Strange Sightings

The desert around Salome is different than at Congress—low brush, not as many mesquite trees, lots and lots of ocotillo—and I don’t think this area received the rain we did at North Ranch.  Plus it’s dang hot over here!! and there are some strange things growing in this desert—take a look!

Can’t tell what it is—here’s a closer shot-- Yep, it’s a “bra tree”—you can let your imagination run wild as to how the first one arrived at this tree and go from there! Next door to this interesting tree was a tree with baseball caps, an American flag, etc.  The last strange sighting was the teddy bear tree-

This pyramid was so incredibly well done, it was about five feet tall—no signage to tell anyone why it was there in the middle of the desert—we all joked, “we rode a long way today, all the way to Egypt!”

Five quads and five Razr’s—16 people on this ride!

Friday we were joined by two rigs and four more people—now we are twenty.  We rode through some stunning country with an interesting story.  Local lore has it “Granite from this quarry was thought to be used in the west wing addition of Arizona's Capitol in 1939” —work crews consisting of prisoners were brought from town out to the hills.  The prisoners must have stayed out at the mining site as there was a cave with bars covering the opening to contain the prisoners for the night.  Graffiti artists have had a heyday out there so I elected not to post any photos of the entrance to the “jail.”   Life probably wasn’t a bed of roses for those prisoners!

 Emmi and I found a shady spot for resting.

Another great day in the desert, a very warm day in the desert!  On this side of the mountain we did find some saguaros but the countryside is really, really dry and dusty.

We Move And Los Algodones

Larry and Geri have a group of ATV riding friends who winter in Casa Grande—several of the North Ranch gang along with these Casa Grande friends are gathering in Salome, AZ for a few days of riding.  We left the long ole cargo trailer in North Ranch and came over yesterday with motorhome, jeep and ATVs. 

A month or so ago when reading a comment left by Judy on another blogger’s post I offered to take Judy with me to Mexico when I went to have my teeth cleaned in Los Algodones.  Being a solo traveler Judy wasn’t thrilled with the idea of going alone.  That sets the stage for todays’ trip.

In the past I’ve had dental work done in Los Algodones but decided to try another dentist—I chose Nina and Paul’s dentist, Dr. Eva Urena making an appointment for both Judy and myself for today, Wednesday, we were all set!  Until I received an email message from her office on Saturday, “Hello Janna, you have an appointment in my office on Wednesday March 11th at 12:30PM.  Something has come up and we need to re-schedule your visit.  Please let me know if you can come in a day before or a day after.”  A day earlier would not work for Judy and a day later would not work for me—back to the drawing board.

Rick and other bloggers have given Sani Dental Group good reviews—on Monday I called and was able to secure two appointments for today.  The offices are impressive, the staff helpful, speaking very passable English.   We checked in at one office, we were then escorted about two blocks over for an “exam and consult” then I was escorted back to the same office where we originally checked in for the actual procedure.  My appointment was for 11:30, I was not taken to a treatment room until 1pm.  After the treatment I was escorted back the two blocks where I paid the bill—$230 for work which would have cost me $725 in the US!! 

Judy elected not to have any dental work performed, I had my teeth cleaned and whitened.  I am very satisfied with the actual dental work so far but I’m not sold on Sani Dental Group and here’s why.  The consulting dentist while not pushy made me feel as if they were looking for ways to make money—this is the first time I’ve experienced this in Mexico—I have had this experience in the US.  The Sani Group dentist told me I needed several fillings in areas where the enamel is worn away probably from vigorous brushing—my Montana dentist has always said, “if those areas bother you, we can fix them.” 

All that back and forth between offices was disconcerting, I guess I could have eaten more today—I certainly got my exercise! I made the original appointment for just teeth cleaning and added on the whitening after the consultation.  I was told the dentist “specialist” for whitening was busy but it would only be an additional 15-20 minute wait if I wanted to have the procedure done today.  One and a half hours later I was still waiting.  There were many, many people waiting in the hallway with me and lots of back and forth chatter, “we were here ALL day yesterday, yes, us too, etc.”

So, that’s my story with Sani Dental—nothing bad happened, just annoying—I understand the Mexican culture, things move at a slower pace but it’s still annoying—I wasn’t an ugly American but I had set a time in my mind where I would leave without getting anything done if I had not been placed in a treatment room.  In the past I’ve always tried to make my appointments in Mexico early in the morning—less waiting that way I think!—I will go back to that rule next year!   Judy and I grabbed a quick bite of lunch and headed for the border crossing line having stopped at the Purple Pharmacy before going to the dental office. 

Oh, and here’s the story about the Purple Pharmacy—Michael’s dermatologist prescribes a chemo type cream for use on pre-cancerous areas of the cowboy’s face and head.  US price, $400+ per tube, Mexico price, $45 per same size tube.  Another drug which we have gotten in Mexico before—cholchocine—US price, over $400 for a 30 day supply.  Price in Mexico, $2.61 for a 30 day supply!!!!  Good grief!

The line was way long but we waited only thirty minutes, had our passports scanned, answered a couple questions and were on our way.  Two hours later I was back in Salome where Geri and Sandy had made dinner—they all went for an ATV ride today so it was awfully nice of them to make dinner!! 

Meeting Blog Readers

After our long ATV trip on Saturday the cowboy and I were tired folks!  Yesterday and today we’ve spent catching up on chores which have to be done whether you live in a motorhome or stick and brick home!  Not much fun but necessary if you want clean clothes or to eat!!

Last night while cruising around the internet I received an email from Lorelei and Arvin stating they were blog readers and were staying in the North Ranch campground for a few days.  They are also ATV riders.  They dropped by this morning and we sat outside visiting—they are from Pipestone, MN and are not quite retired but enjoy coming south for a little warm weather and relaxation.

The cowboy helped Larry install a horn on Geri’s ATV today—now Geri will not have to say, “honk, honk!” when she needs the right of way.  You see Larry installed his own horn but hadn’t gotten around to installing Geri’s. 

I made a quick trip to Wickenburg—dropped off trash at the dump (exciting), stopped at the western store to purchase a gift for the cowboy and made a run through the grocery store.  Back home I made a batch of oatmeal/chocolate chip/pecan cookies—sorry Nat—for traveling food.  We are off tomorrow on an ATVing adventure—so hopefully the blog will be more exciting!

Another blog reader, Renae and her little Sheltie Casey stopped by late this afternoon to say hello.  They own a lot here in North Ranch and have a daughter who lives in Montana.  So it was a day for meeting blog readers which we love to do! 

Waterfalls and Snake

Yesterday was a blur, we left North Ranch at 4am, dropped Jill and Terry at the Mesa airport then killed four hours with breakfast and Wal Mart waiting for Costco to open at 10am.  Back to North Ranch by noon, the cowboy helped Larry and Geri erect their new room tent—which by the way is awesome—and we spent the rest of the short afternoon dosing in our recliners!!  Dinner was in Yarnell at the Diner with our friends—I was yawning before our dinner was even served!  Bed time came really, really early!!

Sixty-three miles we rode today—that’s a lot of miles and a record for us!!  But let me tell you, it was worth every mile and minute—probably one of the best ATV rides we’ve ever taken—thanks Tom for getting us out there!!  Our destination was Hole In The Wall and a waterfall—we found both and a snake!

Our travels took us through a Joshua tree forest, many of which were blooming.

Past fields of yellow poppies and washes lined with massive, colorful rock walls.Miles and miles from anywhere Tom has a low tire.  I’ve made fun of the cowboy for the paraphernalia he carries on the ATV but I won’t do that any longer after today!!  The cowboy had an air pump powered from the ATV and he had a tire patch kit which got Tom and his ATV a long, long way back toward home!!

Emmi entertaining Larry!

Larry and Geri standing in Hole In The Wall and the waterfall—unfortunately the sun was in the absolute wrong position for getting very good photos.  The water in the pool was a murky green, the vegetation a vivid green—an oasis in the desert!

And then there was the snake—he was big, ugly and had a “coon-tail” according to Fred—plus he was just a tad angry with Tom and Sandy for almost running over him!!

The snakes’ head appears from under his curled body and his tail is shown by the other red arrow.  If you are brave, watch the short video—the sound alone is enough to make your toes curl!!

Our day was capped by having a delicious soup prepared by Geri served in their new tent—they laid concrete pavers on the ground and erected a large tent with windows—it was warm and cozy tonight while we had dinner!!

A fabulous day in the Arizona desert!!

Crested Saguaros, Stanton, Birthday and More Cactus

It was another sunny but cool day in the Arizona desert yesterday.  We were on a mission to show Jill and Terry some crested saguaros and we did indeed find a few out near Stanton.

Emmi hiding from Dad or Dad hiding from Emmi??

Terry is very interested in gold panning and purchased some supplies while here—needless to say he isn’t quitting his day job!  We did stop in Stanton and check out the old buildings—Jill and I thought we would pass on this job opportunity!!

Yesterday was a milestone birthday for Larry—Jill and Terry treated us all to dinner at Nichols West in Congress last night.  Congress is not the community where you would expect to find a five star restaurant but Nichols West is just that!  The owner and his wife had a restaurant in New York City, tired of the rat race, moved to this tiny community, bought and renovated a small building and Nichols West was born.  Back at North Ranch we all crammed into our “no slide” motorhome and enjoyed cake and ice cream. 

A much warmer day greeted us on Jill and Terry’s last day—we took a nice walk out into the desert, had lunch in downtown Wickenburg and toured the most awesome cactus garden—WOW!!!  Al and Kelly had visited this desert oasis a couple weeks ago—it is well worth a stop.  Amazing spotless grounds and strange cactus you won’t see anywhere else! 

Back at home we toured some property with Linda Stevens, the realtor of choice in North Ranch before enjoying happy hour sitting in the sun out behind our rig. 

A Lifesaver Cactus—that lifesaver looking thing is a blossom!! 

Some of the strangest looking cactus, certainly not your normal desert varieties!! 

We’ll take Jill and Terry to the airport tomorrow—we’ve tried to convince them to stay—it seems as if they just arrived!!  It was a great visit with great friends!

And The Rains Came

Holy, moly did it ever rain around here Monday!!  The Hassayampa River is running and things are mighty soggy in the desert which will make for beautiful blooming cactus!  Any type of outdoor activity was not on the agenda yesterday but a big pot of Smoky Beef and Bacon Chili hit the spot:

Smoky Beef and Bacon Chili

2 slices thick-cut bacon, finely chopped

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 large garlic clove, minced

1 &1/2 lbs. ground beef

1 TBSP plus 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 1/2 tsp EACH ground cumin and sweet smoked Spanish paprika

1/2 to 1 & 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

About 1 tsp. salt

1 can (14.5 oz) crushed fire roasted tomatoes or regular crushed tomatoes (I used what I had on hand, diced tomatoes)

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1 cup flavorful, medium bodied beer--I used Sierra Nevada

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 can (14.5oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Sour cream, sliced green onions, and/or coarsely shredded cheese for topping.

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium high heat, cook bacon, stirring, until it just begins to brown, about 4 minutes. Add onion, lower heat to medium, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 4-7 minutes. Uncover pan, stir in garlic, and cook 1 minute.

2. Increase heat to medium high and add beef; break up with a spook and cook, stirring gently until it loses its raw color, about 7 minutes. Stir in spices and 1 tsp salt (I left out the salt until the chili was cooked to see if it needed it) and cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beer and Worcestershire; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low, partly cover and cook 30 minutes.

3. Add beans and cook 10 minutes, uncovered. Season to taste with salt. Serve warm with toppings on the side.

Serves 6

I have Marty and Roz to thank for reminding me of this great chili recipe—not long ago they left a comment on the blog regarding the great chili recipe I had at one time posted.  Well, I love recipes and much to the cowboy’s dismay try way too many new ones—sometimes really good ones are forgotten in the excitement of trying new ones—so thanks Marty and Roz—that is a GREAT chili recipe!!  We also tried Angela’s Mexican cornbread recipe with the chili—awesome!!

After lunch the gang loaded into the jeep and we drove over to Wickenburg—Jill and I managed a little shopping while the guys found a mining equipment store—the sun came out and we enjoyed a little warmth and this beautiful rainbow before the deluge started again.

Pizza from the Congress Junction was on the agenda last night for dinner but when calling to order I was told they were “out of pizza!!!!”  The people who own this business in Congress are not spring chickens and work very, very hard—I think the success of their restaurant catches them off guard.  So, I put on my thinking cap, pulled some cheese ravioli out of the freezer and opened a jar of pasta sauce—instant, great dinner!  I never use bottled pasta sauce preferring instead to make my own.  When we were in the Tucson Costco a while back we noticed a two pack of White Linen Collection by Victoria Marinara Sauce—a fellow shopper told me she loved this pasta sauce and we decided to give it a try—absolutely delicious!!!

Today we had sun/clouds/snow/rain/sun/clouds---Jill and I left the guys to their gold panning and ATV riding while we headed up the hill to Yarnell where we met up with a little snow shower.  The exciting part—on the way up the hill we began to see orange caution cones and a sign which said “right lane closed.”  A huge--as in jeep sized boulder had rolled off the hill, across the south/down lanes of the highway taking out the upper guard rail and landing in the driving lane of the north/up lanes of the Yarnell hill highway.  It is going to take one huge loader to move that boulder!! 

Back home Jill and I opened a bottle of wine we purchased while in Wickenburg--

Where do wineries come up with these names??  It was a good wine which we sampled while waiting for the guys to return on the ATVs.    We enjoyed another great dinner and good conversation before Jill and Terry headed off up the hill to their little park model. 

Life is good in the Arizona desert and we should have lots of sun tomorrow!!

Park Entertainment

OK, let’s get caught up before my brain forgets what we have been doing!  Yesterday morning I made biscuits—I never make biscuits—and believe it or not we had biscuits, not hockey pucks with our scrambled eggs and bacon!!  Michael and I are breakfast eaters but we eat yogurt, cereal, fruit or just scrambled eggs—so yesterday’s breakfast was a treat especially when the biscuit turned out so well!!

North Ranch hosted an event Saturday—La Fiesta with a parade:

a “softball” tournament using bean bags:

Yep, that’s our star LarryOur other star Tom and last but not least our star Mike:

There was a craft show where Jill found a beautiful cross pendant and a lunch which we avoided—we had just eaten that huge breakfast!

After all the events we headed out into the desert for a nice walk with Ms. Emmi.

I am sure that’s a gold nugget!! 

Jill’s cousin Ty is a partner in one of the largest roping arenas in this area—Rancho Rio.  We stopped by yesterday but Ty was out on a cattle buying mission.  Lots and lots of cowboys and horses!

Wickenburg provided us with a little afternoon entertainment walking the downtown streets before heading back to North Ranch.  Saturday was Terry’s birthday and we grilled steaks served with Pioneer Woman smashed potatoes and fresh asparagus.  I baked Terry a chocolate birthday cake—a recipe from Patchwork Times which uses coffee as one of the liquids—delicious!!

And the rains came—a soggy morning greeted us and we decided a drive might be in order.  We started out planning late breakfast/early lunch in Yarnell and ended up having late lunch in Bagdad.  Although the weather was crummy it was a nice drive.  Tomorrow the forecast is for “heavy rain” but Tuesday is to be sunny—let’s hope!!

  Emmi has been getting lots of attention lately—remember the skin infection she had and our visit to the Colorado School of Veterinary Medicine?  She had all those nasty infection filled blisters on her back—when they finally healed she had bald spots.  Now her hair has all grown back in—black, much darker than her other hair giving her this spotted look—people are always asking about our “spotted dog” and is she a special breed! Yes, we think she is special!!