We made an unfortunate quick stop at Ft. Bayard. It was one of those typically great and unexpected “quickie stops”. However "I say unfortunate because on this day they were not open to visitors. So, the best we could do was read about
it and take some photos. The Fort
served as a U.S. Army post during the Indian Wars between the years 1866-1899,
and then as an Army Sanatorium from 1899 – 1920. It was home to Native American
Indian Scouts, Buffalo Soldiers, and during WWI and WWII Veterans were
rehabilitated, and German POW’s were housed here. So, you can readily see how
it would have been so interesting to visit and learn more about the history of
this place. Many of the buildings, old hospital, and barracks still stand…in
disrepair. Sad - yes, but still hauntingly magnificent!
Our next stop was Pinos Altos
(Tall Pines), an old mining town at an altitude of 7067’ that was developed in 1860 as a result of a gold strike. The town hosted 49ers, outlaws, as well as Judge Roy
Bean. This town, once abandoned is now a place for summer residents and
tourists. It reminded us of Jamestown, CO. But beware, they are very, very serious about trespassers with
several signs posted “NO TRESPASSING – VIOLATORS WILL BE SHOT AND SURVIVORS WILL BE
SHOT AGAIN.”
As you travel on NM15, you will go on a mountainous road
through ponderosa pine country of the Gila
(HEE-la) National Forest, which was set aside in 1924 as the first
wilderness area in the USA. It definitely was not the terrain one would think
of for New Mexico. Yet, here we were in the midst of winding roads, stunning
vistas, thick forests and mountain lakes. We made a stop at the Ben Lilly Park which was
established to honor the mountain man lion-hunter. You would never know about
the “honoring part” since the plaque describing his life and philosophy is
unreadable due to graffiti.
More pictures here.
Tomorrow we will post about our experience and impressions
of the Gila Cliff Dwellings.
