Chiricahua National Monument 4/17

We spent today taking a side trip to the Chiricahua National Monument. Several fellow campers had told us that it rivaled Bryce in beauty. Well, it didn't. We did get insight into the "sky island" effect --- ecosystems of isolated mountain ranges that rise above surrounding grassland and are marked by an unusual diversity of species of plants and animals. It actually reminded us of Southern/Central California landscape (sycamore, oaks, madrone, manzanita). It is a mecca for hikers between the months of March and April....we drove the loop.

We also learned that Rex Allen, the old cowpoke singer and actor, had lived in nearby Wilcox. Most of us might know him as the narrator in many Disney travelogues/documentaries of the old west. He narrated the Chiricahua Visitor Center video and the sound of his voice brought back fond memories.

Alexa realized that we had been gone a week and we were still in Arizona! So we cut out all the additional stops between here and Carlsbad Caverns. Full speed ahead.


Also, just to let you know that not all campgrounds are scenic. Here we are in Lordsburg, New Mexico.