Hello, and welcome to the February 2023 Newsletter. Spring is just around the corner now.

Thanks, everyone, for subscribing to and reading my monthly newsletters. If you're new or missed any editions, you can always catch up by visiting the Archive Page.

What's New With Us
Its been another enjoyable month of inexpensive off grid camping. Good thing, as diesel fuel is still highly priced!  We mostly spit our time between two free boondocking locations. First with a second 14 day boondocking stint back on the Ajo Scenic loop. Snagged another beautiful campsite under what we now call Snoopy Rock. :).
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After that we decided to go check out the birds at the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge south of Blythe, CA. We setup on a peaceful stretch of BLM land right across from the refuge visitor center. Big skies and distant mountain views.
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Unfortunately the ponds at the refuge were bone dry so birdlife was somewhat less than in previous visits. We did get to see a large flock of Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes and Yellow-Headed Black Birds but the waterfowl viewing like ducks, etc. was limited. 
 
Several coyote and hawk sightings though. :)
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To finish up the month our plan was to head north to Death Valley National Park in hopes of some spring wildflower viewing but the weather put that on hold for a bit. 
 
California and the whole southwest for that matter has had quite the unstable back half of February with lots of wind, cooler temps, some rain and snowfalls at the higher elevations. 
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So hunkered down at the Salton Sea State Rec Area for a few days until the weather improved. The Salton Sea with an elevation over 200 feet below sea level is one of the warmer parts of the southwest. 
 
It was also shielded from most of the strong westerly flowing winds by mountains. You can see them in the photo below with a touch of snow on their peaks.
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Yesterday the winds were calm so we continued northward towards Death Valley NP through the Mojave desert stopping at the Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark for an overnight stay. Run by the Bureau of Land Management they allow free camping on the pavement. Had the overflow parking are to ourselves.
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Today we were back on the road bright and early and completed the rest of the drive to Death Valley. Nice day for the drive, mostly sunny and puffy white clouds as recent rains evaporate quickly in the warming desert air.
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Below is a picture of our spot in the Sunset camping area at Furnace Creek. Dry camping is $14 a night at this camping area. They have a no generator area and so far only us and one other rig in it. Looking forward to exploring more of this remarkable park once again. This will be our 3rd visit but its huge and so much to see.
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The good news is the forecast temps for early March continue to be well below normal so will make for comfortable hiking and dry camping down in the valley. Stay tuned.
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Image of the Month
Perfect rainbow over us camped near Cibola Wildlife Refuge, Arizona
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Tip of the Month
When the RV is new it's a good idea to go around and takes photographs of all the important OEM labels to archive. Because, eventually they will peel off or become unreadable.
 
For example here are a pair on my now 12 year old trailer
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Thanks for taking time out of your day to check out the LYRV newsletter. 
Much appreciated!
Cheers, Ray
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"A flower blooming in the desert proves to the world that adversity, no matter how great, can be overcome." - Matshona Dhliwayo
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P.S.
Please bear with me as I've changed newsletter providers starting this month and will be a bit of a learning curve. The previous provider Mailchimp has kept increasing the monthly rate. Now well over 100 dollars. Most of the features I never use, so shopped around an found one called Flodesk that does what I need to for $38.
 
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