(For those of you who want to order our new book, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, go to the link above or below and choose either the full color version or the B&W. Here you will see the details of their first year as full time RVers in 2010/2011, as they traveled through 28 states and one Canadian province)-
Well, we finally got some internet reception here and so I will try to get some of our current adventures posted. When last you saw us, we were in Lake Havasu AZ for the night at Craggy Wash BLM free campground (very basic, no services,no water, no dump station). That was an overnight on our way here to D.V..
I am just going to start off by saying this is at least as good as, if not better than, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Bryce and Zion. Fantastic scenery beyond anything we expected. Also great weather, 50s at night, 70s in the daytime. Camping fees with senior pass are $6 per night and stay as long as you want. We are here with Captain Canada and Debbie Dewdrops who will be leaving Thursday for Canada. When they leave, we will then use the motorcycles to tour around some more. This is the largest national park in the lower 48 (over 3 million acres), so we won’t get to see anywhere near all of it.
The highest recorded temperature in the world occurred here and is 137 degrees Fahrenheit. The valley was created when two plates in the earth’s crust separated and one plate tilted down. Two mountain ranges were formed with the valley in between. The valley gets hardly any rain each year because there are multiple mountain ranges between it and the Pacific Ocean, causing a huge “rain shadow”.
From the valley, as we now sit here, we can actually see snow on the surrounding Panamint Mountains!
Here are some preliminary pictures of the best shots from the first three sites we visited.
(For those of you who want to order our new book, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, go to the link above or below and choose either the full color version or the B&W. Here you will see the details of their first year as full time RVers in 2010/2011, as they traveled through 28 states and one Canadian province)-
Special offer-For the month of February, order either our “gypsy” book or our Irish Sea Mossing book in full color and get a free 1/2 hour video of our amazing motorcycle trip up to 11,000 feet on Bear Tooth Highway, between 30 foot snowbanks!
Yesterday, after being here at Imperial Dam for a week, we finally got the bikes on the road and took a ride up to Quartzsite. It was a beautiful day albeit somewhat windy. Still and all, it was great to get out for a ride, especially considering that many of our friends have their bikes stored for the winter and are experiencing severe Cabin Fever. We waited until 11 to take off, at which point the temperature was up to about 68. On the way back we took a detour to Martinez Lake for a late lunch. The bar we went to had a two man band playing and we got in a few dance numbers. There was a couple there from Canada who run a dance studio, so we had a mini dance-off. They were excellent, but we held our own. Here are some video clips we took before and during the ride.
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Leaving our Campground and Red Fox takes the lead.
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Leaving Yuma Army Proving Grounds entry road and passing the “Big Guns”.
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Cruising the road from the Proving Grounds to Yuma with “The Power” by Snap! on the tune box.
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We bump into some riders from the Iron Order MC out of Laughlin CA
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Hawk makes a rare video riding appearence as Red takes over the camera (reluctantly)
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Scenic tour back towards Imperial Dam
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The rollercoaster, dipsy-do road into Martinez Lake.
(For those of you who want to order our new book, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, go to the link above or below and choose either the full color version or the B&W. Here you will see the details of their first year as full time RVers in 2010/2011, as they traveled through 28 states and one Canadian province)-
Special offer-For the month of February, order either our “gypsy” book or our Irish Sea Mossing book in full color and get a free 1/2 hour video of our amazing motorcycle trip up to 11,000 feet on Bear Tooth Highway, between 30 foot snowbanks!
In the desert near our camp is a hidden canyon called Little Grand Canyon. It is in the middle of nowhere and very difficult to find. We hiked there a few days ago and have some video clips below that will show you this hidden canyon.
(For those of you who want to order our new book, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, go to the link above or below and choose either the full color version or the B&W. Here you will see the details of their first year as full time RVers in 2010/2011, as they traveled through 28 states and one Canadian province)-
Special offer-For the month of February, order either our “gypsy” book or our Irish Sea Mossing book in full color and get a free 1/2 hour video of our amazing motorcycle trip up to 11,000 feet on Bear Tooth Highway, between 30 foot snowbanks!
Yesterday we hiked to a place called Palm Canyon, off route 95 north of Yuma and south of Quartzsite. This is a unique place in Arizona, because it is the only place in the state where palm trees grow in the wild (not planted by someone). These palm trees are in a narrow canyon that only gets sunshine for a few hours per day and are therefore able to survive in the hot desert. We were accompanied by Captain Canada, Debbie Dewdrops and Larry and Barbara, all of whom will be treking to Alaska with us in June.
If you want to read more about Palm Canyon, click on the following link-http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/trailNRT/PalmCanyon-AZ.html
Stumbling upon extra-terrestrial circles, showing possible landing site of space craft from the Planet Ogorphian.
Performing the ancient circle dance ritual in order to summon the space travelers back to planet Earth, so they can help solve global warming.
Debbie trying to lure them back in the tried and true tradition.
(For those of you who want to order our new book, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, go to the link above or below and choose either the full color version or the B&W. Here you will see the details of their first year as full time RVers in 2010/2011, as they traveled through 28 states and one Canadian province)-
Special offer-For the month of February, order either our “gypsy” book or our Irish Sea Mossing book in full color and get a free 1/2 hour video of our amazing motorcycle trip up to 11,000 feet on Bear Tooth Highway, between 30 foot snowbanks!
Video highlights of yesterday’s ride, “Desert Serenade”. 70-75 degree temps with 65 wind chill. Thanks to the Tucson H.O.G. chapter for allowing us to join in on the ride.
(For those of you who want to order our new book, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, go to the link above or below and choose either the full color version or the B&W. Here you will see the details of their first year as full time RVers in 2010/2011, as they traveled through 28 states and one Canadian province)-
Yesterday we decided to take a break from Patriots Euphoria (listening to Boston Sports Radio all day on Tune-in remote radio via the internet). On our way back from Nogales Mexico last week, we had stopped at a little town called Tubac for lunch. Red Fox fell in love with this artsy/crafty desert oasis and saw that there would be an arts and crafts festival there this week. So, seeing the forecast of sunny with temperatures in the low eighties, we dusted off the iron horses and rumbled the 45 miles to Tubac (after our morning 5 mile walk, of course). We had a great time (as usual) and another terrific mexican restaurant meal. The Fox picked up a smashing blouse and I picked up a couple of things. On the way back we had spectacular scenery and mild temps even at sunset. We thought (again) how fortunate we are to be here and to still be riding whenever we want. Here are a few pictures and video clips. If you ever want to visit Tubac, it is on route 17, 45 miles south of Tucson.
(For those of you who want to order our new book, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, go to the link above or below and choose either the full color version or the B&W. Here you will see the details of their first year as full time RVers in 2010/2011, as they traveled through 28 states and one Canadian province)-
Here are some of the clips we took during the weekend. It was pure mayhem inside the Sports Bar. Everyone in New England should be ecstatic with this team and it’s accomplishments. You will hear me yelling a lot and Red Fox cheering in the background. It was the most exciting game we have ever watched, hands down. Then, to top it off, we did not have to rush to any airport, or worry about going to work or return to snowy, cold weather. The next day went up to about 74 and today was around 76.
(For those of you who want to order our new book, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, go to the link above or below and choose either the full color version or the B&W. Here you will see the details of their first year as full time RVers in 2010/2011, as they traveled through 28 states and one Canadian province)-
When we arrived in Tucson in mid-November, we were not thinking about this year’s Superbowl. On the contrary, our main focus was on escaping the brutal New England winter and enjoying the relative warmth of southern Arizona’s winter. However, as the weeks went by and the Patriots continued to win, we realized that they might actually be in the big game and that the big game would only be about 100 miles from where we are camped!
Finally came the playoffs, and after their bye week, they managed to beat the Ravens even though they fell behind by two touchdowns twice. Then they destroyed the Colts 45 to 7. We were in! We began to make plans-
We would ride the Harleys up and camp out at a campground 20 miles from the stadium.
We would take the camper up and leave the bikes here.
We would take the truck up and stay at a hotel
Plan 3. became the operative plan when we saw a forecast of two days of rain just prior to game day and we were offered a great deal on a hotel (free). We left on Friday morning and arrived around noontime.
Here is our schedule with pictures below-
Friday afternoon-NFL Experience at Phoenix Convention Center including lunch, then open block party near the convention center, then sports bar surrounded by Seahawks fanatics.
Saturday morning-5 mile walk, breakfast and then drive to Patriots Sports Bar in North Phoenix on a recon mission for game day.
Saturday Afternoon-Sports Party Venue near the Convention center until early evening. Then the clouds break and the moon comes out as we walk out of the party to a Mardi Gras atmosphere. The city is rocking and Seahawks fans outnumber Pats fans about 4 to 1.
Sunday Morning-Exercising again, breakfast, watching game buildup on t.v. and then leaving for sports bar.
Sunday Afternoon-Heavy fog burns off and sun comes out! It’s a glorious day and we are pumped, but it’s still only 1:30. We decide to start drinking because we are not hungry yet and need to justify our presence there. By 4 we are high and order some food. Everyone inside had a seat reserved by 11. Where will we sit? We finally find a seat on top of the piano with our feet resting on the cover for the piano keys. We’re ready!
3 or 4 hours later we are mentally and physically exhausted. Inflated, deflated and then elated! What a game!
(For those of you who want to order our new book, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, go to the link above or below and choose either the full color version or the B&W. Here you will see the details of their first year as full time RVers in 2010/2011, as they traveled through 28 states and one Canadian province)-
On Friday January 16th, we decided to take a ride to Tombstone and Bisbee by way of Route 10 East and then onto Route 80 East, towards New Mexico. For those of you not familiar with Arizona and Tombstone in particular, this are is in the southeast section of the state and Tombstone is that famous old West town where Wyatt Earp and his brothers had the gunfight at O.K. Corral with the Clanton gang, led by Ike Clanton.
Before we left, we were advised that Bisbee, which is further than Tombstone, would be a good add-on. That morning, like most mornings here in January, it was about 40 at 7 a.m., but we knew it would warm up to about 70 by 1 p.m.. Around 10, after we had prepared for the trip and with the temps at about 55, we set off. What we had forgotten to check was for any altitude changes. It turns out that both towns are about 2,000 feet higher than Tucson (3500 vs. 1500) and so we never saw 70 until about 3 p.m. in Tombstone in the full sun. That was fine though since we had all of our cold weather gear, including heated jackets.
We decided to go all the way to Bisbee first and then hit Tombstone on the way back. Bisbee turned out to be quite interesting and we wound up staying there until 1. We decided to wait until we got to Tombstone to eat lunch and had carried a small snack on the bikes to hold us over. Bisbee, which is a mining town, was best described by a fellow traveler as “Hippie meets Cowboy”. It is full of artisan shops and off-beat restaurants. There is an old movie theater/playhouse and lots of grand old brick buildings (you will see these in the attached pictures)
We finally tore ourselves away at 1 and headed for Gunfighter-Ville. When we got there, we were starving and headed right to a local cowpuncher eatery that had been recommended. The food was great, but it took about 1/2 hour to be served because only one person was working. Needless to say, Red Fox had one of her many “low-blood sugar” episodes, where she turns really grumpy and I had to steer clear of her until the grub arrived. After the meal we did the tourist thing, taking pictures with all the local cow-hands and pseudo outlaws. Red Fox did her best cowgirl impersonation under the O.K. corral sign and we window shopped the entire town, including the local Harley clothing store.
Around 5 p.m. we went back to our trusty iron horses expecting to get a delicious root beer before the ride home, but the proprietor had closed up shop. Dang! The ride home was uneventful as we raced the sunset back to Tucson. We held several safety talks during the day and were well prepared mentally for riding in the dusk in metro Tucson. Even so, it is always challenging riding a major city freeway. We arrived home weary from the long and dusty trail, two modern day gypsy cowpokes. Enjoy the attached pictures and video clips.
Hawk and Red Fox
Heading East on 10, out of Tucson.
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Wide Open Spaces
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In the middle of nowhere, between Tombstone and Bisbee.
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Leaving Bisbee after gassing up.
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Bisbee’s giant Copper Mine.
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Riding back towards Tombstone.
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Bisbee scenes
Christa, a local street performer entertains us with her rendition of “It ain’t me babe”
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The “thousand step” stairway. We went to the top.
Arriving in Tombstone.
Red Fox entering a saloon, just daring anyone to mess with her.
Red Fox waiting for the next gunslinger to challenge her.
The Magnificent Seven, starring Yul Brynner (above)
Riding home, chasing the sun.
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On the freeway in the dusk, executing a lane change very cautiously. Almost home.
(For those of you who want to order our new book, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, go to the link above or below and choose either the full color version or the B&W. Here you will see the details of their first year as full time RVers in 2010/2011, as they traveled through 28 states and one Canadian province)-
We took about 40 fabulous video clips and of course can’t show them all. Nor does anyone have the time to watch that many, so we have tried to pick out the best. Here they are-
Getting ready to ride
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Up North Oracle towards the outskirts of Tucson. Mountains in the distance, as we move out.
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Leaving civilization behind as we quickly enter the vast open desert.
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Pit Stop
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Leaving Hayden? and driving by a huge copper mine tailing plateau, on the left.
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Back out in the wide open spaces
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Getting into some fairly spectacular scenery as we go through “copper” country.
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Another huge copper mine on the right, towards the end of the clip.
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Thundering along next to the Copper mine, amidst the desert grandeur.
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Cresting a rise and then a heavenly panorama!
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Down in the “flats” again, pounding pavement and watching out for rattlers.
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Arriving in Apache Junction and heading for our lunch destination.
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Ready to ride back via route 60 to route 79. Don’t miss the last few clips where we have the Catalinas on our left and the sun going down on our right as we approach Tucson.
(For those of you who want to order our new book, “Hawk and Red Fox-Modern Day Gypsies”, go to the link above or below and choose either the full color version or the B&W. Here you will see the details of their first year as full time RVers in 2010/2011, as they traveled through 28 states and one Canadian province)-
