Saturday, March 28, 2020

What a difference a day makes!

Location:  Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, Arizona

Although it went down to 28 degrees last night and windy, Yuma and I were warm underneath our blanket and two sleeping bags laid over us.  I turned on the Buddy Heater around 6 o'clock so it was warm in the bedroom by 7 o'clock.  

Luckily, there was plenty of sunshine and no wind, so the temperatures were getting nice by 9 o'clock.  We had a little breakfast and I decided we should head to the 'Walmart in Green Valley for some propane to tide us over in case we needed it.

Green Valley is on the foothills on the other side of the Santa Rosa Mountains from where we are, so it was a one hour drive there and another hour back.  I've heard that town is a great retirement community and a short drive to Tucson on I-19 so we decided to go there instead of back to Tucson where I've already been.  It's also on the eastern edge of the Sonoran desert so it is warmer there than here in the grasslands.


We left at noon and got back at 2:30 with six propane cannisters.  Here are some pictures of the drive.
The Santa Rosa Mountains from the east side as we are leaving the ranch.

Foothills as we head up hwy 83.

 We turned left onto Sahuarita Road and that took us straight over to the town of Sahuarita on I-19.  Along this road we spotted fields of cacti.
A large field of Beavertail cacti.

Santa Rosa Mountains from hwy 83.

 Green Valley is the next exit south on I-19 and the Walmart was right there.  Ran in and out quick as lightening without getting close to anyone.  Cleaned my hands and we were gone.
Coming back past the Empire Ranch.
Before we leave here I'll take a tour of the ranch.  Once we got home I had some lunch and then went outside and put my patio in place and then it was siesta time.  What a difference a day makes in the weather!
While I was resting, a bull was snooping around the WL.
 He walked right next to my Dish and then a man from the other camp came over to the tree to see if it was a bull.  It's a bull alright.  A big bull!
A little later he walked around to where Yuma and I were resting.  Yuma was on a leash, but he just looked at him and didn't make a sound.  The bull asked me what I was having for dinner.  I said chicken.  He was happy and left.

A little later I was startled again.  I had thought he left but he sneaked back to make sure it wasn't steak I was having.  Good thing I hadn't started cooking my huge steak yet. :))
He's gone chasing after some cows so it's safe to bring the steak out and start cooking.  Of course, I'll keep one eye peeled to the pasture, just in case.

Today was beautiful and it will be much warmer tonight.  Tomorrow promises to be even better.
Goodnight from the grasslands of Arizona!
 See you later.

24 comments:

  1. That's a fun 'cock and bull' story, glad I didn't have to live it. Your little cold spell was brutal here where the hail tore out the last of the winter garden, time for tomatoes anyway. Stay warm and safe!

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    1. Sounds like it was worse your way. We just got the cold. No one believes my bull story:))

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  2. Brr! Pretty chilly there at the Ranch. Nice pictures of your trip to Green Valley. Whats the white area on the mountain? A reflextion? What a good looking bull. Did he believe your story about chicken? Or did he thnk that was just more bull?? Pretty blue skies at sunset. Hope tomorrow is warmer.

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    1. Yes it did get cold but today was great and nothing but better days ahead for the next week. Like your play on my bull story:)) Not sure what that white area is near the top of the mountain. Could be a patch of snow. I think that peak is the tallest of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Tomorrow will be 70.

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  3. That is such a pretty ride over towards Green Valley we have enjoyed taking it a couple of times. Thanks for the pictures. Looks like you have a nice site though we are not sure we would enjoy that one particular neighbor who was visiting today.

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    1. Yes that neighbor did poke his head in a number of times. Wouldn't want he and Yuma to tangle or me for that matter. Green Valley has some nice homes. Lots of new ones going up.

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  4. Darn it, we live 2 miles from the Green Valley Walmart!Enjoy your day!Take care, Rawn

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    1. I remembered there was someone that lived in Green, but couldn't remember whom. Very nice and bustling home you have.

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  5. Yikes.! I could not relax & enjoy the Sun with that bull on the loose. You took a cute picture of him when he was peeking at your grill. Yuma seems to sense when to be quiet & not cause any drama. What a beautiful day. 😎

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    1. Thanks Moonfly. He was just curious and thank goodness Yuma remained quiet.
      So nice that the weather has warmed and we can go outdoors and enjoy the sun.

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  6. Thank you for the chuckle today, Doug. We all need things to laugh about these days even more. I'm sure that beast knew you were shooting him a story about the chicken. Interesting that Yuma paid such little attention to him. I might have moved inside, myself. :)
    You had cold overnight temps like we were getting. Hope it warms for you. The Green Valley trip looks lovely and I love your new blog photo. Ride 'em cowboy!

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    1. Thanks Patsy. It has warmed up nicely and only better through the week. That metal sculpture sur is just right for that hill. Looks so real even when I see it. I think yuma may have acted differently if he wasn't on a leash:))

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  7. Cattle are very curious creatures. He was just trying to make friends and make sure you weren't going to take after any of his girls. Occasionally they will chase you though, so it's good to keep an eye out.

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    1. I think we're in his grazing place and not going to let us push him out. I would not want either of tangle with him. :))

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  8. Glad you were able to get your propane bottles and have a beautiful ride along with that! Great pictures. Glad it's warming for you! Cute story with the bull and chicken! Beautiful sunset picture!!

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    1. Thanks Shirley. Probably won't need them for heating which is good, but will for the grill. The weather is beautiful now and should stay that way. I think I'm in the bull's territory so he's not going far.

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  9. We've found that any cattle on BLM land are usually just curious. You don't bother them and they won't bother you. Yuma was wise to stay quiet and you are wise to have him on a leash. A dog chasing the cattle could be a game changer turning them from curious to furious.
    Loved the photos of the drive. You know you can also get propane at Quail Ridge RV Resort, just for future knowledge.
    We've found it's always windy at Empire Ranch. Enjoy!

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    1. Thanks Deb. I'll remember that. I was watching the weather here waiting for it to warm up. Now it's warm and so far no winds except the first day. Amazing how a bull so big can move so quietly. Got to keep watch for him.

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  10. That bull was trying to see if you had anything for him to eat.
    Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

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  11. I'm sure he wouldn't have liked my steak:))

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  12. An interesting afternoon with your "bull" friend. I think I would be like a few others - and headed inside. Yuma is a good dog to stay quiet like that.

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    1. Thank goodness he was just curious. Yuma was smart to be quiet or we both would have been heading inside fast:))

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  13. Ok so I had some good bull comments but everyone beat me to them. Glad you didn't try to ride him or something silly. Although that would have made a good story. Keep on having fun!!

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    1. Thanks Lorne. Maybe 50 years ago in a bar I might have have tried. Not as foolish in my senior years. : ))

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