A New Favorite National Monument

One of the best things about our 2 years at Great Basin NP was the adventures that we have had in pursuit of rangers we met there.  Ranger Carolyn is working at Chiracahua NP for the winter and invited us to stop by on our way east.  That sounded like a good plan to us, a little off the beaten path, but that's what we like.  As soon as we left I-10 and began to weave through the golden grasslands and hillsides, I knew we'd appreciate this invitation!

The Park entrance area includes this approach to old guest ranch buildings preserved on the property.  They are open for tours in the summer months and would have been very interesting.  We ventured on to the Visitor Center and surprised Carolyn when she recognized Terry's voice but had to find a face to match from the visitors.  After a quick catch-up visit she directed us to the campground and gave us ideas for a hike and other exploring.  As soon as we saw the great little quiet campground we knew this would be a 2 nighter.  A scenic road goes up into the mountains from the CG and we took that up into the late afternoon fog which clouded the views but gave us a chance to find some interesting trails for the morning.

The trails wind through one balanced rock stack after another.  Their shapes are odd, interesting and often resemble animals and even people!

We took the Grottoes Trail that led to a series of sheltered rooms and on down into the valley below. The views through the rock stacks and trees into the distant flat plains were wonderful.  The climb back up wasn't as bad as we expected, but those hiking poles I left in the truck would have been a big help!

Another feature of the park is the Cochise Peak above his stronghold in the valley.  We had a great view after our morning hike.

The clear evening gave us a great view of the brilliant night sky and a thousand stars, though we couldn't help but compare it to the 2 thousand we slept under at Great Basin.  Chiricahua is a wonderful place, so unique and distinct-- another little hidden gem not to miss if you are near Wilcox, AZ.  Thanks for inviting us to visit, Carolyn.  We'll be back, maybe as hosts someday!

Dirt Road Lost and Apache Junction Found

Our trip from Santa Barbara to Apache Junction included 3 nights in Mojave Preserve.  We were  lost the first day, got stuck in the sand trying to turn around and ended up so far from the campground that we had to spend the night in the train depot yard about 6 inches from the 4 long speeding trains that woke us again and again.  .Why didn't I take time to find those directions?????

The next day after finding the right exit to the campground (about 20 miles further east) the wind picked up about noon and the weather report had wind travel warnings for all the next day, so we decided to stay put another night.  The full moon gave us a fantastic show!

It was a special delight to return to the home of our friends, Janette and Art, in Apache Junction, AZ.  They are 'the best hosts', finest cooks and full of adventure ideas!  We hoped this visit would include a trip to Tortilla Flat.  We were not disappointed.  Our first stop was Canyon Lake Overlook.

Then a closer view of the lake with it's amazing rock walls and garden-like hills.

After a few more twists and turns of the narrow road we found Tortilla Flat, population 6.  A well known photographer was there taking pictures of the old schoolhouse and we got a photo of him.

We had some delicious Prickly Pear ice cream cones and then wandered over to the gift shop.  Terry was fortunate to find the hair he lost this year and a black cap to go with it.

  

Art and Janette were eager to take us on to Roosevelt Lake, but we had lots to do before we left our 'house' trailer with them until April.  Here she is all wrapped up and the Teardrop is waiting.  Goodbye friends and thanks!