Category Archives: Rv Travels

Return To Why AZ_ Oct 10-Dec 31, 2022

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October – December 2022 – Why AZ Homestead

I usually enjoy driving from state-to-state. However, this was the first time I felt exhausted and ready for this trip to be over. Before I recognized where we were on I-10 East heading towards Tucson Arizona. Delores here’s SR-86, we’re arrive in Why Arizona in forty-five minutes.

This turned out to be one heck of a trip. I know it was frustrating for you at times, but it was fun and enlightening for me. This is the first-time I have had an opportunity to travel to so many states in a comforter vehicle that provides all the comforts of a home. I have seen how residents live in different areas; the layout of various states; products grown and harvested in those areas. Also, I have met and talked to many friendly strangers (travelers like us, and residents in states we travelled thru or spend the night in). I will always remember this trip but a little sad this trip is ending so soon but good things in life do eventually end, she said.

I am glad you enjoyed your trip. I really hoped you would. However, I will not forget it either because this journey was beyond frustrating to me. I considered it to be a trip thru hell. I have never dealt with a trip like this in my entire highway travelling life; not even as a property inspector traveling for state-to-state, I replied.

This was my fourth return to Coyote Howl. So, upon entering the entrance and stopping at the available open area where I enjoy homesteading, I was greeted by a few recently returned and seasonal residents which was exciting and welcoming. After refusing offers of help to get us settled back into my space because I was tired. I think I will set here for the night and settle into my spot in the morning I replied. The next day, October 11th, with Delores by my side we settled into my usual spot.

There is nothing like, living in desert areas, canyons, forest, near mountains, state owned land/parks, Bureau of land management, or Army corps of engineer properties. You choose your own spot, stay 14-days for free, use a season pass or make daily or monthly homestead space rental payments. Either way, your homestead location can change instantly. Because you live on, or off grid monthly living expense would be less than living in a stick/mortar-built home or apartment living.

Further, the beforementioned living areas are fluid; meaning if you don’t like people living in the area,  or not excited to behold your space or homestead terrain every morning at sunrise or evenings at sunset. You turn your key in your ignition, wave goodbye, and move farther down the road or to another city or state that offers the same types of living environments.

Delores and I spent a lot of time outdoors with my puppy Echo, walking dirt roads, breathing fresh air, not worried about corvid-19 or other viruses, preparing meals together, talking, watching clouds forming amazing shapes during the day and stars at night. Because Delores mentioned she wanted to take pictures of sunsets and sunrises to residents. Whenever, someone noticed we were not present during beautiful or unusual sky events; someone would rush over and knock on our door. “Ladies grab your cameras; you are missing a beautiful view in the sky. We would grab our camera/cellphone and race outside in outdoors clothes or P.J’s and robs.

On October 18, Delores and I were up early to make the two-hour drive to Tucson AZ, the nearest airport to Why AZ for her trip back to Maryland. I really missed her presents during my two-hour return trip to Why.

Meanwhile, I do not know why. But whenever I am homesteading in the desert. I am awake automatically by 5:00am and asleep by 7 or 8:00pm. This is such a quiet area until a group of Coyotes pass thru occasionally once most residents are in for the night. Did the Coyotes disturb you last night? Residents ask the next morning. Unless my previous dog, Dakota or my current puppy, Echo growls or barks I usually sleep thru these occasional night sounds.

November-December 2022, a very unusual winter in Arizona: For the last five years, I have made winter exodus from Sioux Falls South Dakota to Quartzsite BLM locations (Known as Bureau of Land Management Properties), Canyons and Primitive Campgrounds for the following reasons:  September –  March temperatures of 65 to 87 degrees, beautiful sunrise, sunsets, vivid cloud, and sky colors; Quiet off grid living in unpopulated desert areas near mountains with beautiful terrains.

Upon arriving in Why Arizona on October 10th, the temperature was 75-degrees during the day and around 67-degrees at night. In November and December, the weather changed drastically from the 70’s to the 50’s and below. As a result, from November 13 to December 31, 2022; I spent my time running back and forth across the Highway-86 to the Why Not Travel Store to refill 3-portable propane tanks to ensure the heater in my motorhome continue to operate properly to prevent my motorhome pipes from freezing.

Meanwhile, as I homestead in the cold temperatures of Why AZ, wearing my heavy-duty lined Challenge Series Snow Coat, and various medium-weight jackets over a silk jacket as a liner. I am grateful not to be in Sioux Falls South Dakota as I watch the best views the sky and nature environment has to offer.

October 2022
November 2022
December 2022
Dirt Desert Road

Sometimes Life Is Like Rough Seas_Jun_17-2022

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South Dakota Homestead

Today as I sit on my couch looking out the open door of my motorhome, listening to birds chirping in two nearby trees on my chosen homestead RV Spot. It dawned on me May 7th is the first 77-degree spring day we have had since I returned home to South Dakota on April 1, 2022.

When we pulled out of Why Arizona on March 29, 2022, it was a beautiful 73-degree sunny travelling day until we ran into a windstorm prior to entering Demings New Mexico. News reporters were warning drivers of motorhomes, buses or those towing fifth-wheels, trailers and boats to slow-down because winds were 60-miles an hour.

Prior to hearing this report, I knew I was heading into high winds, because my 30-foot motorhome begin to sway close to the hammer and shoulder lane lines. Although, I had already dropped my speed from 70 to 55-miles an hour; I was still having problems staying in my lane. So, when I arrived in Demings, I was driving 50-miles an hour. My neck, shoulders, arms, hands and back were in pain from my sheer determination to control my home on wheels until I could safely get off the highway.

Upon seeing a sign for Marathon Gas Station, I took the upcoming exit; drove across the outer gas station lane blocking the first two gas pumps stopping at the third to refill my motorhome tank. While my tank was being filled, I went inside the station and asked the station attendant if I could spend the night on his property. “You certainly can. Just pull over to the far-right side of the property perimeter, he said.” Thank you, sir, I replied. Dakota and I ate dinner in our motorhome and turned in for the night.

The next morning the windstorm was over. Upon exiting my motorhome to take Dakota out to potty, I discovered a motorhome and two motor coaches had joined me on the gas station’s lot during the night. After our walk around the stations’ perimeter and return to our motorhome, I put food and water in Dakota’s bowls then went inside the station to buy a large cup of coffee and a bagel. At 7:00am, we were back on the highway driving 70-miles an hour heading for home. My trip from Why Arizona to South Dakota cost $725.00 for unleaded gas. I can’t imagine how much this trip would have cost if I was driving a diesel motorcoach.

Meanwhile I must say, it was a shock to arrive in South Dakota and discover temperatures were in the 40’s, it was windy, rainy and temperatures regularly drop to the 20’s causing water hose to freeze at night. Winds were so high blowing across South Dakota highways that my two-door, soft-top jeep was whipped in and out of lanes like a weightless empty buggy. As a result, I had to retrieve my Ford pickup truck from my storage garage and put the jeep inside so I could safely travel around South Dakota.

Also, constant trips back and forth to propane stations to have three portable 20-gallon propane tanks refilled in order to run the furnace, have hot water and use the stovetop in my motorhome was exhausting. In addition, we had four tornadoes travel through this area at 30 to 50-miles an hour. It seemed like winter was never going to end.

I have returned home in April for the last five-years and have never experienced or had to deal with a season like this. Further for the record. Motorhomes are made like cars. They are light weight with little installation which makes it easy and fun to drive on highways. But these vehicles are not designed for owners to live in during harsh winter seasons. Therefore, most full-time No-Mads like me travel to other areas before winters begin in our home states.

Like most of you I have dealt with rough seas in my life as well which included a right shoulder rotator-cuff repair surgery on June 30, 2021. However, the shoulder was reinjured on September 12, 2021, due to a fall.

On April 18, 2022, my beloved Silver German Shepherd, Dakota was euthanized due to contracting a severe yeast infection which didn’t respond to medication. On May 9, 2022, I had a second surgery on right shoulder which was an invasive Reverse Right Shoulder Surgery to eliminate damaged joints caused by my fall in September 2021. Then cataract and stent surgery on both eyes on May 24, 2022. These were my rough sea events.

Dakota, 6-weeks old
3-years old, March 14,

I am so far behind on sharing travel blog stories, posting reviews and working on my next novel. So, I plan to work around shoulder pain as much as possible to play catchup. Although my physical therapy sessions for shoulder healing is scheduled throughout the month of December.  I plan to be out of South Dakota in October before winter returns.

Connecting with Neighbors and witnessing Blessings

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The black vehicle belongs to neighbors I met in 2018

After returning to Quartzsite, I parked and settled into mobile home living at La Posa West (LTVA) Long -Term Visitor campground near neighbors I met the year before. As a result, I easily fell into the comfort of being with my clan of folks, who are also full-time rv’ s like me. During my travels I have connected and joined smaller clans consisting of two to five people. I found these groups often form because of common interests and the desire to belong to something greater than themselves. These groups and/or solo travelers live a laid-back stress-free lifestyle which is what drew me into this lifestyle. Furthermore, many of these folks are friendly, supportive, and helpful.

I need to mention, I have personally been on the receiving end of goodwill and kindness from many. I have also been encouraged and taught how-to resolve rv problems by clan(s) or solo travelers on various occasions. When my gray water leveler and sewage exit-joint was ripped from my chassis leaving gray water on a city road. I called a camp host couple, who I met three-weeks before from the side of the road to discuss my situation. It was the wife, who said, “Edith come to us we will figure it out.” Prior to my arrival, the host’s husband had connected with a travelling rv technician and made him aware of my roadside dilemma. Upon my arrival, the tech looked at the damage and determined what was needed to make repairs.

Damaged sewage exit pipe and release levelers

Although, the tech, his wife and I were strangers. Both were friendly and after a few minutes of talking the tech, his wife and I joked as if we were old friends. “Edith, we will be here to work on your rv in the morning around 9am,” the husband said. They arrived as stated with supplies to rebuild and install a new sewage joint as well as gray/black tank release handlers and charged me $50.00. However, I would have be charged $400 to $900.00 at a rv repair center for a similar repair. But the center’s employees would not have redesigned my levelers to prevent the occurrence of future problems.

Sewage exit and release levelers redesigned

Having no plans for Christmas other than working on the Family Crypt manual script gradually, the same project I worked on during Thanksgiving. Therefore, before resuming this project, I decided to dump my sewage tanks and refill my freshwater tank at the campground where my rv had been repaired. Upon entering Tumbleweed campground. I was greeted by the host. “Hi Edith, do you have any plans for today.” Nope. Other than paying you to use your dump and water stations, I replied.” Why don’t you stay and joint us for Christmas Dinner? You do not have to; I am just saying, if you want to; I will love to have you join us. Okay, I replied.

Once everything was in place. It was as if an unseen person walked to the edge of the road and said to walkers with backpacks, homeless people, and tent dwellers. “Go join them.” I observed people from all walks of life enter this campground from the street. Many were carrying everything they owned in backpacks, on bicycles, in tow carts, etc. We greeted and welcomed all newcomers. No one walked around with his/her noses held high like something stink. Everyone was at this dinner because he/she wanted to be which made this the best authentic Christmas Celebration I had ever experienced in my lifetime.

The smiles, jokes and laughter were contagious, and the food was plentiful which consisted of grilled pork, steak, and chicken. As well as a variety of casseroles (i.e. tuna, chicken, spanish rice, red beans and rice, broccoli, hamburger, veggie enchilada, taco, mixed veggies, macaroni and cheese, etc.) Also, there were a variety of desserts such as lemon cake, carrot cake, pound cake, chocolate cake, pineapple cake, no bake chocolate cookies. As well as coffee, tea, water, beer and sodas. No one present could ask for anything more. However, later that night while sitting around the barn fire with a few Tumbleweed Campground residents, it occurred to me, I did not take any pictures because I left my camera in my mobile home.

After January 2nd, I became a temporary resident of Tumbleweed RV Campground. It was during this time of dormancy and tranquility that I retrieved the manual script, “The Family Crypt” from its new storage place which was the bunkbed over the driving pit of my mobile home and worked feverishly to finish this novel by January and have it published in February 2020. As a result, the names of characters, their lifestyle, and activities in this story that I had pushed to the darkest chambers of my mind returned with the force of a flood. So, this dusty manual script entitled, “The Family Crypt” was published on February 19, 2020, seven-years after receiving the storyline prompt from my son, Keithalon (Joker) Jones. Rest in peace my son the novel is published.

Return to Ute Lake State Park New Mexico and Quartzsite AZ

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Return to Ute Lake
Ute Lake State Park

Boy this weather sucks! It appears my Sept 29th return to Ute was just in time to deal with high winds (15 to 36 mph), rain and thunderstorms caused by Dorian’s tropical depression which was currently in Mexico City; 301 miles away. The only good thing about Ute was its temperatures that range from 50 to 77 degrees. Flooding was predicted for low line areas in Albuquerque; a 2-hour 57-minute drive from my locations. Rather than wait around to see what was really heading towards my Ute location. I decided to leave the area at 10am on October 3rd to make an 11-hour drive (714 miles) to Quartzsite AZ arriving in Quartzsite on October 4th.

Return to Quartzsite AZ Township Entrance

I found the weather in Quartzsite AZ to be what I was accustomed to which is a breezy 88-degrees. However, two weeks later the temperature dropped to 46 and 57 degrees. At this point, I was digging in my winter canvas chest to pull out pullover -sweaters, socks, corduroy slacks, winter hats, jacket, neck scarfs and my favorite flannel pajamas. Currently, I am still wearing winter clothes (i.e. pullover sweaters, baseball cap, windbreaker and thick jeans. Strange weather, like everywhere else.

I made my first Snowbird Exodus to Quartzsite AZ in September 2018. I still enjoy getting in the area early since I am drawn to sleepy, quiet, underpopulated rural townships surrounded by deserts with ever changing and breathtaking skies as well as massive wide-open spaces.

Last year, the first arriving wave of Snowbirds begin the week after Christmas; the annual crowd arrived in January consisting of about 150,000 visitors – driving his/her own RVs. The state highway department said, “This annual event is the largest gathering of RVs anywhere on the planet.” During this time RV’s and people are everywhere such as the five BLM (Bureau of Land Manager) properties, RV Parks, deserts; on country roads and in canyons.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Properties