Name that Bird
Armed with bird books and binoculars we approach Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge wondering what we’ll see on this visit. A few years ago we stopped in February, amazed at the quantity and variety of birds and waterfowl. Known internationally for the quality of wildlife observation the refuge is located off I-25 midway between Albuquerque and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Socorro is the nearest town, 20 miles to the north.
Along the banks of the Rio Grande the refuge encompasses over 57,000 acres. Mountain ranges rise to the east and west. Located on the northern edge of the Chihuahuan desert, the terrain varies from wetlands, farmlands and riparian forests to arid foothills and mesas. Bosque del Apache provides habitat and protection for migratory birds and endangered species while offering the public educational wildlife experiences.
We start our visit with a picnic lunch in the pavilion near the visitor center. Before heading out for the driving tour we purchase a CD ($2.50) of interpretive information coordinated with numbered signs along the route. The Bosque Nature Store carries a large selection of birding and nature books plus gift items.
The Wildlife Drive is a 12-mile, one-way gravel road; a short two-way road bisects the route into the Marsh Loop and the Farm Loop. Depending on time and interest it’s easy to do either loop or the entire drive. What one sees changes with each visit, several pull-offs give access to trails, boardwalks and observation decks. You’re allowed to stop along the drive as long as you pull to the side to allow traffic to pass. We’re reminded that when wildlife is spotted near the road if we remain in the vehicle it can serve as a blind – wildlife may remain closer while being viewed.
Tens of thousands of ducks, geese, sandhill cranes and wading birds find ideal winter habitat in the water impoundments created by low dikes and fields cultivated for a winter food source. Migratory landbirds stopover in spring and fall. Since 1940, 377 species from been observed. Pick up a bird checklist for the Bosque at the visitor center.
The prominent sighting on this trip was hundreds and hundreds of snow geese. They’re quite a sight when they all decide to go airborne. I always wish we had more time here and vow next time we’ll sit and bask in the winter sun much like the turtle on the log watching the ducks drift pass.
When You Go: The Bosque del Apache Wildlife Drive is open for driving, walking or biking from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset daily, year round. Store and visitor center open Monday – Friday 7:30am – 4pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am – 4:30pm. A $3 / private vehicle fee is required for access to the Wildlife Drive; Golden Age, Golden Eagle, Golden Access or current Federal Duck Stamp honored. Five of seven observation decks are handicap accessible.
I spent a lot of time researching Sedona lodging options before making reservations. Many options are expensive resorts, even the national brand hotels tend to be more expensive than in the majority of destinations. I read reviews and comments from lots of sources. One facility caught my eye – 
Pillows – plenty of pillows in good condition, I hate worn-out, lumpy pillows
Towels – an abundance of thick absorbent towels
The first Saturday of spring 2009 with temps in the 70s- what other incentive do we need to get outside? A trip to 
The model airfield is a unique feature at Chatfield. With wind gusts up to 33mph only one plane was in the air during our visit. However, seeing the many different designs, prop to helicopters, and watching the guys tweak their aircraft was almost as interesting as watching a flight. I’m sure it’s not a male only hobby but you wouldn’t know it by today’s “pilots”.
Proximityto the Denver Metro area makes Chatfield a popular recreation destination. Twelve miles of hike/bike trails in the park link with a number of connecting trails including the Colorado Trail, Centennial Trail and Highline Canal Trail. Water sports draw capacity crowds in summer: boating, swimming, water skiing, jet skiing, sailboarding and fishing.
Phoenix public transportation got a huge boost when 
During our Phoenix visit the hotel was one block from a Metro station, we used it to avoid traffic and parking at the Heard Museum Indian Fair and to dinner downtown. We found the stations to be clean and well lit with shaded waiting areas. Each station is individualized with public art. At the Osborn/Central station bronze shoe and foot prints traverse the platform, a fun element but not especially outstanding as a work of art. More dramatic and eye-catching sculptures, murals and decorative walls adorn other stations.
Three premier attractions in the Flagstaff area have joined together to offer an Exploration Pass giving $2 discounts on admission to each the 
Nine Galleries at the 
enter. Monday morning brought clouds and a soft rain to Sedona, the things we had planned to do were outdoor activities. We decide to drive up Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff for a couple of indoor attractions.
he outer solar system. A guide leads the tour group through the campus to the dome housing the historic 24″ Alvan Clark refractor telescope. Percival Lowell spent a great deal of time observing Mars from this scope in the early 1900s. Evening programs allow public viewing of night skies – weather dependent, or course.
Back in the Visitor Center we spend time in the interactive Discover the Universe hall. Exhibits cover from how the eye sees to the order of planets from the sun. Attractive, informative and well maintained the exhibits are in direct contrast to what we found at Whipple the week prior. A multimedia show “Lowell Observatory: A New Century of Discovery” in the Giclas auditorium reports on the construction of the 4.2-meter Discovery Channel Telescope. Because the sun was a no show on this day we did not get to view the star through the special-filtered solar filtered, an activity usually available from 9:30-9:55am. Before departing Bob spent time selecting a book in the gift shop while I canvassed the staff for lunch recommendations.
Significant because of the 400th anniversary of Gaileo first pointing a telescope skyward, 2009 has been designated the International Year of Astronomy. Lowell Observatory will offer 
Bob was ready for a switch from Southwest cuisine so Contessa became our destination. We expected it to be nearby but drove several miles before finding the address in a rather dark, nondescript strip mall. We experienced a moment of doubt about our choice. A Pizza Hut stood in the same parking lot nearer the street, should we go there instead?
In the name of research we made selections from the enticing dessert tray, raspberry cheesecake for Bob and cannoli for me. I opted for the traditional instead of the one with chocolate chips. Bob totally enjoyed the cheesecake but one bite of my cannoli and I thought I might have to fight him off with dual forks.
A Pass Key is an Italian sausage patty and cheese sandwich hot off the grill served with peperoncini and fries. I had mine with provolone cheese and chips. Bob chose half a Super Pass Key with three kinds of cheese. 
Where To Go - Travel USA 