LAS CIENEGAS NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

We pulled up stakes this morning and have landed here at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, between Tucson and Nogales. I knew it was supposed to be "grassland" here, but I was surprised to see so much rolling grassland and so many trees! This is a working cattle ranch, on public land (so dispersed camping is allowed in certain areas). It is really different from the desert landscapes we've been enjoying, and there is hardly anyone around (unlike the last week and a half, where we've been in busy campgrounds). 

Mountains to the east

There has been some gusty wind, but it's died down right now, and the sun just set behind the distant western mountains. A few dark purple clouds are giving way to the night, and the quiet is breathtaking.