White Feather Journal: Late December and first of January...

It’s January 2nd, and I decided to upload a few photos that I’ve taken over the past couple of months and to give you an update on some of what has been going on…

I’m in Quartzite AZ again, the BLM land in Ehrenburg where I had planned to overwinter has reverted from no long-term camping restrictions back to a 14 day limit. Most of the BLM lands have the 14 day limit after which you have to leave for 14 days and then you can return. Word is that the residents of Ehrenberg were concerned about the amount of junk and destruction of the desert lands, so to preserve the desert they petitioned the BLM to reinstate the 14 day limit. I think it’s actually a good thing, there was a lot of abuse going on so I hope this turns things around and helps to restore it back to it’s natural state and beauty_…

I’m now in the Plumosa road BLM campground just a few miles north of Quartzite. The weather here has been unseasonably cool, especially at night where I have seen temps in the mid thirties. Daytime temps are usually up in the low 70s with lots of sunshine. Sometimes the wind picks up, usually no more that 10mph gusts, but there are days when the gusts reach 25-35 mph or more and whenever there is any significant wind the wind chill makes it seem much cooler than it is. Some days it’s shorts and a sleeveless shirt, somedays it long pants and a jacket, (sometimes it’s both in the same day), but as long as the su_n is shining (and actually even on cloudy days) I’m happy. I’ve had to learn a new nomad skill, keeping warm, but it’s not been a problem really. I have a small Little Buddy heater that I use intermittently, and when it’s cold out and I’m in the van, I keep a pot of water simmering on the stove to add some humidity to the air and it stays really comfortable…

The Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR), an annual gathering of nomads from all over the country and beyond, is where everyone gets together to share information and learn from others about how to live comfortably in this lifestyle and the event lasts for over a week and begins in early January. Last year there were about 500 participants, and this year they_ are expecting double that number and I believe it to be true. Almost everyone I have met while in Ehrenberg is a newbie, and the ages range widely. Some are homeless due to their circumstances, some simply chose to live this way, some retired and traveling, i’ve met some very interesting people and made some good friends too…

The town of Quartzite has become a busy place over the past few weeks, and I am told that it will get much busier when the snowbirds arrive this month. The town is really bustling, it has kind of a festival feel with lots of activities and shopping opportunities for the snowbirds…

The laundromat used to be pretty empty_ when I would go for my weekly visit, now you have to get there early both to get a parking spot and to find a washer that is not being used. I also take m_y hot showers there because it’s a bit too cold to try and take a shower in my tent right now, it can be done but it really has to be at least in the high 70s before you can feel comfortable during your shower time. The showers at the laundromat can be fun too, especially when there are a lot of people using the shower facilities at the same time. One minute the water temp is perfect, the next minute your getting doused with cold water, or it goes to the other extreme of scalding hot, just how things work, kind of like flushing the toilet when someone else is in the shower. I’ve learned to be aware of that scenario, and I find it kind of funny when it happens, it always makes me laugh…

Well… I really didn’t plan on writing this much, but it seems when I get started I just seem to keep going and going. I’ll wrap this up by_ saying that I am truly happy and enjoying all of the new experiences. Meeting new people, people watching, the desert flora and wildlife, travels to other camping areas, scouting them out, finding my spot, I even enjoy m_y trips into town to run my errands to get water, do laundry, grocery shopping, etc… I always have a good time…

I have to add one more thing I just thought of…

The last time I was at Quartzite, in the Scadden Wash area on the south side of town I was sitting on the floor with my legs hanging outside the side doors of the van working on a flute. The morning sun was beaming in and I was soaking up the sunshine while I was working when I heard a cove_y of quail nearby. In fact they were in my camp. When I leaned out the door to see if I could spot them I saw them trucking from around the back of the van noisy and anxious. They passed within two feet of me so I said hi and spoke to them as they skittered by. I watched them collect in this one area about 15 yards away where they found food, they stayed for a few minutes and then moved on chattering all the way.

Then about two minutes later I heard another quail, but this sound was different than the others, it seemed a bit panicked. Again I leaned out the side door and this one lone quail, who had evidently gotten distracted and lost track of the group, was racing around the front of the van trying desperately to call to the others in hopes of a response. He/she seemed a bit panicked calling and waiting for a response, but as it passed b_y one area it got distracted again with food it found and calmed down and started to peck away at the ground. Then almost as if remembering that it was alone, it’s head popped up and started ‘yelling’ again, and running off in a panic. That was pretty funny_, but what was even funnier, is this same scenario occurred the next day too. The entire group decided to visit the spot where they had found food the day before, they ate, they left and then a couple of minutes later… yep… here comes the loner around the front of the van, panicked and desperately trying to locate the rest of his/her buds. I laughed out loud…

Anyway, here is a hodgepodge of photos I put together. You must be tiring of all of the sunset and sunrise photos I have posted but they are so intense and beautiful, the colors are indescribably when you are viewing them in person, it’s hard not to want to share them. But, I will try to add some variety and mix it up a bit. I hope you enjoy!