Saturday, March 6, 2021

Move to the Grasslands

 During the night the wind started to pick up and by the time I got up at 8:45, it was blowing hard.  Checked the weather forecast and it was expected to die down around noon.  That's good.  I actually woke at 8 o'clock but laid in bed reading blogs, the news and texting Dolly.  A common occurrence most mornings before getting up.

We had our breakfast and chatted with our young neighbors a bit while the pups played and at 11:30 we were out of there.  It's only a two hour drive south to the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area.

On I-19 merging onto I-10

Hwy 83 heading south

Highway 83 is very hilly with lots of curves as it goes through the Santa Rita Hills, so I had to drive carefully.  That is Mt. Wrightson with the snow still on top of it.  It is west of the grasslands.

Soon we were entering the massive conservation area known to me as the grasslands.


Yuma is getting used to lying on the dash as I drive along.  He's seeing the Whetstone Mountains east of the grasslands.  It wasn't long before we passed the entrance to the Empire Ranch and then crossed over the Empire creek which was completely dry and to our new home.
I quickly unpacked things and let out the slide to get comfortable.  I'm planning to stay here for at least two weeks if all goes well.  There is a lot of room in this area to boondock.  Being a ranch, it is basically a huge feeding ground for cattle.  Here are a few pictures of my surroundings.
Cottonwood Trees lining Empire Creek

The Mustang Mountains to the southeast

The Santa Rita Hills to the north and Mica Mountain behind them.

The Whetstone Mountains to the east

Even though we are in the middle of nowhere, the Verizon reception is 3 bars of 4G which is great.  I was shocked by the large numbers of 4 wheelers here this year.  There are two large groups of weekend warriors here with their toys and their kids having a grand ole time running up and down the dirt roads.  Lots of dust.  I think the Tucson crowd has discovered this place 😩

Also, it looks very dry here this year.  I noticed that when their was no water in the Empire Creek.  Normally, I run through over a foot of water crossing the road, but not this year.

I'm hoping to have a nice slow paced visit here and prepare for the long journey back home.  One of my regular commenters, Rawn Stone lives over in Green Valley not far from here is wanting to get together and I'm all up for that if we can make it work.  Hoping that Nancy can bring her new rig down to try out a little boondocking too.  So, hopefully I have a busy couple of weeks.

Time for me to rest now.  I've already finished dinner and I'm ready for some dessert and then bed.  Even short moves wear me out.  Thanks for stopping by.

14 comments:

  1. Glad you made it to the grasslands. I'm sure the 4-wheelers kick up a lot of dust with it being so dry.
    Lots of pretty mountains around you. Hope Nancy can make it for a visit.

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    1. Thanks Dolly. They are throwing dust but luckily there is no wind. It is a pretty area. Nancy is still thinking of coming down. Waiting to hear from Rawn.

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  2. Glad to read you made it there safe and sound. We know it is the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area but it is so much easier to call it the grasslands and that is the beauty of that place surrounded by the mountains. Hope you enjoy a nice relaxing time there and get to stay the two weeks. We will be waiting in Ajo for mail then that is our next destination. At least that is the plan for now. Take care and enjoy relaxing in that wonderful spot.

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    1. We made it. Not as plush here as in years past. Hope you make it here while I'm here.

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  3. My first question is about the creek. Is it a smooth entry and exit? Asking because of those low jacks on the back of my new rig. If there is a drop off over the concrete edge like last year, I'll have to fill it in before driving through. I definitely plan on visiting, hopefully by the end of this week, We'll see how it goes. Sorry to hear about all the ATV's ... they can definitely be a pain. Sadly we have had hardly any rain this year at all.

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    1. I'll check on the creek and let you know. You may want to carry two or four 1x6 boards about 18 inches long. They come in handy for lots of reasons. Hope you can make it.

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  4. good job, getting moved again. It does make for a tiring day. You do find some nice serene spots to camp. I hope Nancy is able to get in for a day or two with her new rig. And Rawn comments on my blog too so I hope that meet works out. :)

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    1. I hope this area is quiet during the week. First year where 4 wheelers have swarmed the area. Hoping to meet Rawn while here.

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  5. Definitely 'Grasslands' not many cactus around. Except for the weekend riders you look like it may be a quiet spot for your stay.

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    1. I'm hoping it is quiet during the week. This area is big. I'm sure I can find another area if I need to. Seen only one barrel Cactus.

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  6. Another one of our favorite areas and I do fondly recognize all those surrounding mountains.

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  7. I bet you do, Al. Hoping to stay for a couple weeks and just enjoy the mountain views.

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  8. Hoping everything goes well for you out at the Grasslands. Another beautiful area. Love the pic of Yuma riding in the windshield, he's so cute :) Are you the only one in the area? Hope you meeting up with Rawn works out!

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    1. Hope so too. Yuma is starting to like the dash 😁

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