Tag: wildflowers

“AGM” – American Girl Mine Road

Dispersed camping along American Girl Mine Road, better known as “AGM” amongst nomads, is good in the winter. It is about 20 miles west of Yuma (in southern California), so it’s not a good summer destination, unless you’re a snake, lizard, or scorpion.

I helped a little with a “Homes on Wheels Alliance” caravan here (a group camp set up every couple months or so). Except for some wind, we had nice weather. There was a surprising number of wildflowers, which is always of interest to me.

CALIFORNIA. FEBRUARY.

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge / Palm Canyon

After the chaos of January in Quartzsite, Arizona (about which I did not post), camping in the quiet of Palm Canyon about 20 miles south was very welcome. Miscellaneous photos follow.

ARIZONA. JANUARY-FEBRUARY.

Flagstaff & Sedona Areas, Arizona

Of the four corners, Arizona was my choice for my next stops.

A couple friends camphost in the Flagstaff area so I spent some time there. Flagstaff is at 7,000 feet so this is a good area for cooler temperatures during the summer months. Also, there is quite a bit of public land available for camping all around Flagstaff and, that city is large enough that it includes any kind of needed amenity.

After my time here, I went south to a pretty area not far from Sedona at which I’ve camped in the past. Oddly, I have still not actually visited Sedona but will get there at some point.

See photo captions (i) for more info.

ARIZONA. OCTOBER-NOVEMBER.

Stanley, Idaho Area – Part 3

More miscellaneous shots.

This photo set includes a couple Milky Way images from a very special evening for me. More info in the captions.

IDAHO. SEPTEMBER.

Stanley, Idaho Area – Part 1

Since I worked part-time for the summer, I was able to explore the surrounding area on my off days. I had never spent any significant time in Idaho before but found it to be really beautiful. More info in the captions.

IDAHO. JUNE-JULY.

City of Rocks National Reserve (ID)

I continued north into Idaho and headed to the City of Rocks National Reserve. This was an unusual and interesting place. Not only did it have remarkable rock features, but it was also the site of historical pioneering trails. I’ve always found America’s pioneer days of particular interest. This area is also a climbing mecca. Climbers fascinate me because I am terrified of heights.

I’ve included photos of several of the Reserve signs, and I left them large enough so they can be read.

Also, more info is in the photo captions.

IDAHO. JUNE.

COE & Wildlife Area Camping + Bent’s Old Fort NHS

I used an app to find Conchas Lake Corp of Engineers campground in New Mexico on my way to Colorado. There were only a couple people camping there and I looked everywhere for a place to pay but couldn’t find one. So, I assumed they were not charging. ‘Site with a lake view for no charge was nice.

I headed into Colorado next and found a camping site at Two Buttes State Wildlife Area. This site was in the middle of nowhere and it was wonderfully quiet and surrounded by wildflowers. I stayed for a few nights and saw one other human.

I stopped by Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, a former trading post on the Santa Fe Trail. Unfortunately, it was closed but it was worth a stop to read their kiosks and walk around the outside of the Fort. I would have enjoyed exploring this site; maybe another time.

Video at bottom of post, below gallery.

NEW MEXICO/COLORADO. MAY.

Two Buttes State Wildlife Area

Lassen Volcanic National Park

First, a few more sights along the way and then back to California to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen is small but packs in a lot of variety and beauty. One day, when I drove into the park from our nearby campground to get a signal, I was very excited to see a cinnamon black bear–a first for me. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera with me, but took a few shots and video with my phone, both of which are below. The Park features mountains, lakes, wildflowers, mud pots, and snow in July!
Still photo gallery first, followed by a few videos.

Videos:

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier NP was a surprise. I knew very little about it before I went and found it to be very, very beautiful. When I visited in June of the year, there was still a good bit of snow and water flowing *everywhere*. Also, lots of wildflowers, which I love. The only wildlife I saw were marmots, but I always enjoy seeing them. It was also very crowded at that time, so I don’t know if a different time of year would be better for a visit. I definitely recommend a visit at some point, however.
(no photo captions this time; I may add some later)