Across New Mexico and Eastern Arizona
Not much to say about western New Mexico. High desert. Sage brush and dry grass. 7000’ high. Flat, wide open expanses that stretch for miles. So flat and wide open (and remote) that there is a National Radio Telescope Very Large Array in the middle of it. Nothing to get in the way. Near the border hills start to develop. We crossed the Continental Divide at over 7700’ and went over one summit over 7950’. In shade protected areas there was still snow from a fall storm about two weeks ago. The mountains are pretty. Eastern Arizona is the summer resort area for Phoenix residents. At this time of year many things are closing down for the winter. All the state parks are closed in the area and many of the private RV parks are closed or cut way back.
Camping at over 7000’, in the middle of November, with a steady breeze (wind?) blowing, did not seem desirable to us so we pushed on another hour and 2000’ lower to Payson. Bustling little town (it does have a Wal-Mart) that is close enough and high enough to be an easy summer escape for Phoenix Valley residents. Not a problem at this time of year though. Stayed in a nice little RV park south of town and a mile off the highway. Very quiet.
From Payson north and west to Cottonwood. Again climbing over 7100’ before dropping to the valley. More roadside snow along the way. Before dropping down the road overlooks the valley. We got a graphic picture of how Cottonwood got its’ name. One section of the floor of the valley is filled with Cottonwood trees and right now they are all yellow or light green/yellow mix.
Right now we are in a small RV park on the bank of Oak Creek. Google ‘Oak Creek Canyon’ for a description of the scenery associated with this creek. Thousands of people come to this area in the summer. Right now, in this spot, we have it all to ourselves.
In front of us.
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