Sprouting

Living off the grid, and sometimes not seeing a town for over a month. I was constantly searching for a way to to get raw foods, or greens into my diet, that's when I discovered sprouting a perfect solution for anybody who stays out for long periods of time. Its very simple, you can store the un-sprouted sprouts for long periods of time, and they have great nutritional value. While spending time at the folks place over the holidays I was nosing around the pantry, when I found
a bag of mung beans, so I decided to give it a shot. What you need is a Mason Jar, Screen, and a rubber band.

 Soaked the beans for 12 hours. Some sites suggest more, but this worked.

 Top of jar suppose to be screen, and rubber band, but only had cheese cloth at the moment worked fine was kinda yucky after day 3 ill be finding some screen.

 After the 12 hour soak. Drain then the next morning add water swirl for a few minutes then drain again this process is done twice a day for 2-3 days. Leave upside down to avoid killing the sprouts.

 Sprouts after about 36 hours growing fast.

After day 3 had to be moved to a larger jar the sprouts overtook the previous one. So far I have used them on Chicken patties, and Hamburgers. Not to bad but looking forward to trying some other flavors out definitely a great alternative when raw foods aren't avail. If you have any questions feel free to ask:) Happy New Years to all!

Madera Canyon Mount Wrightson Hike Tucson, AZ

Madera Canyon is located about 30 miles southeast of Tucson AZ. There are several hiking trails in the canyon, and is also a very well known bird watching area 3rd best in the United States. Other animals and reptiles in the area include wild turkeys, bobcats, mountain lions, black bear, rattlesnake, deer, rabbits, racoons, and the rare coati. There are a few different trails to the top of Mount Wrightson, which tops out at 9453 ft, the trail crosses 4 life zones beginning in the the cacti, and

heading into the pines, and eventually beyond the tree line. It is known as one of Tucson's sky islands, because in the summer it can be well over 100 degrees in the desert, and a mere 60 degrees up at the top of the mountain.

                                                      Mountain Wrightson looming in the distance!

The journey to the top of the of Mount Wrightson was without doubt a challenge, well for me at least.... a piece of cake for you who have conquered Mount Everest :) . Took me 3 separate attempts to reach the summit. The first time being for to winded due to the lack of oxygen at such elevations. Second attempt we were stopped by the previous days snowstorm, and the 3rd attempt in which we had finally reached the top definitely had its challenges, which included scaling across snow covered slopes holding sharp rocks in my hand to anchor myself in the snow slope. There are several spots on the hike where one miss step will send you on a quick journey to meet your maker, or possibly a helicopter ride to the hospital, so take your time, and bring you favorite walking stick :)

 Trail up the Mountain

 Scenic overlook

 Another trail in the distance, and overlook.

 A remembrance for those who did not make in this case being gaught in a snowstorm:(

 Yours Truly approaching the summit.

View from the top! 

 

A plaque telling the story of Wrightson. Ill get the detail on my next journey........Hope you enjoyed!

 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Casino Camping Desert Diamond Tucson

More Casino Camping. The Desert Diamond South is located about 12 miles south of Tucson just north of the town of Sahuarita. The Casino contains 3 Restaurants first is the Agave which I chose not to eat at because I heard its a bit expensive, there's also a buffet, and a grill. My personal favorite is the grill with some good breakfast, and lunch specials. You are allowed a 7 day stay, upon
arrival security will usually check you in, then give you a list of rules. So far I have been reprimanded twice once for drinking beer in the parking lot :( ( Now don't get the wrong impression it was my first beer and I just opened it) and the other for not having a leash on Candy, which I usually do unless.... there is a 100 acres parking lot, with no one in it, then she is allowed run , but apparently they didn't agree. Hope this helps any of you that may be traveling in the area:) Here is a few pics!

Parking lot sunset Mount Wrightson in the distance hiked to the top of it once a 8 hour hike, that took 3 attempts:)

The Casino from my favorite camp spot.

3.99 Breakfast special cant go wrong.

The fountain unfortunately it wasn't on:(

Snowstorm on Wrightson. Wish I could have got a shot when the clouds cleared.

Candy being bad not wearing her leash again. Stay tuned will be heading to Quartzsite for the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous, then to Slab City. Looking forward to meeting some of you there!

Day 1096

Figured I would blog a short celebratory post for myself :) Dec 18th 2009  makes it 3 years ago today since I walked away from the rat race, and pursued a nomadic off the grid lifestyle. Looking back all I can say is its a great freedom, being able to call each day your own. If you dreaming of such a lifestyle, be brave enough to follow  your dreams now, cause sometime in the future you will wish you did! Have a great day!

We make ourselves rich
by making our wants few.
Henry Thoreau

Seven (7) falls Sabino Canyon

Seven Falls is a 8 mile hike in  Sabino Canyon located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina mountain range.It gets a name due to the fact you have to cross the river bed 7 times before reaching the falls. Unfortunately this time of year there was no water from snow melt or rain, so the falls and the river were all dried up. Overall it was a great hike despite the
lack of water, several spots where one wrong step could send you to meet your maker, and the occasional person asking how much further? Our we there yet? I find this to be a bit annoying, the whole purpose of getting out on hike, and into nature is to enjoy it, yet it seems like some people are still on a agenda. After all Life is about the journey, not the destination.

 Down the Canyon

Natural Bridge

 Downtown Tucson with camera on full zoom.

 Where the falls should be:(

 Mom and Ken grabbing a snack

Finally after many missed opportunities I finally managed to get a photo of the elusive Road Runner. If you enjoyed please sign up via email subscription to view the latest post. Until then stay tuned. Good Day!

Adventures in a parking lot.

Two weeks, and counting....... You would think by now I would be getting bored with my parking lot adventure, however this is not the case at all. The weathers been great,  I've made quite a few new friends, been enjoying nightly happy hours in the parking lot (its byob of course), cheap Tacos, and Sonoran hot dogs, attended a
Tamale festival, and saving the best for last the family came to visit on several occasions. Here is a few pics.

Pic of the the Tamale festival, which had about 100 vendors. Had about 30 that sold Tamales, and each one had samples was a meal all by itself!

My Tamales of choice a dozen Spicy red chile with pork.

This guy was a story all by himself, but he did not stick around long enough for me to inquire. Interesting ride though a 3 wheeled bike with spinners. He claimed it was rideable art, and I would definitely have to agree

Interesting rig made from a Snap On Truck Completely self contained, and livable. Candy also made the spot in front of his truck the spot to do her business. The owner of the vehicle claimed it was giving him a complex I assured him it was just the spot she had chosen and nothing to do with him, the story didn't hold water though after he moved across the parking lot, and the same events took place:)

Another Interesting rig complete with a hoist for unloading and loading the motorcycle. The ramp to take the side by side down takes a full days work to put up, and take down, so takes a bit longer then my set up or take down which consist of folding in the TV.

A kodger spotting 

Sunset

Moonrise

Cold morning beers. No not for drinking cmon now, it too early. With the shortest day of the year quickly approaching, and a refrigerator powered by the sun. Placing these in the window overnight allows them to cool down to the outside temperature which is about 35 to 40 degrees at night making it a lot easier on the fridge! Candy also hamming it up for the picture.

Backpack I found on a hike out onto the reservation. One of 100000's that litter the deserts illegal immigrants use them to carry food, and water until the run into city, then they are thrown away to avoid looking suspicious in town. Good Day!

Casino Camping Take 2

One of my favorite things to do during the winter months while spending time with family during the holidays is some Casino Camping. Most people would not consider it actual camping, but as I had written in a previous post its a warm welcome after

months in the forest. This particular Casino has five restaurants, seven bars, 24 hr security, and a great staff that comes by daily to check for trash. The staff here embraces the RV season, not only do they get more hours, but it also generates revenue for the casino as well. Upon pulling into the parking lot I recognized 7 vehicles of friends I had met on previous journeys.

 From the backside of the Casino

 Walkway heading into the casino

 Future 18 hole golf course

 Golf course from 4 stories up

The pool area only to be used by casino guest :). Best of all its free to stay here, not bad way to spend a few weeks. Ill get a few more pics of the area, some of the rigs, and interesting locals. Thanks to everyone who recently subscribed its appreciated!