Boondocking on the KOFA National wildlife refuge
Boondocking on the KOFA National wildlife refuge
We have spent the last couple of weeks in a great spot, just outside the refuge actually. We found this place when we went on our Christmas day hike to Palm Canyon. As I had mentioned before, we wanted to stay here because the scenery is amazing for photography, and for Al to paint.
A couple of nights, we went on a sunset hike along the base of the big craggy mountain that was our constant view.
There is no better time to take landscape photos than at sunset.
The first night we went hiking though, the clouds came in and covered up the sun just enough that we lost all color on the mountain. I did get this interesting shot though. That is the dried up flower on an ocotillo cactus. When they bloom in the spring they are bright red.
When we started hiking back, the sunset was amazing!! The clouds were just right, and the colors just exploded.
A couple nights later, the sky was free of clouds so we hiked it again. This time, the color on the rocks was perfect. These rock formations are so interesting. I just love the craggy, ruggedness of them.
This shot was taken when there was only a tiny bit of light left in the sky. After the sun went down I started shooting in monochrome, it was all about the shapes at that point. With what little light there was, I could see these cool clouds against the high bluff. I really like this one.
Yesterday, we left and came to Yuma. Well kinda Yuma. We are about 10 miles out and we are actually in California. This is were we stayed for a bit last year. Yuma is lacking in the beauty and the color we love so much, so we are only here for about a week. We are going to Algodones, Mexico on Weds. for a dental appointment. (Don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe and a great dentist) We will catch up on shopping, and we wanted to hit the swapmeet here. Plus, there is THE BEST Mexican bakery here. Yummmmm.
Have a great start to your week everyone.
That sunset picture is absolutely stunning!!! LOVE it! What a beautiful area!! Hope your dental appt goes ok…but I would definitely check out the bakery! :)
The bakery is awesome, we have been waiting a year to get back here. LOL
Wow!!! It’s so pretty there!!
Ya, it was great spot.
Those are truly some amazing views. Have a marvellous Monday. Nice to be back.
Best wishes Molly
Lovely scenic views and beautiful skies.. The sunset shot is gorgeous.. Have a happy day and week ahead!
All nice pics, but that first one is amazing…the clarity! It doesn’t look like a real photo!
I really liked that one. When I opened it in my computer, I was thrilled the way it turned.
It’s on my bucket list for this year now, to see even one sunset what’s as gorgeous as yours …. if that’s possible :o)
Great bucket list item. I’m sure you will succeed.
Oh Mary, how could I LEAVE THIS? I will still be visiting you daily. I am overwhelmed by the kindness of those of you who have left me a message…..the only difference now is that I will not be posting, but I will continue to visit. I am pursuing my poetry in private life, that’s all.
Your visuals elevate our wonder. THANK YOU. Anita
I bet your poetry is beautiful Anita, I would like to read some of it. If you need photographic inspiration, I hope you can find it here. I’m glad you are still going to visit. (-:
Great pics. The last one is my fav. Mike goes to the dentist today for a filling that fell out he just had done. I’m doing family history. From Ok, found out my grandmas father my great grandpa was 7/8 cherokee. My paternal grandpa was half. my second and third cousins in Ok. have been helping me find my roots. Its cold and very foggy here and raining. Later today we get snow. Now don’t you miss that? Get some vanilla in Mexico while your there. Hugs sent
Vanilla yes, I forget about that.
That sunset is GORGEOUS! I love all those rock formations. We never get to see anything like that here. Thank you for always sharing the beauty of your travels.
I’m really glad you enjoy the travels. Someday I would like to visit your neck of the woods.
gorgeous views! love the dried bloom and the popcorn sky against the rocks!
Wow, the red sky sure looks like flames.
That has to be the most amazing sunset ever, great shot. Love Dolly
what incredible inspiration for your photography and Al’s artwork….you visit the most beautiful places!
The colors of that sunset look like they were painted. They are so gorgeous! I love how you capture the beauty of where you are.
That is exactly what I said that night, like a painting.
GREAT photos, beautiful country. Wow what an adventure you’re on!
Yes, I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Nothing like those Arizona sunsets. Each evening offers it’s own unique display of light that never gets old. I look forward to your post on the journey across the border.
We are going to do a bit of over the border shopping tomorrow. Should be fun.
Whoa! What a gorgeous sunset. Simply stunning!
It is so wonderful to know we live in this great land, isn’t it, Mary?…:)JP
Yes, it really is.
That sunset photo is truly spectacular!
I love that sunset photo. It’s amazing! Such a riot of colors.
Your photos are so inspiring, Mary!
That monochrome picture is beyond AMAZING! You may think Yuma isn’t pretty, but I bet you could make it stunning with your lens!
It might be a stretch but we shall see. I’m hoping Mexico is a good photo place. I’m going to try my hand at people, and street photography tomorrow.
Spectacular photos! I love the sunset… and the monochrome with the clouds. I do believe that those clouds are called “mammary clouds” – we have a whole book of clouds and the boys in the family always love that one!
Wow – your shots are stunning!
Wow, that is an amazing sunset photo! You need to enter that in a contest or something! (And, yum – love Mexican pastries!)
Absolutely gorgeous! I’m always compelled to pick a favorite, and this time it’s the sunset. Enjoy your week…other than the dental appointment, that’s no fun. :)