Back Again in the Buenos Aires NWR

Almost six years have passed since I was here apparently....I didn't think it had been that long!  The last visit: Link 

After doing chores in Ajo, AZ, it took about two and a half hours to get to the NWR. I transited the Tohono O'Odham Nation along the way.

By 3PM I had camp setup at one of the designated camping spots along FR227 within the NWR. 

There will be more pics of the above peak.  Known as Baboquivari and sacred to the Tohono O'Odham people.  I've previously camped much closer to the peak.

Much Warmer Days in the Ajo-Gila Bend Area

Sunday, February 22

It was 50°F when I woke around 6:30 AM on Sunday.  By 10 AM though, the temperature was above 65°F and things felt quite nice and warm under the strong sunshine and cloudless skies 

Sunrise:

Before lunch, it was almost 75°F and I rode Yagi, my Tw200, out to the nearby (4.5 miles from camp) site where the Air Force has the training aids set up for pilots practicing gun runs.

This is not to say the actual equipment is the target, it is actually in Area B which is the safe area. The actual impact area is across the highway and of course off limits to the public.

I'm guessing they're used as visual cueuing and also targeting practice in terms of identification of targets for pilots.

Some shots from Saturday's riding around Area B's Top Mountain, still not finding any other campers.

Hat Mountain 

Monday, February 23

The plan is to displace to a spot near Ajo tomorrow.  Chores to be done in town while passing through.

You can tell it's warm here during the day, using the awning to shield the VRRV, lounging in the shady side of the VRRV as the gazebo is too warm.

Found a sign detailing information on the BGAFR:

It's 84°F at 13:30 hrs as I write this.  It's quite warm in direct sunlight, otherwise quite comfortable in the shade.

Wating for Warmer Days at the BGAFR

Friday, February 20

Sunny but temperatures only reached low 60s.  Still, nice and warm when no breezes. 

Sunrise was not bad:

Hungout in the gazebo out of the mild wind but still enjoying the sunshine that filtered in through the mesh screens.  In the afternoon, a short ride to check for newly arrived neighbors....none to be seen within 2 miles!

My campsite from atop a

small hill next to access road

More Pareidolia....what do you see?

Dinner

Sunset was pretty good:

Boondocking Again in the Barry Goldwater AF Range.

I displaced from Kofa NWR a bit before 8 AM, the prospect of another day of windy conditions dictated the move along with increasing number of campers arriving.

Got propane and groceries along they to Gila Bend, AZ.  20 miles or so south, was the gate into Area B aka Saucedo Area.  I've camped here before, liking the fact it's not a destination for many.

By 2:30 PM, camp was setup.  I didn't use the usual spot, instead picked a more secluded spot almost a quarter mile straight distance from the main access road.

That's Hat Mountain in the distance 

Sunset was OK, no other campers seen within a one mile area after a quick ride around.