Here's the view out the window:
Beautiful!
I noticed some Turkey Buzzards flying overhead - I always try to get good clear photos of them in flight. They have such ugly faces and heads, but are so beautiful in flight. At one point I counted 12 of them.
Three of them landed on the shoreline below us, and I was watching them.
Then I noticed a Great Blue Heron right next to them, walking along the shore. I always love seeing these graceful birds.
There were also flocks of American Coots floating along in the river:
There are different kinds of Gulls here, too, and this was one I saw flying past The Palms and then landing in the parking lot. Not a good picture, but it's the best one.
We spent one night there, and then decided to move down to the river. On Tuesday morning we drove over to Riverside Campground. In the afternoon there were some cyclists here, sitting at one of the campsite tables. Then I saw them ride past our site, and again and again. I thought they were just getting some bicycling exercise. When Katie and I went out for a walk, what did we see?
Lots of small tents covering a bunch of campsites right near us. At first I thought it was a girl/boy scout troop or Indian Guides/Princess group. Then I noticed all the bikes leaning against trees and adults sitting at tables having their dinner.
I stopped to talk to the group at one table and they said they are members of Adventure Cyclists.
They said they are riding from San Diego, CA to St. Augustine, FL in 58 days - 3,069.5 miles!
Photo by Dennis Coello
These cyclists looked very fit; I guess you'd have to be pretty healthy and strong to be able to cycle over the mountains they face during this trip as well as just peddling all day long. Good luck to you all - have a good trip!
We headed over here from Percha Dam State Park because of the goathead stickers. On Tuesday I ordered a dog stroller so I can walk with Katie in areas like Percha Dam. I remember last year I had a problem with the sand trail along the Rio Grand being so hot it burned Katie's feet and I had to carry her back to The Palms. Along with the fluid filled sac on her ankle that comes and goes with walks, I'm looking forward to the stroller arriving, which should be by the end of next week. I want to be able to walk more than we're doing, and I don't enjoy walking alone, especially when there is no one else around, it just feels safer with Katie along.
I have a mystery duck photo I shot - I'll post it next time and hopefully the birders out there will identify it for me. I also hope to get more photos of the ducks here.
From me and Katie, have a great Thursday, everyone! :)
I thought you already had a stroller for Katie. Guess I was mistaken.
ReplyDeleteI bought a large, used jogging baby stroller in Quartzsite, but it was just too big to travel with. This one is a small dog stroller and folds up super small, so it will be much easier. The other one took my whole walking space in The Palms when I folded it and laid it on the floor in my open space. Great stroller, really easy to use, but just too big. I gave it to an old woman with a used "things" business along the highway on the way to San Diego. She was delighted. :)
DeleteWell, I personally think the bicyclists are crazy. But definitely in great shape.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous spot you're in !!
ReplyDeleteWe have a stroller for our mini-dachshunds as when we are among people, they sometimes don't see our little guys and accidentally kick them. We got the stroller and that took care of that problem, and the little guys prefer to ride now! Good luck, hope Katie's little ankle gets better.
ReplyDeleteNice view out your window! I bet Katie is going to just love her new stroller.
ReplyDeleteI thought about joining the Adventure Cycling group for a tour (years ago) but could never make it happen when working full-time. But these days I prefer to see the sites from the comfort of my cozy house-on-wheels.
Nice view. Wish I had what it takes to bicycle that far.
ReplyDeleteLove the birds, especially the heron! We have a heron rookery here on the island so we see them a lot! I wish my neck was that long & supple! Woof, that's quite a bike ride! I don't understand those long-distance endurance events. Someone else (GoodLuckDuck maybe?) mentioned the stickers at Percha Dam--not good, especially for Katie! Her feet are teeny! Hope she enjoys her new ride!
ReplyDeleteAnd so the travel season begins again... I'm happy to be headed off to Utah today, let the fun begin! Safe travels to you and Katie. Happy Trails!
ReplyDeleteWanted to let you know that the mystery duck is me. Mystery solved.
ReplyDeleteOne lady I met said she bought a set of four booties for her dog to stop the stickers from bothering her dog's feet.
ReplyDeleteThe cyclists sound like they are doing a wonderful thing, and I'm saying "wonderful for THEM!"
I'm not sure the dog booties would work with these stickers. I had to stop wearing my fake Crocs in places like this because the stickers went right through the rubber soles into my soles. These things are just awful! But I'm glad they are working for her dog.
DeleteThat area sure looks familiar:) Those stickers our bad still have them stuck in my shoes.
ReplyDeleteKatie and I walked down the paved road and then cut across an empty campsite to the river yesterday. Then we walked back through the campsites to the road, and when I got back on the pavement, it felt like I was wearing cleats. I had so many stickers! :( I had to carry Katie part of the way because she kept picking them up. It's pavement for us until next week when the stroller arrives.
DeleteI can't imagine biking that far and camping along the way. Kudos to them and safe travels. Years ago we had a little poodle and she loved to hike along with us in a back pack Wondering have you considered that for Katie? Our little girl loved it!
ReplyDeleteHi Sheila - I do have a pack that is a reverse back-pack for carrying small dogs. The only trouble is, Katie is 12 or 13 pounds, and she has long legs. She's not a great fit for the pack, but I might try it. The stroller will be here next Wednesday, but I might try the pack before then. Thanks for reminding me. :)
DeleteWow, that's a crazy long bike ride, I can't imagine ever doing anything like that!
ReplyDeleteLovely view and I especially like the photos of the blue heron. I saw a couple last fall while on my trip to B.C. Beautiful birds!
Enjoy your stay, hope the stroller shows up soon.
That would be a long bike ride. When I was younger I used to think that would be the kind of thing I'd enjoy. Now I know that riding my bike on the road is just too scary. But I'm glad they're out enjoying the country! The stroller will be handy, and I bet Katie likes it! She likes to explore too I'm sure.
ReplyDelete