Monday, February 1, 2016

A Lovely Day at Sheepshead

Spending time with our life-long friends as we travel is a real bonus in this life. Getting to see them several times is even better. 

Friday we return to our Tombstone friends, the McMurtries. Last time we were here it snowed, and it looks like we've brought another winter storm on our heels this time as well. 

Our plan was to leave Monday morning for Deming, NM, but it is more likely to be Wednesday now. Avoiding traveling in 35-60 mph winds, cold temps and possible snow - another thing we love about the flexibility of being nomads. Since Anna and Donnie seriously spoil us, this is a pretty sweet spot for a lay-over :-)




No sign of storms as we soak up the warm sunshine on the patio with our friends.


Opening packages we had sent ahead of us
Tessa wastes no time making herself at home with Auntie Anna
The temps are mild overnight, and Saturday morning is bright and sunny. After a yummy breakfast, we take a drive to Sheepshead Dome. Another diverse area of southern Arizona desert, - the plains and hills are splendid.

Located in the Dragoons, in the historic West Cochise Stronghold, this outcropping of light-colored rock is home to deer, javalina, mountain lions, and many birds, snakes and lizards. 


Sheepshead
Yucca and Century Plant dot the landscape
From the top of the pass
Back seat driver
Rocky range
Golden plains lead to outcroppings
Many natural rocks look like ruins
Tri-colored views
We stop near the creek, among large oaks, to stretch our legs, look for wildlife and take photos. Anna has camped here since she was a little girl.









Anna glasses for deer in the rocks that Donnie saw with his high-power binoculars 
Fluffy dog practices blending in like a native
On the way back we pass about 20 vehicles heading out to play in the desert trails, and some of Anna's family members collecting firewood. We have yet to go anywhere with these two that there aren't several people who know them.

There may be stormy weather coming, but this day is picture perfect.




18 comments:

  1. Another great blog. I am enjoying following your travels this winter. Only 2 more months in Mazatlán and we will be back on the road. Maybe we will cross paths again.

    Russ Ranger

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    1. I would love that! So fun to have you along 😀

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  2. How wonderful to spend such great time with friends. Beautiful rugged country there. It is pretty nice of them to treat you so well since it seems you bring bad weather when you visit them. HA!

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    1. That's what we said :-). They assure us they need the moisture but this wind nobody needs!! This rugged country really draws us!

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  3. Tessa must think she's won the doggie lottery! What a great life for her! :)

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    1. She has a great life for sure - and we love living it with her :-))))

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  4. Okay, now I know why you guys had to take to the road full-time -- you have close friends everywhere, and it's the only way you could possibly get to see everyone! And you keep making more friends! Isn't it fun? :-)))

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    1. So true! We had very few friends in the town we left, and have dozens and dozens "out here"! It's wonderful to re-connect, and make new connections :-)

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  5. What a great "audio hike!" I love all the rocks. You are right that many look like actual ruins. Very cool:) I'm sure everything was fine with the special back seat driver:) She sure is cute:) How nice to have such special friends:) Safe travels!

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    1. There are a lot of good scrambling hikes in the Dragoons, you and John would love taking them on! She kept liking the driver on the ear......just a little distracting :-)

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  6. It is nice to not have to move on especially when you have great friends to visit in such gorgeous country. I've always had winter/spring winds in Deming.

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    1. Fingers crossed for a couple days of less wind through Deming - hoping the slide gets fixed there this week :-)))))

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  7. Interesting name "Sheepshead" as I saw a "sheepshead" fish for the first time. Folks like it find but doubt it's anything like our Pacific NW fish! :)

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    1. Took me forever to see the sheep in the rock formation - maybe it looks more like a big fish!

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  8. What a beautiful place to explore! Can you believe Joe and I have not been to Tombstone. Might just have to take a day trip from Tucson.

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    1. You wouldn't regret it - there is amazing beauty here. We are always surprised at how "hilly" it is. There's lots of outside to enjoy, and the museum is exceptional. Only one restaurant that's open all week (Longhorn).

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  9. Tessa with her fluffy head sure is happy to be the backseat driver. She might just blend in if you keep taking her to your walks :(
    We have not been to Sheepshead, maybe one day will stop by there on our way to somewhere.

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    1. The dirt road is definitely well-maintained so if you do get the chance, you'll love the hiking among the rocks!

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