Some Snow Lingering In Sierra Vista

            Hello all!   I started this page awhile back in hopes of sharing lots of local adventures and pictures.  I have tons of pictures, features, Exploring, and thoughts in the works.  Across this amazing state I call the land of the sweating sun, but most of you call Arizona!  I am working on a sight to attempt to sell some of my Exploring pictures from across the country.  And to promote this very page.  If you like what you see---PLEASE share the links   so that people that live in Arizona, or whose heart remains in Arizona can view and comment.  Your comments help me make this page better for sure.  For even more pictures and Exploring please check out my Washington state site   at   http://exploreb-ham.blogspot.com/   And my first page   full of Exploring, pictures, random rambling, and lots of coffee love    Please note   this sight is not for those that are not easily amused...    You know  YOU want to check it out    www.wyomingjack.blogspot.com  

      A few days back our youngest got suspended from school for reasons the school found much more serious than his mother and I.  I happened to have the day off work and he and I disappeared set to find some adventure.  On this super sunny day, even for February, we had no shortage in full on sunshine.   And ended up in Sierra Vista.   I had intended on ending the day with some museum tours on the army base, but alas all of the museums were closed for maintaince.  

   

I was very surprised to see so much snow in the mountains still.

Nothing like I grew up with in Wyoming

but for the desert   wow.

Mostly wow, because this was the last forecast out of Tucson for the week. 

Yes the good ol ground hog saw his shadow, 

dooming us to more weeks of this...

ummmmmm OK!

Today we ended up just past this sign.

And learned the hard way not to park in the trail head parking lot. 

We also learned a little bit more how much our youngest really is like his mom, just look at this picture.   ;)

At first from the parking lot we took off up the paved road. 

This soon became boring but I did manage to snap some good pictures before turning back.

Running water in Arizona is so rare  I always get pictures when I find it.

Near the water   deciding if we should pass into private property or not. 

For once, we did not. 

Some extra large magical shrooms  fed by the stream.  

From this point we took off cross country  mostly straight up hill.

It seems that the best views and Exploring is always up hill.

And I really thought we would hook into a trail from the top.

You can just make out parts of Sierra Vista from here. 

The view and the climbing up soon became boring and we ventured down to the road again.

On the way back to the parking lot and our car   we found this great parked car forever parked. 

Now that it was much warmer, we dropped off our coats in the car  

and ventured down the real trail.

Soon spotting another car that was not moving any time soon.

Down a very boring trail we soon came to the end.

We did see several deer  making the trip a little more exciting. 

At this point we realized, if we where to return here, to 

drive down the dirt road to the farm house and than start our Exploring.

The trails from here looked amazing.

How did they know, I was old and would  be Exploring here...?

Around the old ranch.   

I am always a sucker for old windmills.

Near the large pond and reserve for frogs. 

The only frogs we witnessed on this day. 

Time to check out another trail!

More snow in the distance. 

Bad picture   but pretty sure the distant hills where running water

as water falls. 

Just after this we found ourselves on the huge army base.

And might or might not have been lost for a little while.

I have heard that one of the first McDonald's drive through was near base to cater to the hungry soldiers.  

Sadly on this day the museums were closed for maintenance. 

The base is still amazing to Explore and in tip top shape for sure. 

Even picture perfect   one might say. 

Close up of the blimp that hangs around Sierra Vista most sunny days. 

I have asked before what this is for--

and have got so many answers.  

Unfortunately none of the answers match each other.  

As always

**HAPPY TRAILS!**

TV Swap Meet----Tucson

            This page is my third such blog page.  A picture filled Exploring page that takes us across the amazing state of Arizona.  Many of the posts now revolve around our new home in Benson.  But as time goes on, and our bank account grows, I hope to involve the entire state.  Hikes and picture taking is very calming for me.  I also find it great fun each time I drive past a local area that I have already Explored--my family and those in the vehicle with me, usually do not find it as entertaining.  This is a very new sight, so if you enjoy what you see here--please share the links and help me get the word out on this great page!     For more Exploring and pictures   I also have a Washington state page----  http://exploreb-ham.blogspot.com/     The longer we have lived here, the more people I have ran into that used to live in Washington.    And my first and longest running page has lots of pictures also.  Fair warning it is also my joke and vent page---so the posts stay interesting for sure.  Check them all out. 

    On this fine day we finally ventured to the Tanque Verde swap meet.   We have been to the swap meet in Sierra Vista several times and where not real impressed.  This one in Tucson is on a huge lot of property, but I would defiantly advice one to visit on a Sunday afternoon.  We went on Saturday morning and lots of the vendors where not set up yet.  Also every sign we read seemed to promote Sunday activities.  We spent a long time roaming the goods for sale.  And even found a few great deals.   A very customer friendly and large parking lot awaits buyers on both sides of the sale.  With plenty of entrances for sure.  

I am always a sucker for some great wall art!

Spotted this creature lurking on top of one of the buildings.  

Not sure if it is a mascot 

but if my buddy would have been with us, he would not have been impressed with 

the huge spider one bit.  

I always snap pictures of running water while Exploring Arizona. 

Because it is so hard to find.  

This huge tank was great.

It was also filled with huge fish that the kiddos enjoyed feeding. 

For a short period of time. 

Near the fish was a small carnival set up. 

Luckily for us, the rides were not yet open and running.

The signs said that rides were free early on Sunday mornings.  

I picture this trailer for several reasons. 

First I have never seen a barber in a travel trailer before. 

Next I don't believe I have seen a barber at a swap meet before.

And this location had several barbers.

And lastly...

I realize this is not the case, 

but at first glance this local mascot on the

side of the trailer  

really looks like it is wearing a straight jacket!

That's my kind of monkey!

For a swap meet the selection seemed very strange.  Brand new furniture venues were mixed

in right beside barbers and these lawn ornaments.  To me it seemed much more like a large

outdoor thrift store. 

Some shops even had peremanet stores--and just had to open there doors to great customers. 

Vendors also did not seem very willing to change there prices or barter.

I thought this was one of the main draws of a swap meet?

I would like to visit again.

Maybe on a busier day. 

I also would not mind trying to sell at this meet. 

But we have defiantly been to better swap meets.

Above are my prizes for the day.

I got them both for a very reasonable price. 

Although because I have the items up for sale now

I will not say how reasonable of a price. 

In my eyes Speedway Outlet and

this place  also on Speedway 

have a much better selection than the swap meet.
But what do I know?