Friday, February 21

Although the weather channel called for a low of 36 around Payson,  the temperature continued to fall and was 23 degrees at 6:45AM.  We ran the heater a few times during the night to keep things warm.

We decided to head across Arizona and New Mexico by smaller roads rather than taking major highways.  Lots of trees, patches of snow, evidence of logging and some fires.  Up and down mountains.  A far cry from the desert down south! Temperature up to 33 by 8:45.

Reached the White Mountains and took a few  side roads to explore.  One went south into the Apache Indian Reservation and  Williams Creek Fish Hatchery where  they raise Apache Trout, a local endangered species, as well as browns and rainbows. 

Back onto White Mountain Scenic Highway, we stopped at A-1 Lake, elevation 8700’.

It was just beginning to thaw and there was a good bit of snow.

We stopped for gas at a town called Eagar and enjoyed lunch at an Arby’s across the street.  Out of the mountains, we entered White Mountains Grassland Wildlife area – golden grasses, small trees and rolling hills for miles and miles.  We crossed into New Mexico and saw a herd of antelope just before Pie Town. (A tiny town with a few enterprising folks selling pie.)

Next stop was the Nat’l Radio Astronomy Observatory VLA – Very Large Array about 40 miles before Socorro.  This is an arrangement of 27 white, 230 ton dish antennas  spread over 22 miles, gathering radio waves to explore black holes, planets, and space. The antennas all work together and use fiber optics and a super computer to provide data.  Interesting visitor’s center and tour.

Were going to stop at Water Canyon to camp but after talking to a local sheriff, we decided to continue on to Socorro for warmer temps, boondocking at Walmart there.