WORK-A-DAY

Today was a "clean house, do laundry, catch up on all the extra work" day for me.

Paul and George went on another RZR expedition into the desert, and saw 5 Mule Deer at a water hole.

We went to our first "jam" at the park tonight, well attended and with a jovial atmosphere.

Afterwards, Paul listened to music and Bella took advantage of his empty lap.

ALAMO STATE PARK

2/9/07

It's been just a bit cool for riding the motorcycles, so when the temps reached mid 70's today, we hopped on the bikes with no particular destination in mind.

We went about 80 miles, but on these straight roads it doesn't seem like a long ride. The last 38 miles into the state park are really quite stunning, with ancient huge cacti, and pristine desert scenery.

The park itself houses Alamo Dam and the lake it created. It's fascinating to see a lake out here. The desert stops, and the lake begins. There isn't any foliage to speak of at the edge of the lake and river: Wouldn't you think there would be? It has water, so why not grow something green? But that is not how it works.

We are told there are lots of trees under the water, and that the bass fishing is superb. You can see this line of trees as the dark coloration in the muddy water.

Another (wildly different from Maine) fascinating ecology to be sure.

We returned home and had an absolutley wonderful dinner with George and Rachel. Delicious home made american chop suey, tossed salad and a yummy decadent chocolate dessert...mmmmm (thank you Rachel!)

THE SOUTHERN CROSS MINE(S)

Near the town of "Bouse" Arizona lies an historical range of mountains and its array of abandoned mines: silver and copper that I am aware of, and perhaps other valuable minerals as well.

It's a bit of a jaunt through the high desert, but everything is a jaunt out here, lol.

Paul and I took the RZR to the mine, then spent the day exploring and imagining its history. The area that looks like a large old stone wall is actually an old stagecoach station! How cool is that!

I took a photo of a saguaro cactus, growing out of a mountain ledge. I can't imagine how these huge plants can survive in such an environment.

Abandoned mines are everwhere, often at the tops of hills and completely accessible. You have to be careful not to drive into one of these open holes, which can be very deep.

"The Southern Cross" is supposedly a natural formation on the side of the mountain that is visible in the evening light. I say supposedly, because I have been trying to research it online and am not finding any solid information.

At any rate, it is a lovely and mysterious area that is fascinating to explore. We ate our picnic at the stagecoach station, imagining John Wayne here, sitting high atop his stagecoach.