Fort Davis, Davis Mountain, and the Davis Observatories

       

From 1854 to 1891, Fort Davis afforded protection from the Comanche and Apaches to mail coaches, travelers and freight wagons on the San Antonio – El Paso Road.  Many of the structures still stand today as one of the best examples of an Indian Wars frontier military post in the Southwest.

There are several officer residences that are fully furnished.

     

Of course the accommodations for enlisted men were much more spartan.

             

Fort Davis stands at the base of Davis Mountain.

The Davis Mountain Scenic Loop is perhaps as well known as Fort Davis.  This 75 mile loop traverses the mountain, changing 2,000 feet in elevation with scenery ranging from grasslands to Ponderosa forests.

We took our time on the Loop, stopping about half way for a picnic lunch.

     

As we continued on our drive, the Davis Observatories came into view long before we reached them.

 

    

We drove up the steep incline to the first of the large facilities.

   

We walked the grounds, marveling at the size of the huge telescope.

The road to the second observatory culminates at the highest point on a highway in Texas, at 6,791 feet.

 

Having spent most of the day on the drive, there was not time to participate in the Observatory Visitor Program available, but we promised ourselves to return at a later date.

On the Road Again – Leaving Yuma

When it’s time to leave Yuma in the spring, we always do so with mixed emotions.  We have such good friends in Yuma during the winter, and Ron enjoys his Shuffleboard and Pool so much, it’s hard to leave.

We decided to have one last gathering of friends before leaving Yuma. Together with Bob and Dianne, we hosted a Salad/Dessert Dinner. It was a lot of fun with over 35 people attending.

But even though it’s hard to leave, we’re always eager to “hit the road again”.

We left early on April 12.  The sun was just rising as we entered the pass between Yuma and Wellton.

It seemed like no time until we were driving through the Sonoran Desert with it’s mighty saguaros.

It’s unusual to have a cloudy day in Arizona, but the clouds and a chilly wind stayed with us all day. We stopped for the night in Marana, AZ, on the north edge of Tucson. Granddaughter, Emily and her friend, Eric joined us for dinner. We had a great time.

Friday morning, we were ready to hit the road at daybreak. There was wind in the forecast, and we wanted to stay ahead of it as much as possible.

   

We spent 2 nights in Deming, NM, visiting with friends.  It’s a good thing our visits were finished before Saturday afternoon, as the winds rose to as much as 60 mph, creating a dust storm so severe, the interstate, I-10, was closed for the entire width of the state for several hours.  The sun was completely obscured throughout the afternoon.

   

By Sunday morning, the winds had stopped, and it was time to head for Texas.

 

March in Cactus Gardens

Each March since our first year in Yuma, we have planned to go to the annual Strong Hearts Native Society Powwow held in nearby Bard, CA.  This year we finally made it.  After a lunch of delicious Indian Tacos (a huge mound of taco fillings piled on fluffy frybread), we enjoyed watching dancing throughout the afternoon.   

 

The Grand Entry

  The feathers, beading and colors of the native costumes are a delight to photograph.

                      

We love watching all the dances, but I think our favorites are the Jingle Dress and the Fancy Shawl.    

      

We have a very active quilter’s guild in the park, as well as many other talented artists.  Each March, we hold our annual Quilt and Art Show.  The hall is filled with myriads of colorful patterned masterpieces.

     

    

(That’s Ron’s partially carved wooden chain in the upper left.)  I didn’t display a project this year.  There were several demonstrations throughout the show.  Bernice and I demonstrated tatting while Shirley showed how to make a beautiful crocheted afghan.

Ron gave a reading “The Cowboy’s Prayer” at Gospel Night.

The Y.E.S. (Yuma Encore Shuffleboard) had it’s first End of Season Playoff.  All 6 teams, under Ron’s leadership,  converged at Mesa Verde RV Resort for a day of fellowship, games and fun.

    

       

       

March is traditionally a month of last times and goodbyes at Cactus Gardens.  Most of the snowbirds have flown north by the end of the month.

The End of Season Billiards Dinner was held at the E.A.T. Chinese Restaurant.  Here, Ron, Sam and Berniece hand out the season awards to the best players. 

We have several Pizza Parties throughout the season with our Thursday night Pool players.   Rudy even entertained us with some music at this one held at Bob and Dianne’s. 

After 4 years, it was hard to say goodbye to Pastor Don and Pat Wheeler when they announced they would not return to Yuma.  One of the first Sundays Don was present, he wore an Hawaiian shirt.  He told from the pulpit how he loved the shirt, but Pat thought it inappropriate for the pulpit.  The next Sunday, several of the men in the congregation were sporting Hawaiian shirts in support. 

They again showed their support for Don by wearing their Hawaiian shirts to his last service.  Don and Pat gave a big portion of themselves to the Park.  We will really miss them.

    

The Shuffleboard End of Season Dinner was held at the E.A.T. Restaurant also.  Ron gives out those awards here.

    

The Encore Corporation had a beautiful day for it’s Going Away Party.  I helped at both the Cactus Gardens and the Desert Paradise Party.

     

We enjoyed a month’s visit from friends, Pam and Herb.  One night we gathered for a game of dominoes.

  

As usual, March had been a full month.  I designed my Crazy Quilt block of the Month to depict the highlights of our month.  You can read more about it on my Craft Blog, Spare Moment Stitching.