Sunday, May 6, 2007
Fairbank Historic Townsite, San Pedro Riparian NCA (BLM) - April 18-May 13
Before Ann's passing, we had planned to move here on 4/15, but Willie's MS trip moved that back a few days. When we finally arrived, we found that the former site host had cared for a small colony of feral cats, which it seemed we might inherit. Luckily, he decided (since he lives nearby) to continue feeding them himself, so we enjoy viewing them but don't have to be responsible -- especially since we will be leaving so soon! He has cared for this colony for over three years and personally paid to have all the cats neutered, so he is fairly attached to them. We enjoy seeing them, although they are too skittish to come close, and they don't seem to be at all disruptive to the large bird population.
One of our duties is to visit the site of the old Spanish Presidio at Terrenate. It is usually accessed either by hiking from Fairbank (2-3 miles one way) or from a nearby trailhead where it is a 3-mile round trip. We're allowed to drive in. It is an interesting site with good signage that tells the history of the Presidio. The official name is Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate, established in 1775 by the Royal Spanish Army, and intended to guard the northern reaches of New Spain. It was beset by many problems, including Apache raids, insufficient supplies, low morale and isolation and was only in operation for 4 years. There is very little left of the original structures, but the history provides an interesting account of life at that time.
We have lots of opportunity for birdwatching here. We have feeders up near our trailer, plus there are good areas we can walk to. We continually see new spring arrivals, which is exciting. We have also seen two lifers (so far -- we are hoping for more!), Bell's vireo and brown-crested flycatcher.We have frequently returned to Benson for many of our usual activities and have also had visits from friends. We visited Sierra Vista's duplicate bridge club for a game, since we are so much closer at this location.
The now-tacky tourist town of Tombstone, where we need to occasionally visit for laundry and mail, actually has a bit of charm. It continues the "wild west" theme with gunfight re-enactments, which can be amusing, on the main street. The main street has wooden sidewalks that are shaded, and it is pleasant to stroll along them on a warm day. We have discovered the best fudge at a shop here!!# posted by Doug and Willie @ 11:19 PM 
