Just relax

I have been a bit delinquent in my blogging these last few weeks but I've got a good excuse. We've been very busy doing nothing! Well that's not totally true between a visit from Gary's brother, the rock work and my playing in the wood shop, we spend a lot of time swimming, eating and drinking. Not always in that order. But it's not for lack of things to do in this resort. Along with the mentioned activities, there are 3 pools, two hot tubs, outdoor dining, tennis and pickle ball, two ballrooms, billiards, exercise classes, a fitness room...

You get the idea. It's a stark contrast from the life we had in Yuma and the timing couldn't be better. The weather is on average 10 degrees hotter than normal and the air conditioner is very welcome during the day. At night however, the desert takes a dramatic turn with a drop of 30 degrees, good for sleeping with the windows open.

Nitty gritty dirt play

Most of our rocks have been cut thanks to Gary and one of the shop monitors. So now, it's down to the shaping and polishing which is more up my alley. A few will become jewelry, perhaps a wind chime and Gary has decided on a set of coasters made of Jasper. We are still in the dark as to what types of stones we are working with and have learned from the experts, that when you are not sure, they just call any locally found rocks Jasper.

Ugly ducklings? Maybe...

Not!

When Gary and I learned that the resort we were staying at had a lapidary shop, our rock hunting turned more serious in Yuma. The soil that provides gold, turquoise and several minerals also produces some spectacular agates. What looks ugly on the outside can be very beautiful on the inside. Best of all, we cut these ourselves. Tomorrow, I'll try my hand at shaping and polishing up some of these beauties!

Last day on BLM

Today is our last day in Yuma so we are saying goodby to Squaw Lake at Senator Wash. It's been a warm week and the campground is almost full for the first time this winter. As we sat on the shore the local troops stormed the lake. Never a dull moment at the BLM but it's time to get on power and sit by a pool for a change.

Old tree

These remnants of old trees still stand in areas were there's less humanity. We can't tell you if these are iron wood or something else. What I can tell you is this one lived a hard life with lots of twists and knots, it speaks of the challenges it faced in its lifetime.

So nice to meet you!

Every year we meet new and interesting people. We take away a new group of friends and hope to see them again on the road. This year, Judy and George from Canada exchanged their stories and shared their good humor while we camped in Squaw Lake. See you in two years and happy trails!

Do you know what this is?

As a campers we have used these small propane tanks many-a-time, but they aren't usually in this bad condition.

Morning Calisthenics

We always see the Burrows strolling along slowly which makes us think that they are a little lazy. But in the morning when nobody's around they do there morning exercises across the dam. I could hear the momma saying "come on girls, keep up that heart rate". We caught this group trotting briskly across the top before they spotted us and made a run for the hills. Once they achieved a safe distance, they turned to watch us. With a heavy morning wind, their ears were tilting to the downwind side. So silly.

Morning hike

A new day, new hike and more mines. At this time of the year we are hiking in the morning, it will get up to the mid 80s this afternoon so it's best to hike early and take lots of water.

Friendly flyers

For the past week we have been enjoying the quiet of the lake and the nature it attracts. Every morning as we walk the shoreline I've had the chance to watch this little Vermillion Flycatcher and his mate swoop down and catch bugs, getting close with no concern for us. Until, I brought my camera then they were playing hard to get.

About these little birds:

A spectacular and distinctive flycatcher, the bright red Vermilion Flycatcher inhabits riparian areas and scrub in the southwestern United States and southward. It perches conspicuously, making periodic flights to nab insect prey. Well said Wikipedia!

Our only other excitement was the burrow incident. Our mother burrow and her yearling were doing their evening stroll through the campground when a camper and his golden stopped for the yearling to sniff noses. The dog gave a bark, the yearling jumped and momma gave the warning. And can she do a call! I had no idea how loud they can be.