The Good Luck Duck

Las Cruces, New Mexico farmer's market, and The Vagabond Tabby.

2013-05-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

Kate from The Vagabond Tabby sent me a present! Squee! Thank you! Soap is so mmm.

The basil lemongrass smells like waking up in the garden, but without the hangover. Lady Vagabond leaves me feeling conflicted. Suds up, or bite it? Luckily, the bar is generous enough for both, so the answer is yes.

Cheryl and I hit the Las Cruces farmer's market hard.

Cheryl suckered them into posing, and I swooped in for the click.

They were covering REO Speedwagon. Imagine it.

We're enjoying wifi and hi-test at Spirit Winds right now.

Another blogger reports earning $500 - $600/month through her Amazon link. Please allow me to fall over in a graceful swoon. I wish her only the best and HOLY MACAROONS! I just want to report that this is an order of magnitude more magnitudinous than my experience. I ♥ my experience! Such blazing success is not the norm, though, in case you wonder.

Calvin from Facebook tells us that the Habitent also fits the Honda Insight, and that TailVeil offers butt-tent options for other models.

Solo women RVers in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. And a Habitent.

2013-05-16T14:45:00.001-07:00

Cheryl encouraged me out of my funk and into cleaning Spud up. Poor Spud has been in a desert sandy funk, too.

And, lookee what I got her!

Made by Habitents.

There are varying degrees of privacy available, depending on what you zip open or closed.

The Habitent is rain-resistant, I'm told.

Cheryl and I drove up to Truth or Consequences ("TorC" to us New Mexicans) to meet Sue and Lyn.

Lyn drives this droolicious Tiger 4X4

I'm sorry, Phil. Looks like this stance wasn't your father's fault after all.

Lark. Lark!Lark!Lark!Lark!

We toured Riverbend while we were here. So THIS is where they're keeping the Rio Grande. Nice resort on the river.

For fun, check out La Paloma's website - that's my pic!

Mesilla, New Mexico

2013-05-14T02:58:00.000-07:00

The dog does stuff and blames me for it. Stop taking photographic evidence, Cali!

"Really? I'll clear my entire schedule to bite you. I don't mind."

Chile today, hot tamale. Yeah, I said it. Just get in.

I feel like I'm falsely claiming to be the world's largest chile, when I'm really just posing with him. I'm a poseur.

...is what a postcard from here might say.

Cheryl took us down to Old Mesilla (mess EE ya) for some Mother's Day excitement.

Where Billy the Kid was tried and sentenced to hang, and then they sold souvenir ropes and chile magnets.

There was some great funk being played in the pavilion, but no one was dancing. I willed the crowd to burst into West Coast swing. They willed not.

Josephina's Gate

Cheryl told me this is the most photographed place in Mesilla, and I'm nothing if not orthodox.

Not Orthodox

We then went for a wine tasting. There's a picture of it, but: unflattering. Yes, even compared to the pictures I AM showing you. St. Clair Winery of Albuquerque. Their Riesling won first prize and their Something Red won silver and their ma'am, can I call you a cab? ...zzz I do remember that it was all very tasty. Surprise: New Mexico is wine country, New York Finger Lakes Region! Are you jealous?

It's okay, New York State wine country, New Mexico doesn't have Bloomer Creek Vineyards or my lovely Katy-in-law, Katy.

Living out of my car.

2013-05-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for your good wishes for me, and for Annie. Thoughts matter, and intent is huge. I'm very grateful.

Can you see them?

I caught this shot by a hare's breadth.

Spud and I scooted out of Tucson yesterday.

Google predicts that trip will take you four hours. Next travel technology: get there via internet, because no car can travel like Google Maps can. I didn't time how long it actually took me, because that makes me neurotic. Turning off the clock while I stop to rest(room). Putting off the nap so I can get anywhere sooner. It's not a good strategy for me. The trip was longer than I like.

Las Cruces is Cheryl's winter home, and Cheryl's winter home is where I'm resting in the lap of Luxury. When I'm not sitting on Luxury's knee. [*slap*] Fresh, Luxury! Luxury and me, we're very close. Cheryl, may your karma always get the gas mileage of a hybrid.

You're reminded of Ang Lee's cinematographic use of US Western scenery to symbolize psychological states?
Oh, sorry. I misheard.

My cousin and friend, Lori, gave me a bottle of this stuff. I make no claims about safety. I only claim that it works. If you've ever had the great good fortune to take diazepam/Valium in times of distress, it feels like that, but without that judgmental look they give you at one ER after another when you start asking for oxycotin for "back pain." I've heard.

What would Judy say here?

Living in my 2004 Prius, "Spud."

2013-05-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

I prefer to say "living out of my Prius." My stuff will be there, and so will I, when I sleep. Still, "out there" is still out there, and that's where I'll be.

I don't have any pictures, and I haven't left the Duck yet, so this is all theoretical. You've seen the Prius (now called "Spud"); it's pretty typical. The modifications I'm using are pretty close to what Suanne used. I also just found Jessica Spaulding, who lived in her car for five years.

If you had told me two weeks ago I'd be doing this, I would have called you crazy. NOW who's crazy? Unlike Jessica, there is an apparent reason for me to do this. I don't like the reason, but since my first choice is no longer an option, I plan to explore the silver lining.

I don't know exactly when I'll start, but expect it to be soon.

~~~~~

A thousand thanks for doing your Amazon shopping here!

Truth or Consequences, New Mexico: HOT SPRINGS!

2013-05-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

I treated myself to a weekend at La Paloma Hot Springs and Spa. Wow! I hated to leave, really hated it, but once the manager dragged me out of bed and threw my stuff in the road, it started feeling like I couldn't stay.

This place is pretty affordable for the relaxation you'll enjoy. I booked an economy room for $60/night (no in-room shower). There's no turn-down service, and you won't be tidied while you're out at the lake. Reuse your towels - it's good for the earth. Just relax in the 108° mineral water that flows up from the ground under you. Hang around the courtyard in your bathrobe. Seriously, it's encouraged! Watch the flaps.

You can get additional services, if you'd like; Annie funded my massage. You can get a facial or tarot readings, if that sounds like fun.

The town is just plain quirky. The people are weird and friendly. My friend Sue showed me around the joint, bought me coffee, and introduced me to her cool friends. I am very grateful, Sue, for everything.

I can see myself spending more time in TorC.

I took the scenic route home through the Gila Mountains and Silver City. Along the way, I picked up these folks:

Daniel, Abby, and Aloric

They had been on the Continental Divide Trail for six days, and were hoping for a ride to Silver City to rest up, drink beer, and sleep in a bed. Sissies.

I just don't pick up hitchhikers, but apparently hitchhikerhikers are my soft spot. Blame it on the woo-woo and the hot springs. We rode together for another hour, and I dropped them off at the McDonald's in Silver City.

Caballo Lake, New Mexico

Caballo Lake

Silver City is another place I'd like to explore. It's a college town, but I saw no trace of students. Is the semester already over?

Things may begin to look and feel different here on the blog. I know I will! I'll let you know what to notice; it'll be like pointing out the moving parts on the diorama.

~~~~~

THANK YOU for doing your Amazon shopping here!

Illegal activity on the border - Tucson, Arizona boondocking

2013-04-25T19:56:00.001-07:00

I was in the mood for geocaching, and the directions made the road sound ... meh... so I took the Tracker out.

THIS is how you spend your lawless card?

You know that sometimes, finding the actual geocache site is the least exciting part of the trip.

Forward? That's a negative. Reverse? Still no.

Later, Annie said "one wheel what?" I was going to call her for a refresher on putting it into 4WD, but I had no signal. That made figuring it out myself the very best of one option.

All the rest of the challenges kept things four-down, but I did need to get out to assess my strategies a few times.

Palo verde trees are full of bees lately.

Jake is full of wags lately. This is him obeying a JAKECOME!

He seems to have no separation anxiety at all, despite the shelter's records. YAY! He just doesn't want to be left alone outside. So, today we could enjoy one of our favorite dog-unfriendly restaurants (Govinda's) for our anniversary.

Sonoran Squash? Palo gourd-o?

This is on a dirty road we walk. Some sort of a benchmark? The concrete seems too stable, round, and regular to be fill. Ideas?

We met Dixie and Will (who don't blog yet), an energetic newly-retired couple who grabbed their RV in March and high-tailed it to Tucson. Dixie has a keen interest in boondocking, and is interested in solutions for impassable roads. Dixie, this is what one landowner here does.

If you're going to park here for long, you need to pre-think your response to requests for help. A traveler may need water, food, money, and/or transportation. It will also help to know more Spanish than no hablo Español and lo siento, even though those phrases will get a "no" across, if that's what you want. So will "no."

It's important to be able to say THAT'S NOT PHOENIX, because no one wants that kind of mislead on their conscience.

Inform yourself on the legalities of aiding a person who may be in the US without documentation. Friends in the know tell me that giving water is always legal. If you choose to give food, you're on shakier ground. Some people put it on the ground and walk away from it; if someone takes your food while you're not looking, well, there's not much you can do about that. Items that you might have stolen are things like Vienna sausages, soft granola bars, fruit cups, soft fruit, or things that can be eaten by a partially-dehydrated person.

[NOTE: Tucson Samaritans' website says "It is NEVER ILLEGAL to provide water, food, or medical assistance to another human being in distress."]

Transportation to anywhere (including a hospital) may land you in jail. If you encounter someone who is in medical distress, you can call 911. If you choose to drive them to help, understand the possible consequences.

Maybe you'll be asked if you are la migra. Or, you may be asked to call migras, if the person wants to go home.

Please read this excerpt from The Devil's Highway: a true story.

Some of our friends are fearful for us, knowing that we are parked where there is foot traffic. All I can say is that "illegal activities" are not all created equal. Having met a traveler hasn't changed my mind about this.

I dig that not everyone feels the same about this stuff. You dig that I won't argue with you about it.

Visit Ajo, Arizona in April

2013-04-21T13:53:00.001-07:00

I wanted a day trip, and I chose Ajo. I really liked that place last year; who knew that a year later I would LOVE IT MORE?

Ajo still feels like my own Northern Exposure of the south.

And, a very happy two-year anni-road-ary to us.

When full-time RVing is just life with a great view

2013-04-18T10:58:00.003-07:00

I feel that I should tour great sites and post mediocre reviews. Instead, I tour the Duck in my pajamas and post mediocre reviews. Food was good, but too many animals. Offers outdoor dining. Plenty of wine, but it's all from the same box.

Jake the Dog is doing well. He seems to know what we're asking him to do, so he does it. He wants to be friends with the cats beyond them running under him on the way to the toilet, but one day at a time. He seems more comfortable here as time goes on, and he loves to run in the deep sand of the washes and chase sticks.

FYI, do not walk barefoot in a wash. A wash is Nature's litter box.

Annie went to Mexico again for a tooth follow-up. The dentist thinks there is still some nerve inflammation, and gave her stuff for that.

I found a fascinating house in Bisbee where we can all live. It makes me happy just to watch the slideshow. Be happy, too:

The Cave House

Here's today's dose of Zen, Rubberband Man. I like this blog. I think I'll follow it a while.

Here's a picture that made me feel really good. It's a small gift, but at least it's not a turd.

Dogs, cats, and nihilism - an Arizona fairy tale

2013-04-14T15:49:00.001-07:00

The new things that happen when I get up to use the bathroom.

This is a family show.

Zee bed you have requested eez not available. Try again later, sil vous plait.

Jake enjoys long walks in the desert, kibble by lamplight, and cat food. Turn-offs include loud noises, noises of any kind, and sounds.

Where's your fancy accent now, Mac?

My life is only ennui.

Annie has left the country again, so my life is only ennui, too. Let me share cute things that other people do.

Sometimes I post extra things on Facebook. Little things that aren't enough for a blog post. I'm going to start letting people post pictures and videos there, because. Come join us, because life is too short to stare into the abyss all day long. By abyss, of course, I'm referring to Nietzsche's Facebook page, and you just know the gloomy bastard has one.

~~~~~

SHOPPING soothes pangs of existential angst. Thanks for using our AMAZON link!

Some fulltime RVers need help.

2013-04-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

Andy over at My Old RV survived a Texas hailstorm that delivered softball-sized stones for 10 minutes. His home did not survive. Go read his story. I'll wait.

❄❄❄❄❄

Our rig has been swaying for twelve hours; my lunch will not survive. We're parked in an unfortunate place (where the wind is).

We had a lovely and odd weekend with our friend, Su, who traveled a long way JUST to visit us. We laughed at a lot of inappropriate things that I won't share, but here's a hint: sixth grade.

L to R: Denali, Jake, Whitey, Su, Goldie, Annie

Another foot of clearance and a composting toilet, and this would be the perfect rig.

I said the weekend was "odd" not just because Su was here. While we sat out here, a huge truck came up the road, except it was really a mini-haboob. We grabbed the dogs, not knowing what they would do, and the dogs grabbed us for the same reason. Once that oddity settled down, a swarm of Africanized bees passed directly overhead. Don't mess with us. Unless you really like frogs and gadflies, let our people go.

Denali and Jake. Or, is it Jake and Denali?

Dude, what are you lookin' at? I'LL LOOK WITH YOU!!!

I STILL DON'T SEE IT BUT THIS IS GREAT RIGHT?

DUDE COULD HELP A GUY OUT YOU KNOW.

Jake is socially-awkward

This flower was not urinated on all weekend. It has survivor guilt. I have urinator's guilt.

A Big Dog in an RV, and Annie's Behind™

2013-04-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

Outside a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to read. ~ Groucho Marx

Jake is starting to dog it up around here.

Yin and Yang

A stick at tooth level! Thanks, guys!

Jake behind "Life is good"

It's April, and that means the tops come off. Sometimes we raise car roofs, too.

Annie's Behind™ the Tracker

I'm outside taking the picture because I SAW the road ahead of time.

After our desert romp, Annie replaced the ripped soft top on the Tracker.

We've been enjoying friends lately. We're sorry Cheryl couldn't stay longer; we blew her off to go get Jake.

In later years, the pair could no longer remember when humans stopped visiting. I seem to remember liking people, Roxi mused, reaching into her pocket for a poop bag.

We enjoyed an afternoon and evening with Hughes and Judy Moir, who threw their very, very busy lives into neutral to spend some hours with us. They're great company - energetic and charismatic - and it's a pleasure to see them whenever we can.

Grace and Steve kindly met us at a park so our pups could meet. These two balls of energy (with a matching dog) are boondockers, too. Steve has retired, and Grace pretends not to mind. They'll be on the road in less than two years.

Duane and Lori are consistently hospitable, and they have a hospitable dog (Sammy), too. Jake wasn't impressed, but give him time.

Strawberry hedgehog in "our" yard

My new cousin with serious star power. There's a strong family resemblance; I don't want to talk about it.

What the HECK am I looking at here??

Hold us, we're scared!

I'm calling this "The End"

What is spring like in the desert?

2013-03-31T11:13:00.001-07:00

Annie and I are not our usual spring-duck selves, what with a Big Dog needing Big Walks during the day.

Jake was sweet right from the start, and a little fixated on our locations at all times. After a few days he started to wag. Today, Annie reports he acted downright doggie on their walk, grabbing a stick and getting twiggy with it.

What're you doing next, Prickly Pear?
I'm going to DisneyWorld!

Do any of you put boots on your dogs for hiking? How about your dog's dogs? What kind?

We've taken him a few places, and he has very good manners. The only problem we've seen is that noises scare him, and then he beats feet getting outta there. He's had some playdates, all of whom proclaim him a dud playmate. He just wants to sit on us.

Taxonomy, tax offa me - I need help with this plant's name.

(not) Palo verde

Everything looks like a snake this time of year.

I added all the blocks - how does it look in there?

We're starting to feel New Mexico's enchantment wafting across the border, and we'll succumb to her silky, sandy siren song soon.

~~~~~

Thank you for clicking our Amazon link!

Dogs and cats and ducks in an RV

2013-03-25T11:33:00.001-07:00

Before Franklin "Whitey" Jackson came along, there wasn't a thought in my head about a dog. Annie was thinking enough thoughts for everyone.

Obviously, being "good with cats" is primary. So, she started searching, every once in a while showing me an irresistible face. Then a dog picture.

We decided to meet Jake at The Animal League of Green Valley, a no-kill shelter. He was obviously a submissive dog, which would be good. Annie and I spend enough time fighting about which of us is in charge. We asked about a sleepover, and were refused - they don't do that. They required that we bring our motorhome to them to see how Jake responded to six cats and a rolling home.

He did not eat the other five, either.

He responded well. There was even a nice nose-to-nose with one of the cats.

Adopting a companion is a judge-y affair. I'm sure you're very nice people, but you live in WHAT? The staff and volunteers think very highly of Jake, and one of our staff escorts thought he was settling. Jake, you can do so much better! Hold out for a home with a dog!

Staff: It's not bad, but it's not ideal. He should go with another dog.

Volunteer: That's the only issue. Sometimes there are two or three issues, and we go ahead with the adoption.

Staff: That's true.

Volunteer: It's bigger than his kennel!

On our third visit, we went ready to take him home.

TA-DA!

Jake claims to be a lab X heeler, and is four years old. He has lovely manners, and has had some training in his past. There are separation issues, so we'll see how he relaxes into this life where there aren't so many or such long separations. For now, he loves to lay near us, lean against us, or sit on us.

While we're on domestic matters, our neighbor Fernand saw Annie's ring and asked if she had a husband in New York. She explained that we're together, and he said "Why not take a man with no wife? Two wives are good!" We laughed at his joke, but as he continue to explain the advantages we realized he wasn't exactly kidding.

Or jokes in Congo are longer than ours. He got uncomfortably specific (there would be one bed). We would all work doing landscaping. As he left he held both our hands and prayed: Dear God, give me two good wives. Amen.

It could have been our fault, accidentally. We took him a housewarming gift of solar lights, and that was close enough to a dowry.

~~~~~

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Kitt Peak, Tucson, Arizona

2013-03-19T20:28:00.001-07:00

Kitt Peak has been neener-neenering me every day from our campsite, so I headed over for a face-off. Kitt Peak won, but I got my licks in, too.

Both the mountain and its observatory are actually in the Tohono O'odham nation, not Tucson, and there is a treaty in place that allows the scientific station to exist on the peak. Turn your cell phones off. Think of this mountain as an airplane where the flight attendants will take you down.

More convenient when it's open.

I was there for the scenery, but had the good luck to happen in on the last guided tour of the day. In another stroke of luck for my wallet, I returned too late to shop in the visitor's center.

I should have pulled over to get this shot.

You can call me Flower if you want to.
Imma gonna have to because I don't know your name.

This made me think of Istanbul. Then it made me think of Constantinople, then Byzantium.
I've never been any of those places.

This cement donut weighs 16 tons and is 4 meters across. Art by Michael Chiago.

L to R: Bach Telescope, 4-Meter Telescope. Each tower is about 180 feet high.

Looking down from the 4-Meter Telescope

This is the approximate view you'll see at about 2:15 from the live-ish webcam. This shot was taken from inside the viewing gallery.

McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope

4-Meter Telescope.

The giant donut stood in as a dummy for the actual lens. Scientists needed to be sure the weight and diameter of the lens could be safely supported before the real thing shipped in.

Solar Telescope again.

Radio telescope

A cool hallway

There is no admission fee, but an affordable $2 donation is suggested.

Highway 386 takes you to the top, and provides many turnouts so you can stop and feel awe. Awe is also affordable, and I recommend it. Do you really have someplace better to be than awe?

While I was being awed at the edge of the mountain, a biker zipped down the 8% grade past me. We made eye contact and heard each other's thoughts:

Crazy SOB.

Lazy SOB.

Los Algodones dentist, shopping, and new friends

2013-03-17T13:11:00.001-07:00

I (Annie) traveled from Tucson to Yuma for a quick overnight trip to have a filling replaced in Los Algodones. Or so I thought. Four days later, I was headed back home with 2 new crowns and a filling.

I chose Sani-Dental based on online reviews. They do a huge amount of business but are very organized and efficient. I spent parts of three days there and was treated well. I feel like I received quality care and man, you just can't beat the prices. Full x-rays, two crowns and a filling all for $360, and the work is guaranteed for 2 years. For perspective, a single crown back in NY after my insurance covered its part was over $400 out of pocket. Insanity.

My dentist, Esteban, was very nice but didn't speak much English so his assistant translated for him. Through her, he told me that if my hair were still black that I'd look seventeen. Mind you, this was when I was laying back in the dentist chair so that all of my wrinkles were smoothed out. Lord help us all if I were leaning forward facing down. He'd be all, "Grandma! You still have your teeth?"

Let me tell you about Antonio, my street vendor boyfriend. My guess is that he does well because he's an excellent read of his clientele, and a real sweetheart to boot. He recognized quickly that I was not a woman who likes a lot of jewelry myself but that I might have someone waiting back home who's a fan. He helped me find some most excellent presents for Roxanne, then he hugged me. Twice.

The next day he saw me, he picked out all of his inventory that was similar to what I bought the first day. As we haggled, I told him I was going to give him free advertising on the blog and couldn't he give me a break and he replied that he was giving me a good deal on the merchandise and couldn't I give him a tip. Sigh, our first fight.

If you're in Los Algodones and looking for some jewelry, stop in to see my guy Antonio at the corner of 2nd and "B" streets. He really is a very sweet man plus he gives great hugs.

Me amigo, Antonio

Monday afternoon, I stood in line for two hours waiting to get back across the border. Behind me were three teenaged girls. Man, talk about getting attention, the jewelry vendors were all over them. But the best was when one of the vendors who makes cloth bracelets with your name sewn in offered a free bracelet to one of the girls … in exchange for a kiss. I'm all, "I'll take that offer!"

Unrelated: Some Mexican men can run really fast. Also unrelated: some Mexican men need to talk to the dentist who thinks middle aged women look seventeen.

A woman waiting in the border line near me had bought one of those huge plaster tortoises and lugged it from resting place to resting place as the line moved forward. For 2 hours she lugged it through the line. Finally, we'd made it through the turnstiles and were about to enter the building to show our passports when CRASH! Tortoise bits all over. The crowd gave a collective gasp. Her husband asked what happened. "I dropped my turtle!" He replied, "I didn't like the damned thing anyway."

That was Mexico but the highlight of the trip was absolutely meeting up with Su! We used to belong to the same RVing email list and I'm so glad I wrote to tell her I was in Yuma. She is an absolute gem and we had a blast. I can't tell you unless you've experienced it for yourself how wonderful it is to meet up with a kindred spirit and know you've got a lifelong friend.

The most awesome Su

Su took me sightseeing just across the border into California where there's a little known section of desert devoted to memorials. People use the area rocks to write out names and dates and stuff. It's really a huge area, I can't remember if Su said it was 2 or 5 miles long but these rock memorials are just all over out there and some are decades old. It's really a very cool and touching place.

One of many rock memorials

A few days after I got back to Tucson I realized that one of my crowns was a bit too tall and needed to be adjusted so I called Sani Dental and they had an opening the next day so on Friday I drove back for an afternoon appointment and stayed overnight to have that done. The best part about that, of course, was that I got to spend more time hanging out with Su. We picked up dinner Friday evening at Chipotle and took it to a park along the Colorado river and hung out there until the sun was setting, then I went to her house on Saturday morning for breakfast followed by an awesome Polaris Ranger ride in the desert. There are no pictures because I was having too much fun, and because I left my camera at home.

Spring in the Sonoran Desert - Tucson

2013-03-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

It's nice to have a good think, or a good non-think, outside in the morning air. That's what I thought.

Franklin Whitey still hangs around here day and night for some reason (Trader Joe's Lamb and Rice), and he's a good non-think companion, until...

He loves to chase cows. Who doesn't? They run from him - WHEEEE! - until he barks. That's a gamechanger; a steer stops, turns around, and chases Whitey. WHEEEE! Whitey remembers where I am! WHEEE! Whitey comes to find me! WHEEeee...?

Lesson for today: We're all always wearing a bathing suit.

No pictures!

Spring makes you take pictures of birds. Just try to stop yourself - can't be done.

I waited so long for this ocotillo to leaf it's like I birthed it. Hope you're all birthing something great.

Annie's away again having a crown adjusted. I think she's feeling like royalty.

~~~~~

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Dentist in Los Algodones, Baja California

2013-03-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Not me! Annie has gone out-of-town, out-of-state, and out-of-country to take care of a few things in her mouth. She was researching Nogales, Sonora (thank you for your suggestions), then realized she would feel better in Los Algodones.

After she left me (what year was that? Yesterday?!?) the sky put on a show to distract me. Thanks, Sky.

There were three separate rainbows that day, and two of them were doubles. They don't call this joint the Good Luck Duck for no reason, you know.

Also here to distract me: dogs.

Whitey

Whitey and Cookie

Whitey and ...HEY! CUT THAT OUT!

This is awkward.

I like having the dogs around outside, especially at night. Every owl, javelina, and cow is a new chance for me to soil myself.

I took the Tracker to the post office yesterday, and before I could walk away, it beat me to it. I threw my Jaime Sommers moves on it and jumped in to stop it before it could crash into a pre-school field trip, two seniors with walkers, a dog in a wheelchair, and a stroller; a little car can't stand up to abuse like that.

Our Arizona is wet, windy, and cold. Tell me about somewhere warm.

~~~~~

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Spring on 4th Avenue, Tucson

2013-03-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

4th Avenue, Tucson. It's groovy.

Put your bike here or else.

If you look hard, you'll pick up the theme.

Stop ahead.

Outside The Magic Fun Store.

Inside Annie's glass.

Finding free (and almost free) camping in the West

2013-03-03T22:02:00.001-07:00

Last post, 6_bleen_7 pointed out the cactus baby on Estée Fodder's nose. This morning I woke up thinking She was eating poke salad. The same line twenty hours earlier would have been HI-larious.

Our neighbor was out as we walked by with our two dogs.* He has been doing a lot of work during the day and leaving at night. He explained tonight that he plans to move in here, so he's been constructing a living area attached to his storage building.

Fernand is a refugee from Congo. His wife died in the war, and his children are in Gabon. We asked if they will come here - maybe someday.

His English is halting, but my French throws itself onto the ground and must be dragged. He tells us that someone (People for Action?) helped him set up his landscaping business here. He likes having us here; until we came along he felt alone out here. You are two - you talk. I am just one.† He shrugs.

What bothers him most is having no lights. He doesn't yet have a solar set-up. We're thinking some solar lights might be a useful housewarming gift. Do you have other ideas?

*Whitey held onto his Will Woof For Food gig here, and brought his brown friend with him today.

†We think Fernand should keep feeding them after we leave so he has doggie company and night-woofers.

It was fun meeting Sue and Steve for brunch! For the past year I've had to settle for laughing at Sue's puns via Facebook. It's said that puns are the lowest form of humor...unless they're your puns. Between her and Nina, we're pretty psyched about New Mexico.

When Nina was here, she brought her Arizona Benchmark Atlas along to show us. We were impressed enough to buy it and the New Mexico version, too. These are great for finding public and other lands open for camping. For example, they show that Tucson has very little BLM land, but huge stretches of State Trust land that can be accessed for a $15/year permit.

Check out all the states available.

Don't expect these to replace Marianne's Frugal Shunpiker's Guides - there's nothing like a firsthand report - but these will tell you at a glance where to be looking for what kind of camping. And, since they're actual atlases, you won't be flipping back and forth between maps.

For more boondocking ideas, check out our Boondocking Resources page.

~~~~~

Thank you for using The Good Luck Duck's Amazon link! QUACK!

Tail of two kitties - an animal story

2013-03-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

The Truth About Franklin

There are things dogs will make you look at: morning.

Franklin the Dog settled into the Duck and got more comfortable. That's when he started attacking cats. It wasn't the Disney version; more like Wild Kingdom. Jim pulled the wild dog off his prey, and I stayed in the Jeep narrating.

Franklin has mad walking skillz

We got him away from them, and then we were distressed and sad. What do we do now? We can't re-abandon a dog in the desert. We can't keep him inside at all, which means we can't keep him at all. That was a very tearful night.

Very, very early the very next morning, Annie walked Franklin on a lonely, deserted road and met Emma. Emma is 14, had missed her bus, and was walking several miles to school. Franklin recognized her! Then he got sheepish; he had been made.

"Is this your dog? He looks just like Whitey!" Emma spilled Whitey's entire story. He has an owner nearby, but he casts a wide net in search of companionship and kibble. At least two people (that we know of) feed him when he shows up. Why was he so thin when he got here? I don't know.

He fears a leash because he only wears one when he's being loaded into the car (he hates that).

He still hangs out here, outside the cat pen (the motorhome). Now that he's been outed, he's a different dog. Happy, carefree, relieved that he can live openly as himself. He won't go with us when we leave, and we'll be sad all over again. There's bitter with the sweet.

Annie meeting Emma on that particular morning was a very happy coincidence. We know we could give Franklin "Whitey" Jackson a posher life, but I'm not sure it would be happier. He is never perkier than when he's chasing a wild cow for sport, and we just could never provide that kind of rodeo.

The Desert Isn't Deserted

Traffic here is very quiet, and must happen at night. Maybe these are hyper-obvious geocaching clues.

Other Dogs Make Us Feel Better

Polly when she's not Wheeling It

Polly and Nina came to comfort us. Franklin was hanging out at one of his other houses.

Stumpy and Cyndi

These guys were hanging out at their house by the casino. We sat in the sun, and I was warm for the first time in two weeks.

Cyndi told me that, while you're staying for free in the parking lot, you can use the casino pool and spa. WHAT. Could I drive the Tracker over there, park in the lot, and do the same thing? Could I ride my bike? Could I just be passing by?

Windows to the soul

Stumpy and Cyndi just got back from the Rubbertramp Rendezvous, and had great things to say about it.

Al Gore. Gore Vidal. Leslie Gore. Stop me if you've heard these.

When I was little I thought only boy cows had horns. I'm pretty sure someone told me that. Maybe the same person who produced Barnyard.

Big Sky Country is not just for Montana

2013-02-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Arizona and Mother Nature are such kidders. Snow. Ha! Ha! Knock it off.

Looking toward Tucson

Kitt Peak. My pique.

Not great skies for our batteries. Just turn off the distractions and go outside.

This is a good example of the kind of property you'd find for sale around here. This piece would be nice for driving onto; it has no ditch, and is fairly level. Nice view!

The problem is I found this walking. We tried to drive to it in our rugged little 4x4, but no way. Impassable from both directions. We suspect this was purchased sight-unseen.

Where we're staying, a good neighbor drags the roads after precipitation. That keeps things very accessible here, but we're learning that's a rarity.

You will be off-grid on this land (and probably stay that way), and there are no water or sewer services out here. Roads are not maintained - put on your big-girl boots, city gal! On the other hand, you'll pay the kind of taxes that indicate you're not getting any services.

One of the "maintained" roads. Don't wait around for county services - you don't pay enough taxes for that.

Enough of that nature-y stuff. WE MET NINA AND PAUL! They're pretty busy with their own stuff right now, but we're so happy they could be badgered and cajoled into joining us for lunch! They're exactly as fun as you imagine them. Nina has been so extremely helpful to us in living this way. She educates us with her blog, and she has always been great about answering my questions in a way that didn't sound like she was rolling her eyes.

Brenda and Karin introduced us to Blue Willow in Tucson. She suggests that it's the perfect meet-up restaurant, and she may be right. There's a gluten-free menu and a vegan menu, besides a lot of conventional choices.

Nina and Paul tell us that the Benchmark Atlases are worth every penny. I keep hearing that, so we'll invest. We'll start with the ones we're likely to use first, like Arizona and New Mexico.

Nina is a long-time dog trainer, and gave us some good advice about Franklin Jackson. In just a few hours of using her tips, he was more relaxed and focused on us. He sits for food, and before going outside. He has a naturally gentle disposition, and the cat situation is going well.

The G-A-S problem has subsided. Franklin's is better, too.

*****

Thank you for using our Amazon link!

Buying land in Arizona and finding a dog in the desert.

2013-02-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

We like to browse real estate listings, especially for desert land. It's a poor woman's hobby, and pretty exciting if you have a 4X4 to check things out in.

There is quite a bit of wild Arizona land for sale, and some of it is fairly cheap, like us. If you're reading this on a cold February day in New York State, you're fed up enough to buy some sight-unseen. But first, let us show you the unseen sights.

We bumped over a lot of road, but this turned us around. This is something Google won't tell you: you own land, but you can't get to it.

Edna, they have AVENUES! How bad could it be?

Edna, who knew it could be this bad?

SANITIZE! SANITIZE!

Your land may be a thoroughfare. I'm not saying this is a deal-breaker. If you bring an RV to your property, travelers will probably find a quieter route.

Charming property with three wells! Perfect for alternative housing fans! Bring your imagination and a cash offer! Won't last long!

Edgy, avant garde embellishments festoon this quaint locale!

Thanks, Google. That clears it up.

Your land may have a wash running through it. This is not dreadful, unless you park in it. Look at the height of the vertical part of the bank. You can expect this much water to run through it. If this wash is wide, or it intercepts your access to the road, you may find yourself cut off from ~~escape~~ travel. I've been told by locals that when a wash is flooded, you can expect 20-30 minutes of delay. DO NOT drive through a wash with running water. This is a flash flood, and that water moves. Please don't make your children remember Daddy from the Darwin Awards.*

*These would not be your biological children

You shouldn't expect to drop a well here, and in some cases, you may not find a service to bring water in. Roads can be primitive.

If all this excites rather than discourages, you may be the perfect candidate for the most complete quiet most people will never experience. Shove over - we'll park next to you.

Excitement runs high here at the Ducky part of the desert, where we've had a sleepover.

We met this very nice fella three weeks ago, right here at the ranch. He was looking good! Spirits high, a pal by his side. They dropped in to say "Howdy! Bygones!" after chasing us for a mile in the Tracker. [It was a scary mile.]

Happier times

When he showed up Sunday night, he was alone and skeletal. He showed off his ribs like he had held up a BBQ joint. He just wandered up and laid down in front of the Duck. Annie fed him and we expected he'd head home, but he stayed all night; he even did some guard duty with a few massive WOOFs. Will wOrk fOr Food.

Yesterday morning he just stayed on, laying in the sun. "Good boy!" got a tail thump, but that's all. He was sad and tired.

It's going to get cold in these parts. AGAIN. *shakes tiny ineffectual fists at Arizona* So, we coaxed him inside as practice, in case he needs to come in later this week. Today he's back out charting the desert, so we'll see what happens tonight. Maybe he just needed some time away to think, and he'll head back to wherever he considers home. He'll apologize to the missus, maybe bring her something dead. WE WERE ON A BREAK! We think there's a story there, though.

Back in the Northeast, in this situation I'd say "Did you lose a nice yellow dog? I mean, did you stop feeding a nice yellow dog? Did you do something so bad that a loyal individual like a dog would leave you?" ← I would say this to myself in the car on the way over

Here in Arizona, a mile from the nearest county road, I'd say "Put that gun away. Did you stop feeding a nice yellow dog ... ?"

Owls of the Sonoran Desert

2013-02-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

Lucy, Annie, and Jo

A bunch of you were worried that we weren't having enough fun. So, I'm showing you this picture to show you that we have been criminally social. Lucy thought it was a crime that we made her eat Indian food.

You were right to worry. Today I did laundry, and I did it in December, too. I need more brown clothes.

The following pictures are Annie's. The owl signed a release, or released a sign. Don't step there.

We're loving our borrowed land.

~~~~~

AMAZON me!

Nogales, Sonora - dentists and optometrists

2013-02-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

Please share recommendations for dentists and optometrists in Nogales, Sonora. It's not an emergency. You can tell us who not to use, too.

Please rinse...

...and spit.