Tuesday, November 29/2016

Headed out

It is moving day today so we packed up, headed back into Parker for water and a few supplies then boogied down the road.  We got water at Spankey's RV supply store.  Kay and I were in there on the weekend buying a few things and I had asked if there was any place in town where we could fill the RV with water without having to pay for it.  They told us that we were welcome to use the hose at the side of the building but just to let them know when we were actually doing it so that they didn't wonder who was out there helping themselves to water.  So, today we filled up and I again made a purchase in their store.  My way of saying "thank you" for the water and would probably be a good thing for anybody to do if they use their water.  It was an easy in and out for the trailer.

Shea RD.

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Our destination today was the Alamo Lake area.   This lake is a flood control and recreational reservoir.  It is located on the Bill Williams River where the Big Sandy River and the Santa Maria River converge and was created with the completion of the Alamo Dam in 1968.  The reservoir was designed for flood control and during one "flood" event had been recorded to have risen 11 vertical feet overnight.   The area has a capacity to hold "a lot of water" and has grown in size and, is now able to  be stocked with a variety of fish including largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, channel and flathead catfish and tilapia.  It hosts fishing tournaments and holds at least one state fishing record.
Of course this arid land lends itself to fluctuations in the water level so there are restrictions on the lake at times as to wake boarding and water skiing.  Also, at least one of the boat launches may be closed due to low water levels.
If you are not a fisherman or lake enthusiast, there are still a ton of things to do in this rather quaint State Park.  Stargazing is a huge draw as the night skies are full of yes, you guessed it......stars.  With the nearest town being close to 40 miles away, it is DARK here at night and the stars are so bright.  Man, it truly is incredible.
There is boondocking in the area and I suggest one gets on their computer to find the best sites.
There are a ton of ATV trails in the area and each holds it own special qualities.  Hidden Red Rock Canyon is not too far away and that is one of our destinations while we are here.
Wildlife abounds in the area with the possibility of seeing golden eagle, bald eagles, coyotes and mule deer as well as the ever elusive wild burro.  The water is home for several varieties of waterfowl as well.  We have been told there is also elk in the area!!

fields of alfalfa

rows and rows of hay bales

clearing land for more acres of hay

getting into cactus country

Sunset and saguaro

Can we really complain?

Getting the fire ready

We turned off the highway at  Wendon, Az.  The turnoff to Alamo Lake State Park was there and then headed towards the park on a rather narrow paved road.  We had scouted out the area a few years ago so "kind of" remembered where the boondocking sites were.
On our way there we were lucky enough to see a baby burro with its Mom and that in itself, made travel along these dusty roads worthwhile.
We arrived at the site and were pleased to see that we were the only campers in this area!!  Bonus!!  Our "camping" cats could wander about the area and we didn't have to worry about traffic or other quads scarring the crap out of them!!
We settled in and John got the campfire going before the sun set.  It is fall here and despite the delectable temperatures during the day, once the sun goes down, it chills off pretty quickly.  Time for sweats and bunny hugs!!

The campsite

Love the "purple" colour of the mountain tops

One of our Camping Cats - Moglie - rolling in the dust

Both Moglie and Corinna checking out the site

Our spot overlooking Lake Alamo

Campfire and camper

As we sat around the campfire tonight, we heard the U.S. Air Force out on night maneuvers and were reminded that we were not all that far from Luke Air Force Base.   We were witnesses to some pretty awesome "fireworks" courtesy of the Air Force as they were dropping some sort of laser lights (light bombs, whatever you want to call them) from their planes for whatever reason.  And, it was actually quite a sight to see.  Wow, comes to mind again and then a rather good sense of security knowing that "the boys" are practising their "war games"....just in case.

The sights and sounds of the night were interesting too.  We could hear the occasional braying of a nearby burro as well as the yipping choruses from the coyotes.  The cats weren't too impressed and took refuge inside the safety of the trailer.  They were tired anyway!!
A quick supper and it was soon time for us to head to bed too.     Life is Good!!