Hualapai Mountains

Posted on September 13th, 2010 by Jean

On Friday Tom and I attended the annual Margarita Festival. One of our clients told Tom that when she googled “Laughlin Margarita”, up popped my blog from last year. Thus, the blog for our business was born! I’ll be posting stories of local events at Around The River Blogs, and thank all of you who have already checked it out.
 
Saturday we drove an hour east to the Hualapai Mountains. Temperatures were much cooler; 78 degrees compared to the 100s we’re still feeling at home.
 
One of our friends owns a cabin in the woods, and loaned us the keys. It felt more like a home, with large screen TVs, plush over-sized couches, a fireplace and pellet-stove, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a sauna. Roughing it? Not hardly!
 
We vowed to plan better and actually spend the night next time. I can picture us roasting marshmallows in the little fire pit out front.
 
After checking out the home, we hiked to the lodge about a mile up the road. We sat on the deck enjoying cold bottled water when a large, female elk caught Tom’s eye. She had just wandered into the parking lot, making herself at home next to a motorcycle. We heard her mew a few times, then just as quickly as she had arrived, she disappeared back into the forest.
 
On our hike back to the cabin, we stopped to sample some paddle cactus growing wild. Tom sliced it with his knife, and scooped out the contents. It has a watery consistency not unlike watermelon, but not sweet.
 

 
It was hard to say goodbye to our little mountain retreat. The girls were actually quite sad, so Tom pulled the car over on the way down the mountain and gathered some green acorns as souvenirs.
 
β€’ How was your weekend?
β€’ Do you ever get a surprise encounter with wildlife?
β€’ Would you eat a paddle cactus?

Jean photo B16123E10292F5D0137E3C112C0110E4_zpsa65858d2.png

62 Responses to "Hualapai Mountains"

  1. Sounds like fun! Now is that toward Oatman? Or the other side of that mountain range? I always have to know these things for some reason…hehe
    I wonder what the cow elk was looking for? Hmm, maybe her man was close by?
    I have one of those cactus in my back yard, but Ive never tried it! I do know that tortoises love the fruit of the blooms & actually post requests on Craigslist when in season. Im getting two babies, btw. Tortoises, that is.
    Lisa recently posted..Lord- Help Me Submit to the Pain

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    Jean Reply:

    Hi Lisa!
    It’s towards Kingman.
    We’d have loved to have seen the elk’s man! LOL!
    Yum – I’ll have to remember the tortoises like the blooms. I’ll spoil them next time.
    Awesome! Congrats on your two new babies! They make good pets. Low maintenance.

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  2. Thats right! You have some:)
    How about a tortoise update blog before they go to hibernate this winter! I would love to see how they have grown:)
    I just love them!
    Boog has one that he got when it was about the size of a half dollar & it’s now about the size of a small corn tortilla! He’s almost ready to move out into the yard!
    How are the horses? Did you end up keeping that third one???
    Tell Tom I want to come & ride them!
    I love that Arizona gives us these little retreats just a small ways from the desert! We sure need it!
    ex and oh’s!

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    Jean Reply:

    Sure, I’d love to do an update blog!
    Our babysitter caught the tortoises mating the other night. LOL! It’s our first time having a female tortoise. We’ve had the males for quite a while. They are getting BIG! Sounds like Boog’s is growing like a weed too.
    The horses are great. Chief and Shilo get lots of exercise. We did give away Mo about a month ago. Actually we gave him away a year ago, but boarded him for the past year for the new owner. Now he is at his new home.
    You’re welcome any time to come & ride.
    I love the get-aways too. πŸ˜€

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    Sedate Me Reply:

    Red hot turtle sex? Damn, I missed it! Please try to get it on video next time.

    One of the few things that still makes me laugh are animals (other than human animals) having sex. Actually, watching human animals having sex can be kind of funny too.

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    Jean Has Been Shopping Reply:

    I’ll try. They’re going into hibernation soon, so my opportunities to film them are dwindling.
    Jean Has Been Shopping recently posted..Hualapai Mountains

  3. What fun! I do hope you get to stay overnight next time. It seems like a magical place πŸ™‚

    Was the cactus good? Didn’t sound like something you’d have again.

    Thanks for sharing!!

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    Jean Reply:

    The cabin (house) was awesome, and the girls can’t wait to spend the night. They even found a little stash of crayons, and did some drawing. They drew the elk we had spotted earlier.
    The cactus wasn’t awful. I’ve seen them in the stores, and wonder how people prepare them. If I was thirsty, I’d eat one.

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  4. That looks like so much fun! What a pretty place!

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    Jean Reply:

    Thank you, Marian!
    I wonder if the “commentluv” feature would link to your hub pages?
    Jean recently posted..Hualapai Mountains

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    Sedate Me Reply:

    Yeah, what is that Comment Luv…some kind of poorly spelled, kinky, fetish?

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    Jean Has Been Shopping Reply:

    Ha! If you put in your website, it will link to your latest post.
    Jean Has Been Shopping recently posted..Hualapai Mountains

    Sedate Me Reply:

    Ah. So, if I ever get my own website, I can come here, post some shit and syphon off some of your traffic. Excellent idea for self promoters to take advantage of.

    Jean Reply:

    Exactly!

  5. Hay woman! I thank you for commenting.!

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    Jean Reply:

    Girl, I’m adding you to my blogroll so I can comment more often! Thanks for swinging by here too. xoxo

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  6. My weekend was a lazy one Jean. Nothing exciting. But still recovering from last weekend’s holiday to Key West. Your adventure looked fun. Next, time someones give you keys to a pimped out Lodge…you should take advantage of it for at least a night or two.
    2.) Yes, I’ve run into a few critters myself, but more Billy the Exterminator-esque like. I opened the the house door into the garage once to find a Racoon was trapped in our garage all night and was sitting in my son’s battery operated jeep right below the doorstoop, staring straight at me. Needless to say I sreamed like a lunatic and slammed the door shut. Your encounter was way more exciting and cooler!
    3.) Yeah, I’d probably try the paddle cactus but I’d find a way to make a paddle cacti Martini at some point.
    Sherri recently posted..Anonymous

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    Jean Reply:

    Paddle Cactus cocktail! You’re a genius! I’m so mixing something up next trip. 😎

    I’ll bet Key West was a blast! Lucky you & your beefcake boyfriend.

    Raccoon would scare the bejeebers out of me.

    Thanks for swinging back by, and for inspiring my next cocktail!

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  7. Now that’s what I call slumming it!
    What in the world would compel you to want to eat a cactus? Do they go good with Margaritas?
    Lisa recently posted..Omega J8005 Juicer updated Fri Aug 20 2010 8-34 am CDT

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    Jean Reply:

    LOL, Lisa. I’m gonna whip up a cacti margarita next time. πŸ™‚
    Hubby has tried cactus before, but the kids and I hadn’t. They sell them in the stores here…. minus the spines.

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  8. Wow, how much fun did you all have?? I can just see you smiling and dancing all over the place. What beautiful photos you have shared. You story really got me. I feel like going on a vacation…ditto what you have already done. I think you are very organized. 😎 Stay well and happy.

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    Jean Has Been Shopping Reply:

    Luisa, thanks! It was so much fun, we can hardly wait to return.
    I’m sure you will be on vacation soon. πŸ™‚
    Jean Has Been Shopping recently posted..Hualapai Mountains

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    Luisa Doraz Reply:

    My head is always on Vacation. LOL Hope all is well.

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    Jean Reply:

    LOL, Luisa! My head’s on vacation today. The girls are sick, and we’ve all been awake since 3am.
    Have a better day than we’re having.

  9. It seems you have had a lot of fun with family . The pictures are awesome. πŸ™‚
    Tasneem R recently posted..UGLY

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    Jean Has Been Shopping Reply:

    Thank you, Tasneem!
    I’ll be right over to check out “Ugly”. What an interesting title.
    Jean Has Been Shopping recently posted..Hualapai Mountains

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  10. Looks like a really nice weekend !
    5 yrs ago when me and Jayne were touring Vegas and then San Diego, our coach stopped between the two, for a couple of hours, at a farm market , that one was one of the best times on that trip…… why did I say that it has no relevance.. sorry, I’m off to try and slice & dice the cactus on the window sill. You take the needles out first, right ???
    all the best Gareth
    gareth recently posted..where has β€œadd to blogroll β€œgone

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    Jean Has Been Shopping Reply:

    Hmmm… Gareth, you’ve got me wondering where that delightful farmer’s market is! This is the first summer we haven’t taken the kids to San Diego.
    Yes, take out those needles first. LOL!
    Jean Has Been Shopping recently posted..Hualapai Mountains

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    gareth Reply:

    I’ll have a look at home I’m sure it was on highway 15 (yes yes I know that is big !!) it was after Calico and before S.Diego… I thought it was called Uncle Toms, but I’ll have a look at home … I miss San Diego, probably the best place I’ve travelled to .
    all the best Gareth
    gareth recently posted..3 yr old teenager ! Aaaarrrggghhhh !

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  11. Those prickly pear cactus are called Nopales by the Native Americans and are peeled, cooked, rinsed (because they get a bit slimy when cooked) and then chopped up and added to eggs, casseroles, salads, etc. I haven’t tried them yet, but they are on my list. The fruit is made into jellies, salad dressings and marmalades. Those cacti are like weeds where I live, spreading every spring.

    That cabin sounds like a fabulous getaway!!

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    Jean Has Been Shopping Reply:

    Kristen, you are a wealth of information! Thank you for this info. re: the prickly pear cactus. How awesome! Mmmm… I’ll bet that jelly is good!
    Thanks for stopping by. I can’t wait to hear how your cooking with cacti goes. πŸ™‚
    Jean Has Been Shopping recently posted..Hualapai Mountains

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  12. That looks like a GREAT retreat! I am getting so excited about seeing the mountains on my honeymoon. The cooler temps, the wildlife, the trails, and lots of lots of trees. What a lucky trip, and score on that cabin. Woot!
    Angelia Sims recently posted..No Date of Birth- No Travel for you!

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    Jean Reply:

    Angelia, your honeymoon is right around the corner! How exciting! You are going to have a wonderful time.

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  13. Your new blog design is very nice!

    [Reply]

    Jean Reply:

    Thank you, S. Le. I’ve gone to the dark side… wordpress dot org. πŸ™‚

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  14. Sound like fun! And definately a spot to plan a longer visit next time.
    thanks for stopping by my blog!
    Lynn recently posted..Do they listen

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    Jean Reply:

    Thank you, Lynn. I’ll definitely be visiting your blog again. πŸ™‚

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  15. Wow! It looks like you had a blast! One thing I miss about living in Arizona is being near the mountains.

    I would totally try paddle cactus. I’m sure it is an interesting treat.

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    Jean Reply:

    Hi Dev! I’m hearing good things about the paddle cactus, like their fruit is turned into jelly. I’ll have to check the local stores for that.
    I hope you are doing well. I am always admiring your Scentsy products!

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  16. How gorgeous! I didn’t realize you got elk in the mountains there. I’ve seen them in the Rocky Mountains near Estes Park, but didn’t realize they were that far south. Aren’t they just stunning? And I love their bugling call.

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    Jean Reply:

    Hi Kristin! Yes, we have elk and even black bears just a short distance from our home. The elk are so beautiful! Hubby said last time a calf was with a female elk. What a sight to see!
    Hope you are doing well. Swung by your site this a.m. to ogle your delicates. πŸ™‚

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  17. Love your stuff–the mountains and the cabin sound awesome!! Paddle cactus even sounds inviting! No chance encounters with wildlife……other than on the freeway and with my car. Keep up the great work-sitsa!
    ShaunellsHair recently posted..How to girls hairstyles – The Mohawk or The Tiara 7-10 min

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    Jean Reply:

    Hi Shaunell. Yipes – watch out for that wildlife on the freeway. πŸ™‚
    I love the tiara hairstyle you have on your site! Can’t wait til the girls get home from school so I can try it.

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  18. An elk with a VW Bug in the background – definitely not something you see everyday.
    Pop recently posted..Friday Flip-Offs- 9-17 Pop’s Edition

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    Jean Reply:

    Good eye, Pop!

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  19. my weekend wasn’t nearly as earthly nor refreshing as yours! i want to hug that elk!

    [Reply]

    Jean Reply:

    Liz, I’ll try to hug that elk for you if I see it again. Wish me luck!

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  20. I would love to get out in God’s country! Your pictures were beautiful. I LOVE cactus. πŸ™‚ I grew up in and near Mexico. Nopales is one of my favorite foods.
    Esther Irish recently posted..My Most Embarrassing Moment

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    Jean Reply:

    Hi Esther! Your blog is such a delight! What a wonderful find this morning.
    Thank you for the compliments. I had no idea what Nopales was, and just googled it. Had to LOL when pictures of the paddle cactus appeared!
    What is your favorite way to serve it?

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    Sedate Me Reply:

    It was ALL God’s country until us damn dirty apes got our stinking paws on it.

    I saw the great George Carlin before he died and to paraphrase what he said in his routine that night “Have you seen what we’ve done to this once beautiful country?…If there really was a God, he’d be busy smiting us ungrateful motherfuckers for shitting on his best work.”

    We most certainly have it coming. Before the white man came, (climate variations aside) the whole continent pretty much looked this beautiful. Now we drive from one 50 acre parking lot to another to fill our houses with shit we don’t need and can’t really afford.

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    Jean Reply:

    I should have seen George Carlin before he died, but that’s a whole ‘nuther Oprah.

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    Sedate Me Reply:

    I missed his final appearance in my town, (my date was PMSing) but the one I saw was amazing. All ages and all walks of life were in the crowd to see a 70 year old who was still sharp as a tack. The intelligence, observation, wordplay and the sheer level of comedy craftsmanship is just unmatched.

    While he had much funnier stuff and could’ve actually made this routine better than it was, “A Place For My Stuff” changed my world view.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvgN5gCuLac
    It blew apart every positive illusion I had about modern, suburban, consumerist, life. Modern houses became exactly what they are. They’re no longer homes for families to live in, but storage units for our shit, the pursuit of which controls our existence.

    But I digress.

  21. Not so sure about paddle cactus:) A mountain retreat sounds wonderful. This makes me want to book a vacation! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
    classycareergirl recently posted..Fall Work Fashion Picks

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    Jean Reply:

    Hi Classy Career Girl! I hope you get a vacation soon. It was my pleasure to stop by your blog, and thank you for visiting mine. I’ll be back!

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  22. Looks like a great time! Thanks for visiting during my SITS Day! Hello Kitty rocks!
    Diva recently posted..Bittersweet

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    Jean Reply:

    Hi Diva! It was my pleasure to visit your blog! What a thrill to have a SITS day. I’m still waiting, but I’m a newbie.
    Enjoy your weekend!

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  23. what an awesome getaway!
    Wendy (The Local Cook) recently posted..It’s Time to Get Serious

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    Jean Reply:

    Thank you, Wendy. What’s cooking today?

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  24. it sounds like you had a lot of fun.
    Nice
    Arts web show recently posted..Arts Web show ep 3- perform that review

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    Jean Reply:

    Thank you, Richard!
    I’ve been meaning to pop over and view Episode 3. Be there soon. I’m a bit short-handed at work.

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  25. Congrats on the new business blog, chica! And I LOVE the Friday flip off post! I had several last Friday – could have written the flip off bible on that one!

    [Reply]

    Jean Reply:

    Thank you, Heather!
    LOL @ the Flip Off bible. Hope next week is better. πŸ˜€

    [Reply]

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