Photo credit: Mike Bibb

Column by Mike Bibb

Having spent most of my life in southeastern Arizona and witnessing the splendor and whimsy of the desert, I have come to the conclusion that my knowledge and understanding of this part of the globe is sorely lacking.

Anyone who knows me will tell you right away that it’s not surprising.

In fact, I’ve heard the phrase “Mike is about 7 gallons short of a full tank” many times.

Of course, depending on the size of the gas tank, that comment could be more positive than previously imagined.

Again, with today’s high gas prices, pumping 7 gallons less will cost you a lot less.

But that’s another story.

Anyway, it’s been a few years since I’ve traveled the Hekel Road, so one day I thought, “Why don’t we travel the Hekel Road?” It’s been years since I last did. ”

Off US Highway 70 into Hakel Road, about nine miles east of Safford, my wife and I immediately started playing Dodge the Potholes.

The driveway seemed more dirt than paved in some areas. Other stretches weren’t so bad. Still, others were pretty good.

The pavement ended at the Cochise County line a few miles north of Bowie.

Aside from spending most of my time concentrating on road conditions, I was impressed with the flora and fauna of the area.

In fact, there are more plants than animals. I didn’t see a single rabbit, snake or coyote during my trip. A small sand-colored ground squirrel rushed somewhere in front of the truck.

Also, a few large crows were gliding overhead. You’re probably wondering why humans hang around in the summer heat of the San Simon Valley.

After driving about 20 miles, I started wondering the same thing.

Also, there are no cows. A few cattle corrals, windmills and water troughs were scattered here and there, evidence that cattle had passed through the area once or twice.

Other than these few creatures, no fur or feathers were observed approximately 45 miles into Bowie.

Of particular interest are the yuccas blooming in contrast to the arid desert landscape. The mesquite and catclaw trees were still pretty green from the winter rains, but most of the grass and weeds had turned a dusty brown.

The two yucca plants pictured were taken near a thermal well and sand dunes about 40 miles down the road. Popular recreation spot for ATV enthusiasts.

Perhaps June, July and August may be less so. We didn’t encounter a single RV or off-road vehicle.

Before entering Bowie, we drove through numerous pistachio orchards and fields in preparation for the planting of additional nut trees.

Clearly, pistachios are a major industry and employer for Bowie.

But this small community has had better days. There are dilapidated and vacant buildings everywhere. Few businesses can serve hundreds of residents.

Entering I-10 West, we completed the 197-mile loop to the Safford US Highway 191 junction in less than three hours.