Saturday, November 25, 2017 (Porter Spring/Windy Hill Rec Area, Lake Roosevelt, AZ)

Today, Ray is taking us to a spot in Globe that he knew we would enjoy seeing. It's called Besh Ba Gowah...another site where ancient ruins have been preserved. Deb is cooking late Thanksgiving Dinner today so is staying behind...Ray promised to have me back home no later than noon so I could spend my afternoon baking.

Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum is one mile southwest of Globe, AZ...and about 32 miles from here. It is the site of the ruins of the ancient Salado people who occupied the area nearly 800 years ago. The term 'Besh Ba Gowah' was originally given by the Apaches to the early settlement of Globe. Roughly translated, the term means "place of metal."

The partially restored ruins, along with the adjacent museum provide a fascinating glimpse at the lifestyle of the people who occupied this region over two centuries before Columbus discovered the “New World.”Besh Ba Gowah offers visitors a chance to explore the ruins, a museum which houses a large collection of Salado pottery and artifacts, botanical gardens, and a gift shop.

We started by watching a short movie about the site and then had a look around the museum and gift shop.
An ancient buffet...











Then it was time to wander around the ruins outside...





A little special effects on photo edges accidentally discovered on Lightroom Photo Editing








We've now entered the larger dwelling...






















Prickly Pear Cactus...






The cactus gardens are beautifully done...


Violet Prickly Pear Cactus...

Barrel Cactus...

Huge Agave...


This flowering bush was full of Monarch Butterfly's...



We completed our visit...another interesting spot!...and headed home. I couldn't resist capturing this picture...a forest of Saguaro!
We were home before noon, as promised...and I immediately got to my baking. First on my list was a Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake for dessert with our turkey dinner tonight. Next, muffins for me...and then chocolate chip cookies for Steve. I had a backlog of stuff waiting to go into the oven!

Deb had all of her prep done...and so did I (dessert, mashed garlic potatoes and buttered peas), so it was time to relax outside enjoying the late afternoon views...I love this picture, thanks Ray!
Basting the turkey she has cooking on the barbecue. Deb was a little disappointed when she unwrapped the small turkey she had picked up the other day in Cottonwood...it turns out it didn't have any legs or wings, so no dark meat. Oh well...
Steve got a campfire going...

 Dinner is ready! Time to fill our plates inside the coach...
A fabulous  "late" Thanksgiving dinner! All of it was delicious...and the turkey was moist and wonderful! Deb's stuffing, cranberry sauce, asparagus along with my contributions...






8 comments:

  1. Those are impressive ruins! Amazing cactii examples. I can hardly wait to see my first Saguaro.
    Happy to hear you guys ate an equal-opportunity turkey! :-)

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    1. Just remember...everything in the desert either wants to prick you or bite you! 😜

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  2. A limb-less turkey? Never heard of such a thing! You four are sure making the most of our southerly trek and seeing some really cool sights.

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  3. Hmm, they must raise turkeys with no wings or legs so they are easier to catch at Thanksgiving time, Brilliant!

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  4. What a fantastic ruin!! I can't believe I missed it:( I now have this place on my list for the very near future. I just love exploring ruins as you can probably can tell from our various stops and hikes (we are returning to Bluff, UT for the fourth year). "House of Rain" discusses the Salado people in that area. The ruins are spectacular and what a treasure of items in the museum. Thanks so much for sharing!!

    Nice Thanksgiving dinner! I usually just buy a turkey breast since none of us like the dark meat. Too bad Debbie didn't notice. She probably paid twice as much for it. I'm not sure why the breast only is so much more than the whole turkey. Love, love the HH photo!!

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    1. Definitely worth a visit! It was a very interesting site and the museum was very well done.

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