Thanks Once Again Al

If not for Al of the Bayfield Bunch and his photo taking, we would never have found Fort Rucker.  Michael remembered a photo Al had taken of the entrance gate—we drove, drove and were about to give up thinking we had missed the driveway when all of a sudden Michael said, “that’s it.” 

We spent a very enjoyable time wandering around the old buildings and grounds.  This sign explains most of what Fort Rucker is about—it started as a military outpost named for Lt. John Rucker who drowned while attempting to save a fellow soldier.  After the military relinquished the post it became ranch headquarters for three different ranching families.  It must have been a hard ranching life—the spot is definitely out in the middle of nowhere!

We then drove over the mountain to the San Bernardino Valley northeast of Douglas through Tex Canyon—absolutely gorgeous scenery.  It was just a great, great day in the southwest!  Thanks Al and Kelly!!! 

First glimpse of the site—the barn.

  I think the ruins are the old bakery and commissary—the little building in the background we weren’t sure—we stumbled upon a grumpy old horned cow that even my cowboy husband didn’t want to annoy!!

One sturdy fence which is probably original to one of the ranch homesteads. Shortly after I took this photo we encountered the grumpy cow!  Earlier we drove into a USFS campground and noticed a sign that said, “Bear Country.”  My thoughts were, “yea, right, in Arizona??  Well, while strolling around the Fort Rucker grounds we saw several piles of probable bear poop!!!

The Fort was such a different environment—cooler with large live oak and cedar trees everywhere.  There was even a little water in the creek.

Emmi enjoyed the trip today, too!

This is just a pleasant place where we are parked, quiet—so quiet and Al, the bird feeders are full!