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!
Flora is the plant life occurring in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring or indigenous--native plant life.
Candy finally got her stitches out yesterday from her leg surgery, this is the third time shes had the operation, it was time to get her out for a walk, though I would share a few pics of the local plants, and area where I been living for 3 1/2 weeks. Although I am sure not all of them are native species I hope to at least to warm up the individuals reading this who
live in the cooler climates of the world.
This is a Agave Americana also known as the century plant, claimed to only bloom once every 100years then die. On average they bloom once every 10 to 36 years, and have been told if the bloom is cut the plant can survive, this is because they can grow up to 25ft in under a week using up all the plants resources. Tequila and Mescal is also made from agave.
Agave Blooming
Grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and limes become extremely abundant into winter the winter months. Good practice to bring a pillow case with just in case no ones looking:)
Barrel Cactus the yellow part is fruit
Some palm trees and a Ocotillo in the middle.
Not sure what this is but its very soft, and rubbery, not prickly very rare for these parts.
Prickly Pear also edible used to make jellies a fellow camper made me some prickly pear french fries last year. Not bad, but I think Ill be sticking to Mickey D's
A icon of the Sonoran Desert the Saguaro cactus. Rumors say each branch represents 100 years for the cactus, after a bit of research average age is 150 to 200 years, they can reach a height of 40 to 60 ft, and weigh up to 5000 pounds.
Finally the furry looking specimen is called a jumping cholla rumored to actually jump onto you, after a few wobbly pops:) with my brother we decided to see if the rumors were in fact true. Turns out they are not true, but these lil devils will hook you then break off from the main plant nearly impossile to remove by hand because of their fierce barbs.. More then likely you be standing there with both hands attached to the Cholla pondering away to escape from their grasp. If wandering into Cholla country bring a small comb with, its the most effective removal device I have found to date, and if your hiking with the pooch they'll be happy you had it with as well. If you enjoy the blog please subscribe via email to receive updates of the adventure, or share on your favorite social site. Good day!
Candy has finally reached the age where getting in and out of "The Turtle" has become a cumbersome chore, if you were to ask her though she would most certainly deny such a accusation of not being able to jumping into our mobile dwelling. Over the last couple months I had several ideas on how I could make her life easier most my plans involved 2x2s, plywood, sprockets, cogs,
hooks, nuts, bolts, fasteners, duct tape, latches, eyebolts, and other ways to keep the ramp from sliding around,and falling to the ground during her entries and sometimes explosive exits depending on what lil woodland forest critters she was off to chase. Luckily for me all those plans turned out to be much simpler then I previously expected. Things I would need included......................
A 3/4 inch piece of plywood, which I found in my Stepdads garage already cut to the perfect size! Will be getting a new paint job as well to protect it from the elements.
A bolt
Tools needed for such an arduous task, would involve a drill, and few adult beverages. The plan was to drill a hole in the plywood, then slide the bolt thru the plywood into a pre existing hole in the floor of the Turtle. Hope your keeping up with this complex undertaking I have taken on.:)
Success!!! Candy was a wee bit leery of the new contraption, but with a piece of ham and some coaxing up she came!
Another hard day of work accomplished:). If you enjoy the blog please subscribe via email to receive updates of the adventure, or share on your favorite social site. Thanks!
Had to head to the desert early this year because my navigator Candy developed a large tumor on her leg, that begin to grow at a exponential rate. We needed to get surgery done quickly, also needed to have a somewhat sterile enviorment for her recovery, someplace that didn't involve her jumping in and out of "The Turtle" which could rip her stitches in a hurry. Southern Arizona south of Tucson is where my family lives, I made a call to folks to make sure we had a place stay for awhile well the healing begin. My Mother confirmed Candy and I stay at her mini zoo which already contained 9 cats (3 of which are rescues) a Dog (Sammy) and a bird (Chico). Candies surgery was
a success! She has been home from the vet for almost a week now, and is doing well :).
Candy the day after!
Candy about 30 stitches I could count.
Part of the gang waiting for dinner.
Sammy on the right
Chico getting angrY! If you enjoy the blog please subscribe via email to receive updates of the adventure, or share on your favorite social site. Thanks!
