Lichens and Rust...

together they create such a work of art

The Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves in Arroyo Tapiado

If you are ever in the Anza Borrego desert..you just GOTTA go explore the Mud caves
Quoting from the website: "One of the most fascinating points of interest in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are the Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves. Arroyo Tapiado, translated from Spanish, means “walled wash.” The Mud Caves are found along the walls of this wash canyon. One of the most extensive mud cave systems in the world, they contain approximately 22 known caves and 9 slot canyons.

The length of the caves varies, with some extending over 1000 feet and featuring ceilings as high as 80 feet. Caves have been reported up to 35 feet wide, and others so narrow, you have to squeeze through openings. Multi-level caves with skylights have been found, where erosion has created an opening, or sinkhole, in the ceiling of the cave. Some of the caves are fairly easy to navigate while others may require you to crawl in sections.

Getting There:

4WD is recommended. Some non-4WD vehicles have driven into the beginning of the canyon, but to drive through the canyon you will need 4WD.

The Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves are located in the southern part of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

-Take the S2 (from the 8 head North) to mile marker 43

-Take the Palm Springs or Vallecito Wash exit (dirt road heading East)

-Approximately 4.5 miles in, you will see a sign that says Arroyo Tapiado (on the left)

-Go left at the Arroyo Tapiado Wash which will be heading North

-Continue on Arroyo Tapiado Wash Road until you reach the canyon area where the caves are located. ""

This place was just the coolest ever! I can't wait to go back again and spend more time 'spelunking' heheheeh.. there were just so many to explore.. it would be great to camp right outside the cave entrance so that you can explore all day and then at dusk watch the bats fly out of them!!!

We encountered a 4wheel Toyota group of about 10 vehicles making their way thru the trails and to Diablo Drop Off.. there was even a spot along the way that we called the 'squeeze' because of huge rocks in the way..and we had to squeeze, climb and make our way over a verrrrrry tight, scary place. But, we made it and didn't get stuck! Can't say that for the Toyota group.. a few had to be wenched and towed out of the sand!! heheehe snicker..

After a couple of nites in the desert..we stopped at Vail Lake on the way home and spent the nite there. Here we got to enjoy the sounds of coyotes off in the distance..the hooting of the Owls, and the tap-tap-tapping of the Woodpecker in a nearby tree :)
In the morning..as I wandered over to the riding stables that they have on the Vail Lake property to pet the ponies :) ... i came upon a pack of coyotes all frolicking around the pond! I think there were about 6-7 of them.. playing..and running around..and investigating the edge of the pond! I could only get a couple of pics of them.. before I scared them off :(
Hope you enjoy the slideshow...and I hope you get a chance to get away for a weekend and Explore :)
xoxo
sam

I Love Fall..

...and I love having gracious neighbors such as Glenn and "Pete" ...because they shower me with yummy, delicious apples grown in their backyard :)

Thank you Glenn and "Pete" for sharing your harvest with us...

These yummy apples were turned into Apple Crisp ..

Yes..I know most of you have probably fainted..but Yes..I made a dessert...from scratch..

Sara and her culinary skills must be rubbing off on me ;)

Pictures from Phoenix!

Yes..I am behind..way behind.. and I apologize for not being a good blogger this past couple of weeks..
am trying to catch up with pics.. (see my daughters bday pics in the post below)..and just now got around to getting the Zoo pics together in an album.
Hubby had to work while we were in Phoenix..so he dropped me off at 10 am one day to enjoy the Zoo at my leisure!! How Exciting :)
I got to snap as many pictures as I wanted..and lollygagged around the zoo at my own pace..and sat and giggled at their funny faces :) It was so fun :)
LOTS of Kids at the zoo.. I think the Phoenix Zoo was voted one of the nation's best Zoo's for kids...so Lots of Moms, babies, kids, toddlers, strollers, and commotion! Ahhhh..brought back lots of memories!

On our drive out there..along Rte. 10.. we had the pleasure of driving thru a Dust/Sand/Dirt Storm!!!! WAY COOL!!! It's almost like being in a blizzard..only its BROWN... (ewww..sounds nasty).. But i was very excited! I love braving the 'elements' :)
It's a wonder we have paint left on the car! I did have a fleeting thought of sitting on the roof and experiencing some microdermabrasion..for FREE.. hehehehe
The temps were perfect while we were there..in the mid 80's during the day..and very tolerable!! We lucked out!
We managed to make it into town and enjoyed Dinner at "My Big Fat Greek Restaurant". Voted Best Greek Restaurant for the past 4 yrs! It was SOOOO GOOD! Oh my word! We shared a plate of Stuffed peppers, pizza sticks..and salad..and it was allll just sooo good! If you go..you must treat yourself to the Pomogranite Mojito... YUMMM!!!

The rest of the time was spent schmoozing with salespeople that Tim works with.. a great bunch of guys...funny..warm, welcoming.. we immediately hit it off!

I hope to hit the shops the next time I go.. and would love to visit the Ghost town in Apache Junction the next time too. So if anyone can recommend places to go/see ..I'd love to hear them!

21?? Already?????

wow..WHERE did the time go???????????????????
My baby girl (my only girl) turns 21 today!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter.. We are so proud of you and love you with all of our hearts :)

xoxoxoxoxx

love you pooh!

Going out of Town..

I will be out of town from Oct. 13 - Oct 15th..so if anyone needs tags or graphics during that time.. I will get to them when I get back home.

Yippppeeee-kiiii-yayyyyyy!!!!

:)

Oct. Pfatt Marketplace is Updated!!!!!!

come one..
come all..
step inside and take a gander..

Peek at My Page

Phoenix? Anyone?

Im traveling with the hubby to Phoenix next week and wondered if anyone in blogland wants to hook up for a day and shop??
Any good antique, craft, art, scrapping stores in the area that are a MUST see??
Hub will have meetings..so I am free to roam.
Have camera..will snap shots!
If anyone has any suggestions as to what to do/see/eat/visit/photograph while in the Phoenix/Tempe area.. I'd love to hear !!!
Let me know!

Home at Last...

ahhhhhh...
pardon the sand spilling out from my jean cuffs..
and the windblown hairstyle..
and my laid-back attitude..
but I've just returned from a week at the beach..and will need some time to re-adjust to 'life' :)

I figured by making a slideshow...it might be easier to post instead of allllll of those pictures...


We had a great time..the cool weather..the ocean surf..even waking up to the pitter-patter of raindrops on our RV roof was just heaven to my ears :)
I hope I can get the sand outta my head and buckle back down to work here soon..
someone shake me..
shake me hard.
:)

~~~~~

Thank you to Natalie and Arlene for identifying this yucky, gross bug!! :)
Its a "Jerusalem Cricket' or potato bug...
now I can go back to hiding under my covers ...

ewww