After several months of travel, we decided to stay put for a while in order to save money for our next foray into other states and spent several weeks in Quartzite, Arizona soaking up the warmth and enjoying the desert. During our down time, we had solar panels installed so that we can save money by doing more boondocking.
I found the mountains around Quartzite to be varied and beautiful with craggy peaks and escarpments. No more than 30 minutes away from town, they provide a sense of protection to the desert traveler. In the foreground of this desert scene, looking regal, the columnar saguaro cactus towers over other desert flora, standing sentinel. Abundant cholla cactus, scattered over the rocky desert sand and covered with tiny crown-like spines, are often backlit by the sun. Although frequently thought of as barren and featureless, I found beauty in the desert almost everywhere I looked. Sunsets are especially stunning.
One afternoon, looking for a little adventure, we drove 30 minutes south of Quartzite to a bumpy dirt road that headed east off the main highway toward the mountains. Several miles in, we parked in a small, sandy lot and hiked half a mile into a box canyon where a sign announced our arrival at Palm Canyon. In the crag of a mountain towering above us was a thick grove of palm trees hanging precariously on the mountain’s flank. Had we not known it was there, we would have missed it. Unreachable, we enjoyed this little oasis from afar.
Another afternoon, we embarked on an off-road trip to Dripping Springs, a seven-mile jaunt that turned rougher and narrower the farther we went. Finally, when the GPS said we were close, we parked the Jeep and walked. What we found was not the springs, but an old mine drilled into solid rock with no shoring. Although fun to explore, I worried about unknown danger, not especially wanting to fall 500 feet into an abyss. It was a fun day, but also disappointing not to find the petroglyphs I so wanted to see that were said to be near Dripping Springs.
This ancient writing, common in the Southwest, features designs and symbols carved into volcanic rock by Native Americans 400-700 years ago. It reflects the complex societies and religions of the ancestral Puebloans. Standing beside some of these ancient symbols would be the closest I could hope to get to this primitive civilization. That pleasure will have to wait for another desert exploration.
Our next heading is Benson, Arizona where we’ll rent a space from a friend in an RV resort for a couple months. It should actually be enjoyable to stay put for a while and have the opportunity to foster friendships with the people there, although I’ll miss the travel that provides new vistas outside our windows every day. When we’ve saved enough, we’ll be on the road again.
Thinking about this trip that began August 1, I’ve been wondering what, if anything, we’ve learned or accomplished during the three-plus months of travel. Granted, I’ve learned such things as how to identify Palo Verde and Mesquite trees. I’ve learned that every place is a new adventure and that there are a lot of nice people to meet, but have we learned anything more earth-shattering? Have I contributed to or benefitted society in any way?
The answer is elusive and may remain to be discovered at another time in another place.
