Alternative Rving

Last weekend we tried out our new truck camper. It's actually about the same size as the 5th wheel interior with some extra goodies, like a solar panel for charging the batteries and a cellular antenna for phone and internet access via our Verizon service. We took it to Burro Creek, a BLM campground about 60 miles north of Wickenburg. We'd driven by several times and thought it would be close enough if anything didn't work.

It was a good trip. We took a hike along the creek that we hadn't realized was there and up to the edge of the highway bridge. Unfortunately, I didn't get a shot of the bridge from underneath -- next time! I found some pretty rocks to add to the collection I keep at home around the courtyard fountain and Mike found what looked like a cannon ball or rusted ball bearing about the size of a bocchi ball. We had a fire the 2nd night out, when it cooled off and ran the generator for a couple hours to watch some DVDs. We made a list of little things for the next time we're out in the truck camper like an awning, longer water hose, portable water container, lots of kitchen stuff I forgot (can you believe I didn't bring salt and pepper?).

It is really easy to setup and go so we plan on hitting the road again soon!

The 5th wheel is being sold this winter, if anyone is interested or knows of someone looking for a 1 or 2 person 5th wheel that can be hauled by a 1/2 ton truck. We'll also be selling the travel trailer in Stanton, once we do a little fix-up.

Birth Day

Today is my 55th birthday! First a big hug to all of you that sent cards or called and made me feel great to have such wonderful family and friends.

Getting older brings reflection and the universe today put some interesting thoughts in my way.

I spent an hour or so listening to the story of the man who has been caring for my lawn for over 20 years. Turns out he was trained as an accountant in Guatemala where he is from. He served in their army and came to the U.S. in his 20's. He worked as a dishwasher, cook, landscaper and now owns over 15 properties and his own landscaping business, a very successful small businessman. He has 4 children, his oldest on the path to becoming a doctor. And yes, he's a legal immigrant.

It's sobering to think that all these years with my prejudice which can mean "to pre-judge", I've missed knowing him. I am ashamed of myself. Unlike my father, though I can see I'm too often blinded to the real person.

So, today, as I begin to enjoy the gift of another year of life on this wonderful earth, I wish for myself to be a kinder, gentler, caring person and to see with my heart. Happy Birthday.

There's No Place Like Home

We got back to Phoenix on Thursday and are still unpacking the 5th wheel and cleaning things up. The house was in fantastic shape (Thank you, Christina!!). It's taking time to adjust to the heat again. The best part of being home is seeing family. We had dinner with my Dad and Marilyn Thursday night and with Pam, Mike and Sophia Friday. Brad stopped by Saturday to check out the 5th wheel for hunting in November and I had lunch with KC and Joy. Here's a picture of Grandpa before losing the beard!

We both are finding the house a HUGE space with much too many things and I'm determined to have a garage sale and clear it out. After 5 1/2 months of living with so much less it seems silly to keep so many things around.

This blog is going on hiatus now until our next prospecting adventure. I may launch our own website this winter but I spent way too much time with the PC on my lap this summer and now I've got to work on getting rid of the lap! I know life itself will continue to be a wonderful adventure.