Tuesday, February 11

Talked with Anne about Photography and gave her some ideas about south Texas, as she may be doing a trip there soon.  Greg went and got the oil changed in the Trek.

We first went to the viewpoint for the Santa Rita Copper Mine.  A love/hate situation, as they provide most of the employment in the area, but the open pit mine is a mile wide and growing.  Many are afraid  that it will overtake a nearby rock formation called The Kneeling Nun which is revered as an icon of the city.

We  next headed out to Fort Bayard, but stopped first at a Veteran’s Memorial Park that Anne had heard about and wanted to see.  An older gentleman, American Indian (descendent of Geronimo), met us and showed us around.  The park , with a strong religious theme, was created by volunteers, mostly veterans, and he took great pride in it.

Drove through Fort Bayard but didn’t stop there as it was getting late.  Next stop was downtown Silver City where we saw a log cabin (donated by Ron Howard from the movie “Missing”) located where Billy the Kid once lived.  From there we walked across a deep ravine that used to be Main Street but was wiped out by a flood.

Had lunch at Jalisco’s, Anne’s favorite.  Chicken tacos, pork carnitas and she had an enchilada topped by two eggs.  Very nice.  Downtown has become popular with artists and has many galleries.  Anne wasn’t crazy about all the newcomers changing things, but did admit that they are “sprucing things up”, like this:

We went back to Anne’s, took a few pictures and made our adieus.Headed south the Lordsburg and then west into Arizona.   Decided to try camping at Wilcox Playa Wildlife Reserve, whose website talked about sandhill cranes and available camping. The camping turned out to be a gravel parking lot with no facilities, but it was a place to spend the night.  We went for a walk, had a snack since we were still full from late lunch, and hit the hay.

 

Wednesday Feb 12

Woke early to 20 degree temps.  Ran the heater and generator for a bit to warm up, did a quick walk – no cranes – then had breakfast.  The day was warming fast and it was almost 50 degrees before we reached Chiricahua National Monument.  After a stop at the visitor’s center we headed to Massai Point.  Fantastic rock formations.

Then we did the 3.3 mile trail to Echo Canyon, which was pretty amazing.

After another brief stop at the visitor’s center to ask a few questions, watch a film and re-fill water bottles, we headed out.  Since it was so cold last night we decided to head towards Benson where we can plug in.  Called Tom and found out Anita and Kevin would arrive shortly also. 

Staying at San Pedro RV Park which is adjacent to Tom and Sue’s place.  Greg and I showered and the Anita and Kevin arrived, with Mam and Chap arriving soon after.  Tom and Sue prepared a great salmon dinner and we enjoyed visiting, watching Olympics, etc.  Tom and Sue have decided to join us on our trip to Thailand in November, so I shared flight information and they will try to get the same flights.

Weak Wi-Fi or have to pay at the RV Park….hmmm…will decide tomorrow.  We will go to the gem show tomorrow.