I and my new friend Glen went to the Frank Slaughter ranch today, 15 miles east and south of Douglas AZ. It borders Mexico, the demarcation line being about 100 yards south of the ranch house.
Mr. Slaughter was at one time a confederate officer, a texas ranger, a ranch owner and sheriff of this area. His ranch was around 100,000 acres, and bridged the Mexico/US border.
The road to it is dirt and gravel for 15 miles, the vehicles we passed were all Border Patrol. The country around it is standard desert, no trees, mesquite bushes, and clay hardpacked sand. The ranch area is an oasis, many springs, and a lot of water. Trees, cottonwood, juniper, and willow.
Some picture of the ranch and surroundings follow.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Double Adobe Thanksgiving
Last evening we had another of the desert sunsets I'm getting fond of:
This morning I started the gravy, using the stock from two turkey necks and the meat. I added onion, garlic, a large chili, with sage and other spices. It was done by 10, and warmed for the potluck at 2pm.
The weather was nice in the morning, and warm, probably over 70f. I went for a walk to the east of the camp out into the desert.
On the way back to camp, I ran into a couple guys who wanted to be buddies, 'till they discovered I had nothing in my pockets to eat.
The potluck was quite good, most of the traditional dishes, along with enchilada, and pies I was too full to eat. There were around 25 people, Roy, the owner, had cooked 6 turkeys on a rotisserie/smoker, and there were leftovers aplenty. All my kids called today, and one granddaughter, so the day was perfect.
Hope everyone had a good thanksgiving also.
This morning I started the gravy, using the stock from two turkey necks and the meat. I added onion, garlic, a large chili, with sage and other spices. It was done by 10, and warmed for the potluck at 2pm.
The weather was nice in the morning, and warm, probably over 70f. I went for a walk to the east of the camp out into the desert.
On the way back to camp, I ran into a couple guys who wanted to be buddies, 'till they discovered I had nothing in my pockets to eat.
The potluck was quite good, most of the traditional dishes, along with enchilada, and pies I was too full to eat. There were around 25 people, Roy, the owner, had cooked 6 turkeys on a rotisserie/smoker, and there were leftovers aplenty. All my kids called today, and one granddaughter, so the day was perfect.
Hope everyone had a good thanksgiving also.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Bisbee, yet again
I spent the day today as the ones in the week past, listening to MPR over coffee for an hour or more, reading the SF Chronicle and Seattle Times, email and catching up with friends.
It was warm today, near 74, and no wind, unlike yesterday. I got a haircut today at a Bisbee barber recommended by Roy, the owner of the RV campground, and enjoyed talking to the locals in the homey barbershop, then read and napped the afternoon away.
Tomorrow I'll prepare the gravy I'm doing for the potluck. My girls will be familiar with this one, except no real giblets.....I only found two large turkey necks, which I cooked for two hours on Monday. Tomorrow I'll make a roux, with olive oil, onions, garlic and a Thai chili pepper or two, then add the three quarts of stock with the chopped turkey neck meat. Sage of course, and whatever seasonings come to mind. I like the flavor that turkey livers add, but alas, none to be found.
I have a few days to decide to move on, or stay. The early evening sunset was beautiful, the long shadows and the distant mountains turning purple. I know pictures would be good, but....perhaps another post.
I'm starting to think that this may be the place I'm looking for, at least for a bit. Another week or two would not be out of the question.
I'll try to do some pics next post, but it all looks the same here, desert, rather distant mountains, and the sky.
Cheers,
Mike
It was warm today, near 74, and no wind, unlike yesterday. I got a haircut today at a Bisbee barber recommended by Roy, the owner of the RV campground, and enjoyed talking to the locals in the homey barbershop, then read and napped the afternoon away.
Tomorrow I'll prepare the gravy I'm doing for the potluck. My girls will be familiar with this one, except no real giblets.....I only found two large turkey necks, which I cooked for two hours on Monday. Tomorrow I'll make a roux, with olive oil, onions, garlic and a Thai chili pepper or two, then add the three quarts of stock with the chopped turkey neck meat. Sage of course, and whatever seasonings come to mind. I like the flavor that turkey livers add, but alas, none to be found.
I have a few days to decide to move on, or stay. The early evening sunset was beautiful, the long shadows and the distant mountains turning purple. I know pictures would be good, but....perhaps another post.
I'm starting to think that this may be the place I'm looking for, at least for a bit. Another week or two would not be out of the question.
I'll try to do some pics next post, but it all looks the same here, desert, rather distant mountains, and the sky.
Cheers,
Mike
Friday, November 18, 2011
Bisbee still, redux
When I got here, now 6 days ago, I registered for 2 days. I extended it by two days, then for 3 days. I extended it for a week today. It's cheaper by the half-dozen, it seems.
I've met most of the people staying here; regulars, by their tone, and nice people. Friendly, welcoming, and quick with advise for a novice RV'r. Even if it's a lowly truck camper. The owner is a guy of middle age, quick with a smile, wears a cap like mine. Most of them are shotgun enthusiasts, here for the skeet range next to us that the owner operates. One of the wives a couple days ago, said I should go join them. I explained I didn't bring a shotgun, to which she said "You have gun, right? I've never known anyone with Montana plates that does not have a gun." To which I nodded, "Yeah, I do. It shoots large rounds from a small gun, though. And no shot." She nodded. "Yeah, well you are still our people, somebody out there will loan you a gun." I deferred, saying I didn't want to embarrass myself with somebody's shotgun.
So I'm going to stay for another week, seeing the local sights. There is the Slaughter Ranch, a couple of Nat'l park wildlife places, and other stuff. I read during the day, listen to Montana Public Radio via streaming morning and evening, and nap during the early afternoon. If I think back, this is what I was looking for: cheap, the things I want, nice people.
I'm old enough, and an oddly technophobe/technofan, that I both love and worry about the things that make my stay fine: I camped most of my adult and young life....tents, I got the first North Face Geodome tents, the cutting-edge cooking stoves and attendant stuff. But over 20 years ago I stopped following the cutting edge. So I now am satisfied, happy even, with having a large fridge and freezer, a stove, a heater, wifi, movies, etc. All within my neat camper, sheltered from the storm. I see the 5th wheelers, the more modern truck campers, yeah. With microwave, cable tv, ovens, etc. I'm not envious, I'm happy with what I have.
Cheers,
Mike
I've met most of the people staying here; regulars, by their tone, and nice people. Friendly, welcoming, and quick with advise for a novice RV'r. Even if it's a lowly truck camper. The owner is a guy of middle age, quick with a smile, wears a cap like mine. Most of them are shotgun enthusiasts, here for the skeet range next to us that the owner operates. One of the wives a couple days ago, said I should go join them. I explained I didn't bring a shotgun, to which she said "You have gun, right? I've never known anyone with Montana plates that does not have a gun." To which I nodded, "Yeah, I do. It shoots large rounds from a small gun, though. And no shot." She nodded. "Yeah, well you are still our people, somebody out there will loan you a gun." I deferred, saying I didn't want to embarrass myself with somebody's shotgun.
So I'm going to stay for another week, seeing the local sights. There is the Slaughter Ranch, a couple of Nat'l park wildlife places, and other stuff. I read during the day, listen to Montana Public Radio via streaming morning and evening, and nap during the early afternoon. If I think back, this is what I was looking for: cheap, the things I want, nice people.
I'm old enough, and an oddly technophobe/technofan, that I both love and worry about the things that make my stay fine: I camped most of my adult and young life....tents, I got the first North Face Geodome tents, the cutting-edge cooking stoves and attendant stuff. But over 20 years ago I stopped following the cutting edge. So I now am satisfied, happy even, with having a large fridge and freezer, a stove, a heater, wifi, movies, etc. All within my neat camper, sheltered from the storm. I see the 5th wheelers, the more modern truck campers, yeah. With microwave, cable tv, ovens, etc. I'm not envious, I'm happy with what I have.
Cheers,
Mike
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Still in Bisbee
Starting my third or fourth night here, sort of lost track of time. It seems I've lost track of the days, I don't remember easily if it's Monday, or what ever day it is. "Maunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Wednesday" as the young woman from "The Godfather" said.
I like it here well enough, It has all my requirements: good showers, wifi, not many people, and few huge 250K motorhomes, if any. The downside may be not much to do and see in the immediate area, though I may not have seen enough of Bisbee. It's a mining town, much like Butte. But, I'll explore it again tomorrow.
I went to Douglas, AZ today, 20 miles east, and took with me a fellow camper, he has a truck camper similar to mine, somewhat more low-rent. We did some errands, and saw a streetside taco stand that had either a bunch of Border Patrol customers or they were being busted. We stopped, and had some excellent fish and shrimp tacos, I figured these guys would know where to have lunch.
A nice sunset today, a couple of pictures:
So, I like it here, well enough. Not a lot to do, but I'm finding there is not a lot to do anywhere I've been. So I may roost here: read, watch some movies in the evenings, convince the locals there is something to talk about other than trap and skeet shooting, there major interest in this place.
My daughter is out of the hospital and doing ok, so that's a worry for the moment gone.
This is different than I had thought it would be, but we'll see if I can adapt. The desert environment is the same as what I've seen, give or take cactus or varying kinds. Mesquite abounds, as well as quail and small deer, which I look at with hunger. I've hear there are wild pigs here, and I imagine one of them on a spit, turning slowly, fat dripping into the fire.
Fantasy aside, I hope all are well.
I like it here well enough, It has all my requirements: good showers, wifi, not many people, and few huge 250K motorhomes, if any. The downside may be not much to do and see in the immediate area, though I may not have seen enough of Bisbee. It's a mining town, much like Butte. But, I'll explore it again tomorrow.
I went to Douglas, AZ today, 20 miles east, and took with me a fellow camper, he has a truck camper similar to mine, somewhat more low-rent. We did some errands, and saw a streetside taco stand that had either a bunch of Border Patrol customers or they were being busted. We stopped, and had some excellent fish and shrimp tacos, I figured these guys would know where to have lunch.
A nice sunset today, a couple of pictures:
So, I like it here, well enough. Not a lot to do, but I'm finding there is not a lot to do anywhere I've been. So I may roost here: read, watch some movies in the evenings, convince the locals there is something to talk about other than trap and skeet shooting, there major interest in this place.
My daughter is out of the hospital and doing ok, so that's a worry for the moment gone.
This is different than I had thought it would be, but we'll see if I can adapt. The desert environment is the same as what I've seen, give or take cactus or varying kinds. Mesquite abounds, as well as quail and small deer, which I look at with hunger. I've hear there are wild pigs here, and I imagine one of them on a spit, turning slowly, fat dripping into the fire.
Fantasy aside, I hope all are well.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Bisbee
Yesterday evening there was a pretty good windstorm here in the desert east of Bisbee. My truck and camper, weighing around 9,000 pounds, was swaying and rocking. It quieted down just after dusk, then the rain started. A Seattle-type rain, steady and soaking, just, apparently, what this area needs.
I had pestered my son earlier to text me scores and such from the football game between My Beloved Ducks and Stanford. Stanford has had an exceptional year, a winning streak of 17 games (the last to the Ducks), an excellent quarterback, and I actually expected them to win. They were ranked 4th in the nation, my ducks 7th. I had expressed this to my son, who patiently explained that Oregon had more speed, talent, and Stanford couldn't keep up with their no-huddle offense. He was correct, of course. The Ducks won by over 20.
It's a curious thing, being a Oregon fan. I went there in my youth, played basketball there until it was explained to me that I was too short to be a Pac-8 forward, and too slow to be a guard. This by the coach, bless his heart. Anyway, it's like what I imagine being a Cubs fan; a yearning hope, followed by inevitable disappointment. We don't do success well, we're just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Last year, when the Ducks were ranked #1 and went unbeaten in the regular season was nerve-wracking. This year, the first game against LSU, a great team, was a loss, and all pressure was off.
By now I've lost all three readers of this blog, no doubt. So on with today's pictures:
Here's one for any Buttians who read this, it's a gallow's headframe, at least that what they call them in Butte, the only other place I've seen one. They were used to lower and raise the miners going down to the mines, and to lift out the ore, I think.
The next two are of an old adobe structure on the edge of the RV camp. I know nothing about it's history or use, perhaps I'll find out. I'm going to stay here through Wednesday.
The next two were taken from the camp, looking east. The incoming weather fronts.
The last is of the campground, with my truck in the middle. I like it; it has very good wifi, the other rigs are not the 250K ones you see at many RV camps, and most of the people here seem just fine.
So, I'll close for now. The sun is setting over the south China Sea....oh, wait. Sorry, just another flashback.
I had pestered my son earlier to text me scores and such from the football game between My Beloved Ducks and Stanford. Stanford has had an exceptional year, a winning streak of 17 games (the last to the Ducks), an excellent quarterback, and I actually expected them to win. They were ranked 4th in the nation, my ducks 7th. I had expressed this to my son, who patiently explained that Oregon had more speed, talent, and Stanford couldn't keep up with their no-huddle offense. He was correct, of course. The Ducks won by over 20.
It's a curious thing, being a Oregon fan. I went there in my youth, played basketball there until it was explained to me that I was too short to be a Pac-8 forward, and too slow to be a guard. This by the coach, bless his heart. Anyway, it's like what I imagine being a Cubs fan; a yearning hope, followed by inevitable disappointment. We don't do success well, we're just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Last year, when the Ducks were ranked #1 and went unbeaten in the regular season was nerve-wracking. This year, the first game against LSU, a great team, was a loss, and all pressure was off.
By now I've lost all three readers of this blog, no doubt. So on with today's pictures:
Here's one for any Buttians who read this, it's a gallow's headframe, at least that what they call them in Butte, the only other place I've seen one. They were used to lower and raise the miners going down to the mines, and to lift out the ore, I think.
The next two are of an old adobe structure on the edge of the RV camp. I know nothing about it's history or use, perhaps I'll find out. I'm going to stay here through Wednesday.
The next two were taken from the camp, looking east. The incoming weather fronts.
The last is of the campground, with my truck in the middle. I like it; it has very good wifi, the other rigs are not the 250K ones you see at many RV camps, and most of the people here seem just fine.
So, I'll close for now. The sun is setting over the south China Sea....oh, wait. Sorry, just another flashback.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Tombstone
I camped at a place near Tombstone, AZ for three nights. The campsite had excellent facilities, with wifi available inside the main building. The trip has been in some doubt the last couple days; my youngest daughter has been hospitalized, but seems to be doing well. I'm staying in the same general area of South Arizona in case I need to make a trip to Seattle.
Tombstone is a mildly interesting town of around a thousand population, a higher elevation than I had thought at near 5,000 ft. The weather has been sunny, though a bit windy. Tombstone's only activity, and economic basis, appears to be tourist-based, and all on the period of the 1880's, with an emphasis on the Wyatt Earp/OK corral incident. There are two reenactments daily, stagecoach rides, and numerous schlocky tourist shops.
A nice moon my first night.
The streets of Tombstone
And the famous Boot Hill
I can't say I'm either impressed or disappointed with Tombstone; I hadn't even thought of going there until the day before I arrived. It was mildly interesting to see, once. I'm now near Bisbee, not too far south. I'm staying at a out-of-the-way RV campground, sort of off to the side of a side road. There are several 5th wheelers and trailers, again I'm the only truck camper. It's by far the cheapest of any I've been to, has a very nice bathroom/shower, and excellent wifi available in the camper. Most of the other rigs are older, one is from Montana, a nice outfit with a satellite dish outside, and the same truck I drive. We chatted about how much we miss the snow and cold, and sneered at the locals walking around in parkas when it's above 50f.
I'm going back into Bisbee tomorrow, it's an old mining town, and I saw a couple gallows headframes similar to the ones in Butte. I'll probably stay here a few days or longer.
Tombstone is a mildly interesting town of around a thousand population, a higher elevation than I had thought at near 5,000 ft. The weather has been sunny, though a bit windy. Tombstone's only activity, and economic basis, appears to be tourist-based, and all on the period of the 1880's, with an emphasis on the Wyatt Earp/OK corral incident. There are two reenactments daily, stagecoach rides, and numerous schlocky tourist shops.
A nice moon my first night.
And the famous Boot Hill
I can't say I'm either impressed or disappointed with Tombstone; I hadn't even thought of going there until the day before I arrived. It was mildly interesting to see, once. I'm now near Bisbee, not too far south. I'm staying at a out-of-the-way RV campground, sort of off to the side of a side road. There are several 5th wheelers and trailers, again I'm the only truck camper. It's by far the cheapest of any I've been to, has a very nice bathroom/shower, and excellent wifi available in the camper. Most of the other rigs are older, one is from Montana, a nice outfit with a satellite dish outside, and the same truck I drive. We chatted about how much we miss the snow and cold, and sneered at the locals walking around in parkas when it's above 50f.
I'm going back into Bisbee tomorrow, it's an old mining town, and I saw a couple gallows headframes similar to the ones in Butte. I'll probably stay here a few days or longer.
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