Take A Little Trip.

       I am still in California taking lots of pictures for a post or two from outside of amazing Arizona.  Yesterday and today a rare treat-- no really, we saw cloudy skies and rain.  After months in the desert both are a very welcome sight!  In today's post Butch, the boys, and I Explore just past the caves in Benson, on the highway that leads to Sierra Vista.  We had originally intended to hike to the top of the below pictured mountain, but after a lot of traveling and even more heat, we did not appear to be any closer to the great hill.   Another challenge for another day.   After the caves look for the above turn.  This is all state trust land so a pass is needed to use the area.  We did not pull our truck into the area, so we did not need a pass.  At least for the day, this logic worked for us.  Border Patrol units patrol the area all of the time, so this luck may not hold true for you.  Butch definitely did not like the cattle guard and we had to convince him to cross through the fence.  

 This mountain and the view that must present itself from the top is beyond inviting.  But for the time being, it is still another spot on my ever growing check list of places to Explore.  

                             As in much of Arizona -mountains circle the whole area. 

These jet streams mark the spot for a great hike.  

Several dirt roads go through the area.  

On the way back down, I decided it was easier to jog back to the truck. 

If not tiring. 

Since our oldest could not get out of this picture

he embraced the moment. 

Although he learned  that even with his eyes closed tight  we could still see him.

Mr Butch points out the way!

Some off trail action. 

Because of the early very warm weather

I warn all readers to keep an extra eye out for snakes already.

Many have been spotted in the Tucson area with the snakes and hikers thinking it is already spring.  The one thing that scares me the most is snakes of any kind, 

so this is not welcome news to me. 

Even from a distance  this mountain makes for a good picture.

After we ran into a few fences we decided it was time to journey into the river run off. 

The travailing was easier and much of it was shaded. 

We used to find such rock sightings all of the time in Bellingham, Washington

and it is nice to see them here in Arizona also. 

If nothing else it is a small reminder that others have also been were you are standing. 

Many a place we Explore, we never actually see other hikers.  

Although temperatures only reached about 80 on this day, by the time we were

returning to the truck -we were rather warm.

Above is my last shot for the day 

and for this post.  

For more Exploring and random randomness please check out my first blog series

at:

www.wyomingjack.blogspot.com

Also if you find the need to comment on anything I post Please check out MY Facebook page

it really does have some of everything. 

And is were I post my pictures and such first

Exploring with Wyoming Jack/Bobble Head

      As Always

                    **HAPPY TRAILS!!**

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. 

===========================================================================

               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