After a good night's sleep, we were ready to go. First thing was breakfast. After checking the reviews we decided to stop at the FE Skillet. (FE = iron). The food was really good but I think they are struggling to stay open. I noticed today when I checked their website they are only open on Mondays. Which is too bad. The food is all homemade. I had biscuits and gravy which were excellent. And her scones made me want more than one. The big problem for us, was that the biscuits were made from scratch and it took a good 45 minutes before they were ready.
Chiricahua National Monument
The Chiricahua Sky Island rises to 9,763 feet. The Chiricahua Apaches call this the land of Standing Up Rocks. These beautiful formations were formed about 27 million (give or take a few) years ago when the Turkey Creek Volcano spit out a bunch of ash.
The National Monument was established in 1924. I recently read a news article that said the government is looking into making the area a National Park. I personally think that will bring a lot more people to the area which is both good and bad.
When you get to the monument you will find Faraway Ranch which has been restored to represent what life in the early 1900s was like. As you get further in Bonito Canyon there is a narrow, eight mile scenic drive which climbs from the grasslands to the summit at Massai Point. There are a few pullouts along the way and if there is nobody behind you that's in a hurry, you can stop and take pictures.
Speaking of pictures - there are a lot of them. I couldn't decide which ones to post. But I did not post all of them.
Paul has a special camera and takes such great pictures. I just had to get one of him in action.
You know I love cloud pictures so I am going to end this with one that I took as it started to rain on us. Yes, rain again for the second time.
I seen to remember a Standing Rock being mentioned in the Tony Hillerman books about the Navaho Reservation. I wonder if it is the same. Even if it is not, it is really magnificent. In a way reminds me of building sand castles and the turrets sand forms. Really nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteI've been there a couple of times. You can certainly see why that was their stronghold. It gives you an eerie feeling to stand and look over the valley. VERY cool place.
ReplyDeleteInteresting rock formations and while I enjoyed our winter visit to Arizona, after all my life in the green eastern US, short of a medical necessity, I can't imagine living in the Southwest.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandie…great photos! Such an interesting and historic and scenic NM. I love the drive to the summit. We enjoyed sitting by Bonita Creek and listening to the birds!
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful day for adventures leaving you with great memories and pictures.
ReplyDeleteStay Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.