Finally an update

Well, we've procrastinated long enough -- its high time to post what's been happening with us over the past 6-8 months. So here is a recap of our happenings, adventures, and wanderings since our last post while we were at the Flying X in Texas:


*  We spent an enjoyable fall volunteering at Bacones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge near our kid's place in central Texas.  We headed back to Yuma in late October to begin our 8th winter there.  


*  Shortly after arriving in Yuma we had the opportunity to finally purchase a lot in the Los Amigos community, where we've been renting for the past 6 years.  When all the smoke cleared after the purchase, we decided to rent out the lot we'd purchased, and to stay on the lot we've been renting -- I know it sounds bass-ackwards, but it works for us.  Our good friends Wayne and Teena will be taking good care of our lot next season.

*  We spent another wonderful winter cycling and spending quality time with our Yuma friends.  We got back into cycling shape riding with the Foothills Bicycle Club, and managed to get in several metric centuries (100km), as well as a "genuine" century (100 miles) -- of course we went to lots of potlucks, parties, and some full-moon gatherings in the Gila Mountains.  We didn't do any cruises or take any longer bike trips as we had in previous years, but we did find time to do a Christmas trip to Laughlin, as well as return there for a bike/hike trip in March -- and also accomplishing our second ride up to the mining town of Oatman.

                             The hardy group that rode to Oatman


*  During the winter, we decided to return to the Black Hills for Summer 2011, to work at the Spearfish City Campground.  Its the same place we stayed last summer when we volunteered at the D.C. Booth Hatchery, but this time we'd be doing camp hosting (and getting paid!).  We'll be working at the campground with our friends, Fred and Kathleen, but will also be right next to our friends who are returning to the hatchery.  We'll also be able to take advantage of the great bike riding up Spearfish Canyon.


*  We left Yuma in mid-April, heading for Texas to spend some time with our family there, and to get in a few weeks of volunteer time at Balcones Canyonlands NWR.  We had a few medical items to take care of in Austin and Houston, and our stay in Texas was very enjoyable -- particularly getting to spend time with our sons and their families. We realized that its important for us to try to spend more time with our grandkids as they are growing up, and to be there for their birthdays and soccer games and other family activities -- so, It looks like we'll try to spend time each spring and fall there for the foreseeable future, staying and volunteering at BCNWR, which is only about 15 miles from their place.  This will allow us to see them often, participate in their activities, but still have some work to do and a place to park the motorhome.


*  In mid-May we arrived back in the Black Hills, after a quick stop in Denver to see relatives, and got settled in at the Spearfish City Campground.  We work here about 30 hours per week and have a beautiful campsite with all the amenities - including our own cable TV/ modem connection (great for keeping up with the Tour de France).  We plan on staying here through the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August, and will hit the road, heading for Texas after Labor Day.


Not much else is new -- the motorhome is running great, and the car is holding together for another season.  We did purchase a new tire pressure monitoring system (TireTracker) before we left Yuma, which has performed flawlessly on our trip north.  Our son Brian scored a Verizon 4G MiFi for us which we will activate as we leave here, so we've taken an additional step in internet communications ability.  We also recently upgraded our phones to HTC Android ones, also on the VZ network.  We're still sorting out all their capabilities and downloading all sorts of apps, but we'll get the hang of it pretty soon.  If nothing else, we'll wait until we get to Texas and let the boys sort it out for us.


That's about all for now -- I'm sure we've forgotten something, but I guess that's what happens when you wait this long to put it down in writing.  We'll try to be better on our blog updates after this absence -- maybe even try to update them directly from our phones, now that that's an option.

                             Relaxing on our deck at Spearfish

We're still around

I guess you can say that we took a bit of a break from blogging over the past six months -- but we plan to get back to it soon.  We're spending the winter in Yuma again this year, and enjoying it as usual.  We'll post pictures and details soon.  Check back soon.

At the Flying X

On Sunday we finally arrived at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge for our volunteer assignment.  We’ll be here for the next two months, and although we’re just learning about the Refuge, we wanted to share our home at the Flying X Ranch.
As background, BCNWR was established in 1992 to protect the habitat of two endangered bird species – the Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo.  It is made up of a number of tracts of land which have been purchased since the refuge was established.  It currently contains approximately 20,000 acres, but its potential size (based on additional purchases) could approach 70,000 acres.
One of the earlier acquisitions of the Refuge was the 2000 acre Flying X Ranch, located just off FM 1184 approximately 10 miles south of Bertram, Texas (see map).  From what we understand, it was originally acquired and built in the late 1960’s as a “Hill Country residence” by a family from Houston, and even included their own private airstrip.  The main ranch house is approximately 4500 square feet and, although dated, is still in pretty good shape, and is used by researchers and other visitors to the refuge.  It is located on the crest of a fairly significant ridge, and the 360 degree views of the Hill Country are awesome.
Our RV pad is located adjacent to the house, and we have access to all the facilities in the house.  The only downsides are that the wind blows a bit up here (but that’s pretty welcome given the almost 100 degree heat), and that its about 20 miles from here to the Refuge headquarters.  However, we have a been assigned a 4WD Blazer to use for all of our volunteer activities, so the Interior Department is taking care of our commute.
The other big advantage of this location is that its only about 20 miles south of our kids (and grandkids) in Liberty Hill.  Since we only have to work 3 days a week, we’ll be able to spend plenty of time with our family.
Enough narrative – here are some pictures of our place (double-click on any of them to enlarge) :




The entrance gate to the Ranch
























 The ranch house, our Phaeton, and Texas skies











Hill Country views from the patio looking south












We’ve even got our own weather station
(station MTS899 on weatherunderground.com)






















We’ll be posting more pictures of our family and the refuge as soon as we get settled in.