The City of Rocks

The wind blew continously our last night at Dome Rock.  Buffeting the trailer often, it made us glad we had put everything away the afternoon before.  When Sally and I opened the door on Sunday morning, the nearby mountains were wrapped in a brown fog.  No moisture though, just dust.

From Quartzite to Buckeye the wind was still gusting near thirty miles per hour.  We took the detour around Phoenix through Gila Bend, and as we reconnected with I-10 near Casa Grande, the winds had died and skies were clearing.  Our destination for the day was Benson, and the Escapee’s park.  A dear friend resides there part of each Winter, and we wanted to visit with him.

Ed, better known as The Dutchman, to many.  We met in Capitol Reef a decade or so ago, and since that time try and cross paths wherever we can.  A retired airline pilot, jazz musician, biker, kayaker, and World traveler, he has been fulltiming in his Casita since 2003. 

From Benson, it was on the the City of Rocks. A very unusual pile of rocks located about forty miles North of Deming, New Mexico.  Created millions of years ago by a volcanic eruption, erosion sculpted the rock formations seen today.

We found a nice spot, tucked back in the rocks, out of the wind.

 

 

The rocks make an amazing playground.  What kid, or adult for that matter, wouldn’t like to run, climb, and explore this amazing place.

Sally enjoyed a little off leash time there.

I think I would like to turn around.

The landscape surrounding the rocks is entirely different.  Huge vistas in all directions.

Scattered rain showers were forecast for our last evening there.  We decided to put the Clam away, but kept our propane fire ring out.  The wind had died down as the clouds begin to build.  A perfect evening for a fire.

As a few have mentioned, it’s tough being a dog in the Chapman family..

Just me, Sally, and the cayotes.  As the last howls died away, it was just me.

The clouds were spitting rain as we departed.

Looking forward to returning here, again……jc