OffBeat Pathfinder Basecamp

Let me just start by saying: if you haven’t tried eating a gas station burrito in the shade of a saguaro, while a javelina stares you down, you’re only half-living. Last Saturday I set out to discover some “secret hot springs” my cousin swore were “just a quick hike past the old ghost town.”

Two hours, six jackrabbits, and one very suspicious cluster of “UFO watch” signs later, I found myself ankle-deep in a creek that smelled like someone’s sunscreen exploded. A sunburned German tourist asked if I was “the ghost tour guide.” I nodded yes and made up a story about Billy the Kid hiding gold in an outhouse (she believed me, bless her).

The highlight? A retired Elvis impersonator in flip-flops, carrying a folding chair, told me to “never trust a cactus with two arms.” Still don’t know what that means.

Only in Arizona, folks. Has anyone else here ever gotten lost trying to find something “offbeat” and found something even weirder instead?

tags: Arizona, Offbeat, Ghost Towns, Weird Encounters, Roadtrip, UFOs

THIS IS WHAT I HEARD

roadhound42

So, I just learned that a javelina isn't a female javelin.

Here I was, picturing a dainty spear with a bow, gracefully soaring through the air. Instead, it's a desert-dwelling, pig-like creature with tusks and a penchant for prickly pears.

Turns out, javelinas are not pigs but peccaries—native to the Americas and known for their strong musk and social "squadrons." Who knew?

Moral of the story: Always double-check before assuming a javelina is ready for the Olympics.

Javelina? Well, I thought I knew most things that swim, fly, or crawl here in the States, at least but I can honestly say I have never heard of a Javelina. I guess I need to go explore the back country of Arizona.

Ok be honest folks Did you know what a Javelina was.

Blaze Out.