Spirit Tree Inn B&B

Location & Setting: Off-the-beaten-path, secluded, surrounded by forests, wildlife, and scenic views . Access to nearby attractions like bird sanctuaries, trails, and wineries.

Solo birding trip and needed Elf Owl so I stayed here and I was able to see one in the early evening shortly after sundown. I was a also able to see a Violet-crowned Hummingbird at the Paton Center earlier that day so this was a successful stop but this B&B was shocking in terms of the building my room was in. Very old and moldy smelling room with tea colored water (smelled like iron). The kitchen was packed with lots of half empty bottles of wine and spirits on the counter top. I wanted to use the microwave but the power was off so I pulled it out to find the cord only to find profuse amount of mouse poop behind it. Pretty disgusting. The breakfast was pitiful. What kind of breakfast without eggs??

I feel compelled to post about the very magical homestead (BnB) my bestie found for our journey to Patagonia… because it was simply a magical place for us! The Spirit Tree Inn is named after this amazing and World-famous cottonwood which stands over 100 ft tall and is over 200 years old! It has been measured and recorded by professional arborists and admired by all. Hence, it is the ”Spirit Tree!” See the picture of said friend at the bottom of that massive tree! And when the wind roars through the top, it sounds like a freight train rolling through! The property itself hosts many dwellings and was a working ranch at one time. The house is 132 years old. All of the antique furnishings and room amenities casts one’s mind back in time… just close your eyes… Our hosts MaryJane and Tom were our sweet local guides. They made it feel as if we were walking in to ”home.” The front entrance to the Hispanic-influenced house had an array of feeders and landscape decor. There were chimineas and other Fire and Water features to attract both humans and birds! But be certain to close the gate lest the local javelinas should get in! I still have not had time to go through my Nikon bird pictures of to give a count of how many species we saw on that porch… but many for certain. See video! There was a sweet burrow and some friendly kitties on the property, as well as some elf pairs (sadly I could not find them, given our stay was only one night). Both my gal pal and I highly recommend this place should you ever travel to Patagonia… But be aware, only stay here if you are truly interested in endless “zen” moments outside the realm of technology (no room tv and limited WiFi). This is not the Hilton, it is an old ranch run by two older folks by themselves. You will find good old-fashioned hospitality, great food, strong coffee, birds and Nature, all in abundance! We shall see you again, Spirit Tree, real soon!