The Other Side of the Mountain

Our campground is surrounded by many mountain ranges, one of them being the Huachuca’s in Huachuca City, home of the Huachuca Army Base which is about 25 minutes from the campground. The military has a weather/technical balloon that can be seen for many, many miles, unless the weather warrants otherwise. So while you are wandering around on unfamiliar roads, it’s assuring to look up and see the balloon to help in your navigation.

Our destination on this day is to visit Parker Lake Canyon. After reviewing the directions we are pretty sure we know the general vicinity. It will take us out through wine country, through the hills and valleys on the backroads. Our kind of ride. After about 40-45 minutes we look up in the sky and can’t figure out what we are looking at. As we drive and get shielded from the sun we realize as we get closer to Parker Lake Canyon that the object in the sky is the weather balloon from Fort Huachuca. It seems we traveled this distance to find out it’s just on the other side of the mountain! We must have missed something when we were looking at the directions. Once we got to Parker Lake Canyon we realized we hadn’t gotten the wrong directions…this is how you get there. It appears there is another way to get there but it is a “limited access” road on base. Oh well, it was a gorgeous drive passing huge houses, or probably more like gentlemen ranches, vineyards, grazing cattle and many hills and valleys. And at last we are at Parker Lake Canyon.

 

I will say there was a little bit of a disappointment. The drought has not been kind to this lake as much of it has receded and looks like it has not seen a decent rain falls in many months. It is a nice park with a trail that goes around the lake, a small marina and many other offshoot trails. We walked for awhile and Baxter was more than willing to chase the ducks is given the chance.

 

Having stretched our legs and taken in the fresh air we decided to head back home, possibly finding a closer route going the other way. That proved to a useless endeavor and ended up on the same route home. I really didn’t mind. I wasn’t driving and I could look at all the gorgeous scenery. Our pilot got us home safe and sound as he always does.

 

I sure hope you are able to find some ways of getting out doors and finding a way to free your mind from all the stuff going on these days. We need to keep our minds, as well as our bodies, healthy and what better way to do it than to explore the great unknown. So get up, get out, and don’t forget to look up, it’s amazing up

there.

  

        

   

            

Wonders of the Underworld

Every year we have come to Arizona we mention to each other that we should tour the Kartchner Caverns. It’s never too far away. Looking for new places to explore and things to see we decided this year to go. But of course because of the so called pandemic overtaking our country, there were limitations in regards to the tours. Only 6 people allowed in each tour to allow for social distancing, and because of the small groups they were booked up weeks in advance. Luckily we got our names on the list, paid and got reservations a few weeks later.

 

We arrived not knowing what to expect. The first disappointment was there was absolutely no photography of any sort. No cameras, phones, backpacks, purses, etc. allowed inside the caverns. So needless to say I have no photos to share but I will include the link to the website where you will be able to see a few photos and find out more about this young fascinating cavern. Once inside on the tour, it was totally understandable why so many strict regulations.

 

Our guide told us the history, pointed out the many outstanding features and explained why the bats in the caves were so important. It has a humidity of 99% and a temperature of about 74 degrees, therefore, a very fragile atmosphere. The area we entered was lighted only as we approached and turned off when we left. 

 

I have been to other caverns and caves but have never been to one quite like this one. If ever you are in this part of Arizona it is definitely worth making a visit here and experience it for yourself.

Every year we have come to Arizona we mention to each other that we should tour the Kartchner Caverns. It’s never too far away. Looking for new places to explore and things to see we decided this year to go. But of course because of the so called pandemic overtaking our country, there were limitations in regards to the tours. Only 6 people allowed in each tour to allow for social distancing, and because of the small groups they were booked up weeks in advance. Luckily we got our names on the list, paid and got reservations a few weeks later.

 

We arrived not knowing what to expect. The first disappointment was there was absolutely no photography of any sort. No cameras, phones, backpacks, purses, etc. allowed inside the caverns. So needless to say I have no photos to share but I will include the link to the website where you will be able to see a few photos and find out more about this young fascinating cavern. Once inside on the tour it was totally understandable why so many strict regulations.

 

Our guide told us the history, pointed out the many outstanding features and explained why the bats in the caves were so important. It has a humidity of 99% and a temperature of about 74 degrees therefore a very fragile atmosphere. The area we entered was lighted only as we approached and turned off when we left. 

 

I have been to other caverns and caves but have never been to one quite like this one. If ever you are in the part of Arizona it is definitely worth making a visit here and experience it for yourself.

  

https://azstateparks.com/kartchner/

 

Ever Been to a Ghost Town?

Ghost towns sound scary, don’t they? They may be but they are so intriguing. The west seems to be riddled with them and we jump at the chance to visit them when the opportunity arises. One such ghost town happens to be about 5 miles down the road from us….Fairbanks. I have attached the link about Fairbanks if you are interested in knowing more.

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-fairbank/

 

It was a perfect day for a hike. Gathered all our stuff and we were off. The last time we hiked this we noticed trails going off in different directions but stayed on our trail. This year we took the other trail.  Comparing our walk this year with the one a couple of years ago made us realize how the drought is affecting the surrounding areas. Everything was so dry and brittle and no water in the river (wash), and obviously a lack of wildlife.  Speaking of wildlife, we saw our first Kudamundi, but it was too fast for me to get a picture.

 

We hiked about 5 miles that day, taking us past the wash, cemetery, open fields and then circling back into the town. The post office was a functioning entity until the 1970’s but the general store remained open until the 80’s. The buildings are still in good condition and the town has become part of the San Pedro Riparian Conservation.

 

Each hike or exploration we take continues to amaze me as to all the wonders out there. And of course, you know I am looking up because it is amazing up there.

 

 

Jeepers Creepers

One of the biggest advantages of this lifestyle is the people you meet along the way, and if you are fortunate enough, you will become friends with some. That is the case of Deb West. She was a workamper in Crystal River, FL with us last winter.  As luck would have it, she is staying in Benson, AZ this winter, which is about 30 miles from us.  We have had the pleasure of meeting up with her several times so far and plan on a few more times before we go our separate ways. I admire this gal so much for the guts and fortitude she displays. When  I grow up I want to be just like her. And of course her sense of humor and personality are an added benefit.  

Deb and friends at her park we’re going  “jeeping” and she asked if we wanted to ride along for an adventure.  Are you kidding? We are always ready for a fun day! Our friends here at the park had a jeep also, so they went with us. Rob rode with

them and I rode with Deb.

 

It was an adventure that I won’t soon forget. It took us places I didn’t think a  vehicle of any sort should go through. Aside from coming a little close to some thorny cacti, boulders that were too close for comfort, and clouds of dust surrounding us, it was smooth sailing. I may have been the co-pilot on this trip but Deb handled this challenge like a pro. Thanks to her expertise, we made it back to civilization without any regrets. 

 

If you are a jeep owner, or ATV, there are unlimited adventures waiting for you.  Go out and see the wonders of this great country. And while you are out there, look up, it’s amazing out there.

My awesome pilot.

A Revisit to Whitewater Draw

The White Water Draw Wildlife Area is a known migration area for the Sandhill Crane. I’m not just talking a flyover, spend the night and continue on its journey. This is home to 10,000+ sandhill cranes from November-February. Do you have any idea how much noise that many cranes make? Wow, what a sound. What used to be a cattle ranch is now a low lying field that collects water and is excellent refuge for the cranes and hundreds of other species.

It’s fascinating to watch them as they soar into the sky like a huge kite tugging on the end of a kite string, swaying to and fro. They defy the wind and circle around until they find just the right spot to land and then dive down with precise accuracy.

 

This area near McNeal, AZ is a protected area as it provides shelter for many other fowl, including nesting owls and bats. The low lying area allows the sandhill cranes to stand in the grass and water at night  protected them from nocturnal animals of prey. At sunrise they fly out into neighboring areas and look for food. A few hours before sunset the skies will begin to darken as they return from their hunt and prepare for rest.

 

This is our second visit here and it was just as exciting as the first time we were here. There are walking paths around the fields and water to give you opportunities to see them more closely and to observe the other waterfowl.

 

This is one of those things you just have got to see to believe. When you are in SE Arizona be sure to make this one of your stops. You won’t be disappointed. If you can’t make it there then look around where you are and see what nature has to offer.  It’s so beautiful out there. And what better place to be during the madness we are in right now. And while you are out there, look up, it’s amazing out there!

Home Is Where You Park It

 The road from Deming, NM to Huachuca City, AZ isn’t that far of a drive but it sure seemed like it rolling down the highway. Guess maybe we were just a little anxious to be in one place for awhile; ready to set up house and bring out all our “stuff”.  We got in relatively early in the day and by the next day had hung out our “Home Sweet Home” shingle out. The park sites are quite spacious with great views. Because of Covid19 many of the amenities have been either closed, removed or limited. Luckily we enjoy our own little world so “social distancing” (which they are requiring) isn’t a real problem.

Full time RV friends, Kay & Jeff (we met several years ago) were also at the park for 2 months just 2 sites from us. It proves to be a good time this winter. I see the opportunity for lots of hikes, rides and exploring. It didn’t take long for Baxter and the birds to find there place.  And a bonus to us shortly after we arrived was a beautiful full moon.

We will be doing lots of outdoor stuff enjoying the sunshine and soft breezes and I hope you all will be able to do the same. Be sure to be safe, social distance when necessary and remember to look up because it is amazing.

  

                                              

                                                          Home until April

                                                            The view from our sight

                                                

We’re Almost There

 Our route is constantly changing as we travel.  Being flexible is what it’s all about. When we leave SD we don’t find many things requiring us to stop and investigate. We did find many places closed or limited entrance due to the so called pandemic though. Since  Covid19 seems to be dictating everything we can and can’t do, we just keep truckin’ on. We travel through the states one by one, thankful to find campgrounds open. Lately that’s a big deal.

 

When we are in New Mexico we make arrangements to go see a friend of ours in Rosiado. She tells us she lives up in the mountains and she was not exaggerating. She was a the top of a mountain at 7800’ elevation. She has breathtaking views from her living room overlooking the valley below. It’s no wonder she delights in staying home. The autumn colors had not set in yet but I can only imagine what a sight it must be.

 

She directed us to downtown Santa Fe to see the “old town”.  So glad we were in the car and not the motorhome because the climb up the mountains would have been a nail bitter in the motorhome. We eventually found old town. We walked around awhile but decided not to stay long because there we way too many people in too small an area for us to be comfortable.

 

We had reservations the next day in Deming NM for a couple of days. A much needed rest for Rob as he drove in very windy weather the whole time. It was so nice and quiet, clean and relaxing so we decided to stay for a week and explore the area. We usually just do an overnight stay and leave. Besides we are a week ahead of schedule for our reservation in AZ.

 

Much to our dismay, almost everything was closed. The few State and Local things that were open, were only open to local residents. Our exploring consisted long car rides and walking the park each day. So I made a phone to the RV park in AZ and asked what the chances were of coming in a week early. Luckily, they gave us a thumbs up. So we packed everything up, hooked the bikes on the car and were ready for our final leg of this winter vacation.  We will be calling AZ home for about the next 5 months where we know it will be a more relaxed atmosphere and our days for hiking and exploring will be filled with many options, some old and some new.

 

It seems we have been on the road for a long time and are ready to settle in one place and enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. Regardless of where you are,  get outdoors, find that road less traveled, look for new and exciting things to do and see. Don’t forget to look up while out there, it amazing.

 

History visited

We are approaching the Badlands National Park and it is far beyond what we expected to see. We have heard so many stories about the them but so hard to imagine until you are actually there.   We see miles and miles of rugged mounds, boulders and mountains surrounding us, in colors hard to describe. To think that they have been here for millions of years is more than my brain can comprehend. With such beauty around us, I wondered why they were called the Badlands. It turns out the Lakota people referred to this as “mako sica”or “badlands” because the rocky terrain, lack of water and extreme temperatures made it difficult to traverse.

We stayed at the Interiors Badlands campground and had the most gorgeous view from our site. Each morning I was able to walk the trails from the campground into the fields and gaze at the wonderment of it all.

The only complaint while we there weather-wise was the wind….so very windy. In fact, there were several trails we wanted to hike but hiking through a maze of dust and dirt was more than we wanted to endure. The wildlife was also an exciting part of being there, Bison everywhere.

 

Besides visiting the Badlands by car and foot, we also went to Hot Springs, SD to the Mammoth Dig. Wow! We were not prepared for what this place was all about. The story is much too long to talk about in this blog but here is the link so you can check it out if you have not been there or heard about it. Hint., it about the Mammoth, gone extinct millions of years ago. 

https://www.mammothsite.org/

 

To think that these creatures actually walked this earth millions of years ago is mind boggling. We hear about how massive they were but until you see them up close and personal, it’s hard to imagine. I took many, many pictures but will only share a few to give you an idea of what we saw.

Our time here went too fast.  The 4 days we spent here were not long enough to see and do all there is here but there will be another time to revisit here. So much to see, so little time. Our country has so many intriguing and fascinating places to visit, some obvious, some not. Some of the best places to see are on the backroads. Don’t ever hesitate to take the road less traveled. And then get out of the car, explore and don’t forget to look up, it’s amazing up there.

Sunset from our site

Campground trails

   

Another Journey

Having said our goodbyes, we are being beckoned to join the flow of traffic heading south. We choose to travel the southern route this time of year because Mother Nature can be very fickle this time of the year. Many campgrounds close by the 15^th of October in the north because they have probably had more than one encounter with her. I can personally tell you, it can be ugly! 

 

Our plan is to travel for 3-4 weeks  and take in some new sites. Before we left to go south we stopped in Sioux Falls, SD to vote.  This is one responsibility we feel obligated and honored to fulfill.  After we voted we took a walking tour of downtown Sioux Falls. What a pleasant surprise to find 50+ statues lining the downtown streets.

 

We will be leaving in the morning. Destination….the Badlands. We are very excited about this. Another check on our bucket list.

 

Mask up, social distance, and wash those hands. Even more important is to get outdoors and breath in that fresh air. It’s especially important right now while our country is under an umbrella of illness. While there remember to look up, it amazing out there.