Coronado Park Exploring & Beyond!

          On Friday I ventured about an hour down the road to pick up ten boxes of donated books for our take a book leave a book program.

             It was another amazing Arizona day with temperatures in the mid 80's, so before picking up the books I had some time to Explore.  There are amazing hikes all up and down this region.  At every skill level.  And further up are some caves to Explore.   I was told they are big enough a semi could drive straight through them, and not touch any of the sides.   The area is very close to the Mexican boarder.  Cameras and boarder patrol are very thick in the area.   I was surprised to see all of the signs in the park, warning of smugglers in the area.   After living on the Canadian boarder for so long, it is strange to be on this boarder now.   I stayed far enough on the American side to not get deported or smuggled, this trip.   I somehow found myself across the boarder while living up North many a time.  But Canadians tend to be a little friendlier.  Plus I am not positive I would be allowed back across the boarder. 

There is no fence here.

This dark, wide strip of  dirt that looks like a rail road track in this picture

is actually the boarder line. 



                             Again you can just make out the boarder line from this view point -higher up in the surrounding hills. 

                                                Butch is more than ready to get out of the truck and Explore!

 

                On this day it was just me and Butch.  We parked at the visitors center -had some food and than set off.

  I never actually made it to the memorial, but got in some good sight seeing for sure.   I thought we were on a quick trek to visit the day use area--but soon found myself heading up one of the many mountains.   Why are all of the best hikes -straight up-hill?   Butch right at my side to protect me from a would be smuggler.  Actually I was equally worried about him being snatched up, him being a pit bull and all.

The trails are very well maintained and marked. 

Although this trail soon became very narrow, with tall grass all around.

Not the best when you are as afraid of snakes as I am.

So many trails---so little time!

                                                                                      Natural tree arch.

Window through this old tree.

Views of the surrounding mountains from the parking lot

We eventually ended up at the top of this one. 

With an amazing-top of the World view.

Next times hike, perhaps.

This super easy trail leads to the picnic/day use area.

There are miles and miles of great hikes in this area.

Just up highway 92-heading towards Herford and Sierra Vista I

spotted this monastery on the hill

and had to get a closer look

and some pictures.

I did not feel like climbing any more hills or

getting preached to--so these pictures are from a distance.

Back on highway 92

Very lonely and plain portion of the desert heading in the general direction of Bisbee.

I was finally on my main mission---to pick up the donated books.

About 23 miles out of Bisbee just before Palominos, Arizona in the heart of Miracle Valley I spotted

this massive building and instantly knew that I would have to ignore all of the No Trespassing signs and Explore it all!

Several outlying buildings outline the property. 

But the main building with the dome was were I ventured.

Not knowing at the time if this was a church or catholic school.

I just knew it looked very kool and inviting.

Because of a feeling I can really describe--I did not feel right taking pictures from the inside.

After posting these pictures--an alert reader sent me this posting that tells and shows all about the sight.

http://souciant.com/2011/09/miracle-valley/

I did not write above

But it is a great read--please take a look at the above link.

I am VERY glad I read all of this -after venturing inside!

It is very spooky and morbidly thrilling at the same time. 

And could easily be our Halloween destination next year. 

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               MY blog rundown
Some of my better pictures end up here: http://exploreb-ham.blogspot.com/
My newest page all about Arizona and what it has to offer everyone! http://exarizonagobensonbobcats.blogspot.com/
My longest running blog series. Full of random rambling, Exploring, jokes, rants, and of course coffee love! http://wyomingjack.blogspot.com/

 *

Please also do not forget to check out MY Facebook page!

Perfect for commenting directly to me.

Most of my thoughts, jokes, and pictures end up on this page before they become a blog

Please check it out and click on "like"

Exploring with Wyoming Jack/Bobble Head

Also we are starting a take a book leave a book program from our car port.

We have had amazing support  

but if you live in the Benson area or

just like to read please check out our Facebook page.

It has all of our current books and our address so you can check them out !

https://www.facebook.com/booktradein?fref=ts









Benson High Homecoming Night 2013

                                                                   GO BOBCATS!!
      

      In starting this new blog page I have noticed how much I procrastinate.  I wish to keep all of my posts as up to date as possible, but life in general just keeps getting in the way.  I have MANY picture filled blog posts in the works for this local sight.  And we are on a holding pattern waiting to visit a few National Parks out of Tucson, until the government shut down ends.    For tons of Exploring and my own personal pictures, please check out my first blog sight --while you wait for me to update this great page!   You can find the sight at:   www.wyomingjack.blogspot.com

        
         A few weekends back the three kiddos and myself donned our red and blue, found our cheering voices, and headed to the big home coming football game.  Like any small-ish town, the Bobcats take there football very seriously and the grandstands were full.   They were also alive with Bobcat fever and spirit!   1000+ fans lined the house waiting for a win and maybe some blood. 

Just a small section of the packed bleachers.

I also attempted to get the final score in this shot  but it is just a blur of light.

        All grades of the Benson school are on one very nice campus.  The teachers are great, and they work hand and hand with the parents to make each child's learning experience individual and as beneficial as possible.   Just before we moved to the area, the school district was named number one in the state of Arizona.   And after a very hard go for all of our kids at the last schools, this is a great change!  It is also a lot like the very small school I went to in the middle of No-Where, Wyoming.  We had 150 kids in grades k-12 the year I graduated in "97"  So the small town feel -was very welcome during homecoming night.  Although that complete "fitting in" level can only be found were one went to school.  While looking around, I kept picturing John Gresham's "Bleachers."  Were the mighty football coach is dying, and all of the football stars are drawn back into town for the big game and to voice there real opinions of the long time coach.   I could also keep picturing Norman Rockwell art for some reason.   

                                                                    National Anthem


       Although the kids have only been here a few months, they were all soon surrounded by friends, and off cheering and being kids, as far from dad and any adult figure as possible.  Stopping by my perch randomly to check in or announce there personal version of the big game.  I found a great spot at the top of the bleachers, near the side, were I could watch our youngest play along on the sidelines.   From here I could watch him, without being obvious, and of course had a great view of the game.   I was also very close to the band, so the school spirit and pride rang threw our section of the bleachers.  And on down the seating.   Small towns are full of spirit even if they are losing.   On this night the large Bobcat team was taking on the Bisbee Pumas.   And it was time for a cat fight!     

Bisbee's very empty bleachers.

       Benson took on an early lead, and never gave Bisbee much of a chance.  The crowd got more and more excited as the game went on.   And the noise was a lot like that you would find at a college level game!  

The band hits the field.

This is just a small portion of the might band.

Halftime show

And presentation of the king and queen.

Coming from a very small school I was impressed with the size and variety of the performances.

Each group had a very large amount of performers.

My school usually barley had enough players for a football team.  And we never had a drill team, flag team, or even cheerleaders.

The entire royal court.

The two youngsters up front-brought out the crowns.

            In the end Benson took the game    and a very happy crowd rejoiced!


          Next blog post    is about the demo derby we all went to and enjoyed. 

This is my third page and a start up for sure.

So please pass on the links if you are a Bobcat fan!!

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Benson residents and friends

We are having a HUGE garage sale this Butterfield weekend.

759 Mcneil Street-----behind the lower Circle K

Above is a small portion of what we have.

6 Boxes of books!

Fridge/freezer

Desks

Beanie Baby's

House hold needs

21 foot Travel Trailer

Knick Knacks

Tools

Tv's

Plus A TON MORE!!

Beat the heat --under our covered car port.

Free bottled water with each purchase!!

Friday * Saturday * Sunday

7- ??

Don't miss this one!

Bisbee Bound

                          

                         About a month ago work took me through Bisbee, Arizona.   I was in a rush to get back home, but managed to snap a few pictures before leaving the area.  What I did see of the town impressed me.  Making me wish to Explore again on a bigger scale.  I hear the town holds a 1000 stair climb in October, and hope I can check out the town much more.  It also sounds like a great way to wear out all of the kiddos at the same time.  Last week I snagged another job that started in Bisbee.  This job did not provide a ton of actual profit, after all of the driving, but did give me a chance to roam more around the city.  Before picking up the load -I had time to Explore the town and get some more pictures.  This mainly made me want to spend more time here, but here are some shots and thoughts on this day.  

       I am always a sucker for old buildings.  And plenty were around.  The old narrow streets were easy to navigate on foot.  Although the town is all on hills, so the photo shoot was a little tiring. 

The first trip took me very near Douglas and the boarder.  

After moving from very near the Canadian boarder, it is a huge change for us, 

but mostly a good change for sure. 

I did not venture to close to this old school house, because 

school was in session.  

And hanging around some buildings with a camera is not advised. 

                            Across from the old school was this lonely wind mill.  

I always enjoy a good cloud picture. 

Near the windmill is this old car bridge.  It is now abandoned. 

And I am not sure it could even be used by foot traffic anymore.  

But it is unique all the same. 

We than drove through the large traffic circle and ended up in old town, desperately low on gas. 

After directions not needed anymore, I noticed that the traffic circle was accented with large letters, that doubled as a compass. 

This part of town is beautifully restored.

                             This very old Greyhound bus sits in front of the restored station. 
I have rode many a bus in the past, and had before thought I was ridding on some old buses.  

Just past the old buildings is this huge pit.   

Many more surround the town.  But this is one of the largest open pits I have seen in a long time. 

                      This is a mining town for sure.   And the evidence is all around.          

                                  Catch a tour underground into this famous mine.  
A nice sized free visitor center surrounds the tour if you do not have the cash or desire to enter the mine.   And a large RV park sits close, if you want to Explore the town even longer.  

You can also travel the town by trolley.

Learning much more about the rich heritage.

Sit awhile and take in the great views.

                                        A large museum I still need to Explore. 

Old jail house turned motel.

Spray painted but great art can also be found through the entire  town.

Cool off with a local brew or three.

Court houses are always great buildings. 

This one was established in 1904

                                                 Recall Woolworth's?   They still had one in Wyoming 
                                         Were I grew up.  But it went under many years back.

                                                 Local artists bright view of the town.      

Here I am dreaming of coffee.

I did not have time to check out this great looking brew house or it's coffee.

If any of my readers have thoughts on the shop or the coffee

please let me know. 

I do love a great cup of the brew of the God's.

                                             

Next Exploring blog post

Part II of our adventures on the set.   

This part filmed at the great Arena Bar in Benson, Arizona.

As always

**Happy Trails!**

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                                                          **Benson Area Residents--special low prices!**

                Do you have extra stuff you don't want and don't know what to do with it??
                                                             Give me a call I will haul.


                                                                 Text or call I do it all!
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