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Dispatches from the Desert 5

Quartzite, ArizonaJanuary 17, 2023 What I’ve realized over the past couple of days is that the hobos are out here; here in the desert washes, camped among the rocks and desert bushes, they just aren’t all at the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous. They are mixed in with the other boondockers, hidden in rigs that are subtlyContinue reading “Dispatches from the Desert 5”

The AR-15

The AR-15 has been much in the news lately. A few months ago it was seen as a pin replacing the American flag on the lapels of Republicans in Congress. This time it’s news following a tragic shooting in Nashville. These weapons have become a cultural icon in conservative circles, rationalized and lately marketed asContinue reading “The AR-15”

Before Waco

The scene at Ruby Ridge Trump held his latest official rally Saturday, March 25, 2023 in Waco Texas, site of the standoff between the FBI and the Branch Dividian religious group. It ended badly. At the end the scene was as from one of the many wars fought by our military in my lifetime —Continue reading “Before Waco”

Dispatches from the Desert 4

Quartzite, ArizonaSaturday, January 14, 2023 I’m camped at Hi Jolly BLM distributed camping area two miles north of town. That’s Boondocking regardless of what the spell checker says. Hi Jolly is one of half a dozen boondocking areas in the Quartzite area. The experience is altogether different from staying in a commercial, overnight campground. PeopleContinue reading “Dispatches from the Desert 4”

Dispatches from the Desert 3

Quartzite ArizonaJanuary 13, 2023 Today was the first day of the RTR or Rubber Tramp Rendezvous for everyone. Last week was the Women’s RTR addressing women issues. There were a good many single women. More than I expected. Probably holdovers from last week .As I arrived about 10:40, Bob Willis was giving an orientation talkContinue reading “Dispatches from the Desert 3”

Arizona

Dispatch 2Quartzite, Arizona Jan 12, 2023 I arrived in the area yesterday afternoon and stayed in a boon-dockers camp about 7 miles from town. All was quiet. I stopped by a nearby rig to ask about the wind direction. The carpet was out, the table set up and martinis were in hand. That simple inquiryContinue reading “Arizona”

Dispatches from the Desert

Dispatch no. 1 — The Big Rock Candy Mountains January 9, 2023 As I approach Cabbage HiIl, running along in overdrive, a new yellow Peterbilt pulling a 53’ van passes me in the rain. I switch on the fog light as soon as he’s past and keep it on until he’s far enough ahead thatContinue reading

Chapter 16 – The Dogs of War

“So you didn’t go to Angola. Are you about to tell me another adventure story, another sad ending?” “No. No, I didn’t become a mercenary. But my life had been pretty tame since the army. I didn’t mind the chaos of the next couple of years. “There’s more chaos? What you just told me soundsContinue reading “Chapter 16 – The Dogs of War”

Chapter 15 Water, Whiskey & War

Water Agnes took yet another sip of wine. “So you found your way up the mountain after you got home from California and your bus was parked in a new place and Susan was there waiting for you. That was after the movie at the Hotel Universe or before. I’m confused. You told me aboutContinue reading “Chapter 15 Water, Whiskey & War”