On the Road Again

July 17, 2020 – Apache Junction AZ to Socorro NM

First, breakfast in Globe at the Copper Hen (a new find for us, across from the Globe police/fire station). Pretty good food. Then, out Highway 60, all through the Salt River Canyon, into the mountains, through Show Low, and from there, into New Mexico.

A striking feature of the Arizona topography is the prevalence of bare rock, and mountains that are denuded of all but scrub growth and cacti. These are the bones of the mountains – bereft of the green that clothes them in the Northwest. Some of the desert growth has the shape of sea plants. Cholla, as our daughter-in-law pointed out, looks like coral. Agave, Aloe, Ocotillo – all have less-prickly sea cousins. Are they related? Much of Arizona was once under the sea.

The drive through New Mexico to Socorro reveals strikingly western landscapes. We rode through a few small, brief, blustery storms: not enough to drench; merely dampen. We wanted to tour the VLA (very large array), but it is closed. The huge dishes are, we observed, on rails so they can be moved. This part of New Mexico feels depressed. Few businesses are open. Many are for sale. Many “for sale” signs on businesses, houses, and acreage. I wouldn’t recommend Socorro as a desirable destination. Tomorrow, Amarillo, Texas.