Benson, AZ & Rodeo, NM

We left Tucson and the Escapade on 3/24/17 and headed to an old familiar place - Butterfield RV Park in Benson, AZ. This is the place that started our adventure and where we spent our first winter in AZ in our new Airstream trailer. How things have changed for us.

The Dragoon Mtns just to the east

Our primary reason for scheduling a stop here was an eye appointment for Mary down in Sierra Vista, however, while we were here, we had a number of other things that we needed to do. Top of the list was the Horseshoe Cafe.

The Breakfast here is how we grade all other restaurants that we eat in along our travels

You will always see a motorcycle parked out front, as the place is pretty well known to travelers....

An interesting passenger......

Next on the list was Mi Casa Restaurant.

A family owns and operates this restaurant. It seats less than 30 people, but the Mexican food is outstanding. And it is always full. Tells you something about the food.

I mentioned Sierra Vista above. We like traveling to and spending time in Sierra Vista. It is about 40 miles south of Benson and the ride there takes us past Kartchner Caverns, a US Border Patrol checkpoint, and Fort Huachuca. In addition to the eye exam, we did dinner at Texas Roadhouse, and shopping at Fry's(one of our favorite Super Markets), for groceries.

We also made another trip to Chiracahua National Monument. We drove east on I10 to Willcox and then headed south and east to the Monument. One way was about 75 miles. But worth it. The last time we were here 2 years ago, flooding had closed off the road to the upper points in the park. This time they were open and we did the loop....

When we got to the top, we actually experienced SNOW - in the middle of the desert!

The trip to get to Massai Point was to say the east scenic.....

This time we got to see everything. It was awesome.

The day we were supposed to leave Benson, some pretty severe weather blew in, starting with rain, which created this neat rainbow over the park Observatory....and ended with some pretty severe winds. These winds lasted most of the day and forced us to postpone departure by a day- in the interest of safety. Glad we did as they reached gusts of 50+ MPH and caused sections of I10 to be closed because of blowing sand.

Before I end the Benson part, I need to thank Jay & his wife Linda for including me in some Pickleball. It was fun and much appreciated.

When the winds let up and we were off to Rodeo, NM, a trip on RT 80 through Tombstone, Bisbee, and Douglas, AZ.

Rest Stop in Bisbee. Bisbee has been referred to as Copper Mining Capitol.

After a journey of 123 miles we crossed the border and entered New Mexico and soon found Rusty's RV Ranch, (you need to click on this link to get the whole picture of Rusty's RV Ranch)which would become our home for the next week.

200' Pull throughs. Incredible

A view of the park with the Chiracahua Mtns in the background.

We were now on the other side of the mountains we visited when at Chiracahua National Monument. This whole area is pretty special to us, and is where we began our new hobby of birding. This area is famous for it. As you will see.

One of our first stops on both trips here.

We were in Rodeo, NM, but spent much of our time here in the village of Portal, AZ- About an 8-10 mile drive from our spot at Rusty's. Among the places in Portal that I should mention are: The Portal Store, Cave Creek Canyon, and the Research Center in Cave Creek Canyon.

Had a couple of lunches and a breakfast here while birding in the area

The famous Cave Creek Research Center, where scientists from all over the world come to study the Chiracahua Mtns Sky Islands.

Bob Rodriguez's Place is a spot not to be missed if you are a birder. He has an area that starts with a parking area with a unique sign at the gate....

A friendly welcome

And after a short walk along a path, you are on the other side of his property and in an area devoted to bird watching. Trees are loaded with bird feeders and sliced oranges, the ground has feed scattered on it. And there is fresh water for the birds. We spent many interesting hours sitting there with our binoculars, notepad, and Sibley Birds of the West. Bob even sat with us one day and helped us with our bird ID's.

As you can see, he has a picnic table and chairs scattered around for all of his people"visitors"

Our first day there, Mary and I identified 15 different birds which included: Tohees, Cardinals, Quails, Thrashers, Sparrows, Finches, Orioles, Wrens, Hummingbirds, Kinglets, Pyrrhuloxia, Hawks

This is a Streaked-Back Oriole. Rare for this area, and a life bird for many. We got to see it on 3 different occasions.

It is not very expensive to take advantage of all this. There is a donation box there where you can leave some money to help pay for the bird seed and feed. We GLADLY donated.

I mentioned Portal. One day after a morning spent at Bob Rodriguez Place and a nice lunch at the Portal Store, we left and headed towards Cave Creek Canyon and a trip of about 10-12 miles through the canyon to the village of Paradise - and another famous bird watching place- The George Walker House. Some pics of our trip....

Just after leaving the village, we had to stop for a family of Javelinas crossing the road

After they had crossed the road and we were done with our pics, it was off to the Canyon.

Heading in to Cave Creek Canyon

And then we arrived at The George Walker House. And had to wait to get a parking place. It was really quite busy there. We later discovered that this group was all staying at the Motel associated with the Portal Store. There was at least 10-12 people traveling in 5 vehicles. Fortunately for us, they were all getting ready to leave, so eventually we found our parking place and proceeded out to do what birders do. The last time that we were here, we actually sat on the porch with the owner, Jackie L, and she helped us to identify birds at her feeders. This time she was off on an errand, so we were on our own. Still, we didn't do too bad. Among the birds that we saw were a Bridled Titmouse, Acorn Woodpecker, House Finches, Scotts Oriole, Pine Siskins, Hooded Oriole, Magnificent Hummingbird, Broad Tailed Hummingbird

The Birding Yard- to the right is the porch where you can sit and watch

This is really kind of a special place.

And then we were leaving Paradise for the 5.5 mile journey down the mountain(and about 1000' in elevation)

On April 7, it was time to say goodby to Rusty's RV Park and friends Larry & Cathy from Benson/Butterfield RV Park who just happened to show up at Rusty's and camp right next to us. Small World. Speaking of small world, the ones who camped on the other side of us, really broke the mold when you start talking about small world. When they pulled in, I recognized them from Benson and Butterfield RV Park and went over and said hello. During the course of the conversation I asked them where they had been before Benson. They said Tucson. I said so were we. And before that? They replied Yuma. I said so were we. Where abouts in Yuma? They said Fortuna de Oro. I said so were we. And when we first stopped at the Portal Store for lunch, you'll never guess who was there. We were evidently using the same booking agent or scheduler. When they were leaving the park, I asked them where they were headed so that I would know whether to expect to see them. They said Silver City followed by Carlsbad and I said Elephant Butte followed by Santa Fe. The chance meetings are over.

And then we were off to Elephant Butte, New Mexico for a stay of about 3 weeks.