The Bloomin' Desert - Arizona

The Arizona desert is awash with droplets of color this spring because of the winter rains. The glad nomad came across some local color on the Painted Desert Trail at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge near Yuma. Note the yellow daisy-like flowers of the Brittlebrush, the smaller yellow flowers of the Creosote Bush, the pink splash of the Beavertail Cactus, the orange flames on the Ocotillo. Not to forget the Western Whiptail Lizard.

Goleta State Beach, Santa Barbara area north

This beach is only 10 minutes by bike on a bike path from our house. Surfing isn't great, but it happens occasionally. A slough, pronounced slue, comes in from our area and we can take out our kayaks depending on the tide. There's a great restaurant at the beach end of the pier aptly named Beachside. The University of California Santa Barbara is up the hill to the north. Students, local residents and visitors picnic, swim and play volleyball on this great stretch of beach. What a gift to have it and its wildlife, like this Great Blue Heron, as our neighbors.

Santa Barbara Zoo

The Glad Nomad and her partner live in Santa Barbara. We "winter" part of the year in Yuma, AZ. I posted so many blogs today because I was playing catch up after returning home. Santa Barbara, as most of you know, is well known for its Mediterranean climate. Today is the rainest we've had in our 11 weeks/11,000 mile trip from coast to coast and back. Hmmm, guess we need the wet stuff. Santa Barbara, similar to Santa Fe, deserves a series of blogs to cover some of its highlights. On this dreary day, the Glad Nomad will introduce you briefly to the Santa Barbara Zoo. Usually only large cities warrant zoos. Since SB defies the usual definition of "usual," there's a zoo...and a decent one at that. Here are a few critters you'll find ambling in this small animal oasis by the sea.

The Lushness of Tucson

Tucson has its own flavor. A desert oasis it experiences more rainfall than most in the Southwest. As a result, trees and plants flourish. Home of the saguaro cactus, there is much to engage the visitor in and around the city. Gratefully, the Glad Nomad has a few friends, one couple with whom she and her partner stay while in town. They live close to the mountains, so the photos were taken on a walk around their neighborhood. One of the highlights not to be missed is the Sonora Desert Museum to the west of the city. There you get a flavor of desert plant and wildlife.

El Morro, New Mexico

Another return visit was to El Morro, two hours from Albuquerque, about 1 hr. south of Gallup. We love the ambience of this area of New Mexico which honors the territory of the Navajos and is near Zuni land. There is also a wonderful wolf sanctuary not far from the El Morro National Historic Site. Friends told us about the El Morro RV Park and Campground. Small, but cozy, tent sites are $10/night. Last time we stayed in one their two comfortable cabins. The Ancient Way Cafe where you pay for the campground serves scrumptious breakfasts. We've missed it each time, but Fri and Sat nights they offer special dinners. A local group performs plays occasionally across the street and throw parties at times. The Cafe sells the work of local artists. Next door is a larger art and crafts store. Maqui and Standing Feather along with others are very welcoming. El Morro NHS offers an easy trail along a canyon wall to a pool used as an oasis by travelers crossing a girth of land with rare watering holes. There is also a primitive campground available near the Park. The area is well worth a visit.

Santa Fe Camping

Only a few miles from the city are two excellent camping alternatives: KOA and Rancheros de Santa Fe. The Glad Nomad has only used the latter campground. For $20/night, you receive an immaculate site, some with minor views, lots of privacy, water nearby. Our latest site had a metal shelter over the picnic table. Now that's luxury. A composting toilet is available close by. A few minutes walk will take you to the main bathrooms near the office where you'll find flush toilets, showers and a decent laundry. If you're inclined toward budget travel, these campgrounds are great. Yes, I'm budget conscious and also love to car camp. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Keep an eye out for big events. We just squeezed in before the Balloon Festival crowd in Albuquerque. This fun fiesta mainly catered to RVs using the campground, but the tent campsites can get scarfed up pretty quickly, too.

Santa Fe Diversity

Santa Fe is a very diverse city. Native Americans, Hispanics and "Gringoes" live side by side with equanimity. The art scene flourishes on Canyon Road and in the various museums, such as the Georgia O'Keefe Museum and the Indian museums on Museum Hill. The Native Americans sell their beautiful jewelry in front of the Governor's Palace in the downtown plaza. There are Buddhist centers as well as a lovely Cathedral downtown. Now you can catch the train to Albuquerque from the Santa Fe Railyard. Santa Fe's history is rich and continues today as the capital city seeks to keep the old traditions alive.