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!

 

 

Arizona Folklore Preserve

With Dolan Ellis

We spent the afternoon at the Arizona Folklore Preserve located south of Sierra Vista, Arizona. The center has evolved from dream to reality for singer/songwriter/entertainer Dolan Ellis. An original member of the New Christy Minstrels in the 1960s, Ellis has served as Arizona’s Official State Balladeer since 1966. He’s written more than 300 songs focusing on the history, culture and nature of his adopted state. Joining with the University of Arizona South, Ellis and a dedicated cast of volunteers have established the Preserve for performances of music and Arizona folklore – fact and fiction. Originally Ellis performed nearly every weekend, currently he is scheduled once a month with guest artists from around the country the remaining weekends.

Our trip was planned around attending a Sunday afternoon Ellis show, and, we were not disappointed. Today’s theme was Songs of Spring and included the debut of a new song, Casa Grande.  We’re amazed at his strong voice and energetic performance for a man who celebrated his 79th birthday this week. It was a privilege to once again see and hear this Arizona treasure who has been named the first Arizona Culture Keeper.

Situated in Ramsey Canyon the Arizona Folklore Preserve grounds are lush with spring greenery. After the show we relaxed on the deck which is built around a sprawling Arizona Sycamore estimated at more than 200 years old.

 

Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes

Jerome, Arizona

 

Laying claim to the title of world’s largest kaleidoscope shop Nellie Bly in Jerome, Arizona opens a colorful and dazing world to visitors. Even before one steps through the doorway the wonder starts with a kaleidoscope prism aimed at a planter of bright blossoms – just give it a spin.

 

Once inside, the vast array of “scopes” astounds – everything from pocket-sized selling for only a few dollars to massive works of art costing thousands. Shopping here is a definite hands-on experience, or rather an eye-on experience. Whether it’s in the form of a necklace or a floor model a knowledgable staff shares info about the artists, designs, optics and mechanics.

 

Nellie Bly represents more than 90 artists and stocks literally hundreds of kaleidoscopes in addition to original art glass and jewelry.

 

Jerome once had the reputation as Wickedest Town in the West and grew to a copper mining town of nearly 20,000 in the 1920s. After the mine was closed in 1953 Jerome virtually became a ghost town. Today the town 27 miles southwest of Sedona attracts visitors to its National Historic District and active artist community.

 

Nellie Bly is a bedazzling reason enough for a trip to Jerome.

Water in the Desert

 

 

In the arid Arizona Strip southwest of Kanab, Utah, Pipe Springs National Monument honors native and immigrant cultures that settled around a spring on the high desert. Rangers give guided tours every half-hour of the stone fortress known as Winsor Castle. The structure was built by Mormon pioneers protecting a year-round natural spring. A museum also features the culture of the Kaibab-Paiute tribe who have inhabited the region for centuries.

 

 

Our destination for the day was Page, Arizona and Lake Powell. Since we arrived boatless we choose the Canyon Adventure boat tour for a nearly three-hour lake experience. The waters of Lake Powell flow into dozen of desert canyons. On this tour we went up Navajo Canyon and the narrower Antelope Canyon to a spot where we could almost reach out and touch the walls. A watery day in the desert.