It was time to wander south of Tucson, Arizona and discover new places. My opportunity to escape the Bighorn wildfire’s smoke, listen to classical music and Broadway tunes on my car radio, see big sky country, and whatever came my way.
An hour’s drive south, I took a lefthand turn to visit Las Cienegas National Conservation Area where 45,000 acres of protected grasslands and woodlands are available for wildlife viewing, bird watching, primitive camping, mountain biking and many more activities. Classic films had been filmed on or near the Empire Ranch, which is still a working cattle ranch. I’ll need to spend a day here another time.
Photography is my never-ending challenge so I decided to have some fun with shutter speed and a windmill. I set my camera’s shutter speed, took a photo and then changed it to be a slower shutter speed and took another photo. I remind myself, practice is important!
Although I saw signs for “entering wine country”, I think this photo indicates more of my travel today.
When I travel, I like to read roadside historical markers. I read this marker and researched the topic further when home, to discover the middle initial of the man’s name is incorrect on the marker. Fort/camp Crittendon, the US Army post, was established in August 1867. It was in honor of Thomas S. (or should be “L”) Crittendon. The fort saw action during the Apache Wars in 1870 and 1871. The camp closed in June 1873, and supposedly with only crumbling barrack walls remaining on what is now private land. AZ Highway Department in 1968 made the error. I will check and see how it can be remedied.
Finally arrived at Patagonia Lake State Park where face masks were required and people had camping with space to provide social distancing in this 2020 covid-19 pandemic. The 265-acre man-made lake was enjoyed by swimmers and anglers can catch bass, bluegill, catfish and crappie. Cabins are available to sleep up to 6 people with restrooms and showers within walking distance. Will need to check this again as the park is also a good place for birdwatching.
Beautiful scenery all day and more places for me to visit. I will love to visit some small towns in the future, but for right now the great outdoors is perfect!