Patagonia Lake State Park, Arizona

Monday, April 9

Patagonia Lake, as seen from the state park, Patagonia, Arizona

~ ~ ~

“I’m in the mood to go somewhere.  Let’s take a drive down to Patagonia Lake.”

Reggie and Roger trot to the passenger door of the Perfect Tow Vehicle. 

Reggie immediately lies on his back in the dirt, submissively waiting for me to lift him into his co-pilot seat.

“In you go, sweet boy.”

Next I lift the wiggling Roger.

“You know this means a new place to explore.”

At the western entrance/exit of Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, we turn left onto Route 83 and head south.  (A right turn would take us to the checkpoint.)

At Sonoita we turn right.

Route 82 takes us southwest toward Patagonia, 12 miles away.  I stop and get out to view a historical marker.  It marks the location of Camp Crittenden.

~ ~ ~

“Camp Crittenden (1867-1873) —

“Named for Colonel Thomas L. Crittenden, who commanded the 32nd Infantry at the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, and Chickamauga during the Civil War, the fort was established on August 10, 1867. . . . to protect settlers in the Babocomar, Sonoita, and Santa Cruz Valleys, and saw much action during the Apache Wars especially between the years 1870 and 1871.”  — legendsofamerica.com

(The Crittendens were active participants in American history:  During the Civil War the Crittenden family included officers for both the Union and Confederate armies.  In 1876 Colonel and Mrs. Crittenden lost a 22-year-old son at Little Big Horn.)

~ ~ ~

Before returning to the crew in the PTV . . .

“Oh, wildflowers!”

Usually I don’t amp up the color in my photos. 

The sun, being very bright this morning, bleached out the color of the flowers.  Later I edit to bring the blooms back to their true color.

Lovely . . . . I wonder what they are . . . .

“Okay, RVSue, this is supposed to be a post about Patagonia State Park.  Get yourself on the road and drive, woman!”

(Who is this bossy person anyway?)

We reach the village of Patagonia.

It’s a perfect morning for a stroll around Patagonia.

I am tempted.

No, we’re going to the state park. 

(See post of March 30, 2016:  “Parking it in Patagonia, Arizona.”)

The nearer we get to Patagonia Lake State Park the more varied the vegetation from our grassy camp at Las Cienegas.  Spring has arrived!  Finally I see mesquite with leaves and there are flowers!

Majestic cottonwoods proudly display their new leaves along the curves of washes, while fairy dusters (left) swath the roadside slopes in dusty pink.

When we turn for the up-and-down ride to the state park, I pull over to photograph this bright mound.  Do you know what it is?  (Unfortunately the close-up of the blooms did not come out well.)

Approaching the entrance booth, I stop to contemplate the fees.

Well, I’m not paying $15 for day use.  Five dollars would be okay.  Fifteen, no.

I move the PTV forward to the booth and explain to the smiling man in uniform that I only want to look around.

“I won’t stay long.  May I do that without paying a fee?”

He hands me a brochure and says, “Sure!  Go ahead.  That’s fine.”

“Thank you!”

From the brochure . . .

“Patagonia Lake State Park, established in 1975, is an ideal place to find whitetail deer roaming the hills and great blue heron walking the shoreline.  The campground overlooks a 265-acre, man-made lake where anglers catch crappie, bass, bluegill, and catfish.  Hikers can stroll along the beautiful creek trail and see a variety of birds such as the canyon towhee, Inca dove, vermilion flycatcher, elegant trogan, black vulture, and several species of hummingbirds.”

It would be nice to hike here.  Too hot for that for us today . . . . Another time . . . .

We come to another sign.

“Guess what, my little Totos.  We’re not at Las Cienegas anymore.”

Let’s see . . . Where to go? 

“First we’ll look at the campsites and the beach.”

The paved road curves around to a city of recreational vehicles.  The sites are neat and well-maintained, the tables are under shelters, and the surroundings are softened by mesquite in leaf.

 

The photo (below) shows an area less congested than others.  (Notice the gentleman taking his waste for a morning stroll?)

People have several reasons to come to Patagonia Lake State Park.

The beach with manicured lawn leading down to it within walking distance of campsites is one reason.

“You see that pup out for a stroll with his people?  Don’t worry, guys.  You’ll get your chance, too.”

“It’s pretty here, isn’t it.”

“Okay, let’s go see what’s happening at the marina.”

A man and his Jack Russell terrier are bringing their boat up to the ramp where another man has the boat trailer waiting for them.

Beautiful dog living a beautiful life.  I see Reggie in him.

That’s it for now, folks.

More about Patagonia Lake State Park in the next post!

rvsue

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97 Responses to Patagonia Lake State Park, Arizona

  1. Seana in AZ says:

    Yeeeeee!! Numero Uno??

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Wow! An exciting race today! CONGRATULATIONS, SEANA!

      • rvsueandcrew says:

        NOTE TO ALL:

        You may want to open up the comments under the previous post to read those you missed. Be sure to read AZ Jim’s!

        • To AZ Jim; Right on Brother,, there are many memories that come to my mind each Day and I stop at what I’m doing and reminisce on them days that have gone by and smile,, have a pleasant weekend ,,,, 🤔 🐾👣👣………………

          • AZ Jim says:

            Thanks Bro!!

            • Geri in the FL panhandle! says:

              Me too Jim! When I was a solo Woman camping, boondocking, back in the very early 1980’s, everybody thought I was crazym In fact, my dad and I had a big fight about it and he didn’t want to understand my NEED to go exploring! I was born with gypsy feet and I am so glad I went where they those feet took me! Great 👍 memories! Thank you for reminding me of how lucky I am to have those wonderful memories!

  2. Dawn in NC says:

    First!?!!!

  3. Norman in San Diego says:

    Hi Sue,

    Nice pictures as always. Raining in San Diego.

    Norman

  4. Texas Sue says:

    Very beautiful! Thank you

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Piper and Rusty!

      How does your garden grow? 🙂

      • Hi Sue,,, Well with this false Spring weather not good, everyone around here says wait till Mothers Day to Plant and May is going to be full of appointments,especially a Cataract removal with a New lens, then, I’ll have 20/20 for distance and for that presergore? I must be there real Early in the morning,,,,,,,,, I’ll cheat and buy starters along with Miracle Grow and Prayers I’ll have a Great Garden 🤣,, 🐾👣👣,,,,,

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          You’re going to have the cataract removed! That’s great news, Rusty. I’ve heard it’s “no big deal” to have it done and the results are amazing.

          Blogorinos: Have you had a cataract removed?

          • AZ Jim says:

            Yes, piece of cake!! Well worth the surgery for the result. Now is even easier than when I had it done.
            Rusty, you will see again!!

            • Yes Jim, the time I had it done way back on January 2010 took 6 days from preparing to the Operation and follow up,, the Doctors at this VAMC in Louaville said one (1) day and the Operation takes only 20 minutes, then they check it out and then home to rest up,,,,, I may have to go back to get fitted for my new eyewear to pick out,,,,,,, 😀 🐾👣👣

  5. Dawn in NC says:

    “Who is this bossy person anyway?” Had me rolling on the ground! 😉 Thanks for showing the beautiful state park. I love that the guy let you in for free so you could check it out. I love the update on the wildflowers and trees and birds. Spring has sprung here. Right outside my front door, I see different purple shades of the creeping phlox (which is a horrid name for a beautiful flower!), pink azaleas and a beautiful yellow flower that I don’t know the name of. Around town the pink and white dogwoods are blooming, along with the cherry trees and the redbuds! I definitely love this time of year. Not too hot, not too cold and all the colors are just right!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Sounds lovely, Dawn. No wonder you love this time of year.

      Darn that creeping phlox! I tried for YEARS to grow it and nothing. But, oh, the incredible photo on the seed packet and in the catalog. Gee, one little sprout would’ve been encouraging. Nothing.

      Thanks for the memories of a spring in the East. 🙂

  6. chas anderson says:

    Been meaning to stay at that park.You convinced me.Next winter for sure.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, chas,

      It’s a popular place and with good reason. I think you’ll enjoy the next post with more photos of the park.

  7. Seana in AZ says:

    Haha! You have that stern voice nipping at your heels too? Mine is incessantly chiding my actions and decisions! So bossy, and always in third person, interestingly enough.

    The spring flowers are absolutely stunning with their rich colors! I confess, my wildflower knowledge is quite humble but I appreciate them nevertheless. ‘Tis the season, “drip, drip, drop, little april showers!” and there’s no waiting for May to get flowers!

    It was very kind of that man to let you through the entrance at the cost of a smile. Little blessings to remind us all that life is good so enjoy it while you can! Many lovings and scratches for the zoomer brothers!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Seana,

      Those wildflowers alongside the road opposite the historical marker were quite a contrast — The marker memorializing the dark days in our history vs. the cheerful wildflowers reminding us it’s a bright day. I kind of wish the flowers were around the marker, but no matter.

      Thanks on behalf of the zoomer bros!

    • Seana in AZ says:

      Oh, and thank you for the history links. Find a grave .com? Kinda creepy name but love the concept! I’m going to do more exploring on that site 🙂

  8. Robin Beerbower says:

    Well, you had a much nicer ranger than we did when we wanted to take a short look around Patagonia SP. All we wanted to do was check out the campground for future use but were told we needed to pay the full day-use price. Now I wouldn’t mind paying $5 or so but $20 (it was a weekend) is rather steep. Also happened at Kartchner Caverns SP. So glad you posted photos as now I know what it looks like.

    Funny story re: visiting state parks. Years ago we stopped at Burney Falls (Northern California) as we needed to use a rest room. We asked at the kiosk about a quick visit and were told we needed pay the day use fee. We replied we weren’t going to spend more than five minutes and could we pleeeeaaase just use the rest room? Finally the ranger said, “Well, OK, you can do that, but DON’T YOU GO OVER AND LOOK AT THE FALLS!” And she was serious. So we didn’t. Didn’t even glance over that way.

    We are back home in Oregon and miss AZ every day, especially since we are experiencing cold spring rains–yeah, I know, April showers bring May flowers and all that…

    Robin

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Robin,

      Too bad you had those experiences at state parks. I’ve long noted that state-run facilities can be uber-strict compared to federal. Same thing with county. I know that’s a generalization. It’s my experience. I watch my Ps and Qs around state officials. 🙂

      I think the crux of the problem is not differentiating between “day use” (picnics, swimming, renting boats, hiking, fishing, etc.) and “brief use” (using a rest room, taking a few photos, walking down to the water’s edge for a few moments, a drive-through, etc.)

      A statement I often use in these situations is: “I want to take a look at the campground to see if I want to camp here.”

      Maybe weekend crowds influence the attendants/rangers, too. Even so, it’s a public facility and a little understanding and flexibility goes a long way.

      The rain will stop soon… promise!

  9. weather says:

    The link to the Parking it in Patagonia post won’t work for me,I tried with my laptop and with my smartphone.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks for alerting me, weather. I fixed it. 🙂

      • weather says:

        🙂 Thanks for the link, it gave me the chance to see Bridget again, gosh what a lovable little lady! I have to do something for a while so will be back later to comment about this post.

  10. Cinandjules 💨🌵 says:

    You always make me chuckle!
    What a clever suggestion to the attendant…..
    I don’t know the name of the flowers…but have no doubt someone will!
    From the activity…it looks like a favorite spot for many. The man taking his waste on a stroll…you’re killing me!
    The jack Russell seems to be loving his lifestyle also.
    Windy here today….enjoy your day!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Windy here, too, Cinandjules! The grass is growing sideways. 🙂

      I’m glad for it. Without the wind we’d be suffering in the heat. You enjoy your day, too!

    • weather says:

      another one that made me chuckle “The paved road curves around to a city of recreational vehicles.” 🙂

  11. Cinandjules 💨🌵 says:

    And thank you for continuing to share your life with us!

  12. ReneeG from Idaho says:

    Never hurts to ask, does it Sue? Wonderful post. I really like how you describe the boy’s excitement and actions. Roger was a roamer before and he still is, but the best friends! What more can a dog ask for?

    • ReneeG from Idaho says:

      Meant to say, ” . . . but with the best of fiends!” Now that his roaming is a much wider range and on wheels with that oh so frequent free range.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Renee, for calling this post “wonderful.” That’s what I want to do with my blog, share the wonders I come across in this wonder-full country.

      Oh yeah, Roger loves going places. It’s kind of weird because he seems a little nervous when we’re on the highway, sitting very close to me, not lying down the way Reggie does.

      Man, this wind is strong! I’m almost seasick trying to type while rocking!

      • Seana in AZ says:

        Yes! That crazy wind is being pushy up here too! Something flew across the yard a minute ago, I’m guessing the mini cooler, and the thumping from a madly flapping tie-down on the neighbor’s side of the fence is making spontaneous combustion seem like not-so-bad of an idea :/

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Okay, now, don’t give in to any wild ideas. 🙂

          My poor camp chair. It blew across our campsite. It’s the same one that bounced across the desert and almost went over a cliff at Overton, NV, boondock. It still bears the scars from that episode.

      • ReneeG from Idaho says:

        Your comment on this wonder-full country is why my husband and I are in no hurry to do any overseas travel. There is so much to see in our wonderful country and besides, as my husband puts it, “can we drive the fifth wheel there?”

      • Geri in the FL panhandle! says:

        I wonder if Roger is nervous about riding because he might be remembering how he became lost from his first family, maybe he was taken down the highway and dumped!? He must have some memory that is making him nervous about taking a ride. He will, hopefully get over it!

  13. Good morning Sue! Thanks for the tour of Patagonia SP. it looks like a pretty park. I think AZ has quite a few lovely parks. The fees are pretty high though. The $15 entry fee would be a little much for me also. And $20 to dry camp. For someone who was going to boat or fish that would be worth it I suppose. I guess I’m spoiled with my national parks pass 😀. I would like to do some birding there however. Your list of birds has me salivating, haha!

    It’s so nice to see the wildflower pictures! It’s great to see some finally blooming. On the photo of the dark pink flower, I couldn’t make out the blooms real well but could it be some type of penstemon?

    For those who like to bird, Cornell has a smartphone app that has the same info as their all about birds website. It has several photos, the sounds and range map. Data packs for specific regions can be downloaded to your device. No cell connection is required once the data is downloaded. I have found this app to be very useful. It is called Merlin Bird ID.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Debra and Misty,

      It might be penstemon. I remember the blooms were trumpet shaped. Here’s a link to DesertUSA.

      Thanks for the info about Merlin Bird ID. The All About Birds website is one of my favorites.

      Yeah, the national parks pass is a spoiler. Half-price for a campsite has made a big difference in my annual cost for camping.

      • The leaves don’t look right for desert penstemon. Maybe parry’s penstemon. I found this website which has nice info on Arizona wildflowers.
        https://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/category/view-plants/pink-flowers/page/9/

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Thanks for the link. I think that’s a better fit to what I saw. Wish my close-up pic didn’t come out so blurry.

      • ReneeG from Idaho says:

        Oh! I will be eligible to purchase the Lifetime National Parks Senior Pass this month! I’m even getting off work early on my actual birthday to make it to the BLM office, before they close, to purchase it! Even though it’s no longer $10 for a lifetime, the $80 is well worth it to me!

        • Congratulations ReneeG on becoming eligible for the parks pass! Yes it’s still a great deal at $80. I just spent 4 nights in Zion NP and saved $80 off the entry fee and camping.

          Like you I eagerly awaited my 62nd birthday so I could buy my pass. When the day finally arrived I went to Rocky Mountain National Park specifically to buy my pass. I have camped in quite a few federal campgrounds since I’ve hit the road last year and have saved a lot on fees.

          Wishing you lots of fun experiences as you visit our national parks and other public lands 😀

          • Krystina McMorrow says:

            I got mine for $10 at the Grand Canyon when I was full time on the road a few years ago. Best deal ever!!

          • Renee still in Idaho says:

            Thanks Debra! The BLM office is the closest for me. We have visited many National Parks and paid the annual $80 fee, but even at that our camping fees remained the same. We do quite a bit of boondocking, but also FS CG camping and I’m looking forward to saving there too!

        • Cc and canine (now in Oregon ) says:

          The best deal ever…I got mine on my 62nd birthday at Newberry National Volcanic Monument in Oregon. The best $10 I ever spent!

        • AZ Jim says:

          Bless you for your excitement!! I smile just knowing another “thoughtful user” has a new bright and shiny pass to the wonder within the borders of our National Parks! Congrats!!!

      • Barbara (Nashville) says:

        I got my pass before the price increase, I hope I get to use it sometime soon.

  14. Jolene/Iowa says:

    Hi Sue, This is a pretty park! I really enjoyed seeing the lake and fisherman bringing in his boat. I have learned to enjoy your desert time in the winter but am always ready come spring for the green and water and different scenery! One of the perks of your lifestyle, ever changing scenery!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Jolene,

      That’s also one of the perks of Arizona — the variety of landscapes and none a great distance from the other. All that green and flowers is only about 20 miles from our grassland camp. Our little excursion was a nice change.

  15. Pat in Rochester says:

    Hi Sue – I’m glad for your flower pictures to hold me over until spring decides if it’s coming to Rochester this year. Fortunately the snow has melted here and yesterday folks from Doody Master did a wonderful spring cleaning (winter + two dogs = yuck, lol!) If you have the chance, check out their website (just their name and .com) Have to have a good sense of humor for that work! The local garden centers are advertising plants and seeds, and if they think spring is coming then I’ll believe them. I just won’t buy from them quite yet.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Rochester is making progress toward spring! Yay!

      Hi, Pat. I’ll take a look at that website. How nice that you have spring cleaning done!

  16. Joe in TN says:

    Hi Sue,
    I’ve been hoping for some wildflower pictures. Thanks for sharing and I am certain that a few blogorinos will help identify them. Have a great weekend.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Joe. You have a great weekend, too.

      I haven’t seen many wildflowers this spring. This isn’t the area for that, I guess, plus we haven’t had much rain.

      Never know though, maybe we’ll come across some before the summer heat arrives in full force.

  17. Linda Rose, Molly & Midgy Carmichael, Ca says:

    Such a great post for me….took me back to the time several years ago when I stayed at Patagonia SP with a group of other single ladies. We loved wandering through the town of Patagonia too. Thanks again for sharing!!!

  18. Hi Sue,
    Wish I could help with the wildflowers, but I just say “OH, what a pretty flower!”
    I hope the boys did get a brief walk in the park. I think you stated it correctly when you said they need a brief visit fee (or none) for just checking out the park!
    Thanks for the brief history lessons. I always enjoy them.

    Lisa

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Lisa and Connie. Oh, of course, the boys got a walk in the park. It was a quick one. Enough to keep ’em happy.

  19. Denise - Richmond VA says:

    Hi, Sue!

    The photos of the flowers are gorgeous! My favorite is the fairy dusters – so dainty! Patagonia Lake SP looks like a great area to camp, fish, and explore. It was so nice that the attendant allowed you a “look-see” for no charge. I love the curved bridge over the water. The RV section of the park looks nicely laid out. When full, one would have close nieghbors, but the sites appear a bit more spaced apart than some RV parks. If it gets too hot, it is nice to know that there is a nearby park where you could get hook-ups to run the A/C.It is not everyday that you see a portable dump take being taken for s stroll! The JRT on the boat with his person has it made! Just like Reggie and Roger! Did you have to persuade Reggie to look out the window with Roger? It has been a while since you were able to capture a photo of both of the zoom-zoom brothers on inspection duty a the window!

    I remember the past time you explored Patagonia with sweet Bridget and Reggie. Thank you for the link to the 2016 post; it was nice to see photos of our dear Bridget.
    🙂

    Have a great day, Sue! Sending you, Roger, and Reggie love and hugs from me and Gracie pup. 🙂

  20. Cynthia from San Clemente says:

    The flowers are all pretty, but I can’t name them. I guess I’m only familiar with cultivated flowers and not so much with the wildflowers. R&R are bossy? Wonder where they got that from (hee hee)!!! Made me laugh because I can totally understand it. My husband always say that he and I are “life support systems for the dogs.” It’s ok – I can’t think of a much better purpose in life!!! That last photo of the curved bridge was interesting – for some reason it makes me a bit dizzy to look at it – must be something about the perspective?

    AZ Jim – thank you so much for your sweet post about your cats. The last days and weeks with a beloved pet are so tough, as are the days and weeks following their departure. But all the wonderful snugs and hugs and sloppy kisses and memories before the sadness makes sharing our lives with them worth it, doesn’t it? I also worry about having that last dog or cat because I know no one would take care of my animals the way I do, but at what age do I make that decision? I can’t imagine going many years without a pet – maybe adopting a senior dog or cat is the solution, if only I could plan their demise to coincide with my own!!! If and when I ever get to heaven, I plan to take that subject up with the good Lord 🙂

  21. Lynda Jerome says:

    The purple flowers are sand verbena

  22. Geri in the FL panhandle! says:

    This post brought back memories! My mom and I camped at Patagonia Lake State Park when she came out to visit me! I am glad they let you drive through without having to pay. I don’t remember the paved roads. I think it was still pretty primitive 20+ years ago when we were there. Were you two rascals jealous of the lucky dog in the boat?? I was! 😁
    Mom and I left Patagonia and headed to Tombstone for a few days! Nice ride, nice scenery!
    Enjoyed the post, now I am going back to read all the comments! Hugs to the boys!

  23. Stephanie Turner OR says:

    Heck. Posted a reply and it got lost. So I’m still out here, reading every word, admiring how talented AZ Jim is in conveying his memories, admiring your pics and vicariously enjoying travels thru you. Thank you for sharing.

  24. Columbus Calvin says:

    I’m coming in late, but on the other hand, that’s because I have a life to live. I’m basically commenting so that I can get the comments by email, as I often do. I want to state that I would miss this blog a good deal if you didn’t post it. Your pictures are always nice (and that’s not always true of every blog) and you have an interesting, engaging voice. You also have a great community, and I would also miss several of the blogorinos.

  25. Full-timer Judy says:

    I spent ten days camping at Patagonia a couple of years ago and never even saw the lake! I had been horribly sick, and managed to go out twice each day to take out trash and put awning up and then down. Friendly neighbors offered to take me to urgent care or get groceries for me, but I had plenty of groceries and had already been to two urgent care places.

    Guess I need to go back some day and actually see the place.

  26. Barbara (Nashville) says:

    This is such a pretty park and pretty prices to go with it. I would probably spring for a couple of nights though, just for its beauty.
    My DH thinks Angel is putting on a couple of lbs., but compared to the JR in the boat, she looks pretty slim & trim. She does weigh 13 lbs now, compared the 10 when I got her. She is 8 now and I’ve had her almost 3 years. Can hardly believe it. I love my spoiled dog.

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      Hi, Barbara,

      Thank you for the info on Publix. I remember when you shared with us that you adopted Angel. Three years?! Seems like just a year or so ago! 🙂

      • Barbara (Nashville) says:

        I know, I can hardly believe it either. I can’t imagine what it would be like without her now. She is always happy and she goes almost everywhere with us, except for the doctor and hair appts. Since DH has such mobility issues, he is content to stay in the car with her while I grocery shop or run in here & there.

  27. Linda Estoll says:

    Not sure, but I think the purple flowers in the first and last pictures are Prairie Verbena. One of my favorites! They grew in a field next to the house I grew up in, along with some yellow daisy like flowers. The purple and yellow combo is still a favorite of mine. Thanks for the photo!

  28. Barbara from Camano Island says:

    What a great post! Loved going back and seeing Bridget; enjoyed the town signs and the site about desert flowers. You inspired a post full of great comments, especially Cynthia’s to AZ Jim. You have good people, Sue. Says a lot about you.

  29. Barbara from Camano Island says:

    In reading all the comments about doing taxes I began to wonder if anyone had the service we do here. I just take my paper work to the Senior Center where AARP has a program and I get my taxes done for free. It is wonderful!

    • Barbara (Nashville) says:

      We have United Way Volunteers who do the taxes for seniors provided the are over 65 and meet the low income requirements. We are like you and take our paper work to them and they do the rest at no charge.

  30. ApplegirlNY says:

    Good Morning, All.
    Checking in after a busy work week. It’s so nice to come and get a little vacation provided by our lovely Sue and crew.
    Sue, we so appreciate you and your travels. It’s nice to hear about warm breezes and see wild flower blooms while we wait for spring to arrive in the great Northeast.
    Looks like it may break 50 degrees here today. I’m hoping to get outside this afternoon and play in my garden and yard. I love the smell of dirt in the springtime.

  31. weather says:

    The area around the Patagonia you visited and the Patagonian region of South America both have dry grasslands . Those are the result of rain shadow nearby mountains cause. I just like saying rain shadow and moon shadow, ha! They sound like something from the lands of make-believe. They really do occur in real life, though.

    It’s amazing that you only had to drive twenty miles to see greening trees and flowering plants. What a diverse and wonderful world we’ve been given, wow! Springtime’s blooms have taken longer to arrive in a lot of places this year. I’m glad you went to see the ones near you. What a lovely way to spend a few hours.

    It reminds of what a man living on the southern coast of England wrote recently. He took a walk on a rainy, cold day and encountered a bit of wildlife. He said “…it was good to see that despite the rain, the world still turns and the robin still sings.”

    Great post, Sue, thank you, I thoroughly enjoyed everything you included in it. I hope you and your little Totos have a really nice day.

    • Cynthia from San Clemente says:

      Weather, your comment reminded me of that old Cat Stevens song about being followed by a moon shadow. This is one of the things I love about Sue’s blog – so many comments from so many different people from so many different parts of the country (and beyond!) seem to often trigger memories, or cause me to learn new things, or to think about old things in a new way 🙂

      • Barbara from Camano Island says:

        Cat Stevens’song was the first thing I thought of too. Old memories. “I’m being followed by a moon shadow, moon shadow, moon shadow,”

        • weather says:

          Ya know, we’re dating ourselves by sharing our memory of that song, Barbara 🙂 . Younger readers must be wondering what we’re talking about.

      • weather says:

        It’s probably a two hour drive from San Clemente to Malibu, Cynthia. I know it’s a three hour drive from San Diego where I used to live. Besides that song I think about a restaurant that’s right on the beach in Malibu called Moonshadows. Their name was a big part of what first made me want to go there. That’s a fond memory for me-great view of the ocean, atmosphere and dining experience, nice little road trip going back and forth.

        Cat Stevens said he wrote the song after seeing his shadow by moonlight for the first time. I was thinking of the moon causing it’s own shadow that we see as it’s dark lining during a crescent moon when I wrote my comment. The song might be part of why I think of moon shadow as make-believe though. A couple of Cat Stevens’ album covers were illustrated like children’s books would be. The one with the moon shadow song on it was.

  32. Mona from West Texas says:

    Hi Sue,
    Love the first photo , the way you captured the shadow from the tree was awesome. My hobby is gardening and photography this post had it all.
    Extreme wind today and getting chilly here in El Paso.

  33. Barbara in Phoenix says:

    Hi Sue and crew, Phoenix had some terrible winds yesterday with the accompanying heavy dust storm. So many roads shut down temporarily– just a good day to stay off the road. Hope all is well with you.

    Enjoyed your post on Patagonia, I don’t think I’ve ever been there in over 40 years of living here. It looks so peaceful and serene. We’ve spent time in Sierra Vista and Fort
    Huachuca, but never got to go to Patagonia. You always find such interesting places to explore and make me yearn to visit them.

    Thank you for sharing your travels with us!

  34. rvsueandcrew says:

    Wonderful comments, everybody! Thank you! Readers who don’t open comments really miss a lot.

    I have a new post almost ready. See you there!

    Sue

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