AZ Sisters Christmas Campout 2011

AZ Sisters Christmas Campout 2011

AZ Sisters Christmas Campout 2011

I've always wanted to find out what was out at White Tanks Park and finally got the chance to do it.  What a lovely desert oasis.  The campgrounds were great, the desert was beautiful, sunsets spectacular, camp fire was warm and toasty, and company was great.  We were so well taken care of with delicious breakfast and dinner each day.  Ever since I met Christine I've wanted to hike with her and have missed out on the last few trips.  But caught up with her on this one and enjoyed desert hiking on two different occasions.  What a treat.  This will definitely be a goal for me on every future Sister trip.

What I learned on this trip:  I like warmth, and hate the cold. I need a heater for my trailer.  Stars are brightest and the night is most peaceful at 4 am. The waterfall trail and petroglyphs are a wonder to behold.  Friendship is sweet!

Over the river and through the woods...

Well, it is the night before Thanksgiving and I'm not doing a dang thing.  Ahhh, so nice to be a guest at Thanksgiving instead of the hostess. Starting the day with a family hike in the lovely Sonoran Desert, then heading to gramas house tomorrow, over the Salt River and maybe through the cottonwoods nearby.  Best part, she's cooking it all.  After that, we're heading over to Pat and Jayme's for dessert.  Miss Jayme is the best chef I know.  Spending the afternoon with dear friends, now that's something to be thankful for. 
Ending the day with a family movie and game night.  What could be  a better day?

Tonight, hubby and I  made a quick trip to Home Depot for a new vacuum.  Yea, a Dyson, a real working vacuum.  I think I've bought about 20 in my lifetime, but this one really, really works.  But the best find was these cute little Christmas lights for the trailer.  They are battery operated, on a timer, can be switched to a soft white, multicolor or blinking both.  They are the coolest thing.  I can use them year round and I don't have to be plugged in.  Now that's somethin' else to be thankful for. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

My Desert Retreat

We were known as the over-the-hill gang, the 4 of us who parked behind the hill, outside the dust bowl.  It was peaceful, beautiful and breezy in the afternoon.  It was the perfect place to retreat.  I could snuggle down under my quilt at night with a perfect view of the glittering night diamonds.  In the morning, the sun rose over the hills and the desert woke to a soft orange glow, with the full moon still high in the sky.  Beautiful!

Lonesome Dove Ball @ Copper Queen, Bisbee

http://www.theshadydell.com/

http://www.copperqueen.com/Here we are at the final Lonesome Dove Ball at the famous Copper Queen Hotel in Bisbee.  This is the oldest continuous running hotel in AZ.  Amazing place.  Amazing company.  Sadly, not so amazing food. But we still had more fun than anyone!

Since Zia is not far from the Border, a Border tour, with the Border Patrol Sister of the Border fence was in order!

Zia's Red Lake Ranch-Cowgirl Finishing School

I finally made it to Zia's Cowgirl Finishing School.  It is beautiful country, peaceful, twinkly skys, friendly animals, fun sisters and of course lots of games and food.  I learned things I never knew before, not sure I need to know.  Got a quick glimpse of Bisbee and the Copper Queen.  I'll have to go back for a full exploration of that cool place, Ramsey Canyon and the San Pedro house.  Not enough time to really see everything.  The weather was a little too warm and the water pump stopped working.  Got to try out my solar panels and 2nd battery thanks to my great hubby who never seems to tire of getting me ready for another trip.  I learn something new every time I go.  This time, porta-potty bags are great! I love showers, I need curtains in the bedroom, a full moon in the desert is a delicious thing, but even better with a sunrise in the morning.  Thanks Sisters on the Fly for another cool adventure!