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Borrego Springs, CA

Monday, December 22, 2014

Back to work

Well, tonight I’ve finished 2/3 of my weekly commitment working the VC.  The virtually longest day each week is coming up tomorrow.  It seems longer because I’ll be inside all day.  Sunday’s I start the day early with the bird tour.

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This week I had the pleasure of taking Hazel on a tour.  She’s boondocking in Quartzsite right now.  Her two greyhound fur kids drove over with her, but weren’t allowed on the tour.  They did fine waiting in her car since it was a rather chilly desert morning.

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Two other folks were on the tour as well, and we had a good time seeing all the waterfowl and quite a few raptors.  Amazingly, we saw six raccoons along the way as well.  We start shortly after dawn, so our chances of seeing wildlife are better.  No bobcats this Sunday, and the vermillion flycatcher didn’t even show up for the first time.  I’m going to have to give that little dude a dock in pay.  Winking smile

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On Mondays, I get to check the four overlook sites along Red Cloud Mine Road so I can let everyone know what birds are about on the ponds and lakes to tell the visitors about.  It only takes about an hour and a half, but I appreciate the chance to get out.  Found this little guy along the way.  Can you guess its name?  It’s a Rock Wren right where it’s supposed to be… in the rocks!

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                              The little verdin was doing its acrobatics among the mesquite as well.

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This evening, back at the rig, the noisy Gila woodpecker stopped by to visit the twin saguaros just off the patio. 

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As the sun began to set, I think both Emma and I have to agree that this particular site that we have is the most scenic and serene of any site we’ve ever had on the 14 National Wildlife Refuges we’ve been on.  It may only have 30 amps, but that has become a nonissue for me.  My biggest worry had been using the AC, but it turns out using the heat pump uses more amps that the AC.  I haven’t blown a breaker yet in almost three weeks, and I don’t think I will. 

Tomorrow will be a full day in the VC with no escape in the schedule except maybe a mail run.  That’s OK though since it’s my ‘Friday’, and then I can start thinking of making that baked ham and raisin gravy on Thursday for our Christmas dinner.  I handed out the bags of cheesy pretzels to the other volunteers today, and I’m happy to report that they were a real hit.

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                                                                            THE END(S)!!

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

22 comments:

  1. Are you really at the 2/3 point in your commitment? Where has the time gone! What will you do between this assignment and your next one?

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  2. Time is flying, how long are you going to be there? We plan to visit after we get our new rig and get it set up.

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  3. You are enjoying that scenic site, it was a good move then! Those are some beautiful dogs:)

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  4. Perhaps I wasn't very clear. I'll be here until the end of March. The 2/3 just referred to this week's assignment.

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    1. I'm glad - I was wondering, too, and Jeanne and I are coming over to visit you when she gets here - hopefully early January. Your campsite looks like my long distance view to the water. I'm going to have to check and see where you are in relation to where I am. We might be pretty close. :)

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  5. I'm glad to hear your new 30 amp site is working well. Emma seems to be enjoying it there as well.

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  6. I'm going to be looking for a Rock Wren...
    Raisin gravy sounds interesting. That's a new one for me!
    Merry Christmas Judy and Emma!

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  7. Glad your site is working out!! It is surely more scenic and lots of great evening wildlife viewing....We are having homemade pizza Xmas Eve and Dennis is grilling ribs Xmas Day..Our middle daughter and family are at DisneyWorld for Xmas, but that's too far for a one day drive, and I'm sure they are busy hugging Mickey..They flew in Monday and leave Friday...loving it!

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  8. Your cooking sounds wonderful! And I agree that your campsite is really beautiful. Thanks again to you for a great tour and for being a good blogging friend.

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  9. I love your spot also. Great shot of the raccoons....from behind...lol

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  10. I love your photos today. Especially the woodpecker. They are one of my favorites and I don't see them too often. NIce to know they are here in this area. :)

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  11. Sure looks like you made a good choice staying in that site.... Now you've got me thinking about some of our past sites and "rating" them.

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  12. Sounds like a great day before you head back indoors:)

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  13. Glad that the 30 amp hookup is working well for you. Winnies can live well on that amount of electricity with a little careful usage.

    Nice picture of Emma overlooking the great view from your site. The 14th time is the charm! :cD

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  14. Huh, six raccoons, that's funny! Word must have gotten out you pay for showing up ;-)!

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  15. Great ending picture! Although those little thieves cam be a PIA. Sorry you have a full day at the VC to look forward to but there's always the holiday after that. Trading 50 amps for that site seems a terrific trade off to me.

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  16. Happy to hear your 30-amp situation is working out for you. Yes, your site is perfect for you and Emma. Hope you and your wild child have a great Christmas!

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  17. Glad to hear that site is working out for you. Beautiful bird pics as usual. Merry Christmas - hope you have a wonderful day!

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  18. I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, Judy and Emma ... love the upside down little bird!

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  19. Judy, just wanted to wish you and Emma a very Merry Christmas! So glad you are enjoying your time there! Hopefully, 2015 will bring new and wonderful adventures!

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  20. Katie and I hope you had a wonderful holiday! And that the visitor center duty wasn't too long or too boring....though I suppose it was! :) Merry Christmas!

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  21. You sound at peace where you are and what a lovely place. I may have to add it to my must visit list as well.

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