Those muffin tin meatloaves were filled with peach mango salsa under that cheese. I got to go to the Yuma Territorial Prison State Park during the gathering of the gunfighters, a once a year event in the Yuma area.This prison was really an eye opener. I wouldn't have wanted to spend much time here in the 1870s.

I have also been visiting more wildlife refuges. Finally got a better look at a roadrunner along with other species of birds.Will carry on and try to update more often.

While staying at the Crossroads BLM campground, I noticed the remnant of an old building and decided to investigate further. This area was known as Crossroads, California in the 1930s.

What a tale these walls could tell. Lots of walking and some biking. Took a trip to see the ghost town of Swansea. They found silver and when it ran out they mined copper until the bottom fell out of the market after the first world war.

Even Denny couldn't resurrect this relic.

Then encountered some snow in the desert. Lake Havasu City even got snow (elevation 545 ft) for the first time in 27 years.

New Year's Eve was a quiet affair, but some of the locals had their own fireworks. I tried something new with my venison, added some spices and a package of stovetop stuffing. It worked out great!

Let's see what the New Year will bring.

Christmas Eve I moved on to Parker, AZ and the Parker Dam,  Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Museum, the ghost town Swansea and other adventures.

Met my first feral donkeys, called Burros. They have been spoiled here.

My First Burro

Trying to hide behind the verge. 1

 Staying at a BLM campground where it only costs $2.50 per night, compared to $30 and up at state and private campgrounds, although there are no hookups for electricity or water. I made a quick visit to the refuge to get maps and brochures to help plan my exploration of this unique ecological area. I’m adding new birds to my life list almost daily.

Boxing day, I took another stroll into the hills to try to work off the aforementioned feast. It provided me with quite a view of the surrounding area and interesting terrain. I called this area Arizona’s Mt. Suribachi. 

Whoever placed this also added a solar powered light so it is lit at night as well.

I only went about 4-5 miles but it was sunny and pleasant, if somewhat cool. 

The high was 54F and the low 33F. It cooled off quickly as the sun started setting.

I took several treks up onto this higher ground and it provided me with some interesting vistas and interactions with the burros.

Losing power, so more to come soon.