Cochise County Wanderings

Arizona

 

Coronado National Memorial

Commemorating Franciso Vasquez de Coronado’s 1540-42 expedition, the National Memorial offers panoramic views of the US-Mexican border and the San Pedro River Valley thought to be Coronado’s probable route. The expedition was in search of the Seven Cities of Gold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A short nature trail near the Visitors Center features desert foliage including yuccas and ocotillos. Not a true cactus, the spiny ocotillo stems look like dead sticks until crimson clusters appear on the tips.

 

Bob tried to look tough and mean armed with saber and wearing a morion – the metal helmut associated with conquistadors. He reported the headgear was extremely uncomfortable and couldn’t image wearing it for any length of time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bisbee, Arizona

 

Bisbee attracts visitors with its rich mining history and present day art community. The first adjectives that come to my mine are quirky and funky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob spotted a likely looking lunch spot, Cafe Cornucopia. What a great find. The tiny eatery seats 24 for lunch or a sweet treat.Their homemade bread and an array of homemade desserts shouldn’t be missed. I loved the Pina Colada Cake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

 

Late afternoon found us at San Pedro House, a popular Cochise County birding location. Trails lead into the Riparian Forest, past pools and ponds. Throughout our visit a large, white breasted hawk never left his perch in the top of a large cottonwood. Armed with bird books and binoculars we spend a couple of hours. We are novices and don’t try to photograph the flighty feathered creatures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friends of the San Pedro River, a non-profit organization operate a book and gift store in San Pedro House. Materials reflect nature and regional interests; the book selection is outstanding including children books for all ages and novels. I could spend a fortune here; a good way to support the organization’s efforts.

 

Anyone near Sierra Vista wanting to shop for books should head east on AZ Hwy 90 and browse the selection at San Pedro House. And, indulge in some bird watching while they’re there.

Name That Tree

This woman raised in the Midwest and living in Colorado for 50 years had no idea what kind of tree this is. At first glance I thought someone had climbed up and wired carnation blossoms to the limbs.

 

Buds of the tree in question.

 

Enlightenment came from a docent at Tumacacori National Historical Park in southern Arizona.

 

 

It’s a pomegranate tree, introduced into North America by Spanish settlers in 1769. No fooling!