Reynold's Creek: April 5, 2013

The stars alligned in just the right way. The scheduling gods smiled upon us and we managed 5 consecutive days off in a row.  This is huge.  I'm on night shift now, so our weekends are rushed and limited.  First thought: GO CAMPING!  Our new Foxwing awning arrived and we couldn't wait to try it.  Now we have shade on every usable side of the trailer. First things first: get our taxes done.  Boy, we know how to spend a day off.  That out of the way, we hit the grocery store, prepped the trailer and got some sleep.

We left mid morning on Friday (I really don't do mornings since I've started on nights).  It was already climbing into the mid 80's in Casa Grande.  We were headed to the mountains.  Cooler weather awaits!  Through Superior, Miami, and finally Globe.  We pit stopped at Roosevelt Reservoir for Rommel.

The reservoir was pretty crowded already, so camping there was not even contemplated.

Our original destination was on top of the mountain near Young where we camped last year.  That went out the window pretty quick.

We drove over a running creek.  Running water in southern Arizona is a novelty and one we don't take for granted.  We took the following right turn and hoped beyond hope for a camp site near the water.  The first habitable site was marked with a NO CAMPING sign.  I crossed my fingers that this wouldn't be a sign of site to come.  It wasnt'.  We found a site, Jeep sized, directly next to the running creek!

Perfect timing too.  The sun was getting lower and lower .  Elly found that setting up camp was too difficult.

 

Meanwhile, Rommel found the water.

 

Mike and I set up the Taj ma Tent, complete with new awning.  The temperature here was in the mid 60's,, absolutely perfect.

We set out to the creek for fire wood.  This little creek must have seen some wicked water; there were whole downed trees that had formed natural dams all along it.  Made for easy firewood scrounging.  The setting sun, while mostly blocked by the trees and mountain, cast some pretty shadows in the creek bed.

This place felt like a little oasis.  Granted we were along a road, but it was barely travelled.  Nestled in the trees, comforted by the gentle sounds of the water and surrounded by our dogs.  Only thing that could improve the night was a fire and dinner. And dinner was awesome.  Cracked open a bottle of wine, and dove into the grilled swordfish steaks and corn.

With the fire blazing, I set out to capture camp at night.  The dogs decided to help with the long exposure....

I think I'll put it on the fridge.  Parent hang up pictures their children have drawn. This is my middle and youngest child's best art yet.  One more for posterity's sake...

They begged long enough that we finally put the fire out and shuffled into the tent.  One day down in our little home away from home.....