We made it to Colorado

Sandy Roads

We decided to try the trek from Grants, NM to Cortez, CO on Monday, after the winds had calmed down, it was time to head towards UT.  We were on the road a little after 9:00, a cool, sunny, calm day for travel.  We drove about an hour when we stopped for fuel, then just kept on rolling.  About another hour into the trip when Rudy started fussing, time for a doggie break.  It took a while to find a place to pull over, a little road in front of a gas station, a little break for us and a walk for Rudy, then back in and off we go.  Well the wind didn't get any where near as bad as it was, but the sand was still blowing across the road in the plains.  We finally got more than 100 miles traveled in a day, actually 200 today, yea.  We find our park 'La Mesa RV Park' and it is what you would call a bare bones kind of CG, but it is quiet and close to the things we want to see.  We got a map and a quick run down of the things to do from the lady in the office, then got set up, laundry in and a review of all the information we received.  About 5:00 we headed out for dinner, and town seemed to be closed on Mondays, so we stopped at 'J. Fargo's', one of the few places open and actually had a very good meal.  Back home, 45 min. of Bones and then the TV lost reception, so early to bed for us all. 

 

4-corners USA

This morning we got up and headed out about 10:00, going to the Anasazi Heritage Center Museum, to get the history and necessary information for the Mesa Verde National Park.  We watched two short films, one about the respect to be shown for the Park and the second about the history of the people and what we might see or find in the park.  We were both surprised at some of the information, learning that people have been here for thousands of years.  We were there until a little after noon, then headed back home for left overs and a walk for Rudy  Looking for something else to do for the after noon, so we packed up Rudy, drove about 40 miles to see the Four Corners Monument.  It was pretty neat, on each side of the monument, each side being a different state, there were American Indians selling their crafts.  We walked around the different states, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah, and checked out all of the crafts, then I took some pictures of a family in the center of the monument, and then they took a picture of Brad and I standing in 4 states at one time. We walked around the monument for about and hour, then headed out to get Rudy and walk him around the outside of the monument checking out the views of the 4 states, when a group of motorcycle riders from Florida pulled in.  They were only there about 5 min. getting a quick pic of them all in the center where the 4 states meet, then they were off again, but they can say they were there. We head back home, just admiring all the different scenery around us, and are totally in awe when we round the corner and are facing a snow capped mountain in the distance.  We drop off Rudy, then off to the grocery store, back home put the groceries away, then head out to eat at the local pizza shop.  That was a good find, the owner just happens to be from PA and was very nice, coming out to talk with us and make sure that every thing was good. 


Snow Capped Mountains

More touring on Wednesday
Diane and Brad
 

 

 

West Across New Mexico

Vintage Travel Trailer

Thursday we tried it again. We left Caballo, NM, heading north to Albuquerque to pick up Route 40 to head west towards Gallup, where were are picking up 191 to head north to Colorado.  The ride was mostly uneventful, but just as we were getting in to Albuquerque the wind started to pick up.  We only have about another 15-20 miles to go to our CG, so we continue on our way. We get off Route 40 and head to the Enchanted Trails RV Park, which is on old Route 66.  The CG was the normal sand and gravel lot, which is pretty normal for this area.   It really seemed to be put together in a haphazard way, and the hooks up were set up that each RV pulled in in opposite directions of each other.  Part of the park was set up with old, vintage RV's, it was pretty cool looking at them.  That night for dinner we headed back into Albuquerque to the Monte Carlo Steak House, a restaurant that was on Dinners, Drive-ins and Dives, and we weren't disappointed, the food was fabulous.  Back home a couple of walks around the park and off to bed about 10:00. 

 

Friday was a planned short day.  We were  leaving Albuquerque and heading west about 100 miles to a place called Grants, NM, looking to do a sight seeing, and stayed parked for 2 nights.  We pulled in about 2:00,  parked then headed back to the office to get the 5 cent tour of what there is to do in the area.  We planned on heading to the 'Land of Fire and Ice' which is an Ice Cave in the Bandera Volcano, but the lady here at the CG recommended a 3.5 mile hike up to the El Calderon Area.  Back to the RV, scan the pamphlets we got, then off to the grocery store for supplies, back home to put them away, the off to the WOW Diner for dinner.  We did a little bit of a drive up and down Old Route 66, trying to imagine what it would have been like years ago.  Today there are a lot of run down buildings, hotels, bars and restaurants and signs where businesses used to be.  Back home we had pie and ice cream delivered by the camp host(oh yea), early night to bed, we decided on the 3.5 mile hike tomorrow and want to head out at a decent time.  

 

 Saturday we got up fairly early and headed out about 9:30 to the  El Calderon Area , which is a volcano area, with caves, lava tubes (caves made by the lava flow), the cinder cone and oh yea, rattlesnakes.  We are very lucky they make a very distinctive sound, or the one we saw, would have had Rudy long before we saw him.  He was crossing the trail, when Rudy stepped up the next step and he rattled.  Brad yanked him back as the snake laid coiled, but within a minute or two he slithered off.   We made it to the top of the hill, to the cinder cone, make a good check for snakes then sat down for a water and snack break.  It was a beautiful day, about 70 degrees, sunny, but cool in the shade.  After that the trek down the hill which was pretty uneventful, about .5 mile down you hit a service road for the rest of the walk, which was ok, we didn't have to be on quit the alert for snakes.   That took us about 2-3 hours and we were all a little tired after that.  We got back to the car Rudy jumped in his spot where he stayed until we arrived at the camper.   Back home, left overs for lunch and then off to do a geocache.  We got back home and decided we didn't want to cook or go out to eat, so we had a glass of wine and headed up to the office to order dinner, they have their own menu and deliver to your RV.....now that's service.  We ordered the BBQ special of ribs, brisket and sausage with potatoes and green beans and split the meal.  It was plenty for both of us and for a CG meal, it was very good.  A couple of walks around the CG and off to bed by 9:30 for all of us.

 

Pictures for our hike:

https://picasaweb.google.com/115574168101787483704/ElCalderonArea?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPWrycK-j6_XaA&feat=directlink

 

Last night after looking at the weather we were trying to decide what to do, stay put or hit the road, winds are supposed to be about 20mph with 30-35 mph gusts.  We pick a place to hike in case we decide to stay, but figure we will check out the updated weather in the AM.  The wind was supposed to pick up about 11:00, but by 9:00 am the wind is blowing pretty good, so here we stay.  Brad took me out to breakfast for mothers day.  After that we headed to Wal-Mart, got paper products and a few other things we needed, then headed home to hide from the wind.   Brad looked up the wind speed and we

Look Close you can see the
shadow of the mountain
through the sand.

are having gusts up to 50 mph.. glad we stayed put.  It's been kind of tough just hanging out in the RV, but with this wind, it's not a good idea to hike to the top of a mesa to look at ruins and old rock etchings.  I got a phone call from Melanie this morning, and from Shane this afternoon, what a nice mothers day.  Brad even got a call from Shawna and is now attempting to call Shari.  Tomorrow, hopefully we will get to head to Cortez, Colorado as the wind is supposed to sub-side. 

 

 Diane and Brad

Finally, out of Texas and into New Mexico

Another visit with
Monique

Monday, May 5, Monique's 4:00 AM training got canceled, so she ended up working all day.  We just hung out at the CG, I did about 3 loads of laundry, then headed out to do some grocery shopping and check out town.  El Paso is huge and it is very easy to end up in Mexico with just one wrong turn, so we headed north instead of south.  We had some lunch, did some touring around, then we found an Albertson's grocery store and got ham steaks, noodles, and broccoli for dinner.  Back to the RV, groceries put away, walk the dog and a text to Monique, only to find out she is still at work.  It was probably about 7:00 when her and her room mate got there for dinner, so we talked a little ate dinner then went out side and sat, as it was cooling down and chit-chatted for about another hour until they left, what a nice visit.  Tuesday her schedule is 7:40 AM until 7:40 AM Wednesday morning, so we know we won't see her tomorrow, but hope to see her Wednesday morning before we leave.  After they left, dishes done, trash out and off to bed for Brad and I. 

 

Tuesday we were headed out about 10:00, heading into El Paso for the walking tour.....no luck.  Half of the streets are closed, you can't find the visitors info center, so off to the 2 acre Saddle Blanket shop, not knowing what to expect, but what the heck.  We pulled in, walked around for a while and actually found a new blanket for the bed.....I don't think so 'dry clean only', so off we go again.  From there we stopped for lunch, what a great place, burritos for lunch and they were fabulous.  After that we did the Border Patrol Museum, which really was a learning experience.  I think of them in the south, not realizing how much they patrol in the north and who is trying to get in through the borders up there.  We were both surprised at the information available and what we learned.  After that we headed to the archaeological museum next door.  That was interesting, but a lot of reading for the information, although I would have like to have some of the baskets they had on display.  We took the mountain pass to the other side of El Paso.  The view was nice but the wind blew so hard at times you could hardly see a half mile or so.  We headed back  home after that, tended Rudy then walked over to the Subway for a sub...we were 5 minutes to late, oh well, back home and I made tuna for dinner.  We watch NCIS and NCIS LA, then fought to stay awake until 10:00, but we managed, then off to bed with us all.

 

Sites along the way.

Wednesday May 7, we are all up by 7:00 when Monique texts, someone was taken to the emergency room and she wasn't sure she would make it before we left.  So we packed and got ready for the trip and as we were getting ready to leave I asked her if she was about done and could meet us....no luck, she is still stuck there for a while.  We head out, and I am a little disappointed, but we push on.  We are trying to get out of town early, wind this afternoon is to be about 40-50 mph gusts, but no luck.  We are only on the road about an hour when the wind kicks up again, sustained 25-35 mph gusts of 40-50, Brad finally says 'find us a CG and get us off the road'.  We traveled about 15 miles and ended up in Caballo, NM, at the Caballo Lake RV Park....what a great find.   I called to see if they had a site, and CJ stated 'if you are on the road in this wind, you just pull right in', with such sincerity we just wanted to come here.  We pull in and she actually met us in the drive, pointed out the open sites and told us to take out pick and then come on into the office.  I went into the office to check us in, no wait, pay as you leave, that way if we want to stay an extra day no problem, at $15.00 a night, checks or cash only, she must do OK.

Not fog or smog,
that is sand at 45-50 mph

She pointed us towards to a good Café for lunch, and invited us to the 4:30 Happy Hour on the porch, or inside at the rec room if the wind was too bad.  We ended up on the porch, 8 of us all total, had a great time talking and getting to know all of the others, since all of them come here on a regular basis, nice, smart and well traveled people.  The park is along a lake on the Rio Gande with mountains in the background.  What a great find for a spur of the moment search for a CG.  Back home, dinner eaten, a walk around the area looking for the dumpsters that we couldn't find (they ended up being at the road for pickup tomorrow), back inside and now we are relaxing, getting ready for the end of the day and a good nights sleep.

 

Brad and Diane

Midland and Westward

Petroleum Museum

Friday 5-2 we hung out in Midland again, breakfast in, then off to the Midland Petroleum Museum.  We walked around there for about 2 hours, then drove around the outside exhibits.  After that we headed out to lunch at McAlister's for lunch....very good, and recommended by the gentlemen that worked at the museum.  We then headed out to Odessa looking for the (Bush Presidential library) turns out it is just a Presidential Archive Library that also has one of the Bush childhood  houses out back.  But it didn't really matter, with our luck, for some reason it is closed for the afternoon and no luck getting to see anything there. We then headed out to a Ranch Museum, but when we got there it looked soooo run down and in a not so nice part of town we didn't even pull in, what a day.  After that we gave up and headed home, it is about 4:30 and Rudy probably needs a break from his cage.  Shane came over soon after we got home and we tried to come up with something to go do, but everything closes at 5:00 or 6:00, so it was hang out at the park, Brad grilled chicken and we had it on a salad, a nice visit with a lot of talking and then Shane was off to the gym.  We walked Rudy one more time and then got ready to settle in for the night.  Not a bad day all in all, a nice visit with Shane, a little touring around, and a plan to hit the road in the morning. 

 

Saturday we actually got on the road by 10:00, planning a stop in Pecos for Fuel and then had lunch

Sampling the
Texas Wine.

at the Denny's in the truck stop.  We had originally hoped to have lunch with Shane at a Mexican restaurant in town, but he couldn't make it.  After lunch we decided to head through town to look for the 'West of the Pecos Museum' and in the process found the Rodeo Arena, where the first ever Rodeo was held on July 4 1883.   The museum consisted of an old saloon that had 3 rooms upstairs and the Orient Hotel that was originally added in 1904.  It was interesting in some parts, some of the modern day Pecos stuff, not so much, but it took us about 2 hours to tour the thing, which of course, makes it a late day again.  We are heading west on I20-I10 to a KOA in Van Horn, TX, traveling about 200 miles.  Not bad, we pull in about 5:00, get checked in, find our spot and are very pleased with the view.  It has been flat and barren most of the day, but out the window of the Moho, we have a view of the mountains in the distance the sites are positioned so you have the afternoon shade to sit and relax in.  There is a little restaurant right here in the CG, so we strolled up there for dinner, nothing fancy, but ok food and we didn't have to get the grill out, an added bonus.  Back to the site, get Rudy and couple of more walks with a little rest and relaxation in between and then off to bed about 10:00. 



Sunday Brad gets up with Rudy to take  him for his normal walk, but instead, calls in the window, if I

Monique at the
'Scenic View' Stop

hurry I can see the sun come up over the mountains, so out the door I go.  Now what the heck, we only have about 120 miles to go to get to El Paso and we are both up at the crack of dawn, but what a morning.  It was 47 when I got up and until we got ready to leave about 9:00 the temp was already up in the mid 70's.  Again we head west, this time to the  Fort Bliss Campground in El Paso, TX, planning to visit with Monique.  We get to the out skirts of El Paso about noon, and do the regular, stop for fuel, and again lunch at Denny's in the truck stop.  After that the trek through town, which was not as easy as it should have been.  We were looking for Route 375, which was  under construction and had no signs as to where the entrance was, so we missed it did a U-turn and got on from the other side using a fly over ramp(very high).  Next get off at Route 54 and head south, so you get off the exit and there are 3 turns to the left and none of them are marked, took a guess on turn number 2 and just happened to be correct.  After that the CG was fairly easy to find but getting here...whew.  We get checked in, find our site, pull in and the car is so crooked we almost didn't get it disconnected, but after about 15 min. we managed.  I texted Monique to let her

The Big Red Border "X"

know we were here and she laughed, she had just left after coming over to check it out.  On to our normal routines, Brad outside and me inside getting things organized and hooked up, when here comes Monique.  What a pleasant visit, we just hung out and talked for a while, then she wanted to show us around a bit, so off to 'Scenic Drive', up a mountain to about 4200 feet above sea level.  From here you can see all of Fort Bliss, El Paso, the 'X' that marks the border, Juarez, Mexico, and in the other direction, all the way to Carlsbad, NM.  It was a beautiful view and much cooler that down at the CG or in town.  After that she took us to her favorite restaurant 'Famous Dave's', where we all had plenty to eat and she even had left overs to take back.  Back home, a short talk, then we had to say goodnight, even though the clock said 8:00 PM our bodies said 9:00 since we crossed one more time zone.  With plans made to have dinner again tomorrow she headed out (training at 4:00 AM for her) and Brad and I headed inside to getting ready for bed. 

https://picasaweb.google.com/115574168101787483704/MidlandAndWest?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKjl59WhgZfSZw&feat=directlink

Pictures of the 'Ford Home', Museum, the Scenery and Van Horn Campground and views.


Diane and Brad

 

 

 

Midland TX....Gas/Oil Country

Click to enlarge, many Wind Mills
in the back ground.

Wednesday we got up and hit the road by 10:00, taking the bypass around the 'Metroplex' of Dallas and Fort Worth.  Wow, what a trip.  The wind is howling and the road is full, 8 lane highway with 8 more lanes of local access, and it went on for about 40-50 miles.  Then when you get to the other side, the traffic just seemed to die out and the road was ours.  We did stop in the middle of that for fuel, it's nice the Pilot and/or Flying J truck stops have RV islands that away from the truck islands with the slow flow nozzle, making it much nicer for us RVer's to get fuel.  We hit the road again an about 3 hours into the ride it's time to change drivers, but I have a great idea.  How about a nice lunch in the RV and a couple of walks around the rest area, giving Brad a nice break and then he can continue to drive.  With this wind, I'm not sure we both would have survived if I were to drive.  So we only had about another 100 miles, and it was a much nicer compromise for us both.  We finished the rest of the trip with no real surprises, found the Abilene VFW that we were planning to park at and got settled in.  Instead of $20.00, it was $25.00 a night and no food, what a disappointment.  Oh well, we had a drink or two then back out to the RV to settle in for the night.  Next day off to Odessa/Midland area in hopes of seeing Shane while we are there. 

 

Shane's Control Panel

The next morning, up, moving and on the road by 9:00 about 5-6 miles down the road we stopped for gas and breakfast at Denny's and after all that we were back on the road a by 10:10.  We are only traveling about 150 miles today and it really is uneventful, although in that short of a ride, you can really see the landscape changing  We went from a Metroplex of cities around Dallas and Fort Worth, then through a few smaller towns and green grass on small mountains side, to still mostly green in Abilene and then the real changing started.  First you notice the lack of grass and just see cactus and brush trees, then the oil pumpers, and yea I forgot to mention the amount of very large wind mill farms scattered through out all of Texas.  After that the big rigs started to appear, 1 or 2 at first and then every direction you looked in there was another one.  Oops here we are at our CG, it's about 1:00, get situated, jacks down, slides out things put away, a stroll around the CG and here comes Shane.  We say our hello's, a little talking and then him and Brad head out to tour his rig (Brad is a lab tech.  for this tour, but no women allowed, so I head off to the grocery store to get burgers for dinner.  I did a detour and found a Starbucks, since I had to entertain myself, then a bank for money and the grocery store, then back home.  I was home maybe 20 min. when Brad and Shane pulled in.  We talked a little more, then burgers on the grill with a salad for dinner, after that Shane laid down on the sofa for a nap.....since he was up all night he needed a little one after a full belly and a little relaxing time.  We left took Rudy to the dog park where he met Matilda and played well, then we walked around every inch of this campground.  After about an hour, back in wake Shane up, then a little more chit chatting and off he headed.  We walked Rudy again, dishes done, blog being typed and we are just about ready for bed.  We will probably stay again tomorrow to see if we can see Shane again and then head out towards Fort Bliss, in El Paso, TX, hoping to see Monique. 

 

 

These are pictures of the Brad at the Rig where Shane works.

 

 

Enjoy,

Diane and Brad

Riding out the Storms

Nice Site

We finally got out of the RV about 11:30 and headed to our most dreaded place, Wal-Mart.  But first a detour and a little tour of the area, trying to find a grocery store so we can replenish our food supply.  No luck, but we did stop at a Sonic for lunch, first time we ever Sonic'ed and the food was actually pretty good.  After that we hit the store, hurried through, grabbed what we needed and then headed home.  We just hung out inside when we got home, since the rains were in the area and as the evening progressed, we just had cheese and cracker for dinner, I'm thinking it's just to hot to be hungry!!

 

High Wind Tie Down
Ha ha

Monday we just couldn't take it any more, got ready and headed out of the RV, off to see the Duck Dynasty Store/Warehouse.  We traveled about 30 miles and stopped at Willie's Restaurant first to sample the cuisine.  Brad had the Gumbo with Duck and Andouille sausage, I went for the sampler of Shrimp and Andouille sausage Gumbo, Red Beans and Rice and some Jambalaya.....I think I had the better of the meals, although they were both very good.  We were sitting there, finishing our iced tea, when a guy walked in the door and people went running.  We finally get our heads together and figure out that it is Willie from the Duck Dynasty show....wow.  It was fun watching the people and I think the one lady there was close to Hyper-ventilating, but in the fun of things, we did manage to get our photo-op as well.  After that we headed over to their Store/Warehouse, where we missed our second photo-op, there were people running around yelling, 'I got the picture', but who ever it was, they just got in their car and pulled out as we were driving by the parking lot, darn, just our luck.  Oh well, we headed inside, did some shopping and checking out all the stuff they had for sale, wow and there was a bunch, a couple of t-shirts bought and we headed back out.  Another scenic ride home, no highway and a geocache or two on the way, what an enjoyable day.  After that home, clean up some of the outside stuff, including the high wind tie down of the satellite dish (ha ha).  Then dinner was leftovers from lunch...no complaints here, and then off to bed as we have another travel day tomorrow.

 



Company while we pack!!

Tuesday we get up, slowly, finish packing and on the Road by 10:00.  We stopped at the Texas Welcome Center about noon, ate lunch, switched drivers and then 'on the road again'.  I drove about 80 miles, pulled into our selected truck stop, but what the heck, no RV island.  A quick park in the truck lot, walk Rudy, driver rotation and hit the road.  We only have about 80 miles to our CG and get there with an uneventful ride.  We find our CG, check in, park and then a walk to the dog park, around the CG and then a little stroll over by the lake, what a nice place.  After that off to find a real grocery store and a place to purchase wine, with a little help from the lady in the office we managed to find all that we needed.  Yea real food with a selection,  real wine and off course a bill of over $100.00, but what the heck, it was a find.  After that Brad turned the wrong way out of the parking lot, forgetting to tell me he was looking for next interstate exit and a gas station, no luck, just get on another road and head back to the CG......I'm tired of being in a vehicle.  Dinner on the grill, but a bit to windy to enjoy it outside.  We lasted out side until dinner was done, then watched NCIS and NCIS Los Angeles, one more dog walk and then off to bed.  Another travel day tomorrow.

Brad and Diane 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Time for a rest

Thursday after we were parked and nestled for the night, the neighbor came home (Ed), nice guy, salesman attitude, but he was nice enough.  We talked for a while then he went into get ready for the night and wait for the people that were picking him up.  Just before he left for the night he stopped and gave us his card... then headed out,  we had a great evening, dinner in and early to bed. 

 

Friday 4-25 we got back on the road early....for us.  Leaving Georgia, we drove right through Alabama (no new state for our map), and ended up stopping in Marion, Mississippi for the night.  Not our first choice, but the other campgrounds were full, so we settle for our third choice.  We pull in, no credit card, again, back out to get a check, find our spot and settle in.  We are now in a gravel lot with concrete pads, no shade and 80 degrees, but the guy next to us is very chit chatty and nice, so while talking with him Brad gets the grill out as we are  planning on burgers for the night.  Wow, what a change, the tag axles start pulling in.  We had as Zephyr, 2 Prevosts', a Foretravel and a Monaco pull in and park all around us, now we feel like the little guy.  But as it ended up, the Prevost  beside us had the nicest people, (who we think we recognized them from somewhere), and the chit chatted with us all evening and even gave us some fresh deer sausage.  After that off to bed and up the next day to hit the road around 9:00.  

 

I think we'll stay for
a couple of days!!

 About 100 miles into the trip we stopped for gas and a bit to eat at Denny's.  A pretty  easy drive for the day, Brad at the wheel first, then Diane, then Brad again to pull us into the CG just out side of West Monroe.  We get here, the office is closed and an envelope is hanging on the door for us.  I take the car through the CG then back up to the office to get Brad and the RV.  They follow me down to the site....very nice. and we get settled in and then off I go to the local grocery store for a few supplies while Brad gets things hooked up. I finally get back, unload the groceries and notice that all is hooked up and the satellite dish is ready to program...again.  Settled in for the night, chicken and a veggie for dinner, and off to bed about 10:30.....I couldn't drag Brad away from the Clint Eastwood movies.      

 

Today is Sunday and we planned on doing some sight-seeing and touring..no luck every thing is closed, but it has been a beautiful morning, breakfast cooked on the grill and eaten outside at the picnic table.  It's now 11:00 AM and time to get showered and see if we can find anything open.

Diane and Brad