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Friday, November 20, 2015

And the Game is Called on Account of . . . A Bomb Threat!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I just can't make this kind of stuff up!  I was considering moving from my campsite due to the increased ATV traffic, but how can I possibly leave now?  Things are just starting to get exciting!

Saguaro at the Parker Public Library
Let me back up.  

Yesterday I headed into town to take care of some chores; laundry, post office, grocery shopping and find a place to recharge my computer.  Well, I started at the post office and got set up for receiving mail while I'm in the area, then headed over to do my laundry.  Here's something I don't get, I'm in the desert where water is supposed to be scarce and it only cost $1.50 to do a load of wash.  I was paying $2.50 for the same size load in Ohio, and I was basically on Lake Erie!  What gives?  Not that I'm complaining - I'll gladly pay the $1.50.  After laundry I found the local library and they kindly allowed me to hang out there and use their wi-fi and electric to charge up my computer so I could continue to bring you these exciting posts.  AND they have covered parking made out of solar panels too!  Parker Public Library, you ROCK!!  Unfortunately it takes a long time to recharge my old computer and I only got it to 80% before I needed to book it back to my campsite before dark.  I didn't want to get lost trying to get back to my spot.  So, grocery shopping had to wait.

Prickly Pear

This morning I decided I might look for a spot farther down the road in an area less desirable to the ATV'ers after I returned from my trip to Wally World.  I figured I'd be back by early afternoon at the latest so that would give me plenty of time to scout out a new boondock and move.  Little did I know that my game plan was going to go kablooey!  As I headed for home loaded with groceries, there was a fire personnel truck blocking the road.  The nice young man got out and told me the road was closed due to a hazard up ahead.  He wouldn't tell me what kind of hazard, but that it would be 2, 3, maybe more hours before the road would be open.  You gotta be joking!  So I went back into town, got something to eat, and tried to kill a couple of hours (thus the cactus pictures here that I took around town for my little nephew who loves cacti right now).  I would have hung at the library again & got some work done, but sadly they are closed Fri - Sun.  

After a couple of hours, I headed back, hoping I could get through.  Nope!  This time a police officer was blocking the road and told me the road would be closed for 2, 3, maybe more hours due to a bomb threat!  I know I've only been in this area for a couple of days, but for the life of me I can't figure out what anyone would want to blow up out here!  Maybe an old mine in hopes of finding gold or the big white P on the mountain side (though a bit audacious, it doesn't seem to be hurting anyone).  Don't get me wrong, with all the craziness happening in the world right now, I greatly appreciate the time and effort the police, fire department and bomb squad went through to make sure it was safe for us here.  I am humbled by their courage and willingness to put their lives on the line daily.  Thank you!

Momma cactus and baby

Anyway, after a little over 5 hours of waiting, the road was reopened.  It was dark.  I did find my way home and to Zelda (she is hard to find in the dark desert).  I think she thought Grania and I abandoned her; she seemed relieved when we returned.  Not much of what I had planned was accomplished today, though I did see a roadrunner run across the actual road this morning!  Oh well, gotta roll with the punches.  So this evening, as I type this, I am sitting outside under the stars and moonlit sky, the wind is kicking up, but has a warmth to it.  A lovely end to a bizarre day.

Sunset from parking lot waiting for the road to open

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!  WOO HOO!  What a ride!



6 comments:

  1. WOW! Didn't plan on being in town that long! Love your stories! and your right, can't wait to hear about your next adventure! be safe! Love the pictures!

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    1. We are glad you were able to make it home safely .
      Dad and Carol .

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    2. It was a bit longer than i had expected & hoped to be stuck. Wanted to get some things done at camp & not much i could do in town. I never did find out exactly what it was they found, but it was something potentially not good according to the last police officer. Thanks for coming along for the ride. I hope i can keep the stories fun & exciting. 😀 It is proving to be some ride!

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    3. Hi Dad & Carol! So nice to have you with me! I'll try to send you some warm sunshine! Love & miss you!

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  2. hi Jordan congrats on finally hitting the road.....just take one day at a time and you do OK...
    nothing says you have to be in a certain place at a certain time which makes your lifestyle so
    attractive....

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    1. Thanks Chuck for the congrats. I appreciate it! Was beginning to wonder if I'd ever get going. Yes, it is nice to have the luxury(?) of not having to be anywhere in particular at any time, though I am finding it to be a little unsettling, though not in a bad way, just different. Something I'm sure I will also adjust to with time. I am enjoying just figuring things out & the challenges both large & small that I am presented with each day. I have to keep telling myself that it's only been 2 weeks since I arrived in the desert - seems like forever ago - & I don't have to have everything figured out at this point. It has been a very interesting & awesome adventure so far. Can't wait to see what lies ahead.

      Best to you & thanks for the well wishes!

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