On Sunday, February 27, we had snow in the desert at North Ranch! We are at 3,000’ and it came down to the 2,000’ level. It was devastating to the plants but magnificent to behold for all the three or four hours it lasted. Church was cancelled because it was a lot worse another 2,000’ higher at 5,000’ Yarnell. No sympathy, I’m sure, from those of you from the North Country, but snow doesn’t come calling very often in the desert.
I was out in my pajamas getting pictures as the sun came up and highlighted the ice and snow clinging to the cactus. The last time an appreciable amount snowed at NR was around 1997. We had several inches that lasted for three or four days.
By the next Saturday, March 5, it was a glorious spring day for LaFiesta. This is our yearly celebration (excuse) for getting our deeds in year 2000. This year’s theme was “Every Day is a Holiday at North Ranch.” With a lot of work by a lot of people, a “New Year’s Day Rose Parade” was assembled and brought cheers from those who weren’t quite as willing to be silly and laugh at themselves, dressing in dubious costumes and riding or walking the very short parade route.
A Memorial Day Indy 500 Golf Cart Race was held and if I got this straight, the driver’s wore blindfolds and someone told them where to drive. Hmmm. A World Series Baseball Tournament was held using beanbags. A Fourth of July Picnic provided BBQ beef, coleslaw, brownies and beverages.
But the best part in my estimation was the Saturday Night Bonfire. We took chairs, drinks, snacks, smiles and hugs. Music was provided and a huge fire more than warmed our bods in the cool desert night. Those who did all the planning and work to make it happen were exhausted but happy.
It was the perfect RVers celebration. Lots of campgrounds (and in our case, we also have people who live on their own lots) have celebrations and activities. I hope you are taking advantage of whatever is going on around you. God Bless until next week.
Minshall’s RVing Alaska and Canada and RVing Adventures with the Silver Gypsy books are available thru Amazon.
At 45, Widow Minshall began 20 years of solo full-time RVing throughout Alaska, Mexico, and Canada. Sharlene canoed the Yukon, mushed sled dogs, worked a dude ranch, visited Hudson Bay polar bears, and lived six months on a Mexican beach. She lectured at Life on Wheels, published six RV-related books and wrote a novel, “Winter in the Wilderness.”
Leave a Reply