Mad Gun Dogs

Lord Kadizzle is a hunter, and has owned a gun for many years, but there has to be a limit to gun insanity in this country. At 7 A.M. as Kadizzle strolled to the executive suite to make his morning call at the RV campsite, it sounded like a war over the hill. The gun nuts shoot up about three hundred dollars per hour of ammunition all day long. Once in a while you can hear a burst of machine gun fire. Every little pipsqueak with an inferiority complex has to have a gun. The number of people carrying guns or having them at their side is amazing around here. Using a gun to hunt or ever a little target practice is no great sin, but gun nuts are a whole different issue. These people believe the quickest solution to any problem is to shoot it. Talking to one of these loonies the other day Kadizzle informed him "Let me know if my generator bothers you". The gun nut said "If it bothers me I will shoot it". Kadizzle asked the man to at least give a warning. When you actually see these people you realize the extent of the problem. This gun nut said he had five thousand rounds of ammunition in his RV. When the brain on one of these nuts finally pops innocent people are shot. Yesterday a policeman here was killed when he stopped to gun dogs. The worst problem we suffer from guns is the NRA. This organization will not let anyone in a state like North Dakota who is not a gun nut. The net result is all we have for legislators is a bunch of fundamentalist gun nuts.

On a hike the other day we encountered a young guy picking up something. Asked what he was picking up he explained to us it was lead. This guy was out in the desert picking up two hundred pounds of lead a day. After he showed Kadizzle what the spent bullets looked like we notices it was everywhere. To think that these people have shot so much lead all over the place is amazing. One of the saddest things about the gun nut mentality is that they are the same kind of people who have absolutely no respect for the environment. If you doubt what Kadizzle says go into an area where gun nuts have been practicing. You will find shot up everything, broken glass, pop cans full of holes and a general mess. Go to their camp site and see a rural mini slum. A year ago we went to an area Northwest of Phoenix thinking it would be a good place to camp and hike. We turned around and left when we saw what gun nuts on ATVs had done to the area. Hundreds of acres were ruined by these people who fear their own shadow.

Adventure Team on Picketpost

Summit Team defeated

Ruth, Roger, Kadizzle, and Jasper Littlebottom shot up Picketpost mountain at top speed. The trail got steeper, and steeper, then straight up. The trail seemed to disappear. Since the team got a late start time for mistakes was limited. Finally we concluded we were on the wrong trail, but were we? Back at the mobile module research seem to indicate it was the correct trail. We had to go up the notch in the picture and it was just the steepest bolder climb one could imagine. We may have to go back early in the day and try again. Today Kadizzles legs are sore, and Littlebottom may be hiking on her own.

Rainy day in the desert

Jasper Littlebottom wants to go for a hike today, but rain may hamper that plan. When things do warm up the desert will pop. Yesterday we went up to Rim Rock AZ to sniff the house we are looking at one more time. Things looked pretty dismal, and our desire dropped. Rim Rock is on average at least five degrees colder. You would think it was the arctic talking to the old snow birds.

The Cheat

The Commander is critical of Kadizzle using the computer. The Commander claims Kadizzle will run the generator just to use the computer. The trick is to use the computer when the generator has to run anyway. Being on the Net while RVing takes some adjustment. First you need a good cell phone connection, then you have to have timing. The laptop will run for about an hour and a half on its own battery.

The Commander A.K. A. the cheat normally reads in the morning, but on the road her routine is different. This morning she nudged up against me in my computer spot and said just let me on for a minute. According to The Commander she was just going to check her gmail. Then she said "Just one more thing". Next she moved to the other side of the table and took the computer with her. Kadizzle felt like he had just had his pocket picked. Kadizzle was left with nothing but an empty table to read.

Commander takes Kadizzle on Forced March

Ruth, Rodger, The Commander, and Kadizzle had a nice hike today. Climbed up to some old gold mines fairly near Mesa. Smelled like urine in the mine. That must be what money smells like. A lot of mountain bikers were doing some pretty spectacular riding. Kadizzle took the shortcut back, and waited by the road for the rest of the gang. Perhaps another hike tomorrow. Today could not have had better weather.

This Tree will bite you.

The jumping cholla is the meanest tree on the planet. Last night The Commander sternly warned Kadizzle not to take a short cut across the desert to the bath house. When Kadizzle got close he was tempted. Kadizzle used his flashlight and gingerly stepped around the only Cholla he had to pass. Then bang, something bit him on the leg. Although his left leg was closest to the Cholla the bite was on his right leg. Sure enough it got him. How does a tree do this? The clever tree launches grenades in every direction with sharp barbs, very sharp barbs. With all the wind the other day the Choa sent a grenade to the small bush near by. Sure enough the Cholla outsmarted Kadizzle.

The Control Center for Operation Hooplehead

Here at Kadizzle Headquarters North of Mesa we will stay up all night to keep you up to date. This is the debut of The Commander's first video. The Commander has threaten to post pictures of Kadizzle in his underwear. However, even the internet has limits.

Our camping spot on the Salt River

This is where the Kadizzlac is parked on the Salt River. You can see the Verde coming in from the north. You can click on the picture to blow it up. We are parked almost exactly where the green tent symbol is.

Surfing on the Salt River

These two guys decided to try surfing while the Salt River was up. The Commander has been in a great quandary about how to dry out a compartment on our camper. Luckily these guys showed up with a catalytic heater they let us use. The heater was intended to warm them when they came out. When we need something by some miracle someone always shows up with it. Restores my faith in the faith I don't know if I have.

Me and You and Rain on the Roof

Life on the Salt River with the sun up is great. The Commander has been suffering great consternation because rain was driven into one camper compartment. The rain soaked a little carpet inside. The Commander, contrary to Kadizzle, thinks we MUST leave and get an electrical hook up to dry out the camper. Fortunately as we were packing to go Tom the camp host came by and convinced The Commander the camper would dry out naturally just fine. Yesterday we put new seals in the compartment.

So far the tourist for the flooded Salt River have diminished. Someone must have shut a couple dams and the river is almost back to normal. Yesterday there were a few brave boaters who came down the River.

Rain in the Desert

The Kadizzles do more to bring rain than the clouds. Almost every time the Kadizzles visit a desert it rains. The lunar module is sitting at the confluence of the Verde River and the Salt River. The Verde River is coming up fast and The Commander thinks we need to hook up and be ready to leave. The Commander is jumping around like she is nuts so Kadizzle must run. The rain stopped for a little bit, and The Commander is a little more calm. An old goat told me they informed everyone last night to hook up and be ready to go in ten minutes. There is still plenty of free board, but these desert streams can come up fast. Jasper Littlebottom is out taking pictures, and perhaps I can post some in a few minutes. Ok, Jasper got some pictures. This picture shows the river which is about 100 yards away from us.

Living Among the Lost Tribe

This morning we got a knock on the door from a fellow traveler. Yesterday the guy came roaring into the camp ground with his old motor home. First impressions are not always good. However the guy turned out to nice enough. The gentleman was delivering a note from another camper that left. During the conversation he said he had five thousand rounds of ammunition, and more guns than anybody. This must have come up as Cissie discussed the probability of his camper blowing up because of his massive propane storage. We are parked about two hundred feet away, so the explosion will be fun to watch if it happens. All that ammunition is of some concern, so we may move if a fire breaks out. For some strange reason he has equipped his camper with what he calls a drag racing engine. Why one would want to do that is a puzzle, but strangeness becomes normal around here. It is raining like crazy here and we are at the very point where the Verde River enters the Salt River. Ned up in Rimrock says a massive amount of water is coming right our way. We may have to make an emergency exit if the river comes up quickly. And that is the way it is on the Salt River.

Easy Ken

My old neighbor from Hazen lives in Mesa. Every time we visit Mesa we stop by to see Ken. Ken has a serious addiction to garage sales. On a weekend he may attend over two hundred. Tell Ken what you want and Ken will shop for it. Without fail when Kadizzle visits Ken he ends up buying things. On this visit Kadizzle ended up with an MP3 player, and a couple of two way radios. Kadizzle could live without this stuff, and it is the equivilant of impulse buying, but at Easy Ken's you can't resist. The Commander has Ken on the prowel constantly for items. We have acquired at bargain rates many useful items. How quickly things drop in price. Easy Ken sole Kadizzle a $350 GPS for $20.

Motorcycle Megan

Megan does some design work for a Motorcycle clothing manufacturer.

Kadizzle's Mortal Wound in cycle crash

About a week ago Kadizzle had the great cycle crash. In an attempt to recover Kadizzle put his right leg out and managed to tear the old ham string in his leg. Kadizzle had still managed to hike, but is considering amputation. Hiking without two hiking sticks is next to impossible. To make the whole matter worse Kadizzle tore something on the outside of the left knee hunting about two months ago. It may be necessary to cut off both legs and start over. It felt like a break in three places when the crash occurred. A smaller dirt bike would have been a blessing. The 650cc was just to big to stop once it decided to go over. Three great strokes of luck. First Cissie was not on the bike with Kadizzle at the time, Second, Kadizzle was going very slow, Third, just barely fell on the cactus.

Rain in the Desert

Rain in the desert is wonderful because it means things will quickly turn green, and may even bloom. Everything changes. The Commander and Lord Kadizzle have decided to spend another day at Usery Mountian Park north of Mesa. Having plug in electricity and a few other amenities is nice if you have to sit in the Earth Roamer. May be a good day to resupply and roam a shopping mall. Tomorrow we will have to move down to the Salt River for sure.

Endless Petroglyphs in the Agua Fria

Here is Ruth and Rodger and just a few of the thousands of petroglyphys. Yesterday we hiked about six miles after we drove over 18 miles of terrible roads. At the Squaw Creek site there is a cliff over a mile long with thousands of examples of rock art.

Bust out day, Load the wagon

Today the Kadizzles are busting out. Either the Agua Fria or Salt River. Weather is holding nice. Had a little eat out dinner for The Commander last night.

The Commander Has a Birthday, crowds gather

The supreme leader, She who must be obeyed, The Ruler of the Universe, The source of all joy and nourishment, The Sun God, has reached a milestone. The Commander is now Three score. For a short time both The Commander and Lord Kadizzle will be three score. Shortly Kadizzle will be three score and one. The Commander is now a happy grandmother which has added immensely to her kingdom. Supervising the raising of the newest member of royalty is another task for The Commander. As the Queendom gets bigger some pressure is added to Kadizzle, and some removed.

Kadizzle just asked The Commander to pose for a birthday picture. Kadizzle puzzled out loud "What can we have you wear?". Without thinking The Commander said "Nothing". Stay tuned you may get to see the original birthday suit with three score added.

Cinderella's Slippers

Space ship Kadizzle has been stuck in Rimrock waiting for the princess slippers to arrive. First the slippers were supposed to be shipped to Hazen, then to Evergreen, Colorado, now to Rimrock. So a week we wait for the glass slippers.

Solved Cactus Flat Tire Problem

One thing that will drive you nuts riding your bike around the desert are the sand spurs and other cactus that cause flat tires. Kadizzle put his mind to the problem and found a solution.

Kadizzle bites the Dust

Yesterday we went on Indian site exploration number two. Since we had to travel on 13 miles of the worst roads on the planet, the explorers decided motor cycles were the answer. Ned, was gracious enough to let us use his 650 dirt bike, and he took his other dirt bike. With The Commander behind Kadizzle on the bike wearing two back packs we could fly down the road at speeds unattainable by truck. The hiking poles sticking out of the pack would have been a lot of fun when the crash came. Kadizzle rarely rides a dirt bike, so he is not an expert. You could not have made these rock strewn trails any worse and still passable. The rocks were up to two feet in diameter. Successfully we reached two great sites. Luckily for The Commander she decided to hike past the worst part of the road on the way out. Kadizzle performed the perfect storm. Kadizzle managed to go too slow and stall the bike just as he was going over a big rock. The bike tumbled to a crash. Kadizzle tried to stop the bike from falling with his leg. This resulted in a terribly pulled ham string. Ned, yelled pick up the bike you woss. Kadizzle in his injured state could not lift with one leg. Once Ned, was convinced to pick up the bike Kadizzle managed to resume the ride. Kadizzle by the grace of God landed beside a big prickly pear catus.

First Hike of the Season

Today after some hard hiking we found the Indian site we were looking for. The amount of pot shards was amazing. Everywhere you looked there were pottery pieces. The site was at an ideal spot to protect the valley and hunt game. It was a pinch point.

North Dakota committed to Stone Age

The simple minded Republicans in North Dakota are licking their chops. None of them remembers the Bush disaster. What happens when Republicans have total control? The Republican dream is to cut taxes on the rich to zero, and the hell with the poor. Throw in a little guns, gays, and God jazz, and you got the mix just right. North Dakota is a welfare state. North Dakota get about two dollars back for every dollar it sends to the federal government. The Republicans in North Dakota like to pretend they are a successful breed. The Republicans did have the foresight to put some coal and oil under the state. That along with federal welfare have done wonders. More than anything the Republicans in North Dakota remind Kadizzle of the rooster that crows and thinks he made the sun come up. Once the Republicans have complete control of North Dakota it will be like sending your kid out with a BB gun at age four. All you have to do is wait for the report of a blinded child. God must have loved the simple minded, he made so many of them.

Back in our Old Spot

A five the Bigfoot backed into it's resting space beside sister Patty's house in Rimrock. So nice to be in 57 degree weather. Back in the arctic we just left it must be well below zero. Spent last night at old Villa Nuevo State Park in NM. A wonderful little park. When Kadizzle got up this morning and jumped out of the lunar rover he noticed a very large bird in the sky. Not, sure, but it may have been a California Condor. The guys at the park said they had not seen any there, but it is not that far from the Grand Canyon where there is a population.

The Ticklepinch in Action

Busting Out of Hazen

The Kadizzles busted out of Hazen yesterday. As we got closer to the Rockies it got warmer and less snow. The hotel clerk in Cheyenne said she meant no insult by assigning us a handicap room. The hole trip to Denver is predicated on a stop at the Sierra Trading Post. We get 50 catalogs a year from them. Always everything is 50 to 75% off. Doesn't seem to happen when you get to the store The starting point must have been 200% of normal retail. So we have to wander around that place with The Commander searching for a bargain. The Commander doesn't know what she needs, but will recognize it when she sees it. Later in the day we will make it up to Erin's to see the Ticklepinch which now is getting her first teeth.

The Brand New Mr. Me

There is an old country western song "There goes the brand new Mr. Me". The song is about a guy walking down the street and seeing his ex wife with her new husband. There goes the brand new Mr. Me he sings. In preparation for our trip south Kadizzle realized shaving with an electric clipper would not be that practical. So this morning it seemed like the best plan was to shave off some beard to get ready for the trip. Since Kadizzle had not seen for years who was under that mess, he decided to take a look. Now, enough beard is gone to last most of the trip. Of course The Commander says Kadizzle is uglier than ever.

Ten Angels Die

One of Kadizzle's favorite sayings was from Albert Einstein, " The world is not stranger than you think, it is stranger than you can think". Certainly someone alive in 1900 would not have been able to conceive of many things now taken for granite. "The Google", as my favorite nit wit George Bush would say, is full of infinite wonders. You can set up "The Google" to let you know when anything appears on the internet. One thing Kadizzle has asked "The Google" to let him know is when the word Hooplehead appears anywhere. By this process Kadizzle this morning ran across an article that quoted an ancient Egyptian Goddess “When someone farts, ten angels die.” Isis - Egyptian Goddess of Fertility and Friend to the Slaves. Based on this concept Kadizzle has killed up to forty or fifty angels at a time. Why angels are so prone to these magical gases Kadizzle has no clue. If an angel is watching over you it is critical you control yourself. Science is strange, to think that the odor one smells after breaking wind is actually what dead angels smell like makes one wonder about the purity of angels. One should keep in mind the Bible refers to the angel of death. Now, this all makes perfect sense.