Gila Box

Hi again,
  We have been so busy with work. Okay maybe I should rephrase that, we have been busy lookin busy. Those that know us well know that is not our way. But working the visitor center when only a few people are entering the park can make for some thumb twiddling time. I spent time one day sweeping inside and outside. Hopefully we get some maintenance jobs that will keep us busy.
 On Thursday we took a drive to Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. This is located 20 miles northeast of Safford. And goody-more dirt roads.)

 The Gila Box is a 22,000 acre oasis in the desert. It has four perennial waterways- the Gila and San Francisco rivers and Bonita and Eagle creeks. It contains mesquite and cottonwood trees along grand buffed-colored cliffs. There are a couple campgrounds and some nice picnic areas. There is also a put in and take out area for river trips. The area is also popular for birding and wildlife viewing.

 Our goal was to hike the Cottonwood Trail which begins at the Riverview campground. It is a 2-3 mile hike that connects recreation and historical sites. It was a great day and we were the only hikers there. We still love taking pics and marvel at all the cacti.

 Being quiet on the trail paid off when we surprised a troop of Coatimundi. Wow, how cool seeing about 10-12 of these raccoon looking animals. Our Ranger had told us about seeing some on Mt. Graham, before that had never heard of them.

On the route back to camp, we watched while they baled up some cotton. Maybe not exciting for some but to us from WI it is something.