This was our 2013 Jayco Flight Swift 198 RD

THIS WAS OUR 2013 JAYCO FLIGHT SWIFT 198RD, PARKED AT THE TOMBSTONE TERRITORIES RV PARK IN ARIZONA



Wednesday 20 February 2019

Patagonia Lake in Arizona

Where are we now?
K&N RV Park, Huachuca City. Az

For Benno and me the name “Patagonia” brings back lots of memories. In 2008 and 2009 we spent half a year cruising on our own vessel through the fjords of Patagonia in Chile and Argentina, at the southern end of South America, on the way to Cape Horn.

Patagonia in South America
Patagonia in South America

Here in Arizona, roughly 30 miles from our RV Park is the town of Patagonia and the Patagonia Lake State Park. We wanted to see it and hopped into the truck to have a look. Basically you follow the State Route 82 until you see the sign to turn off the highway toward the State Park.

Patagonia Lake Arizona

Along the highway past the small town of Sonoita (they have unique road signs) we spotted advertisements of vineries and we saw vineyards that lay dormant at this time of year. Also small restaurants and diners looked interesting. In our rush to get to Patagonia Lake it didn’t occur to me to investigate these eateries further.  However, later when I searched the Internet, I was astounded to learn that the vineyards offer wine tastings and what we missed in regards to the restaurants. I am including a link to the "The best 11 things to do in Sonoita."l 




Further on down the highway I noticed another two neat signs advertising the town of Patagonia, so we stopped there to explore it. The town center nestled between the hills has a few nice stores, restaurants and a hotel.





When we arrived at the gate to the Patagonia State Park we realized that it would not make much sense to pay the entrance fee as it was half an hour before the 4 p.m. closing time, so we turned around and thought we would come again at an earlier time to have a closer look at the lake. I guess the following pictures will speak for themselves and not much explanation is necessary.   






On our return from the Patagonia Lake State Park we passed a shrine built into a cave or grotto high up on a cliff reachable by man made stairs next to the highway. We found it interesting and stopped at the small adjoining parking area to have a look. We truly hope it will not be destroyed in years to come. A sign right there had already a few bullet holes.






State Route 82

Next to the Patagonia sign was this one with a roadrunner. 


We don't have Roadrunner birds in Canada but I took a picture of one in the park for all who haven't seen one in the wild.



The Patagonia Lake State Park and lake area are for sure awesome during the warmer season and it would be also great to tour the vineyards so if you happen to be in the vicinity, then go visit.

8 comments:

  1. Around Soniata is a very interesting area, and the wineries we drove around to see but found their tastings to be very expensive.
    We do love watching the roadrunners, they can be very fast.
    Sad about the bullet holes in a historic sign.

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    1. George even back home the vineries in our area are charging quite a bit for tastings, but its the experience and ambiance of the place you are paying for ;-) It's best to dine there (if they have a restaurant) with a paired wine for a special occasion.

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  2. Love the Welcoming Signs as well as the Beautiful Scenery but sad about the Bullet Holes in the Historical Sign. (Can't fix Stupid) Interesting area to explore.
    Be Safe and Enjoy the Southwest.

    It's about time.

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    1. Patagonia Lake has also a campground and in warm weather I see it to be a popular place. They sure have nice signs all over the place here in Arizona, we love them.

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  3. Quite a difference between the two Patagonias but both are beautiful in their own right!

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    1. You are right, there sure is quite a difference, especially in size. South America Patagonia is a vast area of 402700 mi2 (square miles) versus just under 3000 acres of beautiful Arizona Patagonia. We are happy to have seen both.

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  4. Looks like an interesting place to visit. Love those unique signs.

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    1. There are many more places I wouldn't mind touring, just waiting for a little more warmer weather. No shortage of unique signs here.

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