To Chino Valley and Back

Day 1

Needing a few days away from the heat in Surprise, we headed up to visit friends in Chino Valley, Arizona. At an altitude of just over 4,700 feet, it would be just what we needed. The initial part of the drive on US 60 is less than interesting, but once on State 89 the scenery, as well as the temperature, improved. Passing through Congress (population 1,811) we started the climb up the White Spar Highway, which is home to some rather spectacular views.

Part way up the highway is the Granet Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park. The park was created to remember the nineteen members of the Granet Mountain Hotshots that died there on June 30, 2013, fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire.

At the top are the towns of Yarnell (population 579), Peeples Valley (population 374) and Wilhoit (population 664). Not a lot of large towns in this neck of the woods. From Wilhoit to Prescott is about 14 miles of twisty, curvy road that you do not want to leave, as the drops are severe. Once in Prescott, we stopped for lunch at the LazyG Brewery. This is a must stop for us every up to visit our friends and its always the Turkey Club Wrap and Sunshine Blonde Ale.

Arriving in Chino Valley, we spent the rest of the day visiting with old friends that were neighbors from our Oregon days. And there may have been some adult beverages joining the conversation.

Day 2

The first morning in Chino Valley means The Skillet for breakfast. The Early Bird menu is great and the coffee is free. Anywhere else you are paying $3 to $3.50 a cup, but not at The Skillet.

The rest of the day was spent visiting and solving many of the World’s problems, followed by diner at the Texas Roadhouse. Three orders Country Fried Chicken and one order Fried Catfish, along with two sides apiece, made for an excellent diner. No wonder the place was packed at four in the afternoon. Four diners and drinks for under $90, what a deal.

Back at the house for a little more of the adult beverage and then a good night’s sleep.

Day 3

Since our hosts had appointments in the morning, we were up and on the road early. Not wanting to drive back through Prescott, we took usual route home through Skull Valley to Yarnell. Just as scenic, but a lot less curvy. A quick stop in Wickenburg at the new Starbucks and we were home. Nice drive and its always good to visit with old friends.

Day 3 - Las Cruces to Home

Wanting to get an early start, we were down when breakfast opened. Same fare as yesterday, scrambled eggs and turkey sausage. Quick and adequate.

It always seems the drive heading home goes by quicker and today was no exception. Very little traffic on Sunday and every rest stop we passed was packed with trucks, which meant I was having to share the road with them. I will say it is much more enjoyable to be driving West rather the East in the early morning.

Once again, we managed to pass up stopping to see "THE THING", which is advertised on dozens of billboards along the way. How we passed that exit and missed finding out the secret of "THE THING" is truly a miracle. On other trips we have also passed up the five-legged steer and the world's largest prairie dog.

Lunch plans were made and abandoned and we finally gave up and just headed home. Nice short trip and we came home with some nice Hatch chile peppers and salsa.

Day 2 - Around Las Cruces and Hatch, New Mexico

Started the day with breakfast at the motel. Scrambled eggs, one turkey sausage and orange juice kept my diet on course. Next up was a Starbucks mocha and we were ready to start the day.

Today was our day to head to Hatch, New Mexico. Hatch, a town we have visited several times, is the Chile capitol of the country. Hatch green chiles have found their way into everything cheeseburgers to wine to vodka and really good salsa.

Rather than take Interstate 25 North, I decided to take one of those backroads that we find interesting and well worth the extra time. Today it was North on State Route 185, which parallels the Rio Grande River on its way South.

Along the way there were hundreds of acres of nut trees, which we later learned were pecans. Closer to Hatch there were hundreds of acres of green chile plants. There were also some pretty nice-looking homes, whose inhabitants most likely owned all those acres. At a wide spot in to road; there was a bar with a big sign saying "Hide From Wife Here."

Once in Hatch we parked and went immediately to Hatch Chile Sales. Barb bought 4 mild green chiles and a chile powder. Next, we walked down to the Village Market, where you will not find a better or more extensive selection of salsas. We have bought here before and today we left with three bottles, one of which we will share with friends. As it wasn't lunch time yet, we passed on the Valley Cafe, which has the very best Green Chile Cheeseburger. Bummer. Then it was back to Hatch Chile Sales for a couple of hot green chiles and some local grown onions. When I tried to pay for this purchase the lady just smiled and said "no worries." What a genuinely nice person.

Heading back to Las Cruces we took the same backroad and saw all the scenery in reverse, while heading to Dillard's for a must have item for Barb. Once that was done it was time for lunch. After wandering around lost for about an hour we gave up on lunch and decided it would be a good time to get gas, since the get gas now light was on. At that point our luck turned. When pulling out of the Shell station there was a Subway. We split a 6" And headed back to the motel for a before dinner rest.

After a short rest we headed to Mesilla, New Mexico. Mesilla is a true old Southwest town. A central plaza, surrounded by adobe buildings speaks to its Spanish past. One corner of the plaza houses the courthouse where Bill the Kid was sentenced to death. Pancho Villa and Pat Garrett were among the famous that roamed its streets.

After some window shopping, we met or son and his wife for diner at La Posta De Mesilla. Great margaritas and very good food, we recommend it in the area.

Tomorrow, we head back home after a fun little drive.

Day 1 - Home to Las Cruces, New Mexico

Thought we were to have a short drive today. But no, turned out to be 433 miles, which about 100 more than I like to do these days. Our second mistake was to forget New Mexico is one hour ahead of us in Arizona. So, when we left at 8:00 it was really 9:00. Live and learn and do a little better planning.

Headed South on AZ 85 to Gila Bend, which is usually a nice drive, except we just made that drive one day ago. Usual scenery, 2 landfills, 1 state prison and several rivers without water. Rivers without water is pretty much the norm here in Arizona.

At Gila Bend we headed East on Interstate 8, Which is one of my favorite highways. No traffic. During an hour or so I passed no one and was passed 5 times. However, once Interstate 8 ended at Interstate 10 we picked up all the truck traffic headed East out of the port in Las Angeles.

Tucson finally gave up a much-welcomed Starbucks mocha, which is fuel on most trips. Once we reached Benson, Arizona the traffic had thinned out; not as many cars and just as many trucks. Our plan was to have lunch at a Subway in Wilcox, Arizona. Turned out it was in a truck stop, so we moved on to a Burger King.

Crossing into New Mexico gave us better roads and a little construction. Finally, Las Cruces and our motel showed up. After searching the internet for an evening meal, we decided on La Posta De Mesilla Had diner there sometime in the past at remains excellent. Tonight, we shared an Appetizer, deciding to save ourselves for tomorrow night when we would return when friends.

All in all, not a bad day. Learned a little something that may be useful for a trip in 2025.