Grab a Shovel, It's Getting Deep in Here: Take A Back Road.

**Another great post first published in my newest blog series all about Exploring Arizona and all the state has to offer! Please check them all out at http://exarizonagobensonbobcats.blogspot.com/

Last week I had some free time and decided to take a little road trip. Since I drive from Benson to Tucson at least five days a week for work, a leisurely trip down a long twisty back road seemed in order. I was going to continue this the next day with my first trip to Nogalas. But it was raining heavily and quite frankly I got nervous about going to a boarder town. I did end that day with a great hike near Tucson that I will post about very soon. I know that I promised my next post would be about our family's amazing trip to Lego Land in California, but I like to keep this page as local as I can so am stalling again on posting. A very picture filled post will appear some day. For even more Exploring and pictures please check out my first blog page at www.wyomingjack.blogspot.com

I actually started just down I-10 from Benson heading towards Tucson.

This subdivisions windmill has always fascinated me -located just past the fire station.

I even found a running waterfall--just visible in this picture.

The surrounding clouds were amazing all day.

Especially so later in the day just before it started dumping rain on me.

Looking towards Sierra Vista

Recently I learned that the Arizona Trail come through this area.

And on this bright sunny morning I returned to the area to Explore.

Unfortunately for me a bike trek was going on this Saturday

and my actual time on the trail was short, because I

quickly grew tired of jumping of the trail for bikers.

One can park near both of these great bridges

and meet trail on both sides.

The concrete bridge was built in 1921.

I very quickly got tired of dodging mountain bikes and ventured further down the road.

The above building has always drawn me.

I have seen some amazing missions and such in this area and at first thought this was one also.

And than I could not decide if it was some ones home. On this day

I ventured closer to check out the building. Again right off of I-10.

I have talked before of Exploring areas that may or may not be private property.

But in all fairness as you can see above the gate is not locked

So I consider this fair game to Explore!

If this is your property and you are now angered,

someone other than myself took these pictures.

Turns out this building was not a mission or church

but used to be a winery.

The person taking these pictures could not find a way inside the building.

Not even a mile down the road was these buildings to Explore.

Just before the big steak house for those of you wondering.

Again amazing clouds.

At this point it was getting later in the day and I decided it was time to roam

back to the Sonoita exit.

Above is a road side table not much to draw me to wish to eat here.

This was about when the dark clouds started to circle the area.

Welcome to Sonoita!

Metal sculptures on the way into town.

Just beside the inn was this store

with expensive gas and

life saving, for me caffeine!

I was very happy to find cherry Pepsi on tap here.

Rustic old town bar that was great fun to walk through.

The signs advertise live music all weekend

and I was about to stick around for some,

but really did not want to drive home in the dark on this night.

Although the grey skies were nearing dark already.

Huge very nice fairgrounds for such a small community.

Just in front of the fairgrounds.

Propane tank I ventured across.

Further still I drove into Patagonia.

We have been to this area as a family before when we visited the lake.

A nice trip for sure.

Especially when I was greatly wondering if there were such large bodies of water in the state of Arizona.

On this day I had more time to visit the actual town.

A beautiful town nestled in the hills.

But I have to say after visiting again it is very backwoods.

I kept listing for banjo music with each step.

Still a purdy town for sure!

Sorry great towns folk.

I call everything as I see it.

Great park with an amazing view!

I parked near here ready to Explore.

And happy to see that even the bathrooms were covered in art.

The middle of the town was a park like setting.

Also full of art.

And even the trees were circled by tie ups for horses.

This entire church was encased in amazing

stained glass windows.

About mid town I found it amazing that the entire time I was in town,

these police vehicles were parked in front of the main bar.

Speaking of cops I also found this gas station very amusing.

Main street USA

On this day I did not have time to venture into this coffee shop.

But if nothing else it has a great name!

Old rail road station.

These buildings are always beyond great.

More magical hills in the area.

I hate to distract from such a great trip by talking badly about this town.

But in the midst, litterly just beside a large amazing building like the old train station would be a beyond run down, beat up, but still lived in dump.