Cochise Terrace

On monday, 12/1/14 we took the long trip from Butterfield to Cochise Terrace - about 5 miles and got settled in to spot # 251.

We are situated on the North side of the park and look down into Benson. After getting the trailer situated, i.e., level, hookups in place, chairs, mats, and table in place and flag up, we did some exploring. Checked out the Crows Nest and what it had to offer - other than showers, and laundry.

We are quite close, as this pic of our Airstream shows.

Exercise equipment

Mary giving one a try

At night we have a great view looking down in to the valley and seeing all the headlights of vehicles on I10 coming out of the Dragoon Mtns heading west into Benson. On tuesday morning, we were presented with a real treat at sunrise -

Sunrise from Cochise Terrace 12/2/14- looking East

Same day, looking West

On tuesday afternoon, we experienced our first Happy Hour in the Barn..... I met a couple from South Dakota(yes, they really were from SD) - Larry and Jeannie. Turns out he was a retired High School Chemistry teacher and I was quick to call him Walter(as in Walter White). He thought that was funny and told me about instance where he had to complete inventory of all chemicals he had on hand for FBI. Turns out he had an old, out-dated bottle of something that the FBI was very interested in. So interested, they had the bomb squad in to remove it.

Happy Hour at Cochise Terrace

Mary with new friends Cathy and Barbara

On wednesday, we hit the road - heading to Sierra Vista and Bank of America branch where I could use ATM machine to get some cash and then traveling back north a few miles to head over to Patagonia Lake State Park. We took advantage of our Coupon Book to get 1/2 off the admission price. Very beautiful park. We found the Marina and a picnic table and had a picnic lunch under the watchful eyes of a bunch of Coots......

Really a nice Park which we were told gets quite busy in late January/early February as a destination for migrating birds and bird watchers,i.e., Vermont Birder.

The Marina at PLSP

The bridge from Marina area to Visitors Center

Wrightson Mountain

Hopkins Mountain

The Visitors Center

We even found that fishing is pretty good on this body of water, and the proof is in the pictures.....

Boat rentals

An actual Bass Boat

A couple of fisherman coming back in to the Marina area

Another REAL Bass Boat!

Wishing I was Fishing.....

We met a couple near the Visitors Center who were fishing and had a nice talk with them about the area. On the way  out we heard this a..hole talking on cell phone from his campsite/trailer refer to us as we walked by as snowbird ilk. I was thinking of thanking him for the compliment but decided against it, because his next comment to his phone partner was to discuss an upcoming, local AA meeting. Figured he had enough of his own problems......


On the way out, we checked out the nice camping spots  and found the Birding Trail. Made mental notes that we needed to come back here. Mary for the birds and me for the fishing. Maybe even involve Ken & Judy from Butterfield.

When we got back to the Park late PM, it was time to get ready for the Park supper. Dinner of Pot Roast was being served at 6:00 in the Barn. Good meal. We met a few new people, Jim and Donna from South Dakota(yes, they were really from SD), and some new/old friends: Larry and Cathy and Greg and Pat. When the meal was done there was a Jam session - local musicians set up on the stage and played a variety of music- christmas, country, pop.....All in all, it was an interesting night.

Friday morning it was Coffee Hour in the Barn. Went up for the 9:00 session at 8:40 to beat the rush for donuts and found the place pretty full already but did manage to get our donuts. Interesting time and we even met some more new people - Ben & Bonnie(full timers from California near Sacramento, who own a lot here at the park), who told us about their upcoming trip to Quartzite. We have been thinking about heading there some time after we do the Solar upgrade on our Airstream and their insight and descriptions were very helpful. Also saw Jim & Donna there. As we were leaving we signed up for the Christmas dinner - 1) to attend(buy tickets), 2) to volunteer for cleanup, and 3) to bring a dish. Also signed up for the next wed night meal(Meatloaf) on Dec 17.