1/17 - 30 - New Mexico, Arizona

 1/17 - When I left Sue and Bruce in Blanco, TX, I was really uninspired with my pending travels.  I keep thinking that I should have stayed in Alabama for a while.  Texas is really unappealing (though I enjoy my time with Charlie and Jan!), other than around the Austin and southeast areas, as well as Big Bend NP.  It's flat, dry, and desolate.  And I'm heading to more dry areas.  I loved NM and AZ last year, but this year I'm not so enamored.  I forgot how much I dislike being here with a dog.  There are just so many things that can hurt her.  So, when I left Blanco, I wasn't in the best of moods, but then I came across a Saved place on google maps in Columbus, NM.  This gave me something to look forward to, something I had missed last year.  I was pretty psyched now for my next adventure.

And then, last night I arrived in Columbus, NM, which was a place I was told (can't remember by whom) was worth a visit (can't remember why), and I was kinda wondering why I was here.  Anyway, I had a BW booked for 2 nights, so that's where I went.  I parked in the wrong spot and had to move once the guy came back.  I don't find him very enchanting and I'm going to stay another night in town due to high winds that I don't want to drive in (also don't really enjoy being here in!) and I'm going to another BW down the street.  They're a gay couple and sound like a hoot.  Sometimes, like this one, there is very little interaction.  I guess I'm hoping this silly (based on their profile) couple will be a bit more interactive.

They have two sweet dogs, but one of them, Fiesty, is way too appeasing.  She either jumps on me or rolls over on her back when I try to pet her.  I'm working on teaching her that just sitting or lying there will get my attention, but the crazy behavior will not.  And the other pup (literally - only 3 or 4 months), Tater, is over the top with Zoe.  He keeps bugging her, and though Zoe likes dogs, she doesn't like to be hounded.  I ended up having to put Tater on leash to keep him from bugging Zoe.  I wish Zoe would have told him off!

I texted the owner to tell him that Tater was a little slow responding to his call, because I had him on leash to allow Zoe some peace (not how I put it) and he didn't respond.  The next morning, Tater didn't have a collar on, so I'm guessing he got my text and wasn't happy about putting him on leash.  Not pleased with no response - an apology would have been appreciated and maybe ask me to let him know when I'd go out so he could bring the dogs in.  Nada.  Oh well.  (I finally heard back from him two days later and he said that the collar must have come off during play.  And he sent me his Venmo so I could pay him for electricity.)

Fiesty.  She did learn that if she was calm, I would pet her.

Zoe enjoying Tater

Tater is sooo cute!  

1/17 - We went into Puerto Palomas, Mexico today.  We parked at the Dollar General (the attendant gave me the OK) and walked across the border.  The people at the border didn't speak English, and I was standing in a line, but wasn't sure I needed to be there.  I asked a border guard and since I couldn't understand what she was telling me, she showed me that I just had to walk through the scanners.  They went off, but she said I was fine.  🤷  I went into the Pink Store and walked around and found myself being seated in the restaurant.  I really went to the bar to get a free margarita (which I didn't get - a free one that is) and ended up sitting for a meal.  We started out inside, but were super close to the very loud music and Zoe didn't seem to be enjoying it, so we moved outside.  Thankfully it was protected from the very strong winds and had a bit of sun to keep us warm.  I did enjoy the margarita (ok 2) though it was way too early (noon) for me to be drinking!  I had a yummy Mexicano Plato of cheese enchilada, beef taco, chili relleno, chimichanga, rice, and beans.  The chimichanga was my favorite.  The negative of being outside (about 57 degrees) was my food got cold super fast.  

Zoe's first two greeters.  

Having lunch at the Pink Store

moved outside for some quiet (protected from the wind thankfully) and Zoe got to lie in the sun.

I cannot understand why she so often will lie down/sit as far as the leash will go.  

Yummy food and margarita.  I think this is Americanized, but I enjoyed it anyway.  And no, I did not eat it all!  You can't see very well, but the Chimichanga is at the top of the photo in the shade.

What's wrong with this picture?  It was outside of a cell phone store.  😂

This is the 2nd time I've crossed over into a Mexican town and they seem pretty dirty.  I was told this is a poor town.

Scary little dog.  Not!

These 5 dogs all came to say good bye to Zoe as we headed back to the US.

I really wanted to go back to get my teeth cleaned, but I just could not bear the thought of leaving Zoe in the van while I go to another country.  What if something delayed me?  I do have the temp monitor now, so it probably would have been fine, but I just couldn't do it.  I'll plan to go from Patagonia since I booked an Airbnb in Patagonia, AZ for 1/25-31.  It's walking distance to town and I really like the idea of this.  I also booked a hipcamp (in van) in Sierra Vista for Sunday (1/19) - Tuesday.  I'm sure I can stay longer if I like.  Reviews are excellent.  I found them on VRBO where they have a listing that is supposedly dog friendly, but in the notes says it isn't anymore due to poor behaving pups.  Anyway, they mentioned that they had sites for tents and RVs and on Hipcamp the reviews are amazing.  Rich is going to Patagonia on Wednesday this week and I thought that would work well, but now I'm not so sure.  Hopefully we can make something work!  

1/18 - Hung out at the BW until noonish and tried to pay the guy for using electric, but no response.  I was told that he's "on the spectrum", so maybe that's why???  I wanted to kill time so drove into town and saw that the museum was open, so I went in.  Very cool old train depot and Shirley gave me a tour.  Another very windy day, so not much to do.  Considered grabbing a bite to eat, but wasn't really psyched for it.  

sunrise

Somebody wants to come in

Look at that barbed snaffle bit.  Talk about cruelty!  OMG!!!

Original floor.  Love the rope in between the boards.

I guess I never realized how complete these catalogs were.  I guess Amazon is just the modern version.

I moved to the next BW as I didn't want to drive and didn't want to lengthen my stay at the previous place.

I spent a little time drawing.  Though I'm not going to win any awards, it's better than I anticipated...

1/19 - Cold last night.  Down to 22.  I had the place around 70 when I went to bed and the heater was mostly on at that point.  After a while it was on 100% of the time and still losing temp.  It was down to 60 by morning in the bed area, but I just pulled on my extra blanket and covered Zoe with hers that I hand knitted for her (smaller than the other one).  I'm keeping the yellow one (too big for her) for me.  😆 Well, I'll share it.  At 9:30, it's still 29.  Wilson, one of the hosts, told me that this weather is super cold for here.  Figures!  

Sunrise view from van

Today, I'm driving to Sierra Vista, where I'll stay for at least 2 nights (Hipcamp actually in Sierra Vista Southeast).  It looks like there are several highly rated tattoo places in Sierra Vista, so maybe I'll get my tattoo fixed finally.  I'm ready for a shower!  The hipcamp has hookups and an outdoor bathhouse.  I want to get there early enough while it's not too chilly to shower.  Not sure if the bathhouse is heated or not.  

I got my shower, but the bathroom is not really heated.  She did put a space heater in it, but it really didn't do much due to the many openings.  I got clean, so that's good.  I'd like to shower before leaving on Tuesday, but I doubt I'll be showering in there in the morning!  

I stopped in Warren at the park I stayed at last year and it was 100% dead grass.  Last year I'm sure there was some green grass.  It is so yucky.  I hate it out here.  I'm sure it's pretty when green and flowers are out, but I want to get away from here asap.  The place I'm staying is all dirt and goat heads.  Poor Zoe.  Pretty much everywhere she goes, she gets them in her feet and when I try to keep her from stepping in areas where they clearly are, she's not happy with me and I can't explain to her why I won't let her go sniff something.  The yard where I'm renting in Patagonia looked like all dirt.  I hope that doesn't have goat heads too.  Zoe likes to poop in tall grass, so she won't just go in the open dirt, which makes it hard for her not to end up with goat heads in her paws.  Today she had so many in one paw and several in another that I was getting nervous that she might bite me.  One of them actually drew blood.  Poor girl.  I need to find her booties (which she doesn't like, but it would be better!).  

The owners, Deborah and Dave are super nice.  Apparently the old instant hot water heater froze in the cold, so Dave put in a new one - thank goodness!  I was definitely wanting a shower after three days in the blowing dirt and considered checking in that all was working, but I didn't.  There is another RV here, but I didn't meet them - yet.  Maybe in the AM.  I'm curious about their Cross Trail RV.  

Deborah gave me a recommendation for a hike nearby.  It's supposed to have water, but not surprisingly it is dried up.  I think I'll do that tomorrow and then Tuesday I'll figure something else out.  Maybe go to the place in Patagonia.  That way I'll have almost 2 weeks in town.  Hopefully I like it!  I did think I might stay here another night because of the electricity, but it's pretty miserable here.  

So, tomorrow is the inauguration.  I think I've been not living in reality that this was going to happen.  I keep wanting to listen to podcasts, but then I get too discouraged and just can't do it.  I did listen to one today about Christian Nationalism and how they support trump.  It's cuz he's a bully and has done the things he's said he'd do for their cause.  It's so sickening, depressing, and scary.  I am so afraid of what he and his people are going to do over the next 4 years.  

1/20 - I had taken a sleeping pill because I was wide awake at midnight.  Sometime in the night, my fire alarm went off.  This is the 2nd time it has done that, so I guess I need to get a new one.  It is supposedly good for 10 years, but it's only been 1.5.  Because of the sleeping pill, I went right back to sleep and the alarm stayed quiet, thankfully.  Zoe doesn't like, of course, but she recovers quickly.

Met the other campers, Chrissey and Matthew.  Super nice people from SW Washington and she went to UVM while I was there!  Too funny.  They shared their homemade, frozen breakfast burritos with me.  It was fun to hang out with them.  They are out for 8 weeks and are soon on their way back, but who knows - maybe we'll cross paths again.  

Last year, as I traveled through the southwest, I was awed by it's beauty.  So far, I'm kinda grossed out by it's brownness and dryness.  Yuk.  And it confirms my worry of living in an area where rain is undependable.  I'm actually really disliking this here.  The goat heads at this place are beyond horrible.  I put booties on Zoe's front feet so that she isn't in pain every other step.  The hosts try to manage it, but it's crazy.  

Zoe and I went for a hike at Miller Canyon, recommended by Deborah.  It was about 3.5 miles and doable for Zoe.  It was sunny, but only in the mid 50s and partially in the shade, so it was perfect.  I can't remember the last time I did a hike in hiking boots!  It felt good.  Elevation is 5-6k feet, so enough to make me a bit out of breath on the uphill.  

Rough roads here getting to the hipcamp, but at least today was less dirt than yesterday.  I wish the hosts had shared the best way in for least amount of rough dirt road.  Deborah recommended the hike and fortunately, I looked at reviews online where someone mentioned that the 2nd entrance to the parking lot was much easier.  Had I not read that I might have tried to go in the first entrance, which had a huge trench to drive over.  

dry stream bed.  I wonder how much water it normally has.

Finally a little water

And a nice pool for Zoe to drink from

Such a red trunk!

Only flowers I've seen

another cute brindle pittie

Back at the hipcamp.  The wind picked up, so hanging out outside wasn't appealing.  Did stuff in the van and did a little laundry (they offer a free washer and dryer!).  I have limited cool weather clothes and I've been wearing them a lot.  Back in VT I bought a new pair of REI hiking pants and I love them and I've been wearing them every day, so it was time to wash them!

She has the weirdest sleeping positions!

Wow, the country is cccold!!!  I'm right on the edge of the really cold weather. at like 5 PM, it was -18 somewhere in Minnesota.  Brrr!  

I put my temperature monitor outside to see how cold it really gets.  The other campers said it was 13 this morning, but the weather channel only said 27.  Right now mine reads 31 vs 38 on the weather channel.  

Morning walk at the Hipcamp in Sierra Vista Southeast

I drove into Sierra Vista and did some shopping to stock up for being in Patagonia.  I had thought that maybe I'd want to stay in Sierra Vista, but nope.  It's just a bunch of strip malls.  Yuk!  So I headed to Patagonia.

I booked one night at Lake Patagonia State Park for Tuesday night, since I don't know if I'll want to stay here again.  I may stay another night or more.  Depends on how much I like it.  There is a place near town that I could stay without hookups (thus having to use my diesel heater), which I think I may stay at least one night.  I have 4 nights before my Airbnb for 6 nights.  I look forward to that - hopefully I'll enjoy it and not be bored being there for 6 nights.  I hope I'll meet some folks in town, but it is only a week.  Zoe will enjoy it (except for the part where I'll leave her to go to Mexico).  I believe Ramsey Canyon isn't dog friendly, so maybe I'll explore that while leaving Zoe at the Airbnb, but if it's cool enough, I might take her with me and leave her in the van...  

1/22 - I booked another night in a different site, also number 14, but on the cabin row, then went into town to meet up with Rich.  We had breakfast at the Gathering Grounds, then walked around town with Zoe, then went to his and Cheryl's land where they are going to build.  It's up on a hill with 360 degree views.  It was good to see Rich.  I remember that we always had good chats.  

After Rich went back to Tucson, I drove over to TerraSol, which is a small place near town for Vans and tents, but no hookups.  I thought I'd stay there for my last 2 nights, but I decided that for the price, I'd rather stay at the campground.  It was very small.  It would have been nice to be walking distance to town and seemed to have good vibes, but I didn't care for it too much.  I probably would have met people there, but then again, maybe not.  So, when I went back to the campground I decided to stay another 2 nights - until the Airbnb.  

My site 14

Patagonia Lake

Such a dirty girl!  She just loves to roll in the dirt.  

I went to my new site, which was flat, spacious, but gravel and had goat heads 😏.  I chatted with a woman next to me and she asked how I got that site and I told her that I asked for it.  She told me that they didn't offer these sites, except for overflow and mistakes.  The ranger did seem a bit reluctant to give me the site (didn't offer it), so I'm glad I got it.  The other sites she offered me were not ideal.  This site, along with other sites along the cabin row are grayed out on the map and apparently not offered for booking online.  So I'm glad I asked for it!  I just have to keep Zoe out of the goat heads.

Views from the new site 14.

So disappointed that my Trader Joe's tangerine juice fermented well before the use by date of 1/29.  I wonder if elevation changes plays a roll...

There were so many deer on the trail and this one was very intrigued by Zoe, a dog that paid it no mind at all.  This is at least the 3rd time I've had a deer stay close and watch Zoe rather than running away.

This is an inflatable level tube.  Very cool!  I can't believe it can hold the weight of a van.

Good thing I got this raised bed for her.  But every time I think to get rid of it (like the last one), she uses it...

Unfortunately, a lot of the time at the SP was windy, so not all that enjoyable, but we were able to find places to hang out away from the wind.  One day it was on a walk by the lake and the last day, hiding behind my van worked perfectly.  

I hung out at the birding area near my site for a bit when there was a group of birders and it was really fun naming the different birds.  I think I'm going to get some better binoculars that my 4x32 free ones I got when I opened a bank account so many years ago.  They have served me well and they are nice and small, but it would be fun to have better magnification for birds and other things including planets at night.  

1/25 - The campground has really poor internet service via AT&T (and others I understand), so I was pretty out of touch, which certainly wasn't all bad.  I was trying to check on the Airbnb for check in information, but I couldn't get signal, so as far as I knew, I couldn't check in until 3.  I hung out at the campsite, then went into town and walked around and explored some more.  I found that I could have checked in earlier, but it was all fine as we had a good day.  

The bunkhouse is fine.  Kinda cute and has what I need.  Great shower, full kitchen, comfortable bed, uncomfortable couch (I was really looking forward to lounging on a comfy couch) - futon with no armrests, nicely decorated, but kinda dirty.  I brought in my vinegar and water spray bottle to clean all the dirty fingerprints and some areas of the fridge.  Also, noticed dribbles on the floor in front of the toilet.  GROSS!!!  Bedding and towels and stuff all seem clean though.  

When I came in I looked for the laundry and went into a panic because I was counting on cleaning all of Zoe's dirty stuff.  But then I found the washer and dryer outside, not even under any cover.  It was super windy, with dirt and dry vegetation blowing all over, so I held off on doing laundry until the next day.  

The big police station!  

Saturday night I went to the Patagonia Lumber Co for some music and pizza from a food truck.  Music was good, sat with a nice couple and chatted with them all evening, and had a good veggie pizza.  I'm so glad I went because that will be my last opportunity since I leave on Friday and they only have music on Friday and Saturday.  I had a really good time.  I could have brought Zoe, but took advantage of the house to leave her at home and enjoy some time on my own.  Isn't that funny that I need a break from my dog?  I guess cuz I always have to worry about her and think of her with everything I do.  I am finding myself more and more impatient with her and since her pad has been split and she has to wear a bootie, she seems more and more unhappy, which of course makes me unhappy.  

1/27 - Took a hike without Zoe after we took a 2 mile walk close to home.  The trail doesn't allow dogs, but I wouldn't have taken her anyway since it was about 3 miles and she already had a good walk.  Also, I thought it might be hot for her, but the wind certainly kept me cool!

1/28 - Now that I'm plugged back in with internet access, I'm not happy.  I am so frightened by Trump and his cronies.  I keep wondering if the people who voted for him are saying WTF yet???  And if not, why not?  I guess I should find out what BS is being said on Fox news...  OMG!  This is what I see:  https://www.foxnews.com/video/6367900948112  So I'm going to guess they aren't scared yet.

Today, we walked to the Hummingbird center in town and I got to see the Anna's hummingbird with good binoculars and these new to me birds:

Zoe seems particularly unhappy this afternoon and I'm going to go to the Wagon Wheel for dinner.  Sorry, Zoe!

I sat at the bar at the Wagon Wheel.  The bartender was the only person to pour drinks and wait tables.  It wasn't too busy when I arrived, but quickly filled up with mostly locals.  I am a difficult customer as I always want to try things and she wasn't very friendly about it.  I guess I don't blame her.  Anyway, I ended up having a bacon cheeseburger that was excellent.  I was chatting with a woman next to me for a bit, but I don't know if she was tipsy or just a little off, but then her beau came in and stood between us.  It's funny seeing folks my age or older kissing at a bar.  😂  Two women from Nogales struck up a conversation with me and we ended up chatting for the rest of the evening.  I ended up ordering some onion rings for us all to share since we had all gotten the French fries.  Onion rings were awesome and worth extending my belt for!  😂😂😂

1/29 - I drove to Nogales, AZ, parked and walked across the border into Nogales, Sonora, Mexico and got my teeth cleaned.  First I walked around and found an optometrist, since you're supposed to be able to get cheap/fast glasses, but they didn't speak English and I didn't have time to go searching for another.  The only one near my dentist office was closed.  I had gotten some prescription sunglasses (progressives) when in VT that are helpful when I drive so I can easily read the signs and the navigation display, but the frames are terrible, so I was hoping this would be a good option.  Maybe I'll have another chance to get some when in Southern California.  

Great murals around town.  After having my teeth cleaned, which was a little weird.  She used a powered pick, which I've never experienced.  I didn't get that super clean feeling afterward, so maybe it wasn't a great job?  It only cost $50 and the most important part is that it was easy to get an appointment.  I did get a recommendation from my Airbnb host for this place and the google reviews were good.  After the cleaning I got some tacos from a food truck.  It was fine - very unlike what we get here, so it felt authentic.  

  

1/30 - Went for a hike on the way to Harshaw Townsite.  We didn't go too far because Zoe got tired and hot, because it was pretty steep up and down.  I put the bootie on Zoe's left front paw due to the cracked pad that is healing, but not healed.  She immediately was limping, but I thought she was being dramatic and the limping went away.  When we got back, I took the boot off and she had two sores from the boot.  I felt absolutely terrible!  The original boots never caused issues, but the new ones are.  I'm going to just have to keep her quiet without much walking until this paw heals.  

We then headed towards the Harshaw townsite, but since it rained and snowed a bit overnight, the dirt roads were a mess, so I bailed.  I was going to take a loop and go all the way to Locheil.  What a bummer as if I had gone before, it would have been fine.

This enormous bull (or maybe steer) was right at the start of the trail.  Fortunately there was another way around.

my tired pup

Came back and did some more laundry and chatted with Patty and Dave.  They gave me some fresh eggs and offered for me to stay thru the weekend at no extra charge since they didn't have anyone coming in until Monday.  Super generous!  Eleanor is expecting me tomorrow, so I'm going to head out.  

Went to dinner at the Velvet Elvis.  I heard mixed reviews and almost didn't go, but it was great.  The bartender was super nice and helpful.  She even made me a sample of one of the Velvet Margarita with some agave to take away some of the tartness.  I've never gotten a sample margarita before!  Then when she made me my real one, she had extra, so I ended up with about 1.5 drinks.  Then she only charged me $10 for it.  I had a calzone and it was really good.  I chatted with Mike, another tourist about travels and where to live.  He and his wife are big backpackers and bikepackers.   

Nice view from town

When I came back to the Airbnb, there were a ton of javelinas around.  Some babies too.  It was dark, but with some light, so I could see them, but not too well.  I had been saying to Patty that I had missed seeing them.  She must have called them in for me. 😂  When I took Zoe out, there were a bunch in my little yard right in front of the door.  I'm glad I had her on leash as she did try to dart after them at first.  I don't know what would have happened if she was loose.  

It has been quite cool and/or windy the whole time I've been here so I haven't enjoyed hanging out outside here very much.  Of course it is going to start warming up tomorrow when I leave and be in the mid 80s next week.  I'd love the happy medium of 70 and not super windy.  The bunkhouse is made for hot weather, so the heat has been working hard to keep it warm in here.  It's a good thing I'm comfortable with it being in the mid 60s inside.  Sometimes I've been really chilled, but other times it has been very comfortable.  I've had the van plugged in and the heater on to ensure that nothing freezes in the van overnight since it's been as low as 17 overnight.

Heading up to Tucson to visit Eleanor and Emma after going to Kartchner Caverns - will be in my next post.