Rocks, rocks, and fires

We spent the last two nights at Chiricahua National Monument at a wonderful campground.  This is the land of Geronimo, Cochise, and Fort Bowie.  Lots of history, including the road and the trails built by CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) guys in the 1930's, but more recently two serious fires.  The rocks survived!  The 8.3 mile hike we did yesterday was one of the most unique ever.  The rocks-pinnacles, balanced rocks, etc. were just awesome.



Campsite at Bonita Canyon Campground.



The original road going to Massai Point made by CCC workers was well engineered.



The trails in Chiricahua have been wonderfully maintained, but are still the originals from the CCC workers.



Formations in Chiricahua National Monumett.  Taken from Heart of Rocks trail.

Bruce on a crag.

Helen on Heart of the Rocks Trail.

Of course, we found some birds.  At our first rest stop, as soon as we got out the party mix, who should come visit us but a Mexican Jay. 



Mexican Jay.

The Acorn Woodpecker frequented the campground.

 
There were two recent fires in the park that burned around 90% of the park.  Some areas were lightly burned, others sterilized.  We walked through some of the serious burns, some where the vegetation is still whole, and other areas of recovery.

Massai Point, where our hike started. 

Helen

Up and Down; Glenwood, NM, 5000 ft. elevation to Roper Lake State Park, AZ, elevation 3100 ft.

We left Glenwood, Al & Marcia, Rounder & Sunny this morning. 

They have made their area an oasis for birds with feeding stations and water ponds.

Gambel's quail in the Glick's back yard.

Coming across from New Mexico into Arizona we travels through various types of terrain. We started in the dry juniper brushland, passed loved contoured hills with grasses, into pine forests, and then the wide open vistas of desert and mountains. 

We are campimg this evening at Roper Lake State Park.  Had a great walk around the lake this afternoon.

Interesting defunct bridge in the desert.

Interesting palm proportions. Helen