Safford 11

 Our last full day here in Safford.  It was partly sunny with a few clouds that increased very late in the afternoon.  

We considered a hike high on Mt Graham, but it had low clouds so would have been hiking in the snow with full clouds.  Maybe next time.

Off to Tucson again for 2 nights, then back to Empire Ranch for a few days.  We’re headed to Rodeo NM but had to wait for an opening in the campground.

So we drove south on this old paved road we’re camping on.  Down there is the Hot Well Dunes Rec. Area.  It is a sand dune area where many 4 wheelers of all sorts go to run around and have a great time hot rodding in the desert.  They have dry camping spaces that are well spread out with outhouses, trash disposal and picnic tables.  Pretty good for not having any hookups.

And there are the namesake hot springs for soaking.  It originated as an oil drilling site that hit hot water instead of oil in 1925.  It is still pumping up hot water on a solar pump.  Only 2 tubs though.  We talked with a few people who were in the water, pretty warm they say.  One guy from MI has been full time camping in a tent for 8 years!  He moves around as required (BLM & USFS require 14 day max then move >20 miles away for 2+ weeks).  But he has several places he likes and runs a pattern with some new places thrown in, and up to MT for the summer.  Another couple is from Deming NM, a place we camp often.  He’s retiring from UPS in a year and they’re going full time RV after they sell out.

Then we went out another gravel road and took a 3 mile walk on another road.  Skye was finally happy!  Off leash until we got to a Tanque, an ag water source, big tank full of water for cattle and a muddy pond for them to drink.  Skye loves the water and doesn’t care if it’s muddy.  We care!  So back on leash until we get past it.  We got back to camp just in time for doggie dinner time and cold beverage time.

Out on our hike:

Not real sure what this was for

Ice in the desert

I threw out the frost & chips in the ice cube tray