Important Notice

It's that time of the year...

End Of January

In case you are wondering why I am in southern Arizona...

77 degrees and not a cloud in sight

Important Safety Message

For those times when my neighbor is late for "Happy Hour"...

Illogical Fuel Economy

All the vehicles I have owned up until my Lexus ES 300h lost fuel economy the faster I drove. Much to my surprise and delight, the ES 300h gets better gas mileage at 65 mph than 45 mph. Here's the explanation I found online: "The Lexus ES 300h often achieves better fuel efficiency around 60-65 mph than at lower, stop-and-go city speeds (45 mph) because its hybrid system operates at peak efficiency in a constant, moderate speed range. While lower speeds minimize wind resistance, the Atkinson cycle engine and hybrid battery system are optimized to run at maximum efficiency at steady, moderate highway speeds, reducing the need for constant, energy-intensive accelerating and regenerative braking cycles."

In stop-and-go driving around town, I get 45-47 mph in economy mode. I have yet to take a day long drive on an Interstate, but I am thinking it might get 50+ mph. In my opinion, it's better than an all electric vehicle and eliminates the "range anxiety" associated with them.

Too Close To Home

My theory is my neighbor, Glenn, leaves his shoes outside at night and the coyote thinks something has died in the park.

Frogged

Earlier this month my Jeep was "Ducked". Today, I was "Frogged"...

Cold Weather

I've been getting messages from friends up north complaining about the cold and snow, so I send them this photo...

Unfortunately, I cannot print their replies due to the highly inappropriate language!

Javelina Reds

Great People, Great Food

Our park had a gathering this afternoon where I got to enjoy some delicious home cooking...

Not bad weather for January

Jeep Ducking

My Jeep was "Ducked" last night...

Click here to read an article on the tradition of Jeep ducking.

RC Racing

They say the only difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys...

Click on images to enlarge

Outlaw Biker

Apparently, my neighbor, Glenn, leads a different life outside of the park...

He claims he was just giving a nun a ride to the local orphanage

Dash Cams

When you absolutely, positively want to document what's happening on the road...

Real Photos

Now that I have discovered AI photo editing software, I suspect that some of my older photos may now be considered fake. Therefore, I want to state in no uncertain terms that the following images are absolutely real and have not been edited... granted the one with the blonde does seem highly improbable.

Cooler Temperatures

I finally had to fire up the furnace as cooler, wet weather moved into the area. They are forecasting 58 F for the high and 49 F for the low. Here's what it feels like to someone who spent the summer in southern Arizona...

Improving Photos

Once again, I have been able to use Google Gemini to improve some old photos. By simply typing "remove wire cage", I was able to convert the first photo to the second one in a matter of seconds.

Early Christmas

It's not even Thanksgiving and I am already getting diet coke with Santa on the box...

Big Bobcat

When I first moved into the park, I thought the only animals I had to worry about were my next door neighbors. Now, that list has grown to include rattlesnakes, scorpions, tarantulas, gila monsters, coyotes and bobcats. It's like living in a zoo!

Flood Damage

The road into Queen Valley from the west side is closed to most vehicles due to boulders the size of basketballs being washed onto the street...

Mineral Mountain Road

Here are a couple more of photos from yesterday's ride to Box Canyon...

Click on images to enlarge

Imagine the amount of water needed to pile debris on the bank higher than my Jeep

Better view of the "waterfalls" section of the trail

Box Canyon

I drove my Jeep through Box Canyon today. Although it is definitely doable in a high clearance, 4WD vehicle, there are some obstacles that will get your attention.

The Waterfalls

I had read the old stagecoach depot had been washed away. The good news is it's still there, albeit in a state of disrepair.

Another Coyote

Another Bobcat

Taken outback about two miles from the park

Heavy Rain

Forget yesterday's "nice, soaking rain". It has been a near constant downpour since last night... and it is not over yet! I am beginning to think an Ark might come in handy here. Most rain I have seen in a long time.

I now have "lakeside property"

Low Clouds

We are currently having a nice, soaking rain without high winds or lightning. Here is an unique photo of clouds at the base of the Superstition Mountains...

Click on image to enlarge