Norm, Paul and Kiela May out for a Hike

GOT POWER????

Notice the solar window awnings. He also has a big wind generator. We are not sure why he needs all the power. He is parked just across from us here on the BLM land. We won't have to worry about listening to a generator from this guy.

Looking for a Hiking Partner? How about 20 Hiking Partners

Every Thursday at 9 am this group heads off through the desert. Norm figures we hiked 6-8 miles. We went up to an old stone cabin that was built in the early 1900's, then on to gather a few morsels of Turquoise from a small vein further on up the hill side. Our destination is the base of those hills in the distance. For those who know Paul and Gail , that is Gail in the center foreground. Norm is up there somewhere lost in the crowd.

Moki Dugway in Utah

This is the Moki Dugway road leading down from Natural Bridges in Utah. This is a heart thumper especially in the motor home. It is a 10% grade and gives a wonderful view of the valley below. We stopped periodically to sniff the brakes and check their temperatures.
Below is an address to access more information on this road. Information and pictures included in the address below.

http://www.midwestroads.com/otherstates/mokidugway/

Turd Taxi Sighting at Senator Wash

One barrel is for fresh water and one barrel is for black water. Don't get them confused or the water taste funny.

Signal Peak just South of Quartzsite Arizona

Looking at Signal Peak from the bottom. We will be driving around to the back side to hike up to the top. No possible route up from the front side. The highest point is our destination.
On top of Signal Peak. We discovered a fellow (Sam on the left, and his hiking buddy Jane) who liked to hike. Little did we know Sam was related to the Billy Goat family. He goes right up the side of the mountain. 2000 feet up in 2 miles with no noticeable trails. Perhaps our judgement should be questioned next time we attempted a crazy stunt like this one. It was an awesome sight from the top.

WE ARE HUMBLED

We decided to tag along one day with the local four-wheeler group here at Senator Wash. Our destination, "THE MUGGINS".




These men and women(yes, I said women) have advanced technical driving skills capable of maneuvering over any obstacle presented by mother nature. What they cannot get over, they wench or tow themselves over. They take their four-wheeling seriously.

We did learn that JEEP is an acronym for "Just Empty Every Pocket".

November in Arizona ----Senator Wash BLM

Kayaking the reservoir at Senator Wash. This place is amazing. Today they had a Music Jam Fest. Tomorrow there is an aerobic class and a beading class. Tuesday there will be a dessert pot luck as a welcome to all the winter arrivals. Wednesday we are going on an all day four-wheel drive tour with a group. Hiking on Thursday and Aerobics again on Friday. Were going to have to leave here to get some R and R. ......AND the CB radio is monitored 24/7 in case of emergency. They take care of getting the ambulance to you in case you need one. If we didn't go to Mexico, this is where we would stay.

Senator Wash Book Exchange

The folks at the Senator Wash long term BLM know how to put together a Book Exchange. Take a look inside and WOW! at the organization.
Kind of puts the El Coyote Beach Book Exchange to shame. Oh well, something to strive for. This is only half of the books available to borrow. Alphabetized by author and categorized.

Hiking in the snow at Natural Bridges Monument. The hike was 9 miles long and included 3 different natural bridges. This is our first major hike since June. Whew! are we out of shape.
This hike is along the Elephant Hill four-wheel trail. Utah has the most unique hikes. This is our third trip in two years for Utah hiking and adventure. I am looking forward to going back to hike more Slot Canyon.

Elephant Hill Four- Wheeling

Here comes Norm off our 7 hour four-wheel drive expedition. Rated one of the most technical four-wheel trials in Utah. Steep grades, stair-step drops, tight turns,etc. Too bad you cannot see the huge grin on Norms face. Elephant Hill is the reason we came to The Needles. Did I mention the magnificent scenery that is only viewed by these back country trails.