New Mexico & Arizona

We reached New Mexico the other day and stayed overnight at another nice rest area.  We've been impressed with the cleanliness and atmosphere of these areas since central Texas!

Chaparral in New Mexico.

Beautiful grassland!

Roadrunner!  Large metal sculpture.

Lots of rock!

Picnic area.

Happy travelers!

Arrival in Arizona!

We love Arizona for many reasons, primarily because one of my sisters lives here. But birding and nature trails and the beauty of the scenery means a lot too. 

Right over the AZ border we settled in at the first rest stop.  Love the signage that warns of scorpions and snakes!

Rest stop surroundings.

As we continued on I 10, there was much to see in rock formations.

From a distance you can see the dust in the distance.  There are many highway signs warning about dust storms and what you should do: get off the road, turn your lights off, and foot off the brake.  We are assuming that the reason for no lights has to do with the avoidance of an accident.  If a car behind you sees lights, the driver might mistake it for a moving vehicle that they can follow.  Then the real possibility of a crash exists.

We headed into Tucson where my sister lives and before visiting Harriet, we stopped at a beautiful park called Agua Calientes.  We walked for a bit with Nevelle, but after about 5 minutes he began plopping down where ever he wanted, so we didn't make much headway!

Lots of cacti and palms.

Michael and Nevelle.

Nevelle decides it's time to rest!

Really large palms!

Prickly pear cactus.

We will be in AZ for a month or so, not only visiting with Harriet, but birding around the state.  For now, our visit has just begun and we're excited.  Will continue to share with you!