Thursday, March 26, 2020

Move to Empire Ranch near Sonoita, Arizona

Location:  Empire Ranch in the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, Arizona

Woke up at 7 o'clock and was wide awake, so got up early this morning.  Went through my regular routine and while I was eating breakfast I decided I would move to the Hickiwan Trails RV Park in Why just down the road and stay for a couple of nights.  I have stayed there before and like the place.  As I was eating breakfast out front, I caught these two love birds on the top of a cactus.


Right after they left my House Finch stopped to say goodbye with a song.

After breakfast we took one last walk through a favorite wash.


And of course Black Mountain.

Yuma and I packed everything and then headed over towards Gaelyn's place across the wash.  She had heard me start the WL and started my way and we met at the wash.  Today is her birthday and I wanted to wish her a "Happy Birthday" before I left.  We talked a little bit and she gave me a virtual hug and I was on my way.
Happy Birthday, Gaelyn!
Before heading out towards Highway 85, I called the RV park just to make sure I could get a site for two days and to my astonishment, the person that answered said they were closed due to the Coronavirus.  They wouldn't even let me come in to dump and take on water.  What a bunch of bull!

So, I decided to go into Ajo and see if I could get things done there.  As I approached town I decided to stop and take a few more mural pictures and let Yuma walk on the green grass at the mall.

Not a mural but I just liked it.  Too bad they're closed.
I wasn't in a hurry because I was planning on staying the night in Ajo, but when I found they had increased their rates to $37.50 per night, I decided to just pay the $10 fee for the dump and water.  Then head over to Tucson and find a free place.

By this time it is 2 o'clock and it is a little more than two hours and I wanted to stop at a Walmart and stock up too.   We headed south out of Ajo and turned east onto highway 86 for Tucson.  This highway goes through the Tonoho O'Odham Nation Reservation.

Houses at one of the villages.

Highway 86 to Tucson.

Kitt Peak dead ahead.
When I got to the Walmart in Tucson they had everything I needed.  No signs saying one item only or anything.  It was stocked just like normal.  But they don't allow overnight camping and by this time it was going on 5:30.

Because I only know West Valencia Road and that it crossed I-10 East, I decided not to fight city traffic to find a place to spend the night and just head to my final destination, Empire Ranch.  It's only about an hour further east and I'm familiar with the area in case darkness catches me.

Wasn't long before I took the highway 83 exit heading south to the Empire Ranch about 20 miles down.  Got here just as the sun was setting.

Lots of plan changes today, but it all ended well.  Hopefully, I'll stay for a week or so before making the trek home.  For now, it's time for a late supper and bed.

See you later.

27 comments:

  1. Goodbye to Ajo for this year. Wonderful pictures tonight. The sunset was inspiring. Happy birthday to Gaelyn! I'm glad you were able to stock up with no problems. I hope you're in a good spot now.

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    1. Thanks Dolly. I'm glad I was able to get supplies before moving here. No stores near this place but the internet is great!

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  2. Glad to hear you are resettled. I had a marvelously quiet day here. Except for those loud leggin's that is. ;)

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    1. That's nice to have a quiet birthday. Yes, you did look birthday bright in those pants:))

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  3. You're in my territory now!! Did you see me wave as you went right by my house? Glad you found supplies. Seems most stores are good, except Safeway. I'll have to take a drive down and say hello ... from a safe distance of course!! I truly LOVE the Empire Ranch. Check out the headquarters ... it's very much like our original cattle ranch.

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    1. Was that you waving from that big mansion? I was glad to see the Walmart was fully stocked. Big relief for many families. Ill be checking out the whole place while I'm here. The ranch is mine while I'm here so come on down.

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  4. Glad you made it to a safe place. Good time to head home Doug, more and more places along your route will be closed. Happy Birthday to your friend, Gaelyn.
    Your pictures are always so beautiful! The birds will miss you!

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    1. Thanks Patsy. I am a little worried about traveling east. I just hope the Walmart parking lots remain open.

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  5. Happy Birthday Gaelyn! That's a shame that either they price gouge you or they're closed. We heard that about some RV Parks are closed, or not allowing new people in. I agree...BULL! Good to hear about that Walmart, we'll see what ours has to offer today or not. Take care and enjoy!

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    1. Glad you're safely home. Hope you find the big Walmart truck made it to your store.

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  6. Thank you for the mini-vacation your photos offer those of us stuck at home with nothing to see except the same old scenery of our own back yards! They're just beautiful!

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    1. Thank you Leilani. Beautiful name. That was me a number of years ago when I followed the Bayfield Bunch. Luckily, I had the means to get up and go and I've not regretted one minute of my winter travels. Maybe you will someday:))

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  7. Great photos as you move on, a decent tribute to your desert adventure. Stores in SoCal are still sporting empty shelves, glad you found what you were looking for.

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    1. Thanks Jeff. Me too. I wasn't counting on much in Sonoita so glad I got everything in Tucson. Looking forward to exploring this area again. Beautiful place.

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  8. West Valencia....yes, we know that road quite well. What a beautiful sunset. I love your friend Gaelyn's outfit and hair style...my kind of lady. Happy belated birthday Gaelyn. Enjoy your day and give Yuma a hug from me.

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    1. Thanks Elva. Always like Valencia. Gets me from I-10 to hwy 86 straight as an arrow. No fighting through traffic. Yes, you would like Gaelyn. Over 30 years of RVing.

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  9. Some of the things that are happening are a bit frustrating. We in RV's probably are as social distanced as anyone can be, but we need basic services as well like sewer and water as we migrate to where we will settle for the summer. Looks like you are in a good spot for now. Enjoy.

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    1. I agree Lorne. We don't need much and many of us pretty much stay to ourselves. I'm set up for a week or so in a beautiful place.

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  10. Thanks GBX. Glad you enjoy my blog and welcome aboard.

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  11. Great pictures. Times like this seem to either bring out the best or worse in people. I think we will all remember those that closed the "door". Being in an RV brings its own challenges and the need as Lorne said for basic services. There are a lot of scared people out there and I understand the fear but not letting you dump and get water as you said, was bull. Glad you were able to get everything you needed and now are in another beautiful place. Looking forward to the pictures. Take care.

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    1. Thanks Deb. I was just surprised that an RV park would close its doors way out in the middle of nowhere. Oh well. Their peragative. All set up in a beautiful place now so all is good.

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  12. Nice photography. I especially like the last two photos of the sunset. Gorgeous!!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and thanks for the compliment. I noticed you are a blogger too. I have stayed at south entrance of JT and done a little exploration but nothing like you have. It is big area and takes time to get to know.

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  13. You take some great pictures. So pretty. I hope you have no problems finding a place to stay as you make your way back.

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    1. Thanks Sheri. As long as the Walmart parking lots remain open i should be fine.

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  14. Always one of my favorite drives along that stretch of road from Why to Tucson. Surprised to hear Hickiwan Trails was closed but I guess it's a sign of our times right now.

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  15. I like that drive too, Al. I too, was surprised. The ones in Ajo were open but wasn't excited to stay in town.

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