All the Pretty Horses

 

 We really enjoyed watching the wild horses.  They know where to eat and drink and find shade.  They always looked so much happier than the ones penned up in small fields waiting for their owners to throw them some hay.  The wild ones always have something to graze but the "tame" ones have nothing left to graze on in their fenced yards.  

The weather was very nice in Clay Springs most of the summer.    Temps were mostly in the 80's which is very nice for a summer in Arizona.  When we left Clay Springs we stopped for a few days in Williams by the Grand Canyon.  The temps were nice in Williams.  It would be a nice place to stay in the summer.  Lots of 4wheeling to do in the area and you can go all the way to the Grand Canyon if you want.

We are in Quartzsite now and its in the 90's and mid 70's at night so a little too warm.  We have been out gold prospecting and have found a little so that keeps us motivated.  Not many people here, its too early for snow birds.  Our entertainment is going to the Dairy Queen and people watch.  Its a truck stop and also has a Subway so its a hub of activity.  Its probably the busiest place in Quartzsite this time of year.  

 

Northeast of Clay Springs

 Once the monsoon rains came the whole forest greened up and flowers of every kind were blooming.  Lots of Orange Mallow flowers and lots of different yellows, reds, purples.  Everyone said it was the greenest and prettiest it's been in years.  One old timer from the area said "It's so green it hurts your eyes".   All of the critters are happy with so much to eat and lots of water holes full of water.  

This pronghorn was all by himself.  Earlier in the year we saw two of them together all the time.  Not sure what to make of him being all alone.  

We said goodbye to Clay Springs and are on our way to Quartzsite for a month of gold mining.  It's still hot there so we will only be able to go out early in the mornings for a short time.  We spent a few days in Williams, Arizona by the Grand Canyon.  Friends were staying there so we stopped and visited with them.  It is nice and cool most of the summer in Williams, like Clay Springs, because of the altitude.  

We are now in Kingman, Arizona for a few days starting to adjust to the heat.  We love the Kingman Airport Cafe for breakfast so we had to get at least one breakfast while we are here.  

Alpine Area

 We took advantage of having a loaner car while our truck was in the shop and took a day trip.  We went to Alpine, Az.  Alpine is a small town - very small -- with a few RV parks and a cafe, a few cabins and summer cottages.  It's at 8000 feet so its nice and cool in the summer.  We thought we would check it out as a possible summer getaway place.  We decided it was a little too remote but it was a very pretty area.

We went a little farther - almost to the New Mexico border and found a pretty lake.  You can see the egrets and herons fishing in it.  We saw quite a few folks fishing along shore and from boats and canoes.   We stopped at another small reservoir and I got pictures of this hummingbird moth.  I've never seen one with so much color to it.