Chiricahua Nat. Park

We didn’t do much here. It is a lot of trails and long ones. And because I’m towing doubles the won’t let us in.

They have a 39’ length limit, with the F250, 27’ 5th wheel, and 5x8 trailer for the ATV, we may have been close to the limit..LOL

Their spaces for camping were full for the evening. So we moved 5 miles northwest of the park to find an area that was BLM land and it’s location was told to us by a couple from the Fort Bowie hike. Thanks to Bob and his wife we found a great place to camp.

We had shade, camp fire, water and a nice place to ride the ATV.(and we did). There is no reason to leave such a paradise.

 

Can you believe it, the water was clear and running like it would in Oregon or Paradise, California. It taste was sweet and reminded me of home. Tiger had to play in it and get all wet and then he had to jump all over me, so we both ended up wet. Just a great time for him to play in the real world of trees and water.

Was ready to get the fishing pole out but didn’t see any fish. The water was clear and if it had fish we would have seen them. ?(No fresh fish tonight). 

 

 

 

Tiger and I were camped about 100 feet from this creek and really enjoyed the sound of rushing water next to the fire place while we cooked diner and relaxed. ( of course with a cocktail)..The only way to fly….LOL

Tiger is on the other bank there some where. Just checking things out. We stayed the night, and the next day I noticed the refer wasn't working and everything I tried didn’t work to get it going, except running the generator. I was using propane. So instead of staying in paradise for years we had to leave to get the refer repaired or at least buy ice for the food before it all spoiled. However the refer started working as we drove. That was nice, saved money. I guess we weren't  level and by the time we knew what was wrong, we were far away from Paradise.

We did buy our senior pass ($10.00) and it is good for life. So on to Saguaro Nat. Park in Tucson.

Later Tiger and Stu.

Fort Bowie

It’s that time of the year for Tiger and I to go on the road. We are both ready to see some more of the country. This time I think we will Boondock and take in the National Parks that are along our route to were ever “America”. Since we are moving northwest at this time we will see Fort Bowie, AZ first.   So we decided to hike the three miles round trip, and glad we did. There is a lot you miss if you don’t do the hiking. It was early in the morning so not hot yet.

  The Apache Pass Stage Station was built of stone in July 1858. A chance to rest and have a meal- bread, coffee, meat, and beans- for fifty cents. The Butterfield Overland Mail route was discontinued in March 1861.

This is the area that the battle took place for Apache Pass in July 15-16,1862. Below is a Chiricahua (Cheer i cow a) camp. They believe the name Apache comes from the Zuni word “apachu” meaning “the people”. The Chiricahuas speak “Athapaskan” language. Believed to have migrated from Canada in the 1300s.

The Chiricahuas Apache’s of southern AZ. and northern NM. were subdivided in to four bands: Bedonkohe,Chokonen,Chihenne, and Nehdni.  Total population ranged from 1000-1500 people. The largest practical unit was the “local group” of about 30 extended families.

Geronimo was a “Bedonkohe” related to the Mimbres of New Mexico and was a highly respected medicine man.(never a Chief). Cochise was a “Chokonen” Chiricahua leader (a Chief) and resided in the Apache Pass areas and Dragoon Mountains of AZ.

Fort Bowie(#1) was established on July 28,1862, it’s first garrison was Company G, 5th Regiment California Volunteer Infantry. Recruited in Placerville California.

Fort Bowie (#2) this second fort built in 1885 and had kerosene lamps,tennis court for officers, flushing toilets, and ice machines.

With Cochise armistice of 1872, and the surrender of Geronimo in 1886, Fort  Bowie was abandoned in 1894.

This park is free, but has no facilities for camping. And because they don’t charge a fee they don’t sell the senior passes.

So on to Chiricahua Nat. Park,till later from Tiger and Stu.

Cook’s Cabin ATV ride.

So what do you do when it is just about spring and you haven’t been out side doing the things you really like to do? Like feeling the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. You get a few people that you know and like to go for an ATV ride. (This is hard to do). But with Chuck, and Wanda, Clarence, Tiger and my self, (we got er done).

This trip took us from 4,230ft. to 6,622 ft in approximately  3 in a half miles. Now that’s a climb. See our route below.

From our parking area to the first cabin or house it was real nice upward jaunt. Now this home was built on BLM land and is owned by them I guess.

Nice home, no roof and a few walls falling down, But well built. We don’t know when it was built or by whom.

   The crew below. (are they posing?)

Our next stop is the Cabin. Were it Go?

  Tiger found a mine, but no Cabin.We found it, and it is real nice, I wonder how they they got everything up here to build it?

This cabin is used by the hunter’s in the area for a rest station. It would be a steep commute for food or water here. 

The view was great as you can see Deming in the distance.

We all made it with out any injuries, and or any big mishaps. However when I let Tiger drive we did roll our atv. and both of us came away un hurt. Thank you Clarence for helping me right the machine. Our first time to do that. (Not fun). Don’t believe Tiger about who was driving, (He Lies).

Tomorrow is daylight saving time, and I love this time of year. Don’t forget to SPING FORWARD.

Duncan AZ.

So what do you do when your bored? Tiger and I just go for a drive. I got up this morning and took Tiger for his walk and came home to check the e-mail. There was none. I turned on the boob tube and all reruns. So we hopped in the truck and took off to parts unknown.

We headed to Safford AZ. about 130 miles from here. Only reason we picked that place is because we’ve never been there before. Now when we take off like this, we aren’t in a hurry. In fact we take our time and make a lot of pit stops. ( Tiger loves to wee a lot when we drive.) Or maybe its the chance to sniff every bush along the hwy. Either case it keeps the interior dry…Love this pooch…

So about 40 miles southeast of Safford on hwy 70 is a little town called Duncan.  Did I know there was a town like Duncan on our route, we had no idea. This town is a small farming town, population of about 800.  In 1540 Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and his troops made their historic trek through this part of Southwestern US. It is called the “Coronado Trail”. In the 1950’s schoolboys found a Spanish helmet and a sabre, around the grassy plateau overlooking Duncan.

The Apache fled the San Carolos Reservation in May 1885, Led by the warrior Geronimo and other courageous men. This group of Apaches consisted of about 142 members including 101 women and children, they raided for 16 months before the great surrender of Geronimo in1886.

Duncan figured significantly in the tragic and bloody Apache wars of the southwest. Each small town had their own militia to help the Army  battle the Apaches.

Just a few miles northeast of Duncan is the Carlisle Mine. In 1898  young Herbert Hoover just 3 years out of Stanford, became the superintendent of the Mines. Legend says, Hoover spent a night in the cave jail for drunken and disorderly conduct. He is said to have protested, “The Mexicans and Indians made me do it.” Long before he became the 31st. President.

What has really put these towns on decline is the fact of the Interstate 10 that was moved about 50 miles south of area. Of course like anything else progress can be the death of a town.

Well I’m not trying to write a book here, so guess Tiger and I will go home wait for another trip to tell you about.

Till later.

Excuses

Yep !! That’s right, The Wrecking Crew is at it again.  If we can find any excuse to party we will. This time it was the VFW district meeting in Truth or Consequences on the 16th of Jan. 2010.

Since the meeting was held just a couple of miles from our favorite watering hole. We decided to make a weekend out it. Six of us including Tiger jumped into Hector’s (pimp mobile) and headed 130 miles away to VFW Post 3317 to party. We took the back roads and explored the country side. (Our favorite thing to do when traveling.)

It paid off, cause we found The Am Vets Post 69. This is a 10’x10’ building that could maybe hold 3 members, One had to be the bartender.  Of course, it was closed.

Hector was driving and it didn’t take long for the Border Patrol to start following us. You would of though he just swam the Rio Grande. So to help Hector drive Tiger took maters in his own paw’s and rode shotgun and look out for the rest of the trip.

What’s this? We have arrived and the party begins.

Bob and Candy are still in love after 20 years. Who would have guessed?

Hector is in love after just 20 minutes…Everybody guessed…

Betty  did you see that?

This is what a bunch of old guys look like when they are playing pool and lose their shirts.

Oh well, maybe we can win our shirts back next time we come up.

All and all everyone had a good time and the District meeting installed new officers for dist. 4 and we made it home safe on Sunday just in time for the Nine Ball Tournament.

Happy New Year 2010

 

I’m sure my New Years eve was much like everyone else. It started about 11 am at a friends wedding party. This was held at the Legion hall here in Deming. It was nice short and to the point. And we all wish them the best in the new year. Oh!! did I mention it was an open bar?..

Chuck, Tiger and I stayed till about 4:30 and then left for the VFW Post for a prime rib dinner. This was really great meal and everyone seemed to enjoyed it. We had live music, a fine dinner and lots of sprits, with a little pool playing on the side.

The 31st is also my daughter’s birthday so of course I called her to wish her the best for now and in the future. Happy Birthday Traci, Love you…Dad.

We all made it home safe and sound, Thanks to good friends and designated drivers. 

My New Years resolution: Give up buttermilk…LOL

  Have a Happy New Year….

Deming Snow

Well we didn’t have a white Christmas here in Deming,NM. But we were invited to Bob and Candy’s home and had a very nice Christmas dinner. You should remember Bob and Candy, part of the Wrecking Crew, also he’s our local artist. They both were great host for Christmas and Tiger and I thank them both.

 

Now for all of you that don’t believe it snows in the desert check this out. On Sunday 12/28/09 I got up and took Tiger for his morning walk and it was 17 degrees out. The thing about it is in Green bay, it was 29 degrees and in Pittsburgh it was 34. What do we snow birds know?

 

So this morning Tiger and I get up to this.

It was only about 4 inches but really nice powder.

A couple hours later.

Snow hitch in’  .

Tiger loved it and had a ball playing in the snow. But he wants in now..   Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Merry Christmas

To all of you that has made this year so great. Tiger and I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas.

While you enjoy the warmth of the fire place , Think of all those who love you.

 

May you all enjoy this day . Have a Happy New Year.

Xmas Parade 09

Ok for all of you who wants to know what we’ve been doing since the last blog up date here it is. The VFW Christmas parade took place on Dec. the 4th. As you all know it takes a couple of days to get the floats ready.

Richard loaned us his trailer and we got right on it wiring the lights and testing them all for effects.

As you can see we have more Chiefs than we do Indians. But is was fun.

I think our theme was ICE, with the penguin and igloo. It was appropriate to because it was cold that night. About 35 degrees.

And they say it doesn't get cold in New Mexico. 

Even the truck and the VFW riders were decorated.

  Did I mention it was cold out?

Now I helped with the decorating but I missed the parade, So these pictures are compliments of Chuck, Betty, and Candy. Thanks to all that made this happen.  

The Artist

Well now I just received a picture from one of our Wrecking Crew members. Yep it is Robert. I think he did such a good job on it I decided  to publish it for all to see. 

Now for the real fun, Here is a picture of the Wrecking crew. See if you can match up the real pic’s with the one’s Robert drew.

Good job Robert. Hope you enjoy your art work on the internet.