On the road to Picacho Peak State Park

After checking out of Black Rock and getting fuel, we were on the road at 10 a.m. Traffic wasn't all that bad and we took the bypass around Phoenix. We stopped for lunch at a picnic area along I-8 that had nice covered picnic tables. Here is a shot of the green desert from the picnic area.

We were headed for Picacho Peak State Park that sits at the base of the 1,500-foot peak that sits between Casa Grande and Tucson. There are three camping loops; two that have power and one that does not. We opted for one of the power loops and were able to plug in with 50 amps. California state parks should learn a lesson here but with their dire economic state just maintaining the parks will be all that any of us can hope for. The unique shape of the peak has supposedly been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times. One of the first recordings was in the 1700s by the Anza Expedition as it passed through the area says the park's brochure. There are several trails here with one that will take you to the top of the peak with the help of steel cables . . . no thank you. Here is a shot of Picacho Peak.

Here's a shot of the the open desert in the park.
Here is a shot of our view from our site.
And another.
Here is a shot looking north and in the middle of the shot is I-10.
Look at the size of the cholla that is outside our window; it is over eight feet tall. Wow!
Soon the wild flowers will be in bloom and the desert floor will be even more beautiful.

John got the bird feeder out as well as the bird bath. Soon he had house finches, doves, and cactus wrens visiting and to think I poo poo'd his efforts as we will be here for only a couple of days.

It's good to be back on the road seeing new sights.