Retirement Sometimes Needs A Lot of Nothing

Betty and I needed a bit of a break from puppy duty and a change in our normal satisfying retirement routine. So we booked a quick 2 night/3 day trip to one of our favorite little corners of Arizona: the small town of Patagonia. Located in a region of wineries and vineyards in the southeastern part of the state, Patagonia is the place we go to step off the world for awhile.  

"Downtown" in all its glory

With only 800 residents this town is so small it is special. There are three restaurants in town, but two of them are only open certain days of the week. There is one coffee shop, a two-pump gas station, and two bars. A handful of B&B's and one motel, a half dozen art galleries, a small performing arts center and a medical clinic pretty much make up the town. So, one doesn't come here to be entertained or choose from a large array of dining options.

We come because it is quiet. The air is clear, the days sunny, and the nights crisp. The B&B we prefer has an absolutely amazing backyard. It takes a real dose of will power to get out of one of the chairs in one of the dozen sitting areas or the two-person hammock. The planting rivals any place we have ever stayed. The owner cooks a breakfast that would equal anything you would find in any major city.

This is the center of bird-watching for Arizona. While that isn't our thing, thousands of folks do head for one of the preserves nearby to catch glimpses of their favorites. If I ever decided to become a "birder" it would be because of the fabulously inventive names of some of the local species: white-breasted nuthatch, ash throated flycatcher, yellow-rumped thrasher, and a bridled titmouse. I can only imagine the thrill in finding a pied-billed grebe perched on a branch in front of me.

Hiking, and ghost town exploring are more our style. Betty and I have visited a few of the old mining towns that are scattered throughout the area. A former railroad track bed has been turned into part of a simple but pleasant three mile hike that starts just 2 blocks from our room.

Patagonia Lake is 10 minutes south of town. Dozens of Ramadas and picnic tables invited us for a few hours of sunning, watching ducks, reading, and simply soaking in the silence. On a Monday afternoon there were no more than half a dozen people in the entire park.

For a town of so few people I was extremely impressed with the town library. Located just across the street from our lodging, it is modern and very well equipped. Nearly a dozen computer stations, several rooms packed with books, and even a children's play and reading room gave the library the look of something belonging in a much bigger town. I talked for awhile with one of the librarians who told me the town residents are reading fanatics. Since there was a used book sale underway Betty and I bought an armful of interesting looking titles to help support this vital community resource.

Sometimes a break is the best way to recharge your internal batteries. And, sometime the best way to do that is to do nothing. Since that is what we needed, Patagonia fit the bill perfectly.

We will go back.