2011 May 4

Things have been going along pretty good. We enjoyed our time in New Mexico, especially their state parks and how affordable and nice they are. We've met lots of very nice, friendly people. 

As we left Coronado Campground, in Bernalillo, NM, we drove practically next door to the gas station to fill up before journeying down the road. The gas was only $3.61 per gallon, and we weren't sure we'd see it that cheap again as we motored west. At the gas station, we met a long haul driver from Kentucky, who had recently hauled a load of steel from PA to CA, and was headed back home. While at the gas station, I noticed a Native Plant Store  almost next door. I moseyed over there in search of a couple of  pots for my Dracena Margenata and my Christmas Cactus which are pot-bound and desperately need new homes. I also figured I could get a small bag of potting soil there.

The young man running the store was very helpful and even though they didn't usually sell pots, he found a couple that would work for me. The potting soil, though, seemed like a pretty big bag, but was only about seven pounds, so I took that as well. While inside, paying for my purchase, I met Austin. He and I had quite an interesting conversation, especially considering that he is a high school student. He was well spoken, interesting, interested, and part Native. He shared some information with me about local culture which I greatly appreciated. I was sorry to have to leave.

When we left the Plant Store we headed out to get my hair cut. We've been on the road since December and my only hair cut, was in Florida, at Rambler's Rest. This time, I went online, looking for someone local. I was rewarded by finding Lucinda Martinez, of Lucinda's Hair Salon in Rio Rancho. There were five reviews online and all of them were excellent. When I called, I specifically asked for a Friday morning appointment and was promptly scheduled for 11:30am. When I arrived, the first thing I was grateful for, was the huge parking lot - plenty of room for our 30 footer. Then I met Lucinda's daughter, who turned out to be very nice and was impressed by our humble Class C . When I met Lucinda, I was thrilled! She took her time, looked over my hair, along with asking questions about how it grows and how I might like it cut. She was a consummate professional. In addition, she was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. She shared photos of her family and we discussed various state parks in the area. She mentioned that when I called, she had just had a cancellation which was why she was able to accommodate me, because normally she's booked about two weeks out. How serendipitous! I was sorry I couldn't also get highlights done by her! By the time I left her salon, I felt as though I had made my first New Mexican friend.

Along our way to Interstate 40, we decided to stop at an Albertson's to pick up a few groceries. I was so happy to be in a real grocery store, as opposed to yet another Super Walmart! We managed to get what we needed, as well as what we wanted and had a wonderful conversation with the check out clerk, too. We continue to be impressed with the friendliness of all the locals we've come in contact with.

We then, turned our attention to the remainder of our relatively short drive to Acoma, NM and Sky City Casino and RV Park. Raymond had been chomping at the bit to go to a casino, since we started seeing them regularly along the highway. Some RVing friends from Facebook, had mentioned Sky City as a nice place with relatively inexpensive camping hook ups, as well as, decent food. The Casino was a bonus for Raymond. 

We stayed two nights, and the cost was only $17 per night, as we also had a Good Sam discount. Let me just say, that we are not really what anyone would call gamblers. I am no fan of casinos. It seems to me, that it is a complete waste of time and money. Ray is a fan only,in as far as, he hopes to have some fun and never walks into those places with more than he could afford to lose. I am pretty sure that we are not the casinos target clientele.

Turns out, we are the folks who help keep casinos in business, though. On our first evening at the RV campground, Ray was itching to get to the casino. I was not. So he went off by himself, with instructions to bring home a box full of money. His allowance to himself for gambling was $60. Sadly, he returned home much too quickly after having blown his money, and had only  $0.06 left. That would've been O.K. if he had enjoyed himself, but he was exceedingly unhappy, as well. I made us dinner and we planned the remainder of our trip up to the Grand Canyon.

The next day was spent doing mundane tasks, paying bills, balancing the check book, making phone calls, and finalizing reservations along the way to Grand Canyon National Park, and our route to the same. In late afternoon, Raymond started asking if I wanted to go to the casino. Since I still had my gambling allowance of $20, I acquiesced and off we went to the casino. 

As I mentioned, I am not a big fan of these places and that was reinforced by walking through the door and being sensorily assaulted by the lack of light and the intensity of sound! Raymond is a fan of poker type machines, so we finally located a couple of vacant ones in an area away from the ceiling speakers. At first, we each played our own machine. Then, we found it was more fun if we played together on the same machine. Again, not what the casino has in mind, I'm sure. We managed to spend about two hours playing and laughing and in that time, lost $15 of my $20, but we had fun together and I guess that's all that really matters. And, hopefully, Ray has had his fill of the casino experience for at ;east another year.

North on New Mexico 84

2012 April 27

Traveling North on New Mexico 84

On our way to Heron Lake State Park, from Cochiti Lake Corp of Engineers Park, we (read I) wanted to make a stop in Santa Fe, in particular, at Target. Since I have an app for that, I found a Target and mapped out what I thought would be an easy route. Let me explain, that I have NO sense of direction, and I have great difficulty reading a map and converting what I see into actual real life movements. Raymond is our navigator. But this seemed such a simple task that I wanted to show him that I could do a small side trip. Pride goes before the fall.

We exited from I-25 appropriately, but immediately missed a turn. We made the best of that error, by stopping for gas before turning around to try it again. I won't bore you with the number of wrong turns I made, just say it was more than one and less than ten.

We did finally make it to Target! My obsession was rewarded, too. The bath wash I wanted was on sale, as was the dish washing liquid. I bought two. Let me explain why I needed to find a Target. I am sensitive to certain fragrances and the dish soap I bought at Walmart gave me a headache, and I haven't been able to find the kind I like in any Walmart, or local grocery store. Also, Targets have been few and far between. OK, maybe I am kinda weird. But I was so happy to find a Target!

Unfortunately, that happiness was clouding my already impaired ability to navigate and my memory of where we were headed. In this, I was not alone, thank goodness. Raymond also seemed to lose his memory temporarily. 

The reason, I chose the Target I did, was because we were now off I-25 and headed north on NM 84. Somehow, after finally finishing our errand, we both forgot that we were done with the interstate and headed back on I-25! What a couple of bozos! Turn around, yet again.

Finally, we were headed north on NM 84! We were uncertain how long it would take us to reach Heron Lake, because all the errors to this point had made us uncertain of everything. But, we were on the right road and it was our primary road for at least 100 miles, so we were on our way.

I am a big believer in "everything happens for a reason".  As we headed north, we began to see again, the beauty that makes New Mexico "The Land of Enchantment".  AS we gained altitude, the clouds seemed low enough to reach out and touch. The mountains, rocks and hoodoos changed color in the sun and clouds. When we reached a climb through red rocks, I was so moved by the beauty and wonder of the landscape that I actually teared up.

The sight that made me tear up, initially

Since I was driving, Raymond took on photographic duty.  These are some of the pictures he took. Enjoy. 

Raymond thought this looked like a turtle 

See the snow capped mountains off in the distance?

And notice how the clouds change so quickly.

This is one B-I-G  Country. 

After the Storm

2012 April 27

We survived the wind storm that blew through the Corp of Engineers Park we were staying in at Cochiti Lake, New Mexico. Shortly after I posted to the blog about the wind and the weather channel's predictions, we received an updated warning. The sustained wind was estimated to be around 50 mph, with gusts of 75 mph! It was very scary. We already had our awning in, but when those heavy gusts started, I suggested we pull in our slide, since I was worried the cover might be lifted off. The winds howled for what seemed like forever, but was really about two hours. When the wind began to decrease a little, the ryan started. It was a strange rain. I'm guessing the type you get in desert climates. Big drops, but not a heavy rain. Just enough to make streaks in our dust covered motor home. The amazing thing to me was the drop in temperature. When the wind began, the temp was about 80 F. By the time the wind had run its course, and the rain had dissipated, we were at 50 F. Overnight we probably dipped into the high 40s.

But when day broke, it was beautiful. Here are the morning shots I took to prove it.

Taken from our bed upon awakening

Also taken from our bed

Morning from the side window

Morning from the dinette window

The Wind Began To Switch

2012 Apr 26

Crazy Wind!

The wind that was supposed to arrive yesterday is now here! Earlier this afternoon, after lunchtime, the wind began to pick up. At 3:30 pm I checked the local forecast and the winds were blowing around 25 mph. They predicted that over several hours we would experience high winds and gusting up to 50 mph. It is currently 5:00 pm and those gusts have arrived.  

The space we are in is on the windward side of the hill and it is a little unnerving when the motor home begins to list from side to side. And it is a warm, desert wind. We experienced something similar when we were camped at White's City RV Park, only then it came during the night.

Poor Greyla is totally stressed, which is kind of surprising, since she doesn't normally react to thunder storms, or fireworks, like some dogs we've had. Still, this is wind stuff is pretty new stuff for her. For a little bit she huddled under the dinette table, while Raymond & I were playing with our laptops. Then a massive gust blew through the dinette wind and with it came loads of dust. Now, with the window closed, and the dust cleaned up, we're   just trying to wait out these blustery conditions and keep our doggie calm. 

So glad we decided to stay here at Lake Cochiti for two nights. Who knows, if the wind continues tomorrow, we may stay put for an additional night. I definitely will not drive with these type of gusts happening. Too easy to lose control of the vehicle. Besides, this is a very lovely Park. More about that later.

New Mexico State Parks--

2012 April 24

New Mexico State Park Camping

 When checking the website for New Mexico State Parks, we couldn't find anywhere that would take a reservation, so we decided to wing it and just drive up and hope for the best. Since the area we were entering had four state parks in an area of about 80 miles, we figured we'd try the first, and see what happened. We also figured we couldn't possibly strike out four times, but if we did, our backup plan was a private RV campground.

New Mexico State Parks are very, very affordable. If you dry camp, the cost is $4 per night. Want water and electricity? That's $14 per night. Most state parks have shower houses, dump stations and lovely little shelters to keep you out of the sun, for at least some of the day. There are also yearly passes that can be purchased, either for camping or for day use and they are available for residents and non-residents.

Raymond & Greyla @ Leasburg Dam SP

As we drove toward our next State Park stop, just a little farther up the road, we realized we had a choice between Percha Dam SP and Caballo SP, since they were very close to each other. We opted for Caballo, which turned out to be an excellent choice.

Sunset at Caballo State Park

We spoke with a Ranger at the entrance who assured us there were plenty of sites with water and electric available in Appaloosa loop, and that we should drive around and pick out whichever one we wanted, as it was first come, first served. We drove through, found several spots to our liking. Then Raymond mentioned that he wanted to go to the store. But, since there were multiple sites, off we went to the store. Luckily when we got back from our little excursion, there were still several available campsites. We found one to our liking, set up and prepared to enjoy three nights under the New Mexico stars. 

Our "yard" @ Caballo SP

I can't say enough about the skies at night in New Mexico. It is beautiful and breathtaking. At least for a city girl like me. And the other plus, is that after the sun goes down, the night air is cool. You can sit out, looking at the heavens and never see a mosquito. Moths, yes. Mosquitoes, no. The area of southern New Mexico we were in doesn't have a lot of big cities, so light pollution is much less than even what we experienced in Arkansas. And, the altitude is generally around 4000 feet, which adds to the effect, along with the lack of major air pollutants. I was enthralled.

Our neighbor @ Caballo SP, John Fields

It was at Caballo SP that we met John Fields. He was extraordinarily informative. He told us things about the local area, wildlife, plants as well as, about RVing, himself and his life,about gemstones, and about Montana, where he and his wife had spent thirteen summers after his retirement, about their trips to Alaska, and about his wife of fifty-six years, whom he lost last summer. I so enjoyed talking to him. At one point, I told him he should come along with us. It would've been like having our very own expert historian and guide. The night before we left, I spent a couple of hours talking with him and petting his two dogs. I am so glad I did, because when I got up on Monday morning, he was already gone. But, it is this kind of serendipitous meeting that makes the whole RVing experience so great. And as John said, "You never know who you're going to meet, or when you'll see them again."

Before we left Caballo, we had already decide to head a few miles up the road to Truth or Consequences, NM, to camp at Elephant Butte State Park.  Along the way, we stopped for some groceries, then proceeded to the park.

Elephant Butte

Elephant Butte is a very large park. When we drove up to the entrance, there was a lovely volunteer couple working the entrance booth, who were extremely helpful and full of information. They gave us a map and instructions regarding which loops were available for "walk ups", and off we went in search of the perfect spot.

There was only one space left on the lake, and we opted against it since those sites seemed a bit close to together. We headed to Quail Run Loop. Here we found we thought was a "perfect site". Only after we were hooked up did we realize how unlevel the site was. But, no worries, that's why we have all those leveling doodads. Again, the site had a nice shelter as protection from the heaviest rays of the sun, a grill/ fire pit, and water and electric hook ups. In no time, Raymond had his satellite up and running. Ah, home sweet, motor home.

Sunrise from our bedroom window @ Elephant Butte SP

Our view was super. We could see part of the lake, as well as the actual elephant butte, for which the area is named. In addition, we found out why our loop was named "Quail Run" - as we sat and watched in late afternoon, we saw covies of quail running up and down the sandy hills. It was great! Then, a bit later, rabbits came hopping out to join in the fun. One of my favorite things to do is to sit and observe wildlife, so I was once again, very happy. Along some of the trails the various cacti species are identified, which helps those of us unfamiliar with the local fauna. Over all, we have enjoyed Elephant Butte SP. The great thing is that there are lots more New Mexico Sate Parks awaiting us.

A bunny visiting our site

The quail after whom Quail Run Loop is named @ Elephant Butte SP

When we leave here tomorrow, we're headed to a Corp of Engineers Park. I'll let you know how we like that, especially compared to our positive experiences in New Mexico State Parks, so far.  

Beginning Travels in New Mexico

2011 April  24

Beginning Travels in New Mexico 

If you read my last post, you know that I was awestruck by Carlsbad Caverns National Park. That was basically, our first stop in New Mexico, as we traveled route 176 from Texas into New Mexico. We stayed at White's City RV Resort just seven miles from CCNP. We would've stayed longer in that area, and revisited CCNP, except that the RV park in White's City was closing for a few days for repaving. I'm sure that if we are in that area again, we will be checking out more of Carlsbad Caverns.

From Carlsbad, we drove north on US 285 into Roswell, NM. One of the people we met on our travels in Florida had suggested Carlsbad and also, Roswell. Since Carlsbad was such a spot on recommendation, we decided to give Roswell a shot. 

We stayed in a lovely, small, family run RV park called, Trailer Village. It was pleasant, the owners were very nice and we met some lovely folks there. Since I don't put a lot of stock in the whole "Alien" thing, we didn't do the UFO Museum, or any of those things. Our stay there was mostly about planning our NM route and recharging ourselves. I would recommend Trailer Village, though, if you're going to be in the Roswell area. It was relatively cheap, at $27.00 per night with our Good Sam discount. If you pay in cash, or by check, it is even cheaper. The bathroom were clean, WiFi was free, and there is a convenience store less than half a mile away.

The openness of New Mexico, with Mountains in the distance

Leaving Roswell, we were undecided as to whether to continue north or to head west. We opted to take a scenic route, southwest toward Tularosa. It was beautiful! So we then continued in our southwest trajectory toward Las Cruces, again along a scenic route, which took us through White Sands National Monument.  Again, beautiful! But in such a different way. Initially on our scenic byway we were astounded by the mountains off in the distance and the changing colors of the sand and rocks. As we approached Tularosa, we could see the edge of White Sands shimmering off in the distance, in the early afternoon sun. It remind us both of salt flats. So, when we came to the entrance to White Sands National Monument, we pulled into the parking lot. There was no admission fee since we visited during National Parks Week, but the usual fee is $3. The Visitors Center had a short film about the area, which was very informative. There was also the opportunity to drive a 16 mile loop through this amazing dune field. In addition, WSNM also offers full moon camping and Ranger led tours.

Loved this quote at the White Sands National Monument

World's Largest Pistachio Statue

We also stopped at Alamogordo to visit a pistachio farm and winery. There are several to close from in the Alamogordo area. Our choice was the one with the largest pistachio statue. The pistachio wine was good, though a bit sweet. However, the pistachios were delicious. We tried the plain, garlic and ranch. They were all very good.

All in all, New Mexico was proving to be very interesting and we still had plenty of time to explore more of the state before our adventure moves on to Arizona in early May.

Next up, New Mexico's State Parks.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

2012 Apr 18

We spent a couple of days at White's City RV Park, which is the closet one to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. We might have stayed longer, but the RV park was closing on Monday and Tuesday for repaving. From our location in the park we had an amazing view of the sunrise, as well as a star filled sky at night. We had full hookups, but the electricity was only available at 50 amps. Good thing we had bought the adapter back in Arkansas. We had been warned that the area was "touristy", but it wasn't too bad. We explored some of the area around the park and were constantly surprised by the openness of the space as well as the people.

I bought a tee shirt that I thought was rather striking. It's black, with a picture of several Native American leaders on it, with the caption, "HOMELAND SECURITY  since 1492".

On the way up the seven mile road into the Park, we stopped at a pull out to admire the view and read some information. There was another couple watching something a distance up the hillside with binoculars. When I got near theses folks, the husband, wearing a Boston sweatshirt, said rather excitedly, "There are at least ten mountain goats up there!" and described where they originally saw them and the path they took and where they had lost sight of the goats near some large trees. Soon these people were off, and I went to get our binoculars. Raymond and I spent several minutes scouring the hillside, but eventually found the herd. These were no mountain goats! They were big horn sheep! We watched through our binoculars as a baby nursed from its mom, as mom stood patiently on the hillside. We managed to spot at least nine. What a wonderful surprise that was!  As we continued along the uphill road with its many switchbacks, we stopped at each pull out we saw, for a different vista. Raymond and I had similar fantasies involving native people, or cowboys running from the law at each switchback. We hadn't even gotten as far as the Caverns yet and we were already high on the nature vistas and our own imaginations.

Can you spot the bighorn sheep?

We had read about some of the tours available at Carlsbad Caverns NP and Raymond really wanted to sign up for one of the Ranger led tours that were described as, " four hours climbing on rocks, on your knees and belly; plan to get dirty", luckily these are only offered on weekends and we were there on Monday. We had been warned by a Facebook RVer to take the elevator down the 750 feet to the caverns, which we did. And, Janice, we are grateful for your guidance! as we toured the Big Room of CCNP, we ran into those same folks who had shown us the sheep. They didn't have anyone to advise them and had walked the 40% grade down into the cavern from the outdoor entrance. They were exhausted before the even got to the cavern! They looked to be about our age and reported that it had taken them 90 minutes to walk down into the caverns. We thanked them for pointing out the wildlife and reported our observations. 

Doesn't this remind you of ice?

JM in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Raymond in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

A pool in the lower portion of the "Big Room"

Raymond and I opted for the self guided tour of the Big Room, using what the Ranger jokingly referred to as, "the Ranger in a box", a handheld device similar to those used in museums, where you punch in the exhibit number to hear a prerecorded explanation of whatever object you are viewing. I really like these kinds of things, I think because I retain more information if I hear and read about what I am seeing. According to the Ranger we spoke with, the self guided tour usually lasts from 90-120 minutes. 

We happened to arrive at the same time as several bus loads of Japanese visitors. Since they appeared to be on a tight schedule, we dropped back and let them go on ahead of us.   Raymond and I are the kind of people who take our time at exhibits and such. We like to be sure not to miss anything. And in the Big Room of CCNP, that means always looking, up, down, in front, and behind you. There is so much to marvel at! We ended up spending 2.5 hours.

Looking down, over the rail into the depths below...

Raymond in a small portion of the "Big Room"

Formations (decorations) on the cavern wall

"Lion's Tail", my personal favorite.

I spent an inordinate amount of time saying, "W O W"!  Seriously. Words seemed inadequate to describe the enormity of the wonders we were seeing. Some of it seemed otherworldly. And at no time did I forget the teenager who came upon the caverns back in 1898 as he worked mending fences. 

James Larkin White was 16 years old, working on a ranch when his curiosity about the number of bats he saw leaving the caves made him decide to explore. As we walked along a lighted, paved path, lined with handrails, I continually thought about this boy and his first visit into the cave with a kerosene lantern.  As he says in his book, "Jim White's Own Story: The Discovery and History of Carlsbad Caverns", "I had roamed this part of the country ever since I'd landed in New Mexico, and long before I'd noticed the opening, therefore, I, like other rangemen, knew of its existence. And, like them, I also had felt no urge to see what was hiding in the darkness of that great hole." He goes on to explain, "That is, until this particular day. I had sat for perhaps an hour watching bats fly out. I couldn't estimate the number, but I knew that it must run into millions.The more I thought of it the more I realized that any hole in the ground which could house such a gigantic army of bats must be a whale of a cave." After telling of crawling to the edge and looking down, without being able to spot the bottom, he says, "I shall never forget the feeling of awe it gave me."

If I had been in Mr. White's shoes, I am sure I would have felt that same awe. I did feel it as we walked through the cavern, looking at the "Giant Stalagmites", the "Frozen Waterfall", the "Jumping Off Place", "Fairyland", "Rock of Ages", and "Dome Room", all names given to the formations, or decorations, as they are called, by Jim White when he first explored the caverns. But, the fact is, that I do not think I would have had his adventurer's spirit. Nor would I have had the vision and persistence he showed over the years, as he tried to share this wonder with the world.

Still, I am grateful for his sense of wonder, and for his dogged sense of purpose. Without his desire to share this marvelous discovery perhaps it wouldn't be a National Park today. Throughout a twenty year period, he tried again and again to stir up interest in the underground wonder he had come upon. Yet, few were interested and even fewer took the time to actually make the journey and see for themselves the enormity and beauty of these caverns. Still Jim White, (and his wife) persisted. That persistence allows us to share this incredible wonder today. 

One of the things I find most appealing is this quote from Mr White, "And I doubt you can understand how happy this modernizing has made me. It's like a pleasant end to a dream. The world is seeing it with all the conveniences and comforts…; Electric lights, trails…running water…and an elevator to carry you up when you get tired of walking." This man spent so much of his time, energy, and money, yet he was grateful and happy for all of it, and especially for the modernizations that came with National Monument status in 1929. Why? Because his dream of sharing this marvel with the world was coming true.

Mr White died in 1946. But he saw his dream come to fruition in his lifetime. How many of us can say that?

I wanted to tell you all about Carlsbad Caverns National Park. But, as I said before, words failed me. I will share a few of our photographs, but they too will fail to show the beauty, magnificence, grandeur, and awe. 

So, what I will tell you is this: Visit. It will be worth it.