Rockhound State Park was our last stop before heading up into the Gila Wilderness for our summer gig. We had only five days there, a couple of which were taken up by our semi-annual visit to the dentist (Look Ma! No cavities!) and our last big shop to stock up in an effort to limit the number of times we’ll have to make the long drive into town.
Shortly after we arrived, a thunderstorm began, and we spent the rest of that day enjoying the excuse to hang out and be slugs. The sun and warmth were back the next day, though, so we continued to lounge about doing nothing. Until mid-morning, that is, then we got to exploring.
 |
| Enjoying the view of the Florida Mountains |
The trails that connect to the park are nice, if not very long or challenging.
 |
| Making the connection. |
The cholla (CHOY-uh) cacti were just beginning to bloom when we left our last location, and they were continuing their show here, sometimes with contrasting blooms on the same plant.
When we got back, dinner was waiting for us.
 |
| Mmmm! Grilled quail! |
We went for a walk down the road after dinner.
 |
| Left lane closed ahead. |
Our parked view was another stunner.
Our only other outing of note was to Spring Canyon State Park, which is really an extension of Rockhound, but requires a short drive.
 |
| Over a blind hill. Fun! |
 | |||||||||
Don’t jump! I’m sorry!
|
 |
| Love wins. |
A Word About Summer
As you all know (because I keep saying it) we will be working over the summer as volunteers for the NPS at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. It is a remote location in a few important ways, the extent of which I can’t know until we’re there. What I do know is that we will have no cell phone capabilities whatsoever, and since I rely on that for our personal internet, I don’t know how often or even if I will be able to post. No one is really ever that far off the grid in this world these days, and I have a feeling it won’t be as dire as not being able to post all summer, but it could put a big dent in the frequency of posts and most certainly severely limit my ability to respond to comments in a timely fashion. If so, please don’t give up on us, my faithful readers! Time will fly by, and if I can’t keep you updated the way I normally do, just think of all the tales that await come September!
COMMENTS
Chasing Dirt It definitely depends on where you want to go and what you can live with/out, but the opportunities are almost limitless for volunteers. I’m actually a little sad that we have some internet here since it can be such a distraction. But 3.5 months would be a loooong time without! I will do my best to make a good itinerary for your visit 😂 (early impression is that it is beautiful here and we have some spectacular hiking to come!)
We really like Rockhound SP and have stayed there several times in our cross-country journeys. It’s a convenient stopover and we really appreciate the peace, the dark night skies, and the hiking trails. You discovered all of the good trails (of course!). And the cacti were beautiful while you were there. I think that Scaled Quail wanted to be invited to dinner, not to BE dinner. 🙂
I have faith that you’re gonna find a way to post. We can’t wait to hear about your adventures at Gila Monument!
Chasing Dirt Ha, what is it with that trail? I’m glad we all made it back😆
It was definitely a pretty and peaceful park and a great launching point for Gila. Our little bit of government-issued internet is letting me read/respond (mostly, grr) but I have to save up stories & pictures for when I saddle up the donkey and head into town. That will be a story unto itself, I’m sure!
It might surprise you to know that somewhere along that wilderness is
Udderly Delight a maker of natural skincare. Be sure to stop there for
your supplies of lip care and other good smelly natural things in case
there is a disagreement between the lovers 🙂
We were supposed to stop at Rockhound but cancelled and changed our route to go to Rodeo NM instead.
Chasing Dirt We were surprised to find that there
is a bit of internet up here, but nothing that will let me do much more
than message, but, as you’ve predicted, I already have plans on how to
get the blog out to the adoring fans😁
We will keep our eyes open for the skin care place. This climate is
making that necessary. I think you’re right about it smoothing over
future disagreements, haha!
I don’t understand why you didn’t collect rocks though? Don’t you need painting materials? I mean, I know you can’t carry All The Rocks, but a few rocks would be good, no? Please explain…
As for this summer, I have no doubt you will find a way to post… even if it means driving 14 hours through the mountains just so you can hit “publish”, wait thirty seconds, and drive all the way back.
You know you’re gonna have hilarious stories about certain folks who are known to do incredibly entertaining (for the rest of us) things. Just think of all the people trying to take selfies for Instagram that you can caption #whatcouldgowrong
You know you can’t keep that stuff locked up for too long. 🙂
Have fun!
Chasing Dirt Ah, the rocks — Rockhound rocks are like special geodes and not the small, flat sort that are good for painting. I have a box of paintin’ stones collected waiting for a day off🎨
Haha, we bloggers will suffer a lot to hit that button 😆 Even though I have a little bit of unexpected internet here, I will have to go back down into civilization to get anything done well. Never fear, I take copious notes daily!
Chasing Dirt Thanks, Pandie! I saw a family yesterday that reminded me of you and yours when they were littler, and I could just imagine your camping adventures with all your Junior Rangers. I hope all is well with you. I miss brunch!