This post was written Thursday Feb 26th 7:30am.
Beautiful blue sky sunny day yesterday (Wednesday). Not super warm, at around 66F (19C) and enough of a breeze that if you were sitting in the shade it actually felt a bit cool. But if you were sitting in the sun, it was almost too warm!
We did a short hike in the morning, just up to the top of the hill behind us so that we could get a nice view of the lake. And after that, we just relaxed!
There was no trail. We just climbed through the brush because I wanted a view of the lake.
Now at the top of the little hill. If you look closely, you can see Sherman!
There he is, enjoying his spot at Burnt Corral Campground.
But, at 4:00pm we had been invited down to the neighbors for happy hour. Howard and Diane are from British Columbia, and they have a winter property in Mesa. But they also have a pickup truck and camper that they love to explore with, and they've spent some time camping in Baja California, so we had lots to talk about regarding camping in Mexico. We sat with them for a couple of hours and had no shortage of conversation.
This morning (Thursday), we're vacating our site at Burnt Corral Campground, and heading over to Cholla Campground back at Roosevelt Lake to use their dump station and fill with water. From there, we're going up towards Payson (pop 15,000).
Remember when we got lost in the desert? Well I had written a note to the National Parks Service with some comments, and they were really good at taking action. Received the following email from the park superintendent's office at Organ Pipe National Monument...
We appreciate your comments. Signs were ordered based on review of the trails and other comments like yours which helped identify the locations for them. The directional signs have arrived and are in the process of being installed.
We are also seeing what time schedules work and adjusting programs and shuttles based on feedback. Again your input will help us provide the best options for the most visitors.
So, nice to hear that they have taken some action on that. I'm impressed!
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Nice that you can get on the move again, enjoy the weather.
ReplyDeleteI wish we had gone the other way though. The temperature is dropping here so we are turning around and headed about two hours south of here to the Mesa area.
DeleteThat's great they are ading signs. What a gorgeous view of the lake. Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteYes, we were very happy to see the quick response and see that they are doing something about it too.
DeleteThat's pretty fast response from a government agency.
ReplyDeleteYes, we were very impressed!
DeleteFixing a few signs is certainly more cost effective than sending out a rescue party. Visitor safety is a priority. I too am happy to see they responded to your suggestions.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is! We are so happy to hear that they are putting up signs and it seems that our complaint about the lack of them wasn't the only one. Also we are happy to hear that they are looking into the time of the hiker drop off to that section which right now is in the afternoon, which we feel should be a morning hike when the weather is cooler.
DeleteSame temps as here in Portugal's Algarve region. Love your pics!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.20YrsFromNow.com
I bet the temperature isn't the same now! A cold front has come in so we are headed back south about 2 hours away from here for about 4 or 5 days. We are hoping things will improve further norther by then.
DeleteWonderful that you got a response and most importantly that they are taking action.
ReplyDeleteYes, we were very happy to hear back from them and that they are going to be putting the signs up soon. As Judy mentioned above, it is cheaper to do that then send out rescue crews.
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed your stay at Burnt Corral. Wish we could get some warmer weather headed your way but it's not looking good. I'm amazed at how fast Organ Pipe responded to your comments. That's nice to know. Grace (in Tucson)
ReplyDeleteYep, we loved the area up at Burnt Coral. We wish we could get warmer weather here too, there are lots of places to explore around Payson. In fact Kevin said that this is probably one of his favourite towns in Arizona so far. It offers everything that we would need, a decent temperature, at least most of the time, we like the trees and the mountains, lots of hiking and it is close to Phoenix for any flights out. Not that we are looking to settle down or anything! :-)
DeleteGreat deal on solar. If I had room for more, it would be tempting. Only so much room on a "B".
ReplyDeleteYou are staring to move north into cold country. Have fun; the north is magnificent and the farther north you go, the more remote.
Barry & Lorrie
We WERE starting to head north until we saw the upcoming weather for the area, now we are headed back south to the Mesa area until things improve up this way again. We do love this area though and look forward to returning.
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