We don’t call our RV lot at Cochise Terrace RV Resort “Home,” although we may consider it that way someday in the future. Still, it’s a place to park in the winter and we don’t have to pay rent, stay a limited time or checkout by a certain hour. And we’re starting to put down roots. We know most of our neighbors, and many of them heard about Don’s accident in July and were looking forward to seeing us again.
We had a few surprises upon our return. This Century Plant, or agave, which is actually a succulent rather than a cactus, grew a huge stalk while we were away! This means that the plant will soon die, as its 30+ year life (not really a century) comes to an end after the stalk and blooms are sprouted. The stalk grows very quickly, about 2 1/2 inches per day, up to 5-15 feet. This one looks like it’s reaching or maybe even exceeding that upper height!
Although I hate to lose the plant, it’s crowded between two prickly pear cacti, so I guess it’s time for it to go. Several other plants have obviously grown a lot in our absence, including this one that’s got a limited life, as well.
No, it’s not going to die on its own. It’s going to be forcibly removed! I think it’s a variety of prickly pear cactus, but it has tiny fuzz-like needles that brush off with only a slight touch, attach themselves to clothing and skin, and are very hard to remove. The plant has grown so large it’s hard to avoid walking near it, and we just don’t want it around anymore. So, a local handyman will be hired to do the deed soon.
The donkey-ear cactus also grew larger during our absence.
The little guys below were left for dead by deer munching on the plant above. Since this cactus doesn’t have any needles, it’s attractive to thirsty/hungry animals. I stuck the ears in the ground on either side of the flagpole, then rabbits almost finalized the death sentence last year. It was a pleasant surprise to see them thriving, putting out new ‘ears’ and growing larger in spite of their enemies!
Our RV lot is a comfortable place, with almost no upkeep. Our next-door neighbor stays here during the summer, and he very kindly keeps most of the big weeds under control on our lot so we don’t have to pay to have that job done. We try to bring him a nice gift as a thank-you – this time it was a Harley T-shirt from Cajun Country. Dutch is a 70-something Harley rider whose wife succumbed to cancer about 1 1/2 years ago, and now he’s working on finding a new wife.
We finished several large projects on our lot and shed during the past two winters, so now all we need to do is a little cleaning and rearranging, then sit back and enjoy it. So, enjoy it we will, but only for a short time. On our agenda are the following travels:
- New Year’s Eve at the Escapees North Ranch in Congress, AZ
- Arrive early for SKP Chapter 21 Winter Rally Jan 7-11 in Parker, AZ as we’re hosting the event and will have a few set-up tasks to do in advance
- Bluegrass Festival in Blythe, CA Jan 14-16
- SKP Happy Hour in Quartzsite, AZ Jan 19-20
- Serve as Volunteer Club Representatives (VCRs) at SKP SOLOs Annual Rally in Quartzsite, AZ Jan 20-27
- Drive to Beaverton, OR for Don’s niece Caren’s wedding Feb 12 (why not in April or May?)
- Find a relatively warm place in the PNW to hang out for about 2 1/2 months (less $$ and wear and tear than returning to AZ)
- Meet up with Dennis & Carol Hill and others in WA for a summer trip to Alaska, sometime in May
- Tour Alaska, going through Canada of course, Summer 2011
- Attend Escapade in Gillette, WY Aug 28 – Sept 2, 2011
- Visit Hart Ranch and do annual doctor visits, Sept 2011
- Return to Benson and maybe stay awhile, Oct 2011 - ?
Hopefully, next winter we’ll let the wheels rest longer and get re-acquainted with the neighbors and just enjoy our lot!
Love those southwest sunsets! And I love the flowers my Sweetie keeps me supplied with!
