March, April, and  May in Arizona and New Mexico are definitely windy months.  We have traveled slowly over back roads to manage the wind and hunkered down in ravines and canyons to avoid it when it’s blowing hard.  The lush greenness of these states during their "Spring" months gradually dries out as the winds tear over the grasses, and the Forest Service hangs out a red flag (“red flag warning”) to note when the fire danger goes up.

We have just spent 10 days camping in the Gila Wilderness.  Beautiful, beautiful area.  We were 5 days beside the East Fork of the Gila River, which dumped into the Middle Fork, then 5 more days beside Little Creek, which also dumped into the Middle Fork.  There was water available for us to refill our jugs at the Visitor Center and at a spot called Woody’s Corral, where people could camp with their horses.  The hike up to the Cliff Dwellings was lovely, but a little scary.  It was a narrow trail that dropped off steeply on one side.  You had to pay attention at every step.  I used my walking stick, but with my uneven gait I probably had no business going up there.  Everything ended well, but I doubt I’ll hike up that way again.