We entered Patagonia Lake State Park where David did not want to pay the recreational fee. “Hey,” he said to the man at the gate house. “We were just going to head all the way to the back and take that trail?” That was all it took, “Go on ahead,” the guy said to us.
There are camping sites for tents as well as RVs, swimming beaches, boat launches, convenience shops, parking lots, bathrooms, picnic tables, showers, a gas station…but all we wanted was to walk a trail and take some photos. Apparently that’s free at Patagonia Lake. I am reminded again that the things that make me happiest in life are some of the easiest things to get: views, wildlife, trails.
We found parking next to the Sonoita Creek Trailhead at the farthest edge of the public areas. Along the trail, my cousin David was hoping to show me Coatimundis that live in the forested area in the park. We never did see any, but we saw more birds!
Sonoita Creek Trail has several marshy spots, which is good for bringing in wildlife, but not as great for humans trying to keep their feet dry.
I want to share David’s photos just because this bird is stunning:
David and I left the Patagonia area and made the drive back north to his home in Tucson. I had only a partial day left there, since I had to head back to Phoenix and turn in my Turo car the next evening. But we jam-packed the final day too. Believe it or not, I found more birds, ha ha.
Bird Count: At the end of day five in Arizona, I was up to 39 distinct bird types in photos. Unless that one I can’t identify is a new one, then there’s 40. That’s pretty darned fun.
Conscious Engagement 
I had fun too thanks, glad you let me tag along Crystal 👍😀
You are always invited, Brian. Who knows where we will go exploring next? Hey, Pedro and I will be in your hemisphere soon. We will spend two weeks in New Zealand in January for my birthday. But I’m sure there will be other adventures between now and then.
So close and yet so far to say g’day. If you get to the top of Mt Cook, turn north-west and wave, I’ll wave back 😁
OK! It’s a deal!
An excellent tally
Why, thank you, friend. ❤
Wow! More birds! This is a wondrrful time of year. I get to make my own discoveries and see all that others are seeing. Love Love Love! Cardinals and coots! Keep an eye out around Portland for baby coots. Your life is not complete until you see one!
A baby coot? It sounds so wonderful.
They won’t even let you look at the lake unless you pay $25.00 = Not Cool! 🤬 just so ya know b4 u drive a zillion miles to get there
Hey what a bummer you didn’t get in for free. Read my first paragraph: we got in for free. If you are there to hike the trail, take photos and look around, you can get in without paying. If you are there to spend the day recreating on the lake, you will have to pay.
I just wanted to look at the lake so I could get an idea of it’s size. I even asked if they had some kind of guest pass that I could use for a half hour and they said “No way Jose” 🙂
Wow. That is really disappointing.
Yes, it really was.
You probably got the right/different guy than me = good timing etc. congratz on that 🙂
“We were just going to head all the way to the back and take that trail?” That was all it took, “Go on ahead,” the guy said to us.
I just get bummed out when people try to charge to see nature etc.
I hear you on that!! You’re not the only one. I’ve posted about how I have to register and get a pass to camp in certain trails in the PNW. People who read that freak out and think I mean it’s a pass just to walk on the trail. So I have to be more careful and explain that it’s a pass to camp, not to walk. I’m glad we are all so protective of our lands and the rights we should have to be able to see them.
Agree 100%! 👍 🙂
And if they want to charge someone to camp = Ok, just not an arm and a leg = $25.00! maybe $5.00 max! 🙂 It’s not like they are giving you a motel room! 😆
Just becuz everything is expensive these days doesn’t mean ——> Hey let’s charge people to enjoy nature! 😆