More Surprises on our Big Bend Road Trip

                                                                     
The scenery is mostly flat after leaving Big Bend Natl Park and we almost missed the sign and entrance to Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens located in the Fort Davis area. http://www.cdri.org/  






There were paths to explore and we chose the one to the cactus greenhouse where almost everything was in bloom.  I could have stayed a day just looking and examining those varied blossoms.  I love cacti and am always astounded at the beauty of the flowers. 











Outside the headquarters rocks were grouped illustrating the ages of the earth.  The exhibit wrapped around the building and was one of the most interesting exhibits of its kind I've seen.




On the way home we stopped at the Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona and camped by a stream in a campground.  There has been lots of  water damage along the river and two campgrounds were closed.  Trees were uprouted and roads undercut.  Lots of work to be done there.

Chiricahua Mountains
There were many hummingbirds at the Research Center's bird feeding area as well as Scott's Orioles and Say's Phoebes.  


We drove by the Roosevelt Lake and saw the sign for the Tonto National Monument.  Neither of us had been there to see the cliff dwellings.  Time to stop and explore!  

 

The switch back walk to the cliff dwellings
850 years ago, the Salado (Pueblo Indians) lived here

 By the time we arrived home, I had 845 pictures on my camera.  I think I’m down to 451 at the moment and will continue deleting carefully. 

Things to remember for the next road trip:
  • .Stop often - Get out of the car and walk paying attention to the small things.
  • .Leave time to explore and find the surprises along the way
  • .Enjoy the sunrise and the sunset
  • .Take lots of snacks and water
  • .Take lots of pictures – be sure the camera exposure is correct!

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