Time in the Desert

wander · 03-15-2023, 10:09 AM

This winter was the first time I've spent an extended period in southwest Arizona. LOVED it. We camped a little in Quartzite, then in the KOFA Wilderness Areas, and finally on BLM near Bouse.

N147JK · 03-15-2023, 10:16 AM

Awesome photos - not a soul around. I was just looking at maps, planning for early May.

wander · 03-15-2023, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N147JK

Awesome photos - not a soul around. I was just looking at maps, planning for early May.

The LTVA south of Quartzite was pretty packed, but it will be thinning out by then. Most long term folks head to cooler areas by that time. Have fun!

86Scotty · 03-15-2023, 07:59 PM

Most excellent. I love solitude in the desert. Doesn't get any better.

wander · 03-15-2023, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Most excellent. I love solitude in the desert. Doesn't get any better.

YES! My wife has always loved the desert, but me not so much. I must say that this trip truly rejuvinated me. I cannot wait to get back there next year, Lord willing.

86Scotty · 03-15-2023, 08:11 PM

I used to not like it as much but it has grown on me as I've got older and more, ahem, misanthropic. And it's the one place left where you can truly find solitude in this country.

I decided last year after an excellent SW trip to devote a couple of weeks each winter to getting out there but so far I haven't made it this winter.

If you want to really soak in the 'soul' of the desert pick up a copy of Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey and read it while you are there. The effect, on me at least, is so good it should be illegal.

wander · 03-15-2023, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

I used to not like it as much but it has grown on me as I've got older and more, ahem, misanthropic. And it's the one place left where you can truly find solitude in this country.

I decided last year after an excellent SW trip to devote a couple of weeks each winter to getting out there but so far I haven't made it this winter.

If you want to really soak in the 'soul' of the desert pick up a copy of Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey and read it while you are there. The effect, on me at least, is so good it should be illegal.

I checked out Desert Solitaire on Amazon. It looks good. I'll have to check it out. While I was there I read a few books from the Bible as well as Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster - about practicing spiritual disciplines - as well as Heaven by Randy Alcorn. I can see why Jesus spect time in the wilderness. It was a very spiritual rejuvenation for me.

N147JK · 03-16-2023, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

And it's the one place left where you can truly find solitude in this country.

That's for sure. Most any national park or even a lot of state parks are not quiet, peaceful places anymore. Thank goodness we still have a lot of wide open desert to escape to.

Charliesmom · 03-16-2023, 08:56 AM

@86Scotty I’ve always enjoyed Abbey’s novels. If you want another great read, check out “The Monkey Wrench Gang.”

deserteagle56 · 03-17-2023, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

And it's the one place left where you can truly find solitude in this country.

Moved to the desert 50 years ago to recuperate from Vietnam. It worked. Living in the middle of Nevada now...plenty of solitude. Just me and the coyotes and horny toads and rattlesnakes.