Patagonia State Park Introduction
Well, we're gearing up for another adventure to Patagonia State Park in Patagonia, Arizona. This place holds a special spot in our hearts, especially because my uncle (who passed away recently) always raved about it. We had visited this lake once years ago for just a day. We have reserved a camping spot for myself and my parents since they love this lake too and were excited to join us. My husband also promised my Uncle that he would go fishing on this lake one day before he passed away.
The Scenic Route
The drive up was quite the experience. We decided to take the scenic route, which was beautiful but also quite bumpy and curvy. The winding roads took us through picturesque landscapes, with sprawling desert views and the occasional glimpse of wildlife. Despite the lovely scenery, we decided to take a different route home to avoid the rough ride. The twists and turns were a bit much, especially when towing our trailers.
Setting Up Camp
Upon arriving at Patagonia State Park, we found our camping spots. We were perched on top of a hill while my parents were camped right below us, giving us a bird's-eye view of their site. Both our families brought along our dogs, and our dog Annie was particularly thrilled to get away from our other two dogs for a bit.
Setting up our 5th wheel was a bit of a challenge due to the uneven ground. It took us a while to get it level because we only had a limited number of blocks. We had to raise one side by six inches to finally get it right. Despite the initial hassle, we had a very nice spot with a big shade tree, which was a blessing given the daytime temperatures that soared into the 90s.
Camping Amenities
The park's amenities were quite impressive. Each spot was outfitted with essentials like water and electric hookups, which made our stay much more comfortable. The fire grills and picnic tables provided a perfect setup for outdoor meals, and we made good use of them. Some spots had ample shade, while others were more exposed, which would be tough during the hot afternoons. Luckily, our spot had a few trees providing some relief from the sun.
Morning and Evening Walks on the Bird Trail
The mornings and evenings were perfect for walks or hikes. Right across from our spot was a bird trail that Annie loved exploring every morning and evening. The tranquility and natural beauty of the trail made these walks a highlight of our stay. We would wake up early, just as the sun was rising, and take leisurely strolls along the trail, soaking in the peaceful environment and spotting various birds and small critters.
One morning, I convinced my mom to join me on a walk down the bird trail. The early morning was peaceful, and we even spotted a little rabbit crossing our path. We followed the creek and marveled at the tall brush and the serene surroundings. The creek along the trail was partially dried up, revealing interesting patterns in the dried algae. Though we didn’t see many birds, the walk was still a beautiful experience.
Paddle Boarding Fun
The next day, we decided to go paddle boarding. Now, we use paddle boards a bit differently than most. Instead of standing or sitting, we balance a beach chair on the board and paddle with a kayak paddle. It's quite the balancing act! The lake was calm, with a gentle breeze creating small ripples on the surface. We paddled out to the middle, enjoying the serene surroundings. At one point, I got so engrossed in capturing the perfect shot of the landscape that I lost my balance and tumbled into the water. The splash was quite spectacular, and my husband paddled over, laughing, and asking what happened. I couldn't help but laugh too, explaining that I got distracted by the beauty around me. The water was wonderfully refreshing, and even though I lost my chair, it was a fun and memorable mishap.
My mom wanted to try my husband's paddle board because it is a lot wider than hers and she decided to take her 7 month old Scotty, Mazy. We found a beautiful spot on the other side of the lake with stunning rock formations. Mazy enjoyed exploring the area, and we took a refreshing dip in the lake. My mom really enjoyed the oversized paddle board, it gave Mazy a lot of room to roam on the board. She was enjoying the ride and decided to jump in. Luckily my mom had a life vest on Mazy, which made it easy to pull her back onto the paddle board.
My mom enjoyed paddle boarding so much that we decided to both ride on my husband’s oversized paddle board. On this windy day, it turned out to be a great idea because with both of us paddling together, we were able to find another cove to swim in and watch the boats go by and people swimming along the shoreline.
Before getting into the water, I suggested my mom wear a life jacket so she could just relax and float around. She agreed and put it on, but as soon as she got into the water, the life jacket swallowed her up because it was way too big. I could barely see her head above the water—it was so funny that we both started laughing uncontrollably.
As we struggled to take off the life jacket, which wasn’t coming off easily, my mom asked, "Has anyone ever drowned in a life jacket before?" This made us laugh even harder. Eventually, I managed to help her back to shore, where we could finally get the life jacket off. Once we had the jacket situation under control, we were able to relax and enjoy watching everyone on the lake.
Exploring Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
The next day, we visited Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Arizona’s first state park, established in 1958. This park is a fascinating window into the past, being the site of Arizona's first printing press, newspaper, and European settlement dating back to 1752. One of the highlights was the old schoolhouse, a real time capsule from 1872.
Stepping into the schoolhouse felt like a journey back in time. The small wooden desks, each with an ink well and a slate for writing, and the chalkboards displayed strict rules for both teachers and students. Among the rules, teachers had to bring a scuttle of coal and a bucket of water each day, and male teachers could court one evening a week if they were regular churchgoers. Female teachers faced stricter scrutiny and could be dismissed for "unseemly conduct," including marriage. The discipline extended to students as well, with severe punishments like 10 lashes for playing cards. It was both intriguing and sobering to see how different life was back then and to reflect on the changes that have taken place since.
