because I can.
Vehicle related posts
October 2018
Between TorC and the VLA there is a lot to see.
I picked the wrong time to see wildlife but the drive through Bosque Del Apache NWR is worth the side trip off I25 regardless of the time of year.
The VLA has been on my list forever and the Plains of San Agustin are breathtaking.
The gift shop is loaded with books and information.
October 2018
Located just south of Truth or Consequenses New Mexico these parks offer water and a view.
New Mexico state parks are a great value $14 with elec/water. Stay up to 14 days. They offer in and out of state annual camping passes which reduce the rate to $4. Caballo Lake also has full
Percha Dam is right on the Rio Grande River so it does not have a dump station you will have to use Caballo Lake. The hiking here is along the river.
and a look into my heritage.
October 2018
The last time I came through TorC I did not have time to hang out and get the feel of this quirky little town that my grandmother called home for awhile.
Still toadless I found a campground half way between downtown and the cemetary where my grandmother and older baby brother are buried.
Mountain Creek is being updated by it’s owner and his plans are going to make this a great park. They also own the Laundramat and UPS store next door across the street is a convience store and propane next door.
Random art is everywhere.
And my heritage.
October 2018
This place is HUGE.
I have to say I was a little overwhelmed at first so I just went straight to the main entrance. There are 173 developed campsites. 144 with w/e. 8 w/s/e. Primitive, boat in and beach camping.
My site was level and a picturesque.
I woke the first day to the sounds of Gambel Quail covey moving from one level to the next. They sound more like a prairie dog than a bird and I enjoyed their morning wake up calls daily since they don’t start till way after sun up.
I was also fortunate to be there during a full moon.
And a nice rain storm with extras.
October 2018
Cochiti Lake COE is another great place to spend a few days absorbing the views. Two large camping areas with electric and water within 15-50ft. water is shared by two campsites. Sites are level and have picnic tables.
Less than a 1/2 mile to a well stocked Convenience store with gas and a laundromat.
Tent Rocks National Monument is about 15 miles.
Views from the campground.
September 2018
It’s a short drive down Rt.14 aka the Turquoise Trail to Cerrillos and Madrid.
Madrid was busy, busy so I just managed a few pics.
And then onto Cerrillos which I would come back to stay if they had RV parking near. A sleepy little town with a great vibe. And a curmudgeon at the rock shop and museum.
All along Rt.14 there is art everywhere.
I’ll be back.
September 2018
It’s time to fill prescriptions and do some sightseeing.
My usual rental car choice Enterprise didn’t have any cars available, my fault for not reserving earlier, so I gave Budget a try. At check in, the radar went off when the agent didn’t want to do an inspection with me, said they already had and it was standard procedure to allow the customer to make note of any damage, I did with pictures, which turned out to be a good thing. Not long after I returned the car I get a call wanting to know how I plan to take care of the damage, I told them with the pictures I have on my phone, time and date stamped. That was the last I heard. Don’t mess with old ladies, we have more experience.
Anyway, on to Taos.
The drive up Rt.68 is breathtaking. Even though I was in a car I would not hesitate to bring Matilda up rt.68. i skipped the Gorge, its just not my kind of bridge. This pic is the closest I got.
The square is picturesque and the Alley Cantina located in the oldest house in Taos makes really good Green Chili burgers and home made onion rings.
Which made me late to enter the Taos Pueblo so this is what is looks like from outside. I definatly have reason to go back.
I took another route back to Santa Fe through Carson National Forest and happend upon San Jose de Garcia mission church having some restoration work.
I stayed at the KOA which is about 20 miles from Santa Fe and I used UBER to get and return my rental. This was the first time I had the opportunity to be in Santa Fe for more than and overnight stay and it is a good spot to make a base camp and explore.
September 2018
My first stay in NM was at Lake Abiquiu COE.
The campgrounds sit high above the lake for a spectacular view.
Even at sunset.
Open Apr-Oct with 24 basic w/e and 15 tent sites. Clean restrooms and showers.
My intention was to go to Ghost Ranch as I have always been a fan of Georgia O’Keefe but they do not allow pets on the property so I will have to come back another time.
I need to mention Bode’s Store in Abiquiu. Gas, Deli, groceries and O’keefe souvenirs. Their homemade bread is delish.
September 2018
After leaving Alamosa I ran an errand to check on a friends house in Antonito, CO it was rainy and dull so no pics but this is a cute little town on the way. Groceries, gas, and restaurants.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Depot is also on the edge of town. On the list to do the next time I am here.
I stopped for the night outside of town at Canon Benito RV Park and Fishing Club on the Conejos River.
This is definitely on my list of top stays. Quiet only 16 f/u sites widely spaced in a beautiful setting.
And you can rent a teepee.
September 2018
While resting up in Blanca for a month, I visited www.volunteer.gov and put in my application to volunteer. And it looks like I will be going to White Sands in November but first I need to be fingerprinted, and that happens once a week in Alamosa. I arrived early and parked right in front of the police department when I got done I asked about parking and was told to leave it where it was. And that is how it is, friendly and accommodating and a great little town to take a walk.
Below is the artwork on the side of the building that houses the Museum.
Which sadly was closed the day I was in town.
You can enjoy art on every corner.
Downtown has shops and eats and a great thrift store.
And heading west out of town is all the big box and grocery stores you could ever want.
There are plenty of camping options in the area.