.

.
Borrego Springs, CA

Saturday, April 4, 2015

I’ve been thinking…

I don’t think I’ve ever gone a week without blogging, but sometimes life gets in the way.  I had some serious thinking to do about where I’ll go next winter.  That, along with some rather boring days, resulted in no posts.

IMG_9233

Haven’t even taken any photos since last Sunday, so tonight’s selection is some of my favorite pics from my time here at Imperial NWR.  The above view from my RV site presently has about three more feet of water in the pond, and there is no muddy shoreline right now. 

IMG_0984

So I’m still sitting here at my site at Imperial even though I finished work last Tuesday.  I decided to wait until after Easter (and spring breaks) before I hit the road for Oregon.  Lots of little chores to take care of to get ready to leave after being here five months.  That’s been the boring part, but since I’m on five weeks ‘vacation’ until my next assignment I figured why rush?

IMG_8968

Another reason I’m not leaving until Monday is that we’ve been having quite a heat wave around Yuma that is supposed to break soon.  My dash AC isn’t working at the present time, so I figured I’d wait for cooler traveling weather.  I know I can run the generator when I’m driving, but I’ll be driving almost the whole length of California and their gas prices are much higher.

Picacho Peak, CA

I finally made the decision to return to Imperial next winter.  After being invited back, I gave it a lot of thought.  I had another meeting with the manager to cover my questions.  The result is that I will probably only work the VC on Sundays after my bird tour.  Yes, the bird tours will continue.  Most of my other duties will be outdoors.  Just the way I like it!  Best of all is the agreement that I will return to my present beautiful site.  When it seemed I would not return, two other couples were interested in having the pond site next year.  Once they heard I was returning, they both generously agreed that I should use it.  I was more than pleased, as that was pretty much a deal breaker for me.

79 Imperial NWR 2014-1519

All the other volunteers here remarked that the five months sure had gone by quickly.  I couldn’t quite agree as there were two months that were not the most pleasant for me.  However, the friends that I got to visit with, family, and co-workers made a very positive impact on my stay here.  They were the real highlights of my winter.  I hope some of you readers recognize yourselves, and know that I appreciated your visits.

_MG_1272

Goodnight, and Happy Easter to all!

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

32 comments:

  1. You have such beautiful pictures posted. That is lovely county and I can see why you would like to spend more time there.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pretty clear you came out smelling like a rose with your agreements for next year. Hope it turns out to be a fabulous time for you. That's sure a great site. Sounds like a much better schedule. Enjoy your break. I'll bet you will love Oregon. We had plans to come out there this year but it's not to be. Sorry we won't get to see you again and take another bird tour.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good for you, and best of luck. Bet next winter is a lot more fulfilling.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice to have the decision made; takes the pressure off. Nab one or two of those handsome cabbages on your way north! :- )

    ReplyDelete
  5. It is beautiful country there....love the fields and Colorado.
    I know yiu are relieved to have made a decision...lucky Imperial WR. Hope to stop by next winter when traveling between San Diego and Tucson.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Happy Easter! You made your decision now you know where you will be come Fall. I am sure it will all work out and certainly be better than this year:)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Happy Easter Judy! Looking forward to seeing what your spot in Oregon is like.

    www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Glad you have next winter locked down. I''ve confirmed I'll be at Alligator River. I think I'll try for Anahuac the following winter so I can paddle with my friends, and be close for visits. Hope you come back there also.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hoping next winter we can slide ourselves down around your way & say Hello. Maybe even get ourselves on one of them there bird tours of yours:))

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sounds like it's working out just fine.... looking forward to your posts from Oregon.

    ReplyDelete
  11. fantastic, and we enjoyed our visit with you...

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm glad you came to a decision after pondering both sides of the issues. Not like me, I tell you - I try to forgive and forget but don't do it so easily. But you will get pretty much what you wanted on the job, and getting back your beautiful camp site is a real plus!

    I hope I can get by to see you in Oregon on my way back, because this eastward leg of the trip is not going the way I wanted it to. Loved Dinosaur, but can't find an available motel room room anywhere near Badlands, and it will be too cold to camp.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Making the decision will have lightened the load. Enjoy your vacation.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I so love it when decisions are made..We have a few to make around here, and McGyver is a great fixer of things, but backs away from decisions..My thinking is our house is too big..and why are we living in Illinois anyway?...Imperial is very lucky to have a dedicated worker like you!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. As you say Judy, cool beans!! Glad everything worked out for the best!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank goodness you've reached a decision, now you can relax and look forward to your summer travels knowing your winter place is taken care of. You are certainly a wonderful asset to the refuge. Plus you get that great site again.

    Have a wonderful Easter, don't overdo it on the jelly beans and please try to get a picture of that Easter Bunny. I'm sure you can do it! ;c)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Glad you feel comfortable returning next year. Enjoy your "vacation"

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm glad that you have it all worked out! I know I'll be glad to see you next winter! About the dash A/C, I had the same problem a couple years ago...got it fixed and it's been running well since. Sure makes a difference in the travels! I thank you for including my photo in with your bunch!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm glad you got it all worked out for next year and will have your lovely site back again. To think, you had to think about moving to that site.

    It's too bad the manager put a damper on so much of your stay. Hopefully next year will be better.

    Safe travels and Happy Easter.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Isn't life great, to have that be your biggest decision of the month .... season .... year! Knowing your plans is a comfort. They can always change, but now you don't have to wonder where you will be.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Much less of a trip than going all the way to Beaumont again. . .sounds like a good plan!

    We surely are hoping to see you in Oregon. . .safe travels that direction. . .can't wait to see what you explore along the way.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Well, that is a load off your mind. Now, you can just cruise for the next five weeks before you head to Oregon. We have a few decisions to make too. One of the best will be to take your bird tour next winter!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Sounds like you are a good negotiator:) It will be good to return on your own terms. Have a safe trip.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Those mountains in the first photo are so beautiful, they look fake.
    I bet you feel so much better now that you made a decision. Safe travels to your next destination.

    ReplyDelete
  25. That means we will get a chance to visit with you next year. Yippee!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. That's great! It should be a good winter next year. And now on to the next adventure! Can't wait to move along with you.

    ReplyDelete
  27. With the stress of a pending decision now behind you, I hope you enjoy your travels to Oregon. I know you are going to enjoy your next assignment. Beautiful photos especially the lovely quail! 😊
    Travel safely and enjoy your "vacation".

    ReplyDelete
  28. Kind of nice to have that decision made I am sure and good for you making sure to get your questions and concerns addressed before making it. Safe travels to OR when you do hit the road.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm really surprised you will be returning there next year; considering all the problems you had with them. Hope it works out well for you though.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Safe travels, we hope to visit with you next winter.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Keep it up your good work, I read your's website, I think that your blog is fascinating and has sets of the fantastic piece of information. Thanks for your valuable efforts
    If you face QuickBooks Error 15215, please visit:quickbooks error 15215

    ReplyDelete