The holidays were over, and things quieted down for Aaron, Murphy, and me. Aaron still had a lot to do to get the new field office in Phoenix up and running, so we knew we had a lot more time to spend in the desert. He and I also discussed how much time we planned to spend in Arizona. We came to the conclusion that we will probably spend some time in the area each winter. We also researched the region’s population growth, increasing property values, and future business growth. We decided to start looking for an undeveloped piece of land that we could use to park the Airstream while we are there, and eventually sell as an investment.
We set up house at West Pinal County Campground again and began a property search. We spent several Saturdays and Sundays driving around Pinal and Maricopa counties to find the right property at the right price. Quite a few were inaccessible with our F-250 4×4 truck, so we knew we would not be able to get our camper onto the property.
We found 9 acres in the Sonoran Desert that fit our needs and wants. We started the ball rolling, hoping the seller would accept out offer.
In the meantime, I had another trip to Iowa planned for the end of January to assist my mom with recovery from knee replacement surgery. I was in Iowa for about a month, spending some quality time with my mom, taking my dad to a doctor’s appointment, and spending more quality time with my younger brother, nephew, and sister-in-law. I did not take many photos while I was there. We were busy with physical therapy and recovery. Once Mom was far enough in her recovery to have visitors, both her brothers came to stay with us for a few days. It was wonderful for her, and for me to get some extra time with my uncles. When those three siblings get together, there is always lots of laughter, great stories, and love. Unfortunately, they are not able to get together very often due to living so far apart. I am so grateful I was able to be a part of this.
The Burns Siblings-Cheryl, Darrell, and Steve
Once Mom was on the mend, it was time for me to fly back to Aaron and Murphy. After a cold month in Iowa, it was wonderful to feel the warm sunshine of Arizona. Things had been moving along with the property, and it was time to close the deal.
Once I got back to Arizona, Aaron, Murphy, and I spent a few more days at Pinal, and then it was time to move our rolling home onto our piece of the desert.
Our oldest son, Gage, who lives in Phoenix, went out to the property with Aaron and helped clear a driveway for us to use. Then, it was time to park the trailer and settle in.
As we explored the land, we noticed some fox and rabbit burrows. Of course, Aaron decided to set up a trail camera to see what critters we were sharing the desert with. We got pictures of a fox, a rabbit, and a coyote.
There were also quite a few kangaroo mice around, but we never could catch a good picture of one.
Of course, there were things left behind by others from who knows when. We cleaned some of it up, and will have more to collect and clean when we go back.
A rusty bucket
A party keg
An old Dr. Pepper bottle
We found several rusty old cans, including one that had not been opened. We decided not to open it, keeping its contents a mystery.
I have two favorite things about this property. One is that there is a saguaro cactus there. Native Americans view these as sacred beings, guardian spirits, and ancestors. They are beautiful, and I am honored to have two there.
The other thing I love about the property is all the rocks! Everywhere I walked, there was quartz. There are large and small stones scattered everywhere! We found more than enough to create a fire pit and to use as a border for Aaron’s cactus garden. We also found quite a few pieces of petrified wood scattered around. I started quite the rock collection.
These are a few of my favorite finds.
This is one example of the petrified wood we found. I did spend a lot of time collecting and cleaning rocks. It was fun, and gave me something to do since we were in one place for quite a while.
These are just a few pictures of rocks scattered everywhere. It was tough for me not to pick up everyone I saw. When we did leave, I left a considerable pile of rocks that I will revisit when we return. I hope to have some polishing tools by then, so I can pretty them up even more.
We had one day of rain. Aaron and I were excited! It had been a long, long time since we had seen, heard, or smelled rain! Also, since it rained, we could use our fire pit at least once. The property is covered in creosote bushes, and when it rains, they give off a not-so-pure scent. They have an almost chemical smell when wet. That was a new experience, the not-so-fresh smell of rain. The raindrops made a beautiful sight on our bedroom window during sunset.
I did a lot of sky watching and daydreaming while enjoying the views. Poor Aaron was working while Murphy and I played.
While we were there, Gage had to go out of town for work, so we got to have Lola stay with us for a week. She and Murphy were very excited. Lola had fun wandering around the desert with us.
We spent the last of February and the entire month of March on our small piece of the Sonoran Desert. I honestly think I did not post anything to this blog while we were there because, as much as I enjoyed being there and enjoyed the beauty and the rocks, I felt stagnant. We had been in the Phoenix area for a total of 4 months (3 for me since I spent a month in Iowa), and it was time to wander again. Plus, it was starting to warm up in the desert, and I do not mesh well with desert temps in the spring and summer.
Aaron needed to start heading towards Texas for the next new field office to get set up, so it was time to say goodbye to our Arizona landing pad until sometime this winter. It was moving day again! Watch out, New Mexico, we are headed your way next!
Wandering Cindi 
Loved reading this! Your time in Arizona sounds peaceful and full of simple joys — from rock collecting to family moments and desert critters. The saguaro cacti and petrified wood are such special finds. Wishing you safe travels to New Mexico and can’t wait to hear what’s next!
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Thank you!!!
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Thanks for this!
We’ve spent a winter in Arizona and enjoyed it, but you have to watch your elevation to stay in warm areas, right? I’m curious what part of the state you bought your land in, and how expensive the water rights might have been. Well, not exactly … just curious in general. Water is what stopped other friends from doing what you did.
We’re always looking for a winter spot, frankly, and always gathering info.
My husband is from Iowa. 🙂
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Thank you!
The property is west of Maricopa near Interstate 8, so it is quite a bit south. We did not have to purchase water rights separate from the land purchase. If we want water on the land, we can drill a well, but we haven’t decided if the expense would be worth it. We sourced our water from our son’s apartment with portable 3 and 5 gallon water jugs to refill our fresh tank. Our stay would have been a bit more difficult if we did not have a free water source.
My Iowa family will want to know if your husband is a Hawkeye fan or an Iowa State fan?
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Ah, close to Phoenix and your son – that makes sense! Thanks for explaining all of that.
My husband isn’t a big fan of Iowa sports, but, when he goes back to Cedar Falls, his friends are. I forget which team they root for. Frankly, it took me a while to figure it that people were saying UNI! I’m from the east coast, so if it’s not ACC I’m fairly lost.
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