Searcher: January 2013

Birds of a feather???

A few years ago I had no clue what the term “boondocking” meant. I knew that I lived in the “boondocks” – you have to admit, Crystal Falls, in Iron County is situated right in the middle of the boondocks! As mentioned in prior posts; Boondocking is simply pulling out into the desert or other public land and staying for as long as you have water and supplies. The rule is: Pack it in and pack it out. Perhaps that is why I so enjoy “boondocking” in camping. I do not like large cities and I also do not enjoy staying in the mega-huge RV parks that are plentiful in the southwest. If you like being able to pass sugar through your window to the camper next to you then they are great. They definitely have their perks with many parks offering classes in everything from art to zoo keeping. They offer tennis, sometimes golf and many social gatherings. One of the biggest draws is that they offer community which can be missing when camping out in the desert alone. However, Richard and I have found community these last couple of years in two of the areas that are our favorite boondocking sites. Both are just across the Colorado River from Arizona into California. At present we are on the California side of the Colorado River across from Parker, Arizona in a location that is named Big River. We met people from Colorado last winter and hope to see them here once again this year. We have also met a few others and find ourselves getting together at least once a day to visit (me to get my dog fix from a couple of people who have dogs) and often we have campfires in the evening to chase away the chill that accompanies the setting of the sun in the desert. Boondocking is not for everyone , but for us it is the best way to find peace, quiet, the wonders of nature and warm dry air during the winter months for “older” muscles and bones.