Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

When in Silver City, a visit to the above monument is certainly recommended. The dwellings were occupied by the Mogollon Indians around 1260 AD. They left about 100 yrs later that researchers believe to be the result of prolonged drought.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

After leaving the parking lot you first cross the bridge seen above that takes you to the pathway.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

The bridge as seen from above.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

The path getting up to the dwellings is very scenic. About 1/2 mile but the last several hundred feet is quite an incline.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

The cliff dwellings seen from the pathway on the way up.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

One of the volunteers explaining that this area was the "kitchen" portion of the dwelling.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

A look from the pathway back toward one of the dwellings that is not open to visitors.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

The entrance to one of the dwellings.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

Upon entering the dwelling the roof had a moonscape like appearance. The dark appearance is actually the result of smoke from the fires to heat and cook.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

A look inside showing a connection that opened into an adjacent dwelling. Even though the outside temp was in the 80's, the inside was a cool 70 degrees.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

A view looking back out of the middle dwelling.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

The above shows one of the past visitors mark (1888-'91).

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

A look inside the center dwelling. That structure on the right side (in front of the volunteer worker) was a storage space probably for their food supplies.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

This photo shows one of the dwellings and the canyon outside. Long ago this canyon was filled to capacity with water several hundred feet deep that assisted in carving out the sandstone cliff's.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

One of the few petroglyphs found inside the dwellings.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

I posted this photo because the volunteer working for the monument explained that the indentation in the right center was where the female would sit grinding various items (corn/grains) in the circular depression just in front. The long depression on the left center (vertical in this photo) was were the feet would keep the body firmly in place.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

A different view of the last dwelling available to visitors.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

Going back down the trail, took photo's of us in case you forgot what we looked like.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

Yours truly

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

While coming down the "cliff's" trail, thought this photo of the New Mexico countryside would give an idea of what we were seeing.

City of Rocks State Park

We set out to take a look at this park (about 35 miles south of Silver City off of Hwy 180) as the name was a little intriguing. Found this park to be a pleasant surprise. The rock formations are believed to the result of flying debris from a long extinct volcano several hundred miles to the north. Wind, rain and eons of erosion (vertical erosion) leaves us with the present as seen in the following photo's.

City of Rocks State Park

This photo pretty much shows the entire park that is not all that big, but is unusual as it just rises out of a fairly flat desert. You can seen a small RV park to right of the highway. Restrooms and showers are provided along with water and electricity.

City of Rocks State Park

A pic just after the entrance to this park. The RV park is just to the right of the windmill.

City of Rocks State Park

As we had just started to drive around the park, came upon this formation that I thought was worth posting. Its about 25' in height.

City of Rocks State Park

A lot of the campsites have been improved quite a bit. All have tables and fire rings. The next photo was taken from this campsite looking back.

City of Rocks State Park

Certainly a great view from this campsite as well. About 75% of the sites have great views. NM allows campers to stay for 3 wks should they wish to do so.

City of Rocks State Park

Another campsite set in the rocks.

City of Rocks State Park

Certainly lots of unusual formations to be seen.

City of Rocks State Park

An unexpected sight while exploring the rocks was this Great Horned Owl. I was told that the natural recesses formed by erosion is a favorite for these birds. The next photo was also a surprise as well.

City of Rocks State Park

After zooming in although the focus is not as clear as I would have liked, you can clearly see the baby owl just behind the mother (on her left side).

Rose Valley RV Ranch - Silver City, NM

After leaving Benson, AZ, we have arrived and settled in at Rose Valley RV Ranch and will be here until after Memorial Day. Lots to do and see so will be posting photo's as we take off for a few day trips. Have posted photo's of Silver City as well. A very neat historic city.

Rose Valley RV Ranch - Silver City, NM

A view of Rose Valley RV looking northeast. That building on the right is the "barn" that is used for large groups or indoor type functions.

Rose Valley RV Ranch - Silver City, NM

There are four bathrooms (front & back) that are complete with showers besides a nice laundry.

Rose Valley RV Ranch - Silver City, NM

While the sign says "Bunkhouse" this structure is actually the exercise room (treadmill, bikes & weights).

Rose Valley RV Ranch - Silver City, NM

No paved roads here. Sites are well spaced and easy to get into.

Rose Valley RV Ranch - Silver City, NM

Lots of old stuff in this park adding to a rustic look.

Rose Valley RV Ranch - Silver City, NM

Our site toward the end of the row and is very quite.

Silver City, NM

A few pics around this historic city. Above is one of the "old" downtown district streets. Most of the buildings are very old but well maintained.

Silver City, NM

The turn of the century buildings are quite a site. I really like the architecture style of this period

Silver City, NM

As seen, City Hall.

Silver City, NM

The city clock in the center of town.

Silver City, NM

The city's municipal courthouse is next to the Buffalo Bar. Lots of color in the local buildings.

Silver City, NM

The Riverwalk "ditch" (as seen in the next photo) was actually created after a massive rain storm many years ago. On Saturday's this walk is the location of the city farmers market.

Silver City, NM

The walkway along the water actually extends for quite some distance and is very scenic.

Silver City, NM

A late 1800's building. Still is good shape as are most.

Silver City, NM

Thought this city planter box was worth a post. The city museum across the street is seen in the next photo.

Silver City, NM

The Silver City museum is a turn of the century building and has been maintained in its original state. Lots of photo's dating back 120 yrs. Included a few pics of artifacts as well.

Silver City, NM

Thought this typewriter was worth a post. Not sure how old but pre WWII for sure.

Silver City, NM

A very old cash register (older than any of us). The mirror behind shows the register keys

Benson, AZ - Cochise Terrace RV Park

Having left Desert Gardens RV heading east on I-10 we stopped in Benson, AZ to stay for a week since we are in no particular hurry. Benson is a small town (east of Tuscon) that has the two cutoffs going south toward Sierra Vista and Tombstone. Kartchner Caverns State Park is just a few miles down the road as well. The above photo was taken from a mesa looking east toward Benson valley. Have included a few photo's of our site at Cochise Terrace RV.