Catwalk in Whitewater Canyon and Mogollon Ghost-Mining Town

Today brought us yet another day with perfect weather. Silver City is a pretty dumpy town, but there are a lot of interesting things to see around here. We drove about an hour and went to Mogollon Ghost-Mining Town, they do still have about 12 residents living there, they still mine apparently. Funky little town, fun to see. We had a picnic at The Catwalk in Whitewater Canyon, part of it was closed but we were still able to see quite a bit. The Catwalk is in a canyon where the river winds through it and a 250 foot suspension bridge was built. You walk along the catwalk which is built into the boulders. Billy the Kid lived in Silver City for part of his life.

Gila Cliff Dwellings outside of Silver City, NM

Old church in Pinos Altos, Hearst Church built in 1898 -George & Phoebe Hearst, parents of William Randolph Hearst, built this church, they also owned a mine here

Hot Springs

We are in New Mexico in a small town named Silver City, a silver mining town, thus the name!

We drove about an hour north of the city to see the Gila Cliff Dwellings, lived in by the Mogollon Indians between 1276-1287. A beautiful drive, snow still in the mountains and the river running along the road the whole way. There are hot springs that provide heat for many of the residents in the area. You can also go in the hot springs, but alas, we didn't have our suits!!

It is a 3 mile round trip walk to see the caves. There are 42 well preserved rooms within 5 natural caves. It is also the birthplace of Geronimo. Once again, we have been blessed with beautiful weather.

Sedona, Arizona

Wow, what a change from the last time we were in Sedona, hardly recognize the place. Traffic is horrible, but it is still so incredibly beautiful. Poor Bill is still sick, so we didn't get to do any hiking. Pictures don't do justice.

THIS SAYS IT ALL!!

Queen Creek, AZ

Went to Queen Creek, AZ to visit old friends. Perfect weather, perfect company; there's just something special about friends that have known you for soooooo long!! So many stars in the sky!

Well, after a very anticipated wait, we are finally on the road!! The beginning of our adventure.
Leaving was very bittersweet, although we are very excited for our trip, it was very difficult leaving family and friends. Driving away from home was very strange, knowing it was for the last time, it just seems like we are going on a trip and then will return to our home of 26 years.

Our first night we spent in Quartzsite, AZ, strange little town, but provided us with what we needed, REST...after an emotional goodbye. We are anxious to see where the road takes us.