FR 525 Cockcomb Camp area, Coconino National Forest, near Sedona AZ.

040235 Coconino National Forest. I made my way out of Cottonwood on highway 86A then left on to Forest Road 525. As soon as I headed up the road I could start to see the red rock canyon sides and snow capped mountains. I am southwest of Sedona, only about 20 miles further on 86A. Even though there is a line of caches all the way up the road, my focus is finding a place to camp. The Forest Service has designated the dispersed camping areas, there are signs making it clear where and where not to camp. The first one called Surprised was about ½ full with big rigs. Next off to the left was the Windmill, a small camping area and looked crowded.

I have heard about this area and many reviews about how bad the road and how crowded it can get. I started to get concerned, but the road was excellent so far, yes it was bumpy, but not bad. After a while, about 4 miles in, I turned into Cockscomb camping area and found a spot with a view between a school bus and a German Utility Vehicle. I considered going farther and looking at Greasy Spoon and Nolan, but as I got out to look at the space I was greeted by a neighbor from Germany and he was very welcoming and said that they shipped the rig from Germany, landing in Nova Scotia.

They made their way to Arizona hoping to get out of the cold. He laughed and said it’s cold here too. I asked if this is a good spot to camp for a couple days, He said yes, but there will be another vehicle with them later on. So I decided to stay there. After leveling and blocking my little van, I opened the side door and sat, taking in the view. Also the dark clouds that were moving over the distant ridge. Sure enough it started to rain.

About 1600, the weather cleared. I put out the solar panels and unloaded the Jaguarundi. I proceeded to ride up the road for about 3 miles, passing the final 2 camping areas. The rain came back but not hard, so I grabbed a few caches.

Soon, I was getting pretty cold, so I headed back to camp. Once in the Van with dry clothes, dinner was a salad and one of the ready to eat meals that I heated up in my little red pan. After dark it really starts to get cold. I figure that I’ll just layer up, no way I’m using that electric heater and drain my batteries. Fully jammyed, I lay under a sheet and blanket, it was cold. I wished I would have brought more blankets, then I realized I did bring my REI sleeping bag! I slept like a “Happy Camper”

040325 The next day it rained all morning. It Even snowed a little. I stayed inside and had a hearty breakfast and more coffee. But it cleared a little, so I jumped on the bike. It rained, it snowed, and it was kind of sunny at times. Conditions were fine for geocaching, but the wind while riding was cold. But I did go farther up the road.

Later on I decided to hike and leave the bike in the garage. I found myself on top of a nearby hill with a very nice view of the distant red rock mountain sides and Cockscomb camping area.

040425 Friday was still cold, but clear. I rode all the way the the cliffs, well as far as I could ride. Up a really rocky jeep road that ended with the view of the red rock canyons. Majestic!

Of course there was a cache there, but many muggles in these tour jeeps. I sure I got some strange looks, old guy with an ebike walking around a tree like he needs to take a piss, I say let them think what they will. At least I'm getting a smiley! I took my time and took a lot of photos.

By noon, I was back at the Van packing up for home. I decided to drive by next week's camping spot on the way home, glad I did.  Hilltop campground in Prescott National Forest, there is still snow on the ground but it would not stop me. The site I reserved was a tent sight, the parking was on a steep hill. No way I would be able to level the van. Besides, this is Arizona, I want to find a place a little warmer. I got home about 5pm and started planning my next trip.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground

040125 Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground is my RV park with hookups maiden voyage. I wanted to experience the whole connecting electrical and water and most importantly dumping the gray tank.

I arrived just after check in time and had no problem finding my spot. Backed in and leveled, connected the 30amp and city water. The 30 amp charges the batteries as you use it. The inverter detects the connection and the juice is routed to the AC service. Easy peasy.

What I didn't realize is the city water doesn't fill the tank. THe flow is diverted to the sink. The only way to get water in the tank is through the “gravity fill”. I noticed right away that everyone else had an inline filter, which I didn’t have. I was able to figure out these connections no problem. Soon after getting connected it started raining. I made some coffee and hunkered down and let it rain.

At about 1600 the sun came out, so I went for a walk on the nearby trail and found two geocaches, the second one has a view. By the time I got back it was time to make dinner and get settled for the night.

Next day I got up early and took a shower then cooked breakfast. Watched some Youtube videos and was ready to leave by 10am. On the way out, I stopped at the dump station. Pulled in behind a fifth wheel and was able to get coached as they dumped. I was able to drain the gray tank without incident. The only thing I didn’t have was a pair of gloves. Only took a few minutes, pulled out and went into the gift shop and bought some stickers, then headed for FR 525 in the Coconino National Forest, near Sedona.

Tuzigoot National Monument

040125 Virtual GC6845 placed in 2002 Although it was really windy, the walk up the structure was very pleasant and educational. Along this ½-mile (0.5 km) loop trail, you will find the remains of a 110-room pueblo, its oldest rooms built over 900 years ago. There is a entry fee, but I got in free with my America the Beautiful pass. It was nice break from the ride and I got a smiley. I browsed the gift shop and I bought a sticker. read more about Tuzigoot

Keel Boat Basic 101 - Lake Pleasant AZ

03/29 and 30/2005 Lake Pleasant There were only 3 people in the class, myself and a couple also from Sun City Wendy and Mark. Starting at 8am, we went to the classroom for an hour, then we went onboard a 22' Catalina. Captain Clint took us out teaching us all the way on the written and unwritten rules of entering and leaving a no wake zone. We rounded the final buoys and entered the lake proper. Mark and I raised the mainsail and unfurled the jib, then the next thing I knew Captain put me at the tiller and I was sailing!

We covered tacks and Jibe and all the points of sail, but mostly beam reach, close reach and close hauled. Captain Clint does not like down wind sailing. We took turns at the tiller and practiced tacking and working as a team. Probably had only 10 knots of wind, mostly from the south. But if you got the right balance of sail trim and heel, we could get moving about 6 or 7 knots. We learned that if the boat is heel a lot, which is uncomfortable, it is inefficient and will slow and stall. If there is no heel at all you are pretty much sitting still. As we practiced the points of sail, we learned to feel the boat and the sails getting in the right trim and moving smartly through the water. I was pretty nervous because I completely forgot my waterproof sound processor cover. I soon forgot all about it once we got going. We came in about 2pm and Captain Clint said be back here tomorrow at 8am, the wind will determine if we go out or take the written test.
The next day the wind was predicted to come up later in the morning, so we manned the classroom for the 100 question multi choice test. I missed 4 and only because I was not paying attention to stand off or give way. Anyway it was a passing score! Woohoo! By the time we got in the boat all the pressure was off. We each took turns leaving the dock and redocking, while Captain CLint told sea stories. I was last and it took me two attempts because I was listening to sea stories. After my successful docking, I took her all the way out, hoisted the main and unfurled to jib, but the wind was light from the south, so we crept out into the middle of the lake motor sailing. By about 1115, the wind came up enough to practice Man Overboard maneuvers.
The wind increased and Mark and I did circles around the island hazard completing all the points of sail, then Wendy took us in. Because we were going to a different spot on the dock, Captain Clint took her in by sail "show off" and we tied her up. Back in the classroom, we received our logbooks with Captain's Clint's signature. We will receive the official stamp in the mail.

I can't say the class was hard, it was pretty easy, but I learned a lot, mostly to just let the conditions move the boat, just guide it where and how you need.