Good-bye Arizona

 

This week we said good-bye to Arizona,  and our last Arizona sunset,

and hello to New Mexico.  We started the week by simply enjoying the weather – well sort of, because it was quite hot – it was 35C one day but there were several other days that were fairly close.  The nights cooled off nicely so really it was just hot for a couple of hours late in the afternoon before some coolness crept in.  Each morning we would head out for a walk.  Usually, they were pretty boring except for one day when we came across this critter on our path – oops, walk cut short today.

Some critters are really quite entertaining.  There were some small gophers running around near us.  First he snacked on the blossoms of the creosote bushes (the humming birds also feed on them), then he had to scratch an itch!!

They did predict some rain this past week and sure enough, it rained.  In fact there was quite a thunderstorm which resulted in quite a rainbow!!  

On our way home we saw a couple of vultures in the bushes.  I think there was a little bit of romancing going on.

Then it was time to move on so we went to Deming, NM where we spent a couple of nights.  We took a day trip to see the Gila Cliff Dwellers site.  Five naturally eroded alcoves contain the homes of the Tularosa Mogollon. About 42 rooms were constructed from local stone. All wooden beams seen in the dwellings are the originals. Tree-ring dates range from the 1260’s through the 1280's. The cliff dwellers had departed their homes and abandoned their fields by about 1300.  The hike up to the caves is a one mile (round trip) hike with a gain in elevation of just under 200 feet.  Yes, we made the hike and weren’t even too bushed.

We are parked way down there

On our way home we went through Pinos Alto, an old gold mining town.  We then briefly visited Silver City, a historic mining town.  Many of the buildings have been refurbished and some of the historic downtown is quite colourful.

Isn't this an amazing tree

On our way to the cliff dwellers, we stopped by a state park, City of Rocks.  This is a park and campground in an area of unusual rock formations and huge boulders.  It certainly was a unique setting.

Along the road there was a group of wild pigs. 

We stopped along the road and found some bushes with some very unusual bark. 

It was a fairly long day but the scenery was amazing.

But time is moving on and so did we. 

I guess this means not to cross (twice as good as a double solid line)

past the White Sands missile range

We carried on to Santa Rosa, NM.  As we were driving, there was a train which entire cargo was military vehicles and some equipment.  It certainly was usual cargo – at least not some that we are used to seeing. 

Tomorrow we tour Santa Rosa so next week I will fill you in on what there was to see.

Until next week, stay safe and stay healthy!!