After leaving Safford. AZ, we took a dirt back road into New Mexico, headed for the Red Rock Wildlife Area.  We found it, but nothing much seemed to be going on there except a high deer fence surrounding a riparian habitat area along the Gila River. It was very windy—and we were up on a high ridge road most of the time, so we just putted along slowly enjoying the area and handling the wind ok because of our slow speed.  This area was definitely the back of beyond, we saw only the occasional vehicle.  As the day ended, we pulled off the road in a small, protected ravine to avoid the wind.  We have driven less than 100 miles today, but we have moved from Arizona time (no daylight saviing time) into New Mexico with daylight saving AND Mountain Time zone.  The evening daylight seems to last forever.  Lots of moonlight in this little ravine.

It was less windy in the morning.  We drove on into Silver City, NM, a town we had enjoyed last year.  Had coffee and chai at Javalina’s, a funky coffee shop filled with saggy velvet couches,weird “antique”curios, and interesting art.

We want to have the brakes and shocks replaced on Morrison, plus he could use some new tires, so we set up an appointment for him at Big O Tires first thing Monday morning.  We also made reservations for Sunday and Monday nights at the local Comfort Inn, because Morrison will be in the shop.  Since today is Friday, we need a camping spot for tonight and tomorrow night.  Some people we met at the Cochise Stronghold camp area told us about a campground near Silver City that was super and had showers.  They raved about this place (they had a big RV).  Claimed it was free.  We drove out of town, found the place in a pretty area.  However, it was an RV park and cost $42 per night.  It is 18 acres with only 20 RV spots, so you are not jammed in next to others like a parking lot.  However, since we don’t have RV electrical hookups or water hookups, this kind of place is unnecessary for us.  Instead we drove back to Redrock Road outside of Silver City and found a pullout with a fire ring on forest land.  We parked here and there are no other campers in the area.  Complete privacy.

The wind is back on Saturday.  We hiked, but it’s chilly today, like 56 degrees, so didn’t spend time sitting outside.  We are in an area of Ponderosa Pine trees.  So beautiful and park-like.  The smell of the trees and fallen pine cones remind me of Girl Scout camping with Zoey in the Sierra near Donner Lake.  The wind is gusting to 45 mph, and the treetops swaying in the wind sound like waves crashing on the beach.  On Sunday afternoon we will drive back into Silver City and claim our room at the Comfort Inn.