Monsoon Season

The monsoons finally arrived at the Painted Pony Resort.  After a few light showers around the 4th of July there was no measurable rain at PPR until yesterday when the facility experienced a good summer monsoon downpour.  Although lasting only about 30 minutes it brought between a half and three quarters of the inch of moisture.  The rain was a welcome sight and it was frustrating watching rain fall all around the valley but not at PPR.  The desert is already starting to liven up and wildlife becoming very active.

A Monsoon Afternoon

Chiricahua Peloncillo Heritage Days 2012

This years annual Chiricahua Peloncillo Heritage Days will kick off with a reception and keynote speaker on Friday evening September 7th at the Chiricahua Desert Museum and this years talks will again take place on Saturday and Sunday at the Chiricahua Event Center.  Sponsored by the Wildlands Network it should be another great celebration of the area.  Mark your calender and make plans to attend it should be another great event.

Telescopes at the Painted Pony Resort

Amateur astronomy is a popular activity in the boot heel of New Mexico and southern Arizona with a number of research telescopes such as Mount Graham International Observatory and Kitt Peak National Observatory in the area as well as several subdivisions devoted to astronomy.  Dark skies without light pollution combined with a good view of the southern sky has made the area a haven for the astronomer. It is one of the reasons PPR keeps the outside lighting to a minimum and flash lights are recommended when walking between buildings at night.  The Painted Pony Resort has hosted several groups of Canadian astronomers over the past 2 years who arrived with their equipment to capture images of the southern sky.  In addition, most guests have commented on the bright clear night sky in their reviews of PPR.  To supplement the family centered activities at the Painted Pony resort, 2 telescopes are now available for guests to use while in residence.  A 4.5 inch Meade reflector and a 10 inch Orion Dobsonian telescope.  The 4.5 inch telescope is suitable for point and shoot visualizations of the planets, while the 10 inch is computer controlled with a database of 14,000 objects.  Two camera mounts are also available for use by guests to try their hand at astrophotography.  A mount for digital cameras and iphones can be used with the scopes to capture images from the night sky over the Painted Pony Resort as a remembrance of their time in the San Simon Valley.

4.5 inch Meade telescope

10 inch Orion Dobsonian with computer control

Another Kid Friendly Family Reunion

Another family reunion is underway at the Painted Pony Resort and this one is all about the children.  A kiddie carnival was set up in the courtyard and 2 jumpers were rented for the kids to play in during the carnival.  Family centered activities are the core of family reunions and the with 80 acres and 3 buildings people can spread out and have private time or congregate and participate in group activities.  A family Olympics is also planned and the ping pong, pool table, and basket ball court will see lots of activity.

Carnival Preparations

Jumpers for the kids