Little green cylinders

When I moved into the Turtle almost four years ago I didn't even own a heater. Moving from the frozen tundra of Minnesota I was able to handle any weather the great state of Arizona could throw at me, but let's face it the glory days of sitting around all winter with my doors wide open have definitively come to end, and as much as I hate to admit it I have officially become a Arizonan. Perhaps I've wizened up, or maybe just become a sissy, but whatever the case I now require heater.

So I recently reached a point where I was using up to 5-6 green cylinders a week, and at a average of 3.25 per piece, or $13 a gallon, it definitely starts to add up. Not to mention all the room they take up. My choices were either to buy a bigger tank, which I have no room for, or to figure out how to get the big bomb looking thing (propane tank) mounted under The Turtle fully operational.

I choose the latter, and am please to report after a few trips to the hardware store, 25 feet of hose, seven fittings, about 5 hours of elbow grease running the new line, and cutting out the old junk. The tank is now up and running, and my heating costs have gone down over 75% a huge savings in the life of any nomad.

Cost of hose: $40

Cost of fittings:$30

Watching the boob tube in my shorts, and a T-shirt on the coldest desert nights: Priceless

Another addition to my never ending compilation of Road Runner Pics. Right outside the Turtle. Thanks for visiting. Good Day!

Josephine Saddle Madera Canyon

Mount Wrightson

Candy' stitches are out, and I am back at the Del Sol. Trying to save a few greenbacks for future upgrades to make "The Turtle" even more luxurious, so I will post as I complete them.

Stepping on the scale after the holidays gave me the motivation to take a jaunt into the mountains, also an opportune time to try out my new hiking shoes. Destination Josephine saddle at Madera Canyon.

 There is two trails leading to the saddle, the old baldy trail, which is 2.2 miles, and the super trail which is 3.7 miles. Old baldy is significantly steeper then the supertrail, the elevation at the parking lot is around 5200 ft, and the saddle is 7080', so if your heading out this time of year check the weather, and bring a jacket you will see some of the white stuff.

 Madera canyon is located about 15 miles east of Green Valley, Az, which is south of Tucson. Here's a few more pics of the hike.

Looking out from Old Baldy trail

Switchbacks far below

White stuff trails can be a bit slick!

Mount Wrightson made it to the top once before, but not gonna happen on this hike.

Stay warm out there folks! Even Candy was surprised to find ice in her water dish this morning.

On a side note fellow blogger Wandrin Lloyd after 13 years on the road has decided to sell his rig, and trailer for more info CLICK HERE

Thanks for visiting! Good day!

A year in Pictures

Happy New Years!

Picacho, AZ

A year in pictures inside

Casino Camping Maricopa, Az

Pass into Yuma

Colorado River Yuma,AZ

Man living in a house of Sticks Yuma Az

Attended the Rubber tramp Rendevous

Quartszite,Az

Imperial Sand Dunes California

Salvation Mountain

Made it to the Slabs

Salton Sea

 Bombay beach

 Tucson Hikes

Seven Falls hike

Wasson Peak

Off for the summer Boondocking in Payson

Winter storm Forest Lakes AZ

Bought some acreage Northern Az

Los Burros Elk

Crazy Cowz near Big Lake Az

Drunkmunks!

New boondocking sites above 9000ft

Run in with the Sheepherder

Rim country

Back to Tucson Casino's

Upgraded the solar, and battery system.

That about sums it! For the full years adventure click here. Thanks for visiting! 

Good Day!

Ruptured Tumor

Recovering at the folks and still a bit drugged

Been a month since my last post. Have been enjoying my time at the Casino's here in Tucson. Up until about a week ago, when I awoke in the middle of the night, and discovered that the tumor's on Candy's leg had ruptured I wont go into the gory details, but it wasn't a very pretty site.

Six weeks prior I had brought her to the vet, and they had told me just to let it go for now. She's approaching her 15th year they didn't wanna do a surgery, this late in the game unless it was necessary. Well now it had become necessary, so after a long surgery (4th on that leg). I am happy to report the old fart is doing good, and every once in awhile still even gets a bit rambunctious.

Moving on my winter plans mainly involve hanging around the Tucson area. Spending time with the family, paying off recently acquired vet bills, and " The Turtle" will be getting a few more upgrades. So stay tuned, and a Happy belated Christmas to all. Thanks for stopping by! Good Day!

Upgrades, and a Road-Runner

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

Not only did I get to spend time with the entire family, and stuff my face with all the traditional Thanksgiving day fixings, but was also able to finish a long overdue project.

 Another solar panel, and 2 more batteries were part of my project. Now the Turtle boat a whopping 310 watts of power upon the roof, and 482 amp hours of storage. Certainly not enough power for your average house dweller. However it is more then enough to suit my daily needs. Maybe even add another gadget, or two? 

Upgraded battery bank. Not exactly up to code, but passed my inspection.

Meep Meep! Roadrunner video I managed to capture while staying at the Casino. Thanks for visiting! Good Day! 

Back in the desert

Actually been back in Tucson nearly a month now. Candy had gotten a bladder infection, and the folks needed a house sitter, so I decided to head to the desert a few weeks early, and I am glad to report Candy's infection is gone, and all six of the critters I was responsible for are alive and well.

Now, that I have very briefly summed up my whereabouts about the past 3 weeks. I am currently staying at my favorite Casino here in Tucson. Which is always a welcomed change of pace, after spending the last 7 1/2 months in the forest. 

Candy has plenty of area to walk, and its nice being a mere 2 miles from a grocery store for a change. Plus the Casino supplies plenty of entertainment for a weary nomad. Best part is my favorite poker machine has paid me $39 not to bad for a few weeks rent. Here's a few more pics......

 Turtles current parking lot home

 Parking lot wildlife

 Coyotes seen on Candys morning hikes. Of course they only come out when the good cameras at home.

Honorable mention Flash the desert tortoise was one of the six critters I was responsible while I was house sitting, and definitely the lowest maintenance. He's about as laid back as one can get!

Thanks for visiting! Good Day!