SUNDOWNERS RV CLUB

Rodeo, NM
     RV TRIP WITH A BIRDING THEME
               April 16-20, 2018

                                           Rusty's RV Ranch, Rodeo, NM
                                                           Wagonmasters: John & Peggy Smith
                                                               Co-wagonmaster: Nancy Bern

Twenty four folks (10 rigs) trekked to Rodeo, NM to go birding on the eastern side of the Chiricahua Mountains. While Portal, AZ was the epicenter for the birding, Rusty's, which is 12 miles from Portal, is the best place to camp. Rusty is very accommodating to the group and all of the sites are huge drive through sites. The clubhouse works well for the group too and Rusty reserved it for us for our entire stay. They also have two nice park models for those without rigs. One couple used #21 for the trip and were very pleased.

Campers came down individually and we had heavy appetizers and happy hour on Monday. On Tuesday we had a potluck dinner in the clubhouse followed by a talk about the Apaches by Bill Cavaliere, the President of the Cochise County Historical Society. The slide talk was very well received and we were invited to his ranch to bird the next day.

We birded in the mornings and usually went to the clubhouse about 4:00 to have happy hour, review the day and outline the next day's activities. From a birding perspective the group saw 92 species and the Smiths and Berns, who stayed an extra day, brought the total up to 105. Most of the birding took place in four private yards, but we also hiked up about a mile in South Fork canyon. There was not much activity in the Canyon, but we later determined that birding there would be better a few weeks later, but May could be pretty hot for a Club trip. The yard birding was great and made up for it. One of the yards was in Paradise, an old mining ghost town. The owner of the George Walker B&B, Jackie Lewis, sat with us throughout, giving us a tutorial on the birds there.

Afternoons were free time and most of the group visited the Chiracahua Desert Museum, which was only a few miles away from camp. And, several went geocaching in Rodeo and toured the cemetery and remains of the El Paso and Southwestern RR.

This is the second straight year this trip was run and the only downside is the wind, which was present every afternoon and a couple of nights. It must have reached 50 mph and rocked the campers making sleep difficult. This is typical of the country, especially in the spring and it is important to warn participants to expect it and the possible closing of Rt 10 at the border. Coming home via Douglas, under those circumstances is not much of a penalty.

I think all enjoyed the trip, but not the wind.

Distance = 189 miles

Schedule of Events

 ArrivalMonday, Apr 16, 2018

Campground Info

Campground
 
 Rusty's RV Ranch

Rusty's RV Ranch
854 State Highway 80
Rodeo, NM 88056
 

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Description:

This is a repeat of our April 2016 Trip to the area around Portal, AZ—one of the best birding spots in SE AZ. Portal is very close to Rodeo, NM where the RV Park is located. There are a number of rare birds down there that are pretty much absent from the rest of the USA. Serious birders from all over the world come to this little corner of AZ to see these rarities. To increase our odds for good sightings, the trip is timed for peak birding season.

 This outing is aimed at those who are “birders” or think they would like to know more about this interesting pastime. There will be experienced birders on the trip to help beginners find and ID birds. We will also go to the George Walker house in the ghost town of Paradise and possibly drive up to Rustler Park and over the mountains down to Pinery Campground. From there it is a short hop to the Chiricahua National Monument. The scenery in the entire area is magnificent. Binoculars and cameras are a must! It is a nature photographer’s dream.

 There is only one “restaurant” in the area, so we will plan on a mix of potlucks and “do it yourself” meals. The campground is well maintained and is very spacious. While they take other payment options, we find that we do best with a group rate and single payment from the Club. More details on that later.

 Pets will be allowed to come on the trip, but cannot go on the various bird walks as they could interfere with the spotting of birds. But there are also hiking and photography opportunities for those interested, and pets can go along on these walks.

Wagon Master

John & Peggy Smith
2052 E Big Horn Mountain Drive
Oro Valley
, AZ 85755
(520) 730-0802
email: John@buteos.net

Sidekick
Nancy Bern
14257 N Trade Winds Way
Oro Valley, AZ 85755
email: lanbern@hotmail.com

Sun City Oro Valley SunDowners RV Club
webmaster: sundownersrvclub@gmail.com
Oro Valley, AZ 85755
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