Double Adobe Campground & Shotgun Sports
UPDATE by Denise . . . For those of you who are wondering . . . We now have Wi-Fi access through out the campground. If you have any questions please call.
August 9, 2008
Total rainfall for July was 9.25 inches. The monsoon season remains active with 1.15 inches of rainfall in the first 8½ days of August, thanks to a little more than ½ inch on both the 3rd and the 9th. Campers have become concerned that someone might actually read these newsletters and that our cheap rain gauge may not be accurate. Consultation with ex-weatherman Paul Davis produced a recommendation to install an “All Weather, precision weather instrument Rain Gauge” manufactured in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, so future reports will be accurate to the nearest 0.01 inch. Of course, during thunderstorm season, a measurement taken a few hundred feet distant might be quite a bit different.
J. Wells reports that new plants and grasses show up every day. Snake tracks show up in the sand below the trap range and one such track had the characteristics of a sidewinder, possibly a Mojave. We have seen a number of Sonoran Gopher snakes which at a glance somewhat resemble a rattlesnake, but are not poisonous. Actually, they are said to be marvelous mousers and are a beneficial snake (at least to those of us who consider marauding mice Public Enemy #1). On two occasions in the last week our Brittany has stepped within inches of the head of a gopher snake without noticing the reptile. Apparently they don’t have a distinctive smell, as that dog can smell a cube of butter in a freezer a mile away.
J. reports that the family of quail has moved to the safety of the Salt Bush, and that Scott’s Orioles have returned to the hummingbird feeder along with the hummingbirds. Both the orioles and hummers are also patronizing our feeders up here in the “low rent” portion of camp. J. visited the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Refuge and says the lakes are filling form the summer rains. She saw Snowy Egrets, Blue Herons, Barn Owls, Great Horned Owls and Shoveler Ducks. The Curve Bill Thrasher, about the size of an eagle, continues to strip the lining out of our hanging baskets, but it also cleans up the moths that swarm to our covered deck. Probably an even exchange.
A colorful and very large (6 or 7 inch wingspan) moth spotted and photographed on the grass at the trap range is tentatively identified as a “Bat Moth” that comes up from Mexico during monsoon season.
A change machine that accepts $1 and $5 bills has been installed in the laundry, so we don’t have to save our quarters anymore. Is that uptown or what!
Seven shooters arrived on Sunday, August 3, to shoot Sporting Clays, and several stayed to partake of trap practice. On Friday the 8th a group of 7 sporting clays shooters came from Sierra Vista, and we added 2 more from camp for a good shoot. Roy and Dan have 7 stations set up in the area below the trap range. Some of the locals are tuning up for the opening of dove season coming up in approximately 3 weeks.
July 22, 2008
From July 3rd through the 20th our $4.98 Ace Hardware rain gauge has recorded 7.25 inches of rainfall. The grass is growing so fast everywhere that Roy may have to run the lawnmower on a night shift to keep up. The whitethorn acacia finally has completely leafed out and ocotillo that cover the slopes on the way to Bisbee leafed out almost overnight. Over an inch of rain fell on both the 13th and 14th, and 2.3 inches came down in a noisy storm and light show from about 7:45 to 9:00 PM on the 19th. Some obstructions had been cleaned out of the wash on the south side of camp, and it handled the flow quite well. The narrow portion of the wash at the bridge to the trap range overflowed and spilled some water into camp. The bridge appears to have survived the dunking. Since this is the desert, the grounds were dry two days later, and we have had only a few sprinkles since then. The lower bridge that spans the wash and leads to the sporting clays range and target storage area below the trap field has been reinforced, so it doesn’t even squeak when the golf carts cross. Temperatures have been mild, mostly 80’s to low 90’s with high 60’s and low 70’s at night. Of course, the humidity is higher than we experience most of the year.
Two practice rounds of trap doubles and some singles targets were shot by three of us on the “re-set” middle trap, and everyone was pleased with the target presentation.
On the 19th Georganne organized a “sub-sandwich” pot luck lunch which was attended
by 19 campers. This was a big hit with several kinds of good, fresh bread, a choice of pastrami, turkey, salami and pepperoni along with lots of fresh veggies, condiments, and iced tea.
Most of the birds previously mentioned are still around, but harder to spot in the dense foliage. The curve billed thrashers have ceased eating our new plants and have turned their attention to stripping nesting material out of the hanging plant baskets. A few goldfinches remain in camp, the vermllion flycatchers are easy to see against all the green and the mockingbirds have moved into the park. One mocking bird at the trap range has perfected the screeching sound of a nail being pulled from damp lumber. Hope he doesn’t move down next to our place.
July 9, 2008
For those who doubted the monsoon season would ever arrive, hope springs anew. In the 6 days starting July 3 the humidity has gone from what felt like “less than zero” to over 50%, and a bit over 1 inch of rain has been recorded in our plastic, hardware store rain gauge. Today is mostly cloudy and more rain is expected. Grass is sprouting everywhere, and other dormant desert growth will sprout soon.
Twenty people attended a July 4th luncheon pot luck which featured pork chops
prepared by Georganne and a variety of side dishes by the participating campers. Two containers of homemade ice cream and a large, carved watermelon were presented as dessert.
The resident ducks have retreated to the pond while molting. We were out of bread to feed them, anyway. Denise photographed the resident lynx wandering thru camp in broad daylight recently.
Roy has re-built the base for the middle trap in order to comply with ATA recommended specifications. It is hoped that this will result in targets that are more consistent from trap to trap, and diminish the number of adjustments requested for targets thrown by this machine.
June 26, 2008
J. Wells has updated her bird and nature observations to include the “Spotted Canyon Towhee”, noted at the bird feeders. We have seen several “Great-tailed Grackles” on the lawn near the club house (these were called Boat-tailed Grackles in our 50-year old bird book. Why do they change things all the time?). J. also reports a mule deer with antlers in the velvet dining in several of the gardens in the Super Sites.
J. and Georganne have been investigating a mysterious problem at the corral. It seems on successive nights a faucet was turned and water left running. The initial suspects were undocumented aliens who have been known to travel through here on more than one occasion. However, a stake-out by J. revealed that the monster Texas Longhorn bull, “Big Red”, has learned to reach through the fence with his extremely long and quite sharp horns and turn on the water. Big Red had previously discovered that a 4-wire barbed-wire fence presented only a minor obstacle and was caught on several occasions, presumably on his way back to Texas, after stepping over the fence. So now Red is confined to the corral with much sturdier fencing. It is with some concern that we wonder what he will learn next.
The Sonoran Gopher Snakes must have had a good breeding season, as several have been spotted in and near camp in the past few days. Paul Davis has had two visit his campsite, and I almost stepped on a small one while walking to see Paul’s snake. Several others have been seen at and below the trap range. They are known to be marvelous mousers and should clean out the remaining mice that the battalion of cats may have missed.
Clouds have been building the past few days with temperatures slightly cooler though still in the mid-90’s. Rain is reported south of the border, but nothing of any significance has fallen here yet. The monsoon season is anxiously awaited here as the acacias and ocotillo have not leafed out, and the grass needs help. June 12, 2008 One of our summer campers, J. Wells, who actually can tell the difference between a bluebird and a cardinal, has offered a list of birds recognized on June 1. Indigo Bunting Western Bluebird Bullocks Oriole (frequently seen stealing from our hummingbird feeder) Vermillion Flycatcher (at least two pair in camp and at the trap range) Gambel’s Quail Red-winged Blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird Pyrrhuloxia Curve Billed Thrasher (these are especially fond of tender sprouts from the flower seeds and basil that we planted) Cactus Wren Black Tailed Gnatcatcher Loggerhead Shrike Roadrunner (just drive down any of the local roads to see these) Black Phoebe Says Phoebe Gray Flycatcher Anna’s Hummingbird Black Chinned Hummingbird Whip-poor-will Nighthawk (catching moths and flying insects around the night lights on the power poles around camp) Various sparrows House Finch (pretty much dominates the thistle seed feeder now) Lesser Goldfinch (most have departed, but several pair were at the thistle seed feeder a few days ago) Kildeer Mourning Dove Collared Dove White Winged Dove Inca Dove Red Tailed Hawks Coopers Hawk Crows Western Meadowlark Mockingbird (maybe not in camp but nearby) Turkey Vulture (several were perched in a Desert Willow along the wash just west of camp a few weeks ago) Millicent Davis has been working hard this year on the plants in the Arizona Room at the club house. She has seen to the regular watering, pruning and has gotten many of the plants to bloom. Dave Redman has had bypass surgery, and all of us wish him a rapid recovery. A surprise birthday party with an ice cream cake was held at the club house on Tuesday for Denise Roberts. Cody has his 10th birthday on June 18. We are hoping for more ice cream cake. Tuesday was the warmest day of the year, so far, with our thermometer reaching 99 degrees. Of course, there is no sign of rain in our immediate future. Roy is clearing brush from the drainage wash on the south edge of camp in order to better handle runoff from the anxiously awaited rainy season later this summer.
Cody’s 10th birthday party was held on the 18th with lots of cake and ice cream and a great variety of gifts. All the attendees were supplied with water guns, and after presents were opened and dessert consumed, a soggy water fight ensued. It turns out that clay target shooting skills do not transfer well to water fighting.
June 16, 2008
We have just received word via email from Ken Jones that Dave Redman needs lots of our Prayer's he has had another stroke, his left side is affected but his speech and cognition remain intact. Please everyone who reads this put him in your prayer's and Virginia also for she has pulled a muscle in her leg. We are all thinking of you and want you both healthy! Have a speedy recovery!
June 15, 2008
NEWS FLASH!!!
WE HAVE CHANGED OUR EMAIL ADDRESS!!!!!
DoubleAdobe@doubleadobe.com
June 7, 2008 Greetings once again from the sunny, warm desert. Friday was a calm day after two days of west wind. Early morning was a cool 54 degrees. Today was a little breezy, but not bad enough to disrupt the scheduled ATA trapshoot. Another day of shooting is scheduled tomorrow and the weather should be good, if a bit warm. No other ATA shoots are scheduled in June, but the Western Zone Shoot will be held in July at the Garden Canyon facility on the Fort Huachuca grounds some 40 miles to the West.
Word has been received that Gary Thompson of Potlach, Idaho, has been lost in a boating accident. Gary and Sharon dropped in for about a month last winter. Dave Redman of Woodbury, Minnesota, is hospitalized awaiting bypass surgery. Dave and Virginia spent the last several winters at the campground, and Dave has been a regular at the trap range. The incident began at a trap range (where else?) All the campers wish Dave a speedy and complete recovery.
Five cottontail rabbits have been seen for several days feeding on the patch of grass across the road from the pump house. Two more “bunnies” reside on the grass at the range. The coyotes must be dining at another restaurant. Haven’t seen the mule deer herd for several days, but there are lots of fresh, green, tender shoots throughout the area to choose from. A large, new family of Gambels quail was spotted in the Super Sites. If you put up a bird feeder they will come! A few goldfinches remain along with several hummingbirds and some pesky but colorful Orioles that steal from the hummingbird feeders.
May 28, 2008
Reasons to be at Double Adobe in the summer:
1. QUIET. Dan’s gas powered “Mule” and a couple of diesel pickups are the only noisemakers in camp. That is, if you don’t count the ever-increasing numbers of birds that sing, squawk, screech, whistle, quack and coo.
2. GREEN. All the trees with the exception of the native Whitethorn Acacia have leafed out. The acacia’s, always slow to greet summer, and are just now beginning to show signs of life.
3. RESTAURANTS. Lots of seats are available during the quiet season. Two that we have tried recently are El Chef (formerly Vaquero’s) on A Street in Douglas, and Santiago’s in downtown Historic Bisbee. Both feature Mexican food. El Chef is moderately priced and Santiago’s is a bit more up-scale, but not expensive. Both are recommended. When we visited Gus the Greek’s Pizzarama in the San Jose section of Bisbee the place was practically empty, but the pizza was as good as ever.
4. WILDLIFE. Our six resident mallards are doing their best to clean the finch seed spilled over the past several years at our place. Of course, they deposit something in place of the seed, but that seems to be the way nature works. Without the presence of so many dogs in camp the ducks roam the camp at will, and only return to the pond at night. Three Mule Deer have been feeding at the trap range the last two days. Two are starting to grow horns.
5. CATS. Mice have not been sighted recently, suggesting that the herd of resident cats is doing an effective job. A friendly and obviously lost gray cat arrived in camp a few days ago. Since it was clearly a tame, house cat, it was fed for several days, and today a resident of David’s Oasis up the road came looking for his lost cat. So, the cat is back home and the camp is once again calm.
6. LAUNDRY. The laundry room is lonely, and washers and dryers are always available.
OTHER EVENTS.
A hamburger pot luck was organized for Memorial Day. Roy and Denise provided the hamburgers. Les Barrett helped on the barbecue, and the campers brought salads, chips, lemonade, tea, and watermelon and ice cream for dessert. Paul Davis gave a short talk on what Memorial Day means to him and read the names of Double Adobe Campers who are no longer with us.
May 11, 2008
Spring continues to advance upon us. At least six litters of kittens have appeared, thanks in part to a neighboring black tomcat and yellow tomcat. We have solved the mouse problem, but now what do we do with the cats? Three new calves have appeared in just the last 5 or 6 days. One of these is solid black, so may not be related to Big Red, the resident bull. What a scandal! There were 5 bunnies munching grass, weeds, and possibly a few flowers on our lawn this morning. They flushed in all directions live a covey of quail and our 12-year-old Brittany, realizing that he has had absolutely no success catching cottontail rabbits, didn't even bother with a chase.
Even though Tom and Cathy Batt have left for home in Oklahoma, Roy has managed to keep an abbreviated sporting clays range in operation. The longhorn cattle are grazing below the trap range some of the time, so we won't be using that portion of the course until fall. Last week there were five of us participating including Roy. Hector Noriega and Murel Smith have been coming out from Douglas one out two days a week, and three shooters are still in camp. Gary Monroe has left for Montana, but promised to return in the fall. Jim Shultz is getting used to his new sporting clays gun and breaking lots of targets.
A two day registered trapshoot is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday of next week, the 17th and 18th. As only one part-time trapshooter is left in camp, please call if you plan to attend to make certain that we will have enough shooters to register the match. The schedule for next target year has been mailed to many of you. We are all hoping for less wind and more shooters this fall.
Bill and Barbara Buteux are leaving in a few days for the summer in Washington, and Paul and Millicent Davis are away on a visit of several weeks to western Montana. Larry and Mitzi McDowell have had a new trailer delivered to their space and plan to make a trip here soon to transfer their gear from the old trailer. With only a dozen or so of us left in camp at present, the campground is peaceful and quiet. The bird population seems to increase daily with substantial numbers of Mourning, Whitewing, Collared, and Inca Doves, quail, orioles, humming birds, blackbirds and finches. We have only a few goldfinches on the thistle sock, but the house finches are beginning a vigorous attack. At about $2.00 per pound for thistle seed, I hope the finches are appreciative. A few bats and nighthawks have appeared, but the insect population is as yet too low to attract many of these night flyers. Warmer weather to come is likely to change this. Several pairs of Vermillion Flycatchers remain around camp providing a flash of color. An owl is seen occasionally in the large willow tree at the trap range, and a Cooper's Hawk has his eye (and occasionally some claws) on the collared doves. Four or five deer visit the trap range and the campground just about every night.
Weather continues about normal. Highs are in the mid-80's, lows from high 40's to mid-50's, with typical spring winds. The last rain was so long ago no one can remember.
April 5, 2008
Long time no words, but with the close of the winter season and friends headed back to shovel the snow out of driveways up north, it is time to report on activities near the border.
Friday night concerts by J. Wells, Mike Palmer, and other participants are continuing, and, as long as J. is willing, will last through the summer.
The last 4 - day trapshoot of the season is next week. A 2 - day weekend shoot is scheduled fir May 17 and 18 and 2 more Thursday dates are approved in April. Please call ahead if you plan to attend to see if enough participants are coming to register the targets.
Sporting Clays may continue for a few more weeks if enough interest is shown. Tom Batt and Roy have plans for improvements to the sporting clays layout for the next season.
Spring has Sprung at Double Adobe. Our resident Vermillion Flycatcher family and some Whitewing Doves have returned and are settling in for the summer season. Goldfinches continue to patronize the thistle sock, but they always depart for undisclosed location in summer. Hummingbird feeders were filled and hung up two days ago and a pair showed up immediately. The cottontail rabbit population survived both the winter and predators in good condition, and, with fewer dogs in camp, have moved onto the lawns for meals. Our ash tree completely leafed out in about 10 days, and the large willow at the trap range is covered with leaves. Mulberries are showing signs of life, but the native walnut, mesquites, desert willow and acacias are always the last to awaken. The sprinkler system Roy installed at the trap range has contributed to a lush, green lawn that will be maintained all summer. Dan has been bustling around with miles of hoses and sprinklers to water several patches of lawn in the campground and all the trees.
The weather is mild with days in the mid to high 70s and nighttime in the low 40s. Typical breezy spring conditions have continued. Several campers are planning to spend the summer here and watch the desert turn green.
January 13, 2008
Gee, a month has passed since the last newsletter. The holidays were busy even in the laid back environment at Double Adobe. More campers have arrived and several have moved on. We have a good turnout each Sunday for Roy and Denise's pancake and egg breakfast. The combination exercise room and library is being used by many campers, occasionally at the same time! Knitters and crafters are doing their thing in the clubhouse every Tuesday.
Sporting clays shooting has grown each week, with 26 contestants last Friday. The Sporting Clays events on Friday, the ever popular 50-50-50 non-registered trapshoots on Sunday and Tuesday, and the registered ATA trapshoots on Thursdays now start at 11:00 AM to take advantage of a higher sun and warmer temperatures. The "Winter in Arizona" four-day registered shoot will commence on Thursday, January 17. Three hundred targets will be scheduled each day. On Wednesday January 16, the Sporting Clays course will host a 100 target event.
December 11, 2007
Another successful Thanksgiving Pot Luck dinner was completed with help from all the great cooks in camp and the hard work of Denise and Roy. Thanks to all who donated and helped prepare the turkeys and brought all the delicious side dishes and desserts.
Recent arrivals include the Earl and Royanne Munsons and Al and Karen Brackett from Michigan. From various points in Montana Glen Western and Volney Steele have arrived to inspect the quail population. David and Edie Bickish also are here from Montana. Ray and Falma Cullinane and Jim and Jean Fultz are here from Idaho. Ed and Suzanne Possnett are here from Alberta, Canada. Bill and Barbara Buteaux have finally made it to camp from Washington.
Despite bad weather on Saturday, the three day, registered, Thanksgiving Trapshoot was enjoyed by all participants. Friday Sporting clays tournaments have been growing in attendance with 2 squads of participants at the last event.
On Friday nights we are enjoying music and songs in the club house as performed by J. Wells and Mike Palmer.
November 18, 2007
With great sadness we must announce the death of Roland K. (Bart) Wright, a long time Double Adobe visitor and trapshooter. Our sympathy to wife Opal and family. Donations may be made in Bart's memory to the Hamilton Trap Club, P.O. Box 672, Hamilton, Montana, 59828.
Recent arrivals include Dwayne (BJ) and Elaine Bjorklund from Washington, Chuck and Jackie Hoffman from Michigan, and Duane and Geri Miller of Idaho.
The annual Turkey Shoot was held yesterday with 51 birds distributed to the winners. A number of the turkeys have been donated for the Thanksgiving Pot Luck Dinner. If you missed this event be sure to arrive earlier next year. On Thanksgiving Day a non-registered 50 target handicap event will be held, and the registered 3-day ATA shoot will be Friday November 23, Saturday November 24 and Sunday November 25, with singles, handicap and doubles events each day.
November 9, 2007
New arrivals in camp are Doug and Sue Case, John Sandstrom, Conrad and Esther May, and Ray and Judy Stareck. Bart Wright is back camp recovering after a stay in the hospital for surgery.
Work is now in progress on Dan Erickson's front porch, and Conrad May has been added to the crew of "professionals" at work on the project.
J. Wells provides the current list of birds observed in camp:
Great horned owl Gila woodpecker
Ladder-backed woodpecker Oregon Junco
Western meadow lark Red-winged blackbird
House sparrow White throated sparrow
White crowned sparrow Pyrrhulaxia
Sage thrasher Crissal thrasher
Cactus wren Rock wren
Inca Dove Morning dove
White winged dove Rock dove
Ferruginous hawk Red tailed hawk
?immature golden eagle?
(and, of course, the resident ducks from the pond)
October 30, 2007
Friends continue to arrive in camp. Geoff Wade and J. Wells have reached sunny Arizona. Ed and Ruthanne Kauffman made the long trip from Michigan. Pam and Frandell Johnson are here from Minnesota, and JD and Norma Love have arrived from Washington.
Framing is complete on the new pump house shelter, and sheathing of the exterior is underway. The construction is being conducted by Roy, Denise and several volunteer campers, including Tom Batt and Les and Georganne Barrett. Several other campers serve in an advisory and supervisory capacity. Possibly as a result of this advice and supervision, the construction work is progressing slowly.
Registered trap shoots are now being held every Thursday, Sporting Clays most every Friday, and the world-renowned 50/50/50 Fun Shoot on Sunday and Tuesday.
We have just learned that Don Coulter, a frequent winter visitor and trapshooter from Harsen Island, Michigan, has passed away. Our sympathy to wife Mary and family.
"NEWS FLASH" Gary Gasaway turns 70 today! (October 25th) HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM DOUBLE ADOBE!!!!
October 24, 2007
Recent arrivals include Carol and Perely Jones from Alaska, Mike Palmer from Colorado, and Mitzi and Larry McDowell from Idaho. Gordon Mitchel is here from South Dakota and Washington residents Bob and Lois Davidson have just pulled into their traditional spot across from the clubhouse. Welcome back again.
The Halloween Trick or Treat Shoot was held October 18 thru 21, a week earlier than last year. Despite the earlier date, attendance was up from last year. All the shooters in camp and other locals were in attendance and several Tucson competitors made the drive to compete. Weather was a little breezy but warm. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70's and lows have been in the high 40's. Lunch was served at the range during the 4-day shoot and Denise served breakfast everyday.
The sprinkler system has been completed at the range and lush green grass is coming up. A building is under construction to shelter the pump and water distribution system, so when the freezing temperatures arrive this winter the water will continue to flow.
October 16, 2007
Gary Monroe and companion, a Chocolate Labrador by the name of PI, have arrived from Montana and plan to spend the winter. Trapshooters Gary and Marlene Gasaway are in camp for their annual visit. Del Vine has arrived for the winter from Northeastern Montana. Jay Marquard and son, Greg, both trapshooters, are here from Illinois. A number of regular winter campers have called to say that they will be here in time for the Thanksgiving pot luck feed.
The first official 50/50/50 trapshoot of the season was held last Sunday, October 14, with 10 shooters competing in the singles, handicap and doubles events. Ken Jones and Jay Marquard recorded high scores in several events and expect to be punished for their good fortune by our antediluvian handicapper, Paul Davis. Last Friday's Sporting Clays event attracted only 5 shooters, but word is getting out that the event will be held on Fridays (except this Friday), and increased attendance is expected. The Halloween Trick or Treat ATA shoot will be held this week from Thursday October 18 through Sunday October 21.
October 10, 2007
Word was received on Friday, October 5, that long time winter visitor and trapshooter, Gary Schultz had passed away
Yes, the potluck dinner will be held as usual on Thanksgiving Day. Hope to see you here on Turkey Day, gobble, gobble! A turkey shoot will be held on the preceding Saturday, November 17, and the registered "Thanksgiving Leftover Shoot" is scheduled for November 22 through 25.
October 3, 2007
Fred Zurfluh, winter visitor to Double Adobe, has died of a heart attack. Condolences to wife Connie and family.
Recent arrivals are Loma and Deon Van Cleave and Dale Hopps.
A sprinkler system with pop-up sprinklers is being installed at the trap range, and winter grass will be planted soon. Expect a year-round green range starting soon. Dan has planted several trees on the new Super Site row, so shade will be appearing in the future. The sporting clays range has been graded, stations installed, and the first even is scheduled for Friday October 4.
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