Desert wildflowers in peril

By Bob Difley As long time snowbirds know, Spring brings the most exuberant display of color to the monotone desert. Wildflowers wake up from their long hibernation, stretch their spindly stems, and unfold their vivid petals to flutter in a shameless and lurid sexual display. The colorful petals are designed to lure passing insects, birds, bees, and bats, that will then rapturously rub their bodies against the pollen saturated anther at the end of the flower’s stamen (the male part of the flower). Covered with pollen these passing strangers, without which the wildflowers would be unable to produce offspring, fly off to share the fruits of their encounter in a sexual tryst with random fertile female stigmas, on which the pollen must be carefully placed for the act of pollination, thus completing the sexual act. I’m assuming it must be fun for all those insects, birds, bees, and bats. But this year may be different. At Anza Borrego State Park, California’s largest state park and the location of one of the most vivid Spring desert wildflower displays in the Southwest, heavier than normal fall and winter rain have provided perfect Spring growing conditions, not just for desirable wildflowers, but also for an invasive attack plant called the Sahara Mustard weed  (in photo left crowding out sand verbena and prickly poppy). This alien invader is now growing profusely throughout the Borrego Valley and up the canyons threatening indigenous plants and especially the... Read more

Playing in Mute Harmony: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, AZ

Newcomers to Arizona are often struck by Desert Fever. Desert Fever is caused by the spectacular natural beauty and serenity of the area. Early symptoms include a burning desire to make plans for the next trip “south”. There is no apparent cure for snowbirds. The winds of Organ Pipe Organ pipes in a mixed cactus forest against the backdrop of the Ajo Mountains © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved The organ pipe cactus thrives within the United States primarily in the 516-square-mile Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and International Biosphere Reserve. Located 35 miles south of Ajo on Highway 85, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument preserves a diverse and relatively undisturbed sample of the Sonoran Desert. Mountains surround the park on all sides, some near, some distant, with colors changing from one hour to the next. Ninety-five percent of the monument is designated as wilderness area, which makes this one of the best places to view the Sonoran Desert. The many branches of the organ pipe rise from a base at the ground, instead of growing like a massive trunk of the saguaro. It is a stately plant, with columns rising mostly like, well, the pipes of a church organ. Each desert plant is exploitable to some extent—the organ pipe is no exception. Their pithaya fruit, like a saguaro’s, mature in July, have red pulp and small seeds. Tohono O’odham people have eaten the fruit raw or dried, and have made syrup, jams, and a mild wine from it. Seeds can provide flour and... Read more

The gray water dumping question answered, or not

By Bob Difley The question nearly always comes up among boondockers on whether it is legal to dump gray water (from the RV shower and sinks) onto the ground, into a freshly dug hole, or onto a thirsty bush while boondocking in the desert. I contacted the BLM with a request to point out the applicable regulations and to clarify some gray (no pun intended) areas. I received the following reply: Read more  Read More →

Flock to a Birding Festival near You

Flock to a Birding Festival near You There is definitely something majestic about bird watching. RVers are flocking to bird-watching (commonly referred to as birding) as an activity like never before. It’s For the Birds Roseate spoonbill feeding near Port Aransas, Texas © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved Birder, or not, if you’re looking for a great way to spend a day, check out your local birding festival. Most areas have several fairs and festivals going on during the year, and they are an excellent way to enjoy nature, learn something new, and have fun. Birding festivals last from a single day to a full month of outings, activities, and workshops. The most common are over a weekend, and can range from small local events at a nearby park, to large-scale events that bring visitors from around the world, with events spread throughout an entire region. Depending on the specific event, you will have the opportunity to hear knowledgeable speakers, observe live birds up close, take guided walks, get pointers on better wildlife photography, sharpen your identification skills, share experiences with like-minded folks, and even take more exotic outings, such as birding by boat or on horseback. Often there are artists, vendors, children’s activities, and the like. Many birding festivals center on a specific event taking place in the local area, migration being a particular favorite. Another popular theme is the celebration of specific species found locally in a particular abundance,... Read more

Rails to Trails spotlight on the Chief Ladiga Trail

By Bob Difley Most RVers, hikers, and bicyclists are familiar with the Rails to Trails program, where old railroad beds are converted to recreational trails. These trails connect towns and cities, meander through scenic forests and along wild rivers, often where there is no other access. The trails are popular with all those who love the outdoors, like to hike and bike, and enjoy the exercise and being out in the open air. And one of the best features of Rail Trails is that since they were former railroad lines, they are generally flat and level, ideal for hiking and bike riding–and they are free. There are over 30,000 miles of trails in every state and often trailheads are near campgrounds. Go to the non-profit Rails to Trails Conservancy website to search for a trail near wherever you are, including maps, photos, and historic and cultural information about the trail. The Chief Ladiga is one of the Rail Trails and winds through scenic land in Alabama (completed in 2007) to merge with Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail (completed in 2008) for 95 miles of paved surface, making it the longest paved biking trail in the country. Jacksonville, a short distance from the trial, provides restaurants and supplies and is a starting and stopping point for some riders. A greenway spur is planned to connect the trail with downtown Jacksonville. there is a primitive campground along the trail and more campgrounds, at least one with hookups, are also planned. The Chief Ladiga trail webpage... Read more

Attend a Local RV Show

January through early April is prime RV Show Season. Toy haulers have become increasingly popular in recent years. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved RV Shows present a rare opportunity to view many recreational vehicles without the need to drive from dealer to dealer. You’ll have an opportunity to check out a wide-range of motorhomes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, truck campers, conversion vans, and pop up trailers in one location, often at special “show prices”. Some bargains are the real deal; others are simply prices an RV dealer would accept back at the dealership once the show is over. When viewing recreational vehicles, ensure you’re comparing prices of similar models with similar features from different manufacturers. Consider the options, quality, and type of construction, floor plan, standard and optional equipment, features offered, amount of interior and exterior storage, carrying capacity, and reputation of manufacturer and dealer. Not all manufacturers and dealers are created equal! Determine who offers the best bang for the buck but ensure that the dealer provides quality after-purchase service. Talk with other RVers at the show. Many have years of experience and knowledge of different manufacturers and dealerships. Most will be honest and tell you where they’ve received the best deals and quality service. It is always a good idea to visit the dealership’s physical location before you buy and check out their service department. Visit the dealership... Read more

Spring in the Desert

By Bob Difley Before my wife, Lynn, and I became homeless and unemployed (the definition of a fulltimer) we stoically endured the interminable winter rains, piercing cold, dark nights that lasted too long and the hours of daylight far too brief. Toneless gray skies and leafless trees had us longing for spring even before the last of the autumn leaves had fluttered away. We joined the growing ranks of fulltimers on a gray November day, now almost eighteen years ago. Before you could say “continuing rain and high winds” we had flapped our proverbial wings and joined the migrating flock of snowbirds heading south for the dry, warm, sunny desert. Though we escaped most of the rain and cold, the colorless grays and browns of the desert floor took their place. Sunlit days were still too short. The sun never seemed to rise overhead and started to set before I really got going. Even though the blue-skied days more often than not reached into the 60s, we still looked forward to Mother Nature’s reawakening from her winter slumber. When spring eventually grabs a foothold the desert transforms itself into multiple shades of green as lifeless, woody plants sprout tiny leaves. Miniature yellow blossoms erupt on the creosote bushes. Chuparosa, brittlebush, and indigo bush burst with red, yellow, and purple blooms. My winter eyes were rewarded when delicate wildflowers, like the showy, white Ajo lillies, appearing frail and defenseless, awakened and tentatively poked their heads out into... Read more

What is a Quartzsite?

If you can't find it in Quartzsite, it doesn't exist! © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved They’re gathering again. They’ve been rolling in since November by the thousands. Most of them camp in the desert that surrounds a town that’s essentially a truck stop on Interstate 10. By mid-January, they’ll transform the place into Arizona’s third largest city. This little Arizona town has become famous for luring Snowbirds who like to browse amid recreational vehicles and RV products; and gems, minerals, crafts, and hobby shows—and the “mother of all swap meets.” Read more  Read More →

Don’t Get Caught by Low Bridges, get Data for Streets and Trips

www.GeeksonTour.com Our motorhome is not a big rig, so we don’t get caught by low bridges very often.  Actually it only happened once in our 7 years on the road, in upstate New York.  We came around a bend and came face to face with a railroad bridge at 11 feet above the roadway.  We measure 11 1/2 feet.  Luckily there was a place to turn around.  Unluckily, there was no easy way to get to where we planned to go. Read more  Read More →

Free RV Safety E-Course

It’s a brand new year, brand new RV camping season and the start of keeping to your new year’s resolutions. Good luck with the last one! As for the new RVcamping season one very important aspect to keep in mind is RV safety. Safety is paramount when it comes to using and enjoying our RV’s. From pre-trip inspections to setting up and actually using the RV there is always an element of RV safety involved. As a new year’s gift from RV Education 101 to you we would like to offer you a FREE RV Safety E-course. If you are not familiar with what E-learning, or an E-course is, it is simply a form of electronically supported learning and teaching. It is using a computer, and today’s technology, to transfer skills and knowledge online. Read more  Read More →

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