 

 

We got everything done by 12:30 and got in line to walk back across the border.

 

 

 

While waiting we saw this gem of a classic car waiting in line to drive across the border.  Some of the cars were searched while armed guards watched on.

It was a nice, short visit and I’m happy to have experienced it, but I’m not in any hurry to return.  Just not my thing. 

Remember, you are loved!