Spring has Sprung in the Desert!

We've just returned from another relaxing get-away out to the Home Place. We have started doing a little stockpiling of non-perishables and it is comforting to see the collection growing a little at a time. We haven't been out there in a few weeks but it was nice to find things exactly as we left them after our last visit.

The cactus is blooming and things are a little greener after recent rain. David captured a couple of pictures.

Ocotillo in bloom:


David and Pepper hiked most of the day on Saturday, and I stayed back at the trailer with Roxie. I took down the yucca stalk structure and put up a canopy instead. No photos this time. I stacked the yucca stalks up for the next trip because we are setting some posts and building a permanent structure. David and Pepper were gone much longer than expected because they had a little trouble on the trail. Pepper is hurt but will be fine. David had to carry her a few miles. Pepper weighs 48 pounds and hiking down the steep mountain with her on his back was not easy. I'm thankful they made it back safely. It is a reminder of the respect that is required to survive in the desert. I'm glad David was prepared.

Pepper in the tinaja:

Today, David took the tires and wheels off the trailer, lowered it about 8 inches and leveled it again. I have to admit, he did much of the work this weekend. I read and cooked a lot, but it was a nice weekend of rest for me. We are planning to build a roof over the trailer soon and setup the water catchment. While David and Pepper were out hiking yesterday, I heard the sound of nearby machinery. I was surprised to see a bulldozer on one of the main ranch roads. I ignored it, but then noticed it was heading up our very remote and untraveled road. I thought it was the property owners' association road crew coming to grade our road, but it turned out to be a few guys from the highway department. I went down to introduce myself (I took Roxie) and found out that three men bought the acreage next to ours. They were grading some roads and 3 pads for trailers. They plan to use the place for hunting. At first, I was a little concerned because we've been almost completely alone out there for over a year and I value our privacy. But I realize that having neighbors, even very part-time ones, can be a wonderful help and we can watch out for each other. There is strength in numbers and having improvements increases property values, too. We can't even see each other because the tracts of land are big enough to separate us. They used the bulldozer to create one of the trailer pads in a nearby creek bed. It's a beautiful spot with a great view, but the creek bed is not where I would want to be when it rains. I tried to warn them but they were not concerned. I know that the water powers through that area when it rains, even after a little rain. Anyway, the guys were all very nice and we exchanged information before they headed out.

Unrelated to any of the above. I love getting fresh eggs from our egg lady. Here's the latest basket of eggs:


Also, David is still a non-smoker! I'm very proud of him.