On Friday, April 6th, the crew and I take a ride to Patagonia Lake State Park, located about 70 miles south of Tucson. This is the second post about that morning.
Patagonia Lake State Park rents various types of watercraft.
There are kayaks. (The eastern part of the lake is designated as no-wake.)
The dock at Patagonia Marina
There are bass boats. I didn’t check, but I imagine the marina has trolling motors to go with them.
If you like more power pushing your craft, you can rent one of these.
A boat isn’t necessary for fishing, as these folks demonstrate.
After taking the above photos from around the marina, I hurry to return to Reggie and Roger waiting in the PTV.
“We’ll go to the day use area and you can have a walk-around over there.”
I park the PTV in a 15-minute parking space and the boys and I head for the lake.
Thinking of this blog, as I often do, I attempt to take iconic canine crew shots. You know, the kind with Reg and Rog posed against a gorgeous backdrop of water, rock, and foliage.
Not so easy when they’re super-excited.
“C’mon, guys. Quit sniffing around for a second. Heads up please!”
When they aren’t sniffing or lifting a leg, they’re pulling me on their leashes, darting in opposite directions and tangling around stuff.
Normally I postpone photos until after the initial canine euphoria subsides. If I give the crew time to calm down, I usually can get a few good shots.
We don’t have time for that today.
I promised the man at the entrance that we wouldn’t stay long . . . .
After several attempts . . .
Oh well, good enough!
Now I can relax and enjoy this place.
I read online that Patagonia Lake State Park can be very crowded, especially on weekends. Campers are advised to make reservations well in advance of their planned visit.
Today (Friday) there’s hardly anyone in the day use area.
It really is a lovely day.
At an earlier stage of my life, I was eager to go out in a boat, cast my line, maybe catch a few fish. Now I’m content to see others doing that.
I get a lot of pleasure out of wandering through a peaceful place like this.
It’s only mid-morning and already the air temperature is into the 80s.
Typical of Arizona, although warm in the sun, it’s surprisingly cool in the shade.
The crew and I come across a strange situation.
Oh, my! I wonder how they got their boat up there! And how will they ever get it down?
We spend a few minutes on a little beach.
Reggie and Roger are “landlubbers.” Neither is interested in taking a soak. Maybe they would if it were a hotter day.
Roger tries to take a drink out of the lake.
I pull him away.
“Let’s go back. I’ll pour you a fresh drink. We have to go now anyway.”
Well, that was nice. We’ll stop in Patagonia on the way home. I need to buy more tortillas. Gee, a cold bottle of peach tea would taste good . . . .
rvsue
NOTE: For more information and photos of the state park and campground, see my previous post and go to azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake. — Sue
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Good afternoon!
Good afternoon, Sherri! CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING FIRST!
LOL, thanks Sue and Crew! I enjoyed the photos this morning. SO inviting!!! Thank you, as always, for sharing bits of your day. 🙂
Next?
Yep. Hi, Renee!
Blogorinos:
I still haven’t done my taxes. If I stay here I might procrastinate another day. Y’all enjoy each other’s company.
And thanks for being here!
Bye for now,
Sue
Well, the first word that came to mind was wonderful! I love the water shots and the first few of Reg and Rog on a rock? Looks like rock or hard clay.
It’s a rock.
Okay, I’m leaving. 🙂
Great fun as usual! Good luck on the taxes 😆
Thanks, Cynthia! I’m back. Can’t seem to stay away from this place.
Holy moly macaroni! I do hope they get that boat off the roof soon! 😉
Hi, Seana,
And those people sitting underneath, not the least bit concerned about them!
LOL at “wonder how they got their boat up there.” 😂
Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and the relief of an unpleasant task completed after you get your taxes done.
Thanks, Rochelle. I still haven’t started. I’m going to do them as soon as I leave here again. Yes, I am. I am going to do my taxes. Today. Well, maybe tonight. 🙂
You have a couple extra days this year so no prob 😀
Yes, weather mentioned that but I never did find out why the extra days.
It’s because 15th is on Sunday and Monday is Emancipation Day holiday in DC.
Aha! Now I know. 🙂
Hey, I’m earlier in the comments than I expect to be.
I imagine most of us would rather see the dogs having fun and being dogs in the pictures rather than focusing on photographic technique.
Thanks for the good look around.
You’re welcome, Calvin.
Well, the photos of “the dogs having fun and being dogs” were complete a mess. I do have my standards. 🙂
Very nice photo tour of the park Sue! It does look like it would be fun to visit. The boat on top of the ramada was too funny 🤣
Hi, Debra and Misty,
I wish I could say I took that photo on purpose to put the boat on the roof. I didn’t see it until at camp when I loaded pics to my laptop. 🙂
I enjoyed the tour of Patagonia Lake State Park! We usually camp in State or National Parks as they seem to be quieter most of the time! We also love to walk the shorter hiking trails that many have. Thanks for the great pictures!
You’re welcome, Laurie,
Your statement about state and national parks being quieter surprised me as I would say the opposite. Interesting. Maybe North Carolina parks aren’t as crowded.
When the kids were young, we would stay at chain campgrounds that are more kid friendly and are typically very crowded and loud! We stayed at one in Florida and there was about 20 feet between campers. You could clearly hear all the conversations around you. You can have the same things happen in a State or National Park especially if it’s a holiday weekend. We try to find the less popular parks and go off season! I can’t wait to come out west and boondock! I know we will love the peace and quiet!
I think you will love the national forest and BLM campgrounds in the west. They are tucked in places away from large cities and it’s not uncommon to find the peace and quiet you seek.
We swam the lake this last Tuesday! Heavenly!
Hi, Cheryl . . . Nice to see you here!
Hi Sue & Crew-
Home from the farmer’s market. Thanks for the post to read as I put my feet up and have a cup of coffee. I also have to go do my taxes. Not much to do so shouldn’t take too long.
I still think I would like to fish, but haven’t done any in a long time. I think I would need some help.
My shingles were delivered so it won’t be long now! Yay! Boy did that make noise. I’m going to try to find something to do away from home that day, with the dog. Might be a drive & picnic to the forest preserve or something dog friendly. OK , I’m going – taxes, taxes. Have a great rest of weekend everyone.
Hi, Barb,
Reading your comment, when I got to the last paragraph, the first sentence I thought you were talking about shingles on your body. Wait a minute! Just delivered? Ha!
I wondered if anyone would think that:) That would be awful to have those delivered!! I have a case of shingles for Mrs…………..
I’m done with the taxes already. Must be a record for me. I had help – without mentioning the popular way to e-file. 59.99 to not pay anything or get a refund. Used to do it myself for free, but have had to go this route last couple of years. At least it’s done and good till next time.
I’m hoping next year’s tax forms will be a lot simpler. Congratulations on getting yours done!
I think I remember something said about getting them down to a post card size. I’ll believe that when I see it. Although, it would probably take a flat tax & I don’t know if that would be any better.
No, down to one page for most people. I’m optimistic about the changes from what I’ve read about it.
I always enjoy your local wildlife pictures, so I was studying the bird at the end of this informative post. I remarked that I have never seen a “Bluetooth headset” before – must be native to your region! LOL
Hi, Molly,
I think your device is in vertical mode? The links are on the left on my laptop and on my phone, but the latter has to be in horizontal mode to look right.
Hi Sue,
Thanks to TurboTax I’m done and have time to read your blog. Love your water shots through the trees. The water is very flat, almost still, so not much wind I suppose. A relaxing prelude to those taxes. Good luck!
Thanks, Joe!
That kind of reminds me of the lake near our house. Looks peaceful there with sunshine and smooth water. Were any of those people catching any fish?
Hi, Steve,
I didn’t see anyone catching a fish. We weren’t there very long. Maybe we missed the action.
Glad to see I’m not the only person putting off doing taxes, till the last minute…. I owe them money, so no rush to pay the extra. Wish I was lake side with Sue and the crew.
Hi, Elaine,
I probably won’t owe anything. It’s a matter of getting started. Every year I say I’m going to do taxes in February. And every year I’m at the deadline…
Our taxes are done! 💗 Chucks niece is a CPA! We send them to her the same week we get them in the mail! That way we don’t bother her in her busy time!
love revisiting Patagonia Lake. Grin….love the boat in the ramada roof! The boys look like they are enjoying their walk! Extra hugs to them! Thanks for the fun tour!
You’re welcome, Geri. A CPA in the family — how fortunate for you! 🙂
This really is a beautiful park. It was nice of the man to let you look around for awhile without paying a fee. The perceived boat on the roof was an awesome photo, I loved that.
Have to run an take Angel outside while it isn’t pouring rain.
Hi, Barbara! Hi, Angel!
Good evening Sue and boys. Sue I was wondering do you ever go to to cities such as Tucson and sightsee? From what I can see on TV they have lovely Adobe buildings with gorgeous interiors. I find that my itinerary is dictated by my dog Stevie. I just don’t have the heart to leave her behind! If I do I can’t enjoy myself for worrying about her. I don’t know if you have found a way around this dilemma or not. But if you have I would love to know! When I tell people this they act like I am being silly and remark that Stevie is just a dog. But she is so much more to me than that. Love your pictures by the way! Until next time…
Hi, Lisa,
Not only is Stevie much more than “just a dog,” she’s a living being who has physical and emotional needs. To leave a dog behind by herself can be risky and I’ll go so far as to say, it can be unkind, too. The only time I brought my crew with me into a city (and it wasn’t a big city) was when we took the ferry across Puget Sound.
“Poulsbo, Washington, and boarding the ferry to cross Puget Sound” – Sept. 2013
To answer your question, no, I don’t explore cities. I have no desire to do that because it involves traffic, people, and stress for me and my crew. I love natural surroundings… obviously! 🙂
Thank you for loving my photos.
Blogorinos: Do you sightsee in cities? Do you have a pet? Any advice or experiences to share?
I avoid Nashville like the plague unless I really have to be there for a particular reason. Way too much traffic and construction down there. I mostly go back roads and stay in my area or go farther out. Of course Angel goes with us, although she doesn’t mind the city sites as long as her window is partly down.
Ha. You mention construction in Nashville. I drove through Nashville once and the lingering memory I have of the experience is “all that construction — whew!” And this was about 15 years ago.
Lisa (and anyone else who is interested): When we are on trips in our RV, we sometimes want to explore the adjacent areas – whether it’s landmarks, cities, restaurants, wineries , etc.) but I want to make sure my dogs are safe. We just purchased a temperature monitor for our RV so we can monitor the temperature and get alerts while we are away. Also, my son and DIL just gave me a “PetCube Bites” for my birthday – it is a camera that monitors your pets activity while you’re away and allows you to shoot treats (remotely) to your pet. Once we have tested these while on a trip I will let everyone know how they work.
Cynthia,
That sounds awesome! Unfortunately, Stevie is just a tad neurotic. We have found when we leave her in the RV she will not eat or drink. She waits until we return home! Also we have found that when I am gone overnight, even though she is here with my hubby, she won’t go potty and lays at the door waiting for me. She loves my husband, she is his shadow, but she doesn’t do well if either one of us is gone for long. So far my solution has been to either take her with me or don’t go at all.
Lisa, I have heard that CBD oil or treats (cannabis) really helps dogs with separation anxiety. I haven’t tried it myself, but I have two friends who say it has helped their dogs immensely. You can find it on-line (Amazon! Sue’s link!!)
My dog Jack is a pleasure & a problem; he is a great companion always up for a walk or will willingly ride for hours in the car or truck, yet sleep under the trailer when we’re parked Today I left him with friends & went to Savanna GA. It felt like leaving my child at kindergarten for the first time! A dog can make life more difficult as you can’t just go & do without taking their well being into account. A whole day boat trip is not doable. But watching him discover his first armidillo was wonderful.
Hi, Maryanne,
“…you can’t just go & do without taking their well being into account.” … Well said! And when we are in a loving relationship with our pets, these choices aren’t difficult. Sounds like Jack has a good life.
We have always had a least two dog. One year my husband and I decided to go on a Cruise to Alaska for seven days. Our friends also had a dog (litter mate to ours). They were going on the same cruise. We decided to get a dog sitter to stay at our house for the week and take care of our dogs! She came with high references from mutual friends. We interviewed her for an hour. Told her about their various behaviors and let her know two of them liked to sleep in the same bed with her. We went and all went well. While on the cruise we laughed at how long we interviewed her compared to the time we interviewed baby sitters for our children!
🤣🤣. Love it!!
What a gorgeous park! Truly a gem! I think the boys think so, too. It’s a shame they charge so much for day use.
I agree with you, ValGal. I understand that fees support the operation, maintenance, and repair of the park. Yet there’s a point at which fees become prohibitive for a large number of people and then we have the situation of a public facility accessible only to those of a certain income level and above.
Going to the park for a picnic, some fishing, and swimming used to be a big deal for poorer families, at least it was “back in the day.”
It is just as well that ‘the boys’ did not play or drink from the Lake. When I went to the vet last week they asked me if Patches had access to ponds or lakes or drinking out of puddles or standing water. There seems to be an incidence of Leptospirosis in this area.
You don’t mention Patches having any problems so I assume not. By “in this area” I guess that means in the area that the vet serves or Cochise County.
Thanks for reporting this, Ed. I’ll be careful. Roger is the one I need to watch all the time whenever we’re around water. I guess his old survival techniques tell him to take a drink whenever water is available, no matter its condition or location. Reggie prefers drinking out of the water dish.
Patches was there for her annual exam and shots, did’t get the one for Leptospirosis . When the vet said ‘area’ I assumed that she was talking about where her patients usually came from. That could be from Sierra Vista but they take their dog where there is more water than in Cochise County. We are rather water poor here.
Oh my gosh, R&R are such runway models, aren’t they? And you are the photographer trying to get the perfect shot to be published!! I bet those little devils collaborate to make it difficult for you. “Hey, Reg!” “Say what?” “Sue’s trying to get some photo ops for the bog, whaddaya say we make her crazy? Let’s go in different directions?” “OK, Rog. Let’s pee on different bushes, in different places, and she doesn’t have the wide angle lens on, so she won’t be able to get us at the same time.” “OK Reg, ready set, peeeeeee!!”
Ya know Sue, we haven’t had a post from the boyz in a long time. We need one. We love you, but they need to be able to have a word too!!!
You write great dialogue, Cynthia! I should hire you! I got a chuckle out of the runway model rebellion.
Okay, I’ll think about it. The boys and I have conversations all the time. Of course, I do all the voices. I suppose I could transfer what we say into WordPress.
Funny thing, don’t know why . . . . When I speak Roger’s voice it comes out with a Southern accent and Reggie sounds a bit, how shall I say?… a bit delicate. 🙂
Ha ha, I guess Reggie is a Southern Gentleman and Roger is a Southern Scoundrel?
What a neat place…..something for everyone. Fishing….love it, miss it…I find it so soothing. Do you still have that inflatable kayak?
Good that Reg likes fresh drinking water…and that you keep an eye on Rog. Our vet was pushing the lepto vaccine…no thank you very much. Too many side effects…I’ll just keep a close eye.
Does the crew get one year or three year rabies vaccine? Rabies..First year booster and every three years instead of yearly. AO’s DHPP shots are every three years now instead of yearly. Some vets tend to over vaccinate for revenue. I tend not to participate in that type of behavior. Knowing the options…keeps that moolah in your pocket.
Have a wonderful evening….finally the wind has stopped blowing!
Funny thing… Right as I read “finally the wind has stopped blowing!” the open vent lid on the BLT (above me) began to rattle. A little wind is a good thing, makes the warmer temperatures more comfortable out here in the grasslands. Downside: no griddling! 🙂
Hi, Sue!
I have a suggestion for blogorinos traveling with pets who would like to go site seeing in metro areas, and cannot (should not) leave their pet. In my area, there are quite a few doggie daycare businesses, and even vets who allow day boarding at a reduced rate. When I had to replace my roof & siding several years ago, I took Gracie pup to a vet each morning to be boarded. She would be dropped off as soon as they opened, and then I would pick her up after the work was finished for the day. It was a great solution for both of us. Gracie was not stressed out by the noise and workers, and I had peace of mind.
Of course due diligence would need to be done ahead of time to research & find a reputable, safe place for your pet. Call several random vets in the area, asking for facility recommendations, and businesses that should be avoided. A couple things to keep in mind: Proof of vaccinations is usually (should be!) required, and weekends may have limited drop off/pick up times vs weekdays. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your tour with us! The pictures and your words made me feel like Gracie pup and I were strolling along with you and the boys. Not every day one sees a flying boat! I could envision your library room waterside, your reclining chair nestled next to a tree for shade, with a blanket laid out for the zoom-zoom brothers! Ahhhhh……. 🙂
Sending you, Reggie, and Roger love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! N’nite! 🙂
Hi, Denise and Gracie pup! Good suggestion for those who need to leave their pets. Sometimes it can’t be avoided and the important thing is to keep them safe.
I hope you two are enjoying the weekend! 🙂
🙂
Another great selection of shots Sue. Thank you.
I have now added Patagonia onto my must visit bucket list.
Happy tax day!
Thank you, Sue. I think when you come to the Southwest — to paraphrase that famous line in the Jaws movie — “You’re gonna’ need a bigger bucket.” 🙂
What a wonderful park! I’m a water baby and always want to be out on the water. Doesn’t much matter to me what I’m in as long as I’m out there. Katie-girl the sheltie is not a water girl however, so when she’s with me we stay on land.
Hi, Dawn,
That’s good of you to consider Katie’s preferences. I bet she likes Michigan winters.
It’s good to know more about that park, thank you for the extra post about it, Sue. While the day use fee of $15 seems like a lot for just one person to pay, it’s for up to 4 adults per vehicle with no charge for children. I imagine families living in the desert really enjoy spending time on a lake when they can. Two couples with kids could ride together, share the expense and have a great day there.
Since I wouldn’t be paying for a campsite if I were boon docking in that area I wouldn’t mind paying that fee just for myself. I’m picturing spending several hours there, bringing an inflatable kayak to enjoy the cool of morning in the quiet no wake zone part of the lake, having a picnic at a table shaded by a tree, then swimming to cool off during the hotter afternoon.
It will be quite a while before I can do all of that here again. For the last 24 hours we were under an ice storm/ power outage warning. The temperature just rose to above freezing, so the ice on the trees and my jeep is melting in the sunlight now. In this immediate area we didn’t lose power, but in case we did I stayed off line in order to conserve the full battery charge on my laptop and smartphone. At least I made it here soon enough to be in the top one hundred commenters 🙂 !
Hi, weather,
You’re right about $15 buying a full day of fun and relaxation for a family of four.
For a family living in the desert of southern Arizona year-round without the funds or freedom from work to take the family to cooler places, that $15 fee prohibits regular trips to the park for local kids to go swimming. (I was spoiled… My family went swimming in the river several times every week in the summer in NY… for free!) What local families need to do is come up with the money for an annual AZ resident pass. I think it costs $80.
I’m surprised New York is still having such severe winter weather this late in the season. I’m glad you didn’t lose power. You were wise to conserve your battery charge.
Central NY state has had well below normal temperatures for several weeks now. So rain becomes sleet or freezing rain once in a while. We did lose power earlier today, only for about 3 hours though. I’m grateful they were able to repair the damage that caused the outage so quickly. They had estimated it would take twelve hours to restore our power. Last month an area about 200 miles from here lost power for more than a week. That’s a long time to go without heat.
Your were fortunate to live close to a river when you were a kid. There was just a small pond within walking distance of our house. It was fun because someone had hung a rope from a tree above it. We used it to swing over the middle of the pond and jump in that way.
In case readers living in NY state don’t know this- residents 62 and older can have day use of our state parks with free admission using this state’s Golden Pass. No application, card or windshield tag in involved. We can just show our driver’s license at a park’s entrance booth and tell them we want to use the Golden Pass.
I like that Golden Pass! No fuss obtaining a card, just prove your age and you’re in! Thanks for sharing that information.
Reading weather reports and seeing the photos of winter weather around the country recently, it’s hard to believe from my vantage point in the desert Southwest. I hope this is the last of it. I remember the relief one feels when the power comes back on. Glad you’re past that uncertainty!
It will be good when warmer temperatures arrive to help the birds and wildlife raise their families.
They are forecasting most days in the high forties for the rest of the week. A couple of robins spend a lot of time in the tree by my door. I’m not sure where their nest is.They are well fed, healthy and warm enough because there are plenty of places here for shelter from the wind and rain.
Oh man, I need to get caught up! Im behind and we leave tomorrow for Painted Hills, OR (no cell service). We’ve been there before but not in spring. We’re prepared for cold nights. I hope we have clear days.
I can relate to landmark photo challenges; my doxies always have their noses to the ground and usually moving fast.
Speaking of noses to the ground, Maggie had to wear a cone for 4 weeks! She accepted her fate well and pressed on no matter how many times it caught on the ground, jarring her neck. She had a damaged canine tooth knocked up into her sinus cavity and removed. Dr said it was very difficult closing the hole and said if she scratched the stitches out and damaged the tissue more, Dr feared she would not be able to fix it. So we watched her VERY closely. Fortunately I work swing shift and my husband works nights. She only got the cone off once and we noticed right away and fixed it. Happy to report she has healed! Just a tiny divot where the hole was.
And during her recovery she got me back in the habit of preparing real food, ground meats, fish, vegetables, a little rice. Which of course she and Peanut are very happy about. I used to do this for our wolfhoundX they lived to be 14 & 15 yo respectively. Of course the mix breed extends average life spans, but I think the food helped a lot too