Tuesday, March 9, 2021

All Vaxed Up and Nowhere to Go

 

Scene from Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Cave Creek, AZ


So, we are going on almost two weeks since we got our second COVID vaccine. We had some reactions to both the first and second Moderna shots but survived the sore arm, chills, fever,            backache, and general malaise. Jim hit the jackpot and got "COVID arm", which is really a thing. We're glad it's over, but now what? 

With the assumption that we are now relatively safe, we've made several doctor/dentist/hair appointments that have been put off for far too long. It feels strange to get back out in the world and get near other people without fear of getting sick, even though we are still wearing masks. 

In the meantime we've been doing our usual hikes, bike rides, walking around town, and working with Fearless Kitty Rescue. Nothing much to say, so here are some photos.

The following are from a loop hike at Spur Cross Ranch. We've been checking out some different trails.

Looks like this saguaro is being smothered by its arms

As dry as it's been we were surprised to see any water in Cave Creek

Several years ago we saw lots of dragonflies here, but none this time



It's a lovely place for a hike


One day we hiked a new-to-us trail at Coon Bluff along the Salt River, about 25 miles from Fountain Hills. The bonus was after our hike we walked down near the river to see the wild horses that come there every afternoon.







A zoomed sneak peak at the horses from atop the bluff


We found a fairly easy way to get down off the bluff and took the low road back

It was a good hike. We'll definitely do it again.


And then the horses. There was a volunteer from the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group who told us a bit about the horses and warned about not getting too close. So of course we saw a man petting one while the woman he was with took photos. We were secretly hoping the horse would kick him, but no such luck.

It's a big herd



A little horse play. You can see how close people were getting to them.



Mark and Bobbie spent a few nights at McDowell Mountain campground on their way back north. We hiked, biked, and had a few beers with them. Always a fun time.

Resting at Jackass Junction on the Pemberton trail


Dispite the drought we found some blooming ocatillo at Adero Canyon a few days ago


And as always a few cat photos. This is the River family. Mama Ellie and her kittens Danube, Mosel, Rhone, and Rhine. She made pretty kittens, but none of them have her coloring. They are very friendly and will be adopted quickly.

Mom










We have a little road trip planned for next month so stay tuned. Really looking forward to some new scenery.





21 comments:

  1. Great title :-))) Bummer you had side effects but wonderful to have them done and getting you back into the world. Bill's second is on the first and hopefully he'll be side-effect-free as he was with the first dose. Gorgeous desert shots. LOL at that first Saquaro! Wonder what makes some grow so many more arms.

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    1. I too loved that multi-twisting arms Saquaro :) And wild horses, since owning several horses and riding with other horsewomen, we know that horses do dumb things and get hurt and need vet-care constantly, so it always amazes me that wild horses manage to live without humans.

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    2. The volunteer group monitors the horses and rescues sick or injured ones if need be. They also dart them with contraceptives to keep the population down.

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    3. Thanks, Jodee, it feels good being vaccinated. I'm getting my hair chopped off today after 5 months!
      I love saguaros, such fascinating plants.

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  2. Yay for full vaccinations (despite the side affects)! We're still waiting...Yavapai County seems to be lagging.

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    1. Hope you can get them soon! It is definitely a relief.

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  3. Can't believe you resisted a snarky comment with Mark at that junction.LOL
    Love the river family names. Glad you made it through the vaccine hoops. I'm just trying to get an appointment for my first one without success. Happy hiking!

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    1. Ha, ha. Yeah, I had a hard time resisting but held my tongue for once.
      Good luck getting the vaccine!

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  4. Nice to get out and about comfortably.

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    1. It really is a great feeling. Jim has gone a year without his guilty pleasure of a fountain Diet Cherry Coke Zero from 7/11. Now that he's fully vaccinated he came home from his doctor appointment yesterday with a Big Gulp in hand!

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  5. Good to hear from you. All vaxed up...lucky you! We get #2 March 30. We are forgoing our spring MH trip to fly east for awhile. Our daughter and SIL bought a new house last June that we haven't see, Kevin is moving back to Atlanta and just bought a great place, and we haven't seen my 89 year old mother in a year and half. So with the vaccination we can finally get together with family. Thanks for sharing the lovely saguaro. Nice to see you are finding new hikes. Can't wait to hear about your get away.

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    1. At least you've had your first shot. Your trip back east should be fun, getting to visit family again. We may be heading to PA this summer, too. Haven't been back to Erie in a long time.

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  6. I remember sitting by that same cement pond on a hike at Spur Cross Ranch a few years ago. It was a rainy day when we hiked it, with dark, dramatic clouds hanging low. Very enjoyable place....
    It was great to meet up with you guys again. How's the "forever" house hunt going? :)

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    1. Dramatic clouds always make for great images.
      No house hunting lately. We're out of ideas ;-)
      Enjoy your bachelor time in Moab and be careful out there!

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    2. I think we got here too early :( The forecast looked great when we left Az, but changed, of course, and turned Freaking cold and windy. Bobbie and I got in one 20 mile bike ride and one 7 mile hike before she headed home. Big storm headed for Colorado!!! 3 to 3 feet of snow on the east slope...a foot or two in Ouray. Oh well...

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    3. Bobbie planned that well leaving you when she did!

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  7. Glad you guys have your vaccinations behind you! It must be a relief, although I can't imagine feeling comfortable going without a mask in public places anytime soon. Or ever, LOL. We're still waiting for our vaccines...
    But meanwhile, we're having fun with our new kitty! :-)

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    1. No, the masks are here to stay for a long time, I'm afraid.
      I do miss living with cats, they are so entertaining!

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  8. Hi - Are you still riding your Virginia Ti?

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  9. Hi - was just reading your blogs - my name is Steve. I've been looking for a Virginia Ti and thought I'd take a chance and ask. Thanks for the response! You take great pics and tell a fine story.

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