Out Jeep’N

It was an absolutely beautiful day so a great day to go Jeeping in the desert.  The plan today was to explore the State Trust Land south of Florence Junction east of Hwy 79.  As we pulled off the highway there were a lot of ATV’er getting ready to go out but after heading off the main road we only came across one other person all day.  We did discover some really good boondocking sites along the Cottonwood Canyon Rd so I suspect we will bring the trailer out for a few days before the temps get too high.

This hawk greeted us as soon as we pulled off the main road..

It is amazing how green the desert is right now and a few of the plants are in bloom.  In another couple weeks it will be a sight to see.  This is a view looking back toward the superstition mountains.

Got to love Jeeps…. they will take you anywhere!

Exploring the Leasburg Dam area

Since today was the last day in the area we set out to explore the area a little.  Just down the road from the park we discovered this cute little guy.  He was about the size of a large dog.  Would like to take him home!

For many miles around the park there are huge pecan orchards like this one.  Expect in the summer it would be beautiful when all the trees were leafed out.  Today a lot of the farmers were out cleaning the orchards and burning the debris. 

This is a view of the Leasburg Dam from a trail just outside the campground.  The dam which was built in 1908 is not used to retain a lake but rather is used to divert water from the Rio Grande into irrigation canals for the local orchards.  This time of the year no irrigation is needed so the river is dried up except for a minor trickle.  From the locals, sounds like the water is stored in the Elephant Butte Lake and Caballo Lake a few miles north.