LA VIDA ES BUENA: LEAVING BIG BEND FOR COOLER PLACES

We had a change of plans. Had planned to visit Tucson AZ and Phoenix on our way to the Grand Canyon. With the exceptional heat, we have changed our plans and will begin to head North sooner to escape the heat.

Just East of El Paso TX, headed for somewhere cooler.

This was in Alpine TX. We stopped here to go to the grocery store. Nice little town that has a microbrewery and a good grocery store.

Inside of the Fort Davis drugstore/restaurant. We had breakfast there and it was very good. Notice the old fashioned soda fountain.

Fort Davis's claim to fame is the McDonald Observatory as well as the Fort Davis Historical Site. We visited both.

Went on a tour of the observatory. The original telescope was a joint venture with the University of Texas and The University of Chicago. Since then everything has been taken over by U of T. The observatory got a big boost from NASA when they were planning the moon landings. NASA used the newest telescope as well as paid for most of it.

Inside is a 35 million dollar telescope.

We got a very nice guided tour. All for $8 each.

The reason for the observatory located 16 miles from Ft. Davis is very low light pollution as well as 300 days a year of clear weather.

These guys were just outside the door of the visitor center. They were making a real mess.

They have a recommended driving tour of the Ft. Davis area, we spotted this wild turkey on our drive.

There are lots of places here with open range. No fences anywhere.

This is not from the era of the fort, but the building was donated to the Historical Society by a barber. Notice the hair curling hookups

We are on our way to Silver City NM. Elevation 6,000 FT. much cooler.

Passing thru El Paso TX. That is Juarez Mexico in the distance.

The weather in Silver City NM was great. We woke up to 54 degrees. This turned out to be a beautiful city with friendly people. It is not a destination we have heard of, but we would return because of it's surrounding beauty and the very nice people. The climate is a plus.

A car show going on in the downtown.

Turned out to be a really nice day.

Had to take a picture of the Bar in downtown Silver City.

Cool shops too.

I liked the sign in the window of the Buffalo Bar.

We had lunch at the micro brew bar. The beer was OK.

Our waitress was friendly and really fast on her feet.

Then we went to a Pro Rodeo that was in town for 4 days. A great show.

The Rodeo started with what they called Mutton Bustin. That is a little kid trying to ride a sheep, it was a hoot!

Rodeo announcer, he kept everyone entertained.

And of course, we need a rodeo clown.

Saddle bronc riding.

I have determined that bull riders are a little bit crazy, POCO LOCO.

On the road again, headed for Munds Park AZ. Just outside of Flagstaff.

It was a beautiful Sunday drive and much cooler temperatures.

This was in Winslow AZ, for our Ajijic friends, notice the name of the hotel.

Here we are "TAKING IT EASY" in Winslow AZ.

Winslow AZ would not be much more than a spot on the map if it were not for the Eagles song, and of course the railroad has a major presence here. The town is well kept and we enjoyed our visit there when passing thru.

We checked into our RV park in Munds Park and headed out Monday morning to Phoenix to visit old friends of Belinda's. Belinda went to barber school with here friend Dee.