(nr Caballo NM)
During World War 2, the southwest was used for training bomber pilots and crew. Concentric circles were plowed into the ground as targets that airmen used to practice dropping dummy bombs filled with flour. From as high as 10,000 ft, they made a noticeable splash.
Today, some of those targets are still visible from an aerial view; as in the picture above. One such bullseye was not far from one of my boondocking spots. The location was about 1 1/2 miles away. So, I hiked over to see it up close.
The way was not straight, as a wide arroyo had to be traversed. That meant down steep slopes, through washes, across expansive brushy knolls, and then up rocky inclines. It was a varied landscape with some cliffs, and distant mountain views.
At the site, the circles of the target were found. But, they were overgrown with shrubs, and only small ditches about five feet across. The dark areas of the photo are the trench; more obvious when there. While I was disappointed in what could be seen at ground level, it was good exercise.
Camp: BLM-Greyback Arroyo boondock
Scene: Desert, bomb target, historic site
I remember reading about that years ago but had forgotten where it was. I believe there was more then One Target location. Be Safe and Enjoy!
It’s about time.
Yes, there were several around the Deming NM area. And, likely other training locations in the SW.