Monday, October 27, 2008

Someplace Else

Do you ever get up in the morning and say to yourself, “I want to go someplace else?” Well, it happens to me frequently and on Saturday I acted on it. After some morning errands we hopped in “Birdie” our SUV and headed east on I-10 towards El Paso. We had been making a lot of trips south towards Rio Rico lately but today I wanted to see “Someplace Else.”

The Sonoran desert falls behind us as we drive the black ribbon of asphalt. A blazing sun reflects off the brown earth and silver grasses now dry since the Monsoon ended a month ago. Saguaros and cholla give was to grass and scrub. We travel through Benson and the boulder strewn Texas Canyon. In Wilcox we pass the playa off to the south, and the apple orchards to the north. Farther east we pass pecan and walnut groves that are apparently open to the public. We drive on by, our eyes constantly on the horizon. I have a destination in mind and I want to get there before it’s too late.

Now the grasslands around us turn into gently sloping hills. I-10 starts a gentle but steady climb upwards. It is late in the afternoon and the sun is already casting long slanting shadows before us. The Chiricahua Mountains to the south define the topography with their tall and jagged peaks. Then, I see the sign and Gus pulls over. I have found “Someplace Else!”




I have never been to New Mexico before. I have never counted birds in New Mexico. We won’t cross far into the state but at least I can say I’ve been here. A few more miles east and we exit at Road Forks on highway 80. Here we head south towards the small town of Rodeo, a 22 mile drive. I’m giddy with excitement and all eyes as we turn Birdie south.


To be continued…




Local Nature News: It is being reported in local media that a mountain lion was shot and killed over the weekend in Madera Canyon for stalking a man and his dog. The mountain lion is being checked for rabies.

Weather: Sunny, warm and windy with gusts over 40 mph. Dust storms are possible, especially in Pinal county along I-10. The current temperature in Sycamore Canyon is 80 degrees F.

13 comments:

abb said...

Been to New Mexico twice - fell in love both times. Looking forward to your continuing adventures!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

It has been 38 years since I was in New Mexico,and back then I wasn't into birding.Would love to go back now and find many new birds.Good Luck,I'm waiting to hear about your 'someplace else.'

Deborah Godin said...

Never been to the desert, but I can see why you fell in love with it all - especially those gorgeous hazy mountains. And a tank top in late October ain't bad either!

Mary C said...

Kathie, I had the biggest grin on my face when I saw your photo of the New Mexico state line. I've never been to that part of New Mexico; I've gone south from ABQ through Las Cruces, but I don't think I've gone west on I-10 from I-25. I'm looking forward to the rest of your discovery.

Naturegirl said...

I know this sign! We passed it on route to and from AZ when we winter there!!Happy Trails!

Beth said...

This looks beautiful. I do love the desert beauty for all my rambling about snow and mountains. I also love your spontaneity--let's just go! Well, thanks for sharing it with us so we can feel like we had a get away, too.

Doug Taron said...

Gotta have my Arizona fix. Thanks for that. The reverse of the drive that you describe- from Willcox Playa back to Coronado to Tucson, is the road that took me to your house when I stopped by. It was a very pleasant day both before and after I got to your place. Texas Canyon is a very cool spot.

Did you get a chance to stop at The Thing?, perchance?

Shelley said...

What a great adventurous spirit you have!!

kjpweb said...

That's the spirit - looking for the continuation!
Cheers, Klaus

bobbie said...

a cliff hanger! I hope the Land of Enchantment did not disappoint.

Kathie Brown said...

T.S.Annie, I love to explore new places.

Ruth, I hope to up my New Mexico Bird count.

Deborah, I love the hazy mountains too and you are right, a tank top in October is great!

Mary, glad to make you smile! I have never been to NM before at all so I am so game to explore!

Naturegirl, isn't it fun when you see places you know on other people's blogs? I know I get all excited. Will you be here soon?

Doug, I have stopped at "The Thing" Dairy Queen and gift shop but I have never paid the dollar to see what the "Thing" is. I figure it's just a scam and I didn't want to waste my dollar! I hope to someday explore Texas Canyon. So far we have just driven by it. It's impressive even from the road.

shellmo, I hope I never lose it!

Klaus, come on back! Glad you stopped by!

Bobbie, no it didn't. It made me want more!

TR Ryan said...

You are making me miss my adopted state. So breathtaking at every turn.

Kathie Brown said...

Hey T.R., nice to see you again. Which is your adopted state? AZ or NM? Both are beautiful but I want to go see more of NM!