Chiricahua National Monument

Was a foggy morning when I stuck my head out of the room and walked over the breakfast room.  By the time I was back at the room, the fog had lifted.  Loaded back into the car and headed to Chiricahua National Monument,

Wanted to look what is left of Fort Bowie.  Drove the dirt road, but not ready to walk the dirt trail 200 ft to see the site.  On to Chiricahua.

Checked into the Visitor's Center.  Picked up information, a book, and misc "stuff".  Drove the road to it's end, stopping for photos..  Was a cold, windy morning up at the end of the road.

Had time, so headed towards Bisbee, AZ.  Unfortunately, it was pouring rain when I got there, so just drove through town and headed to Tombstone.  Late lunch at Doc Holiday's Saloon in Tombstone ("dined" on Tombstone pizza). Washed down my meal with 2 pints of 8's and Ace's local craft beer.

Took a couple photos of Allen St. in Tombstone and headed to check into the Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch.  Settled into my "Grand Hotel" room.  There was problems with my heat in the room which was eventually sorted out. 

On the Road Again

My planned trip to Death Valley starting late January had to be cancelled because of the "Orange One's" dumb government shutdown.   I planned a different Winter trip - Destinations Tombstone & Tuscon, AZ.

Day one on the trip got me to Lordsburg, NM.  On the was, I stopped by Chloride, NM.  Met Donald Edmonds (I have read his book about growing up on a farm in Wisconsin).  Gave his daughter 5 copies of my 2019 calendar as a donation to the museum and store.  Picked up 2 more books about the area,, one also authored my Edmonds.

Stopped by the General Store and Cafe in Hillsboro.  Dropped off 2 of my calendars - the inside of the store in a page of my calendar.  Shot some photos in the real ghost town of Lake Village.  It was raining when I arrived in Lordsburg and checked into my room.

Snowy Winter

This is the snowiest Winter since I have moved to New Mexico!  The week around New Years, we were hit with 3 storms.  The New Day storm was the strongest, dropping about 5" of snow at my area.  Since the road crews here are not equipped to handle this amount of snow, the city and the area was into a standstill.

Major streets are plowed.  Feader and residential streets were not plowed.

There was still some snow on the ground almost 2 weeks later when another short gave us a dusting, (photo here).  Each storm left the scene of a Winter Wonderland here in Rio Rancho.

Of course, the mountains in the area have received ample snow for snow sports.  There was a big problem here in the Sandias, the road to the ski slope was closed, so the opening was delayed until the facility could recruit and get workers to the slope!  Yes, ski season opening was delayed by heavy snow!

New's Year Day Storm

The snow started a bit after midnight New's Year Eve.  The wind kicked up for the day.  Traffic was to a stand-still on the Interstates --- 25 and 40.  At least New Mexico from Socorro to the Colorado border was shut down.

The mountains got up two 2 ft of snow.  Here in my backyard in Rio Rancho, I measured about 5 inches of snow.

While there has been forcast for more snow today, there has not been any more accumilation.  Lot's of cancellations and late started today.  I had a doctor's appointment for 9:15 which needs to be resceduled because of snow delay until 10am start.

High Winds Aloft

After the poor service yesterday morning at IHOP (Unser just South of Southern), I skipped breakfast this morning.  Grabbed a donut and coffee after at the tent.

Morning winds seemed light and there were hopes for balloon launch.  I started to become concerned when they were not launching balloons for Dawn Patrol.  Seemed balloons were being inflated but not launched.  One of our radio clug crew was able to tune into the balloon frequency.  It seems that winds aloft were too high.

We spent most of the shift making contacts using digital JT8, basically filling up 2 log pages.  Paying closer attention, I  noticed that the computer was set up to make contacts as the club's call, not the Special Event call "W5B".  Sent a message this evening wondering why this was.

During the shift, winds started picking up at ground level.   Weather forcast for the next 2 days are not for balloon launch.  As a committee member, I will monitor the next couple days until I again have a shift at the Balloon Fiesta Park on Wednesday morning.  At this time, forecast for Wednesday is clear skies, and, hopefully, light winds.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Early start for a long day on the train.  Cousin Don and I had coffee and sweet roll before the trip.  Not hungry for a big breakfast, specially we were getting a big lunch as part of the ticket price.

Had to wait until this morning to pick up our tickets.  We boarded a motorcoach for the drive over to Chama.  Had a nice conversation during the hour-long ride.  Gal across the aisle was from Mankato, MN.  Interesting chat up here on the front of the bus.  When we arrived in Chama, we quickly board the train, finding our seats.

Once the train was underway, it didn't take much time for the conductor to run thro9ugh the train punching our tickets.  At that time, we were allowed to get out of our seats and move around thee train.  For information, the train consisted the following:  Locomotive and tender, three coach cars, a concession car, open gondola, Tourist car, and finally Parlor car.  The open gondola was equipped with a sound system.  The docent onboard spend most of the ride describing the railroad and the scenery on the sound system on the gondola.

As soon as we head out of Chama, the train started climbing.  It took about 1 1/2 hour to climb up to the summit of Cumbres Pass.  There, the train stopped to take on water.  The docent passed out pamphlets including a railroad map with note-worthy locations on the route.

About half way through the trip, we arrived Osier where we were served lunch.  There were 2 hot lunches we could select - meatloaf or turkey.  I had the meatload dinner, which consisted of a slice of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, roll or corn bread, and a selection of deserts.  For drinks, there was water, coffee, iced tea (sweetened and unsweetened), pink lemonade, and lemonade.

There was time to stretch legs and look at some of the older building at Osier.  Cousin Don scoped out while there, I relaxed back on our train car - needed the time off my legs/knees.

One of the options for riding the train is to turn back at Osier, riding back the train to your departure location.  It seemed to me that we lost over half of our follow travelers took the train back to Chama rather than continuing on to Antonito, CO.

The weather forecast was for about 60% chance of rain.  We had periods of rain, mostly light showers.  Most of the ride it was overcast. 

The scenery on the East end of the railroad is both the more scenic (and dramatic) section of the railroad and the most boring part of the train ride.  The train runs through 2 tunnels on this half of the line.  There were scenic highlights of "Calico Cut" and the Toltec Gorge.  The last 1 1/2 of the trip was pretty boring, nothing much to look at except for sage brush.  And, actually, this was fine as we were tired from the long day on the train.

We were a little late arriving Antonito.  Don and I looked for a good. cold beer when we got back to town.  The one bar in Antonito did not open 7pm.  We settled for a bottle of Dos Equis and the restaurant where we ate last night.  By 8pm, both of us were sound asleep.

I have processed my photos from the train ride.  Eventually I will sort and select photos to post on my website.

On the Road to Antonito

Cousin Don and I are on the road to the New Mexico/Colorado area to ride the Cumbres & Toltec Narrow Gauge Railroad.  Stopped along the road a couple time to look at the roadside wild flowers.  Had a little rain up in Northern New Mexico.

Checked into the motel, dropped off some luggage into the room, and headed for a late lunch.  The motel suggested the "Dos Hermana's Steakhouse" downtown.  I had the 6oz bacon-cheeseburger with fries.  About 3 strips if bacon, good burger, full slice of red onion, with pepper jack cheese.  The fries were also great, battered and crispy.  Washed down the meal with 2 bottle of Dos Equies Amber.

Checked out the train station and the train's anticipated arrival in Antonito.  Had time to look at the wear at the gift shop and visited with the folks there.  Watch the train arrive and got a few good photos.

Rain is forecast for tomorrow and Thursday.  They should be the typical New Mexico "pop-up1' showers.  Surely nothing like the rain the Midwest has been getting

Field Day - Haynes Park

June 23-24 was Field Day, a day for amateur radio operators to practice and demonstrate their emergency communication skills.  The High Desert Amateur Radio Club had 2 Field Day locations.  At Haynes Park in Rio Rancho, we used W5YZ, Taylor Ranch Branch Library in Albuquerque the group used the club call NM5HD.  I was the designated photographer for the Haynes Park location.

When I arrived at Haynes Park about 10:30, set-up was well underway.  I looked around the site and started shooting photos for documentation purposes.  Our classification was A2NM One transmitter was powered by batteries and solar arrays.  The other transmitter was powered my a portable generator. 

The CW operator was on 20 Meters and seemed to make a constant stream of contacts.  The operators on 40 Meters and other bands did not make as many contacts. 

About 2 PM, my brain had had enough.  The temperature was climbing, too.  I packed it up and was home about 2:30.  Relaxed, re-hydrated, and took a nap.  Had dinner with  my cousin at Billy's Long Bar.  On the drive from the house to the bar, the thermometer in my car peaked at 104 degrees.

Sunday, I processed my photos and e-mails them to our Field Day Chairman, Webmaster, and President (Newsletter Editor).

Lunch and drive to T or C

Packed up the car this morning. Attended the "geezer" lunch at Rio Rancho Blue Grasshopper. Ended having the 7" meat lover's pizza, washing it down with 2 pints of Sunrise Amber.

From there, I headed down the road to T or C (Truth or Consequences) and checked into my motel. Was surprised that my laptop would not power-up - no power. Walmart was very close (I hated to have to rely on Walmart). They had the la[top charger stuff I needed.

Very windy driving today. Tis the windy season for New Mexico.

Checking a couple ghost towns and driving the scenic route to Silver City is on the agenda for tomorrow.

First Measurable Snow

It was almost a whole week into the new year before we had the first measure-able snowfall here in Albuquerque/Rio Rancho.  Over Thursday night, the temperature dropped as precipitation fell in New Mexico.  We were right at the freeze line.

When I got up on Friday morning, there was about an inch of snow on the ground, under a thin layer of ice.  Conditions were dicey enough school was called off in Rio Rancho.  I stayed inside except for a walk to the street to snap several photos.

As typical, the sun was out and the streets were clear by noon (except where in the shadows). This was in spite of temperature barely reached freezing that day.  Was a beneficial snow - areas in the mountains got some good snows for the ski slopes. 

A Chilly Morning

I was not ready for the cold this morning.  Was thinking of wearing shorts driving from southern Kansas to Albuquerque.  The weather channel was reporting 14 degrees when I got up and ready to get on the road.

Light breakfast (bowl of cereal) and coffee.  Not hungry as I are so much yesterday.  The drive was straight down US 54 from Liberal to Tucumcari, NM.  Along the road, I saw "Tex", which last trip I identified being in Tucumcari.  Really, it was a little area NE of Dalhart, TX.  corrected my photo blog and photos on the web site.

Continhes taking photos of old, abandoned buildings on this trip.  Tucumcari is a treasure trove of these buildings.  The New Mexico map shows a "ghost town" near Tucumcari along old Route 66 called Montoya.  There are more abandoned buildings in Newkirk, just down the road.  Got off the interstate at Newkick and drove the frontage road to Cuervo (took photos there last tine through here).

Construction on I-40 getting into Albuquerque.  Got off the highway and took Central Ave to Nob Hill and picked up mail in my mail box.  Checked into the motel and started settling into the room.  Short drive for a Blizzard and in for the night - exhausted.

Georgia O'Keeffe Country

After 4 storms in the last week, today dawned sunny, though cold.  Y was getting cabin fever, so decided to take a drive up to Georgia O'Keefe's Ghost Ranch.  Took the scenic loop via Cuba, Ghost Ranch, Espanola.

As I climbed towards Cuba in US 550, the temperature kept dropping.  Snow on the ground, unlike the bare ground in Albuquerque.  When I hit Cuba, the temperature was down to 8 deg.

Highway 96 North from Cuba was a winter wonderland.  Evergreen trees were laden with heavy snow.  Unfortunately, I had a truck right behind me and no place to allow him to pass.  Would have like to stop to take a couple photos.

By the time I reached Gallina, moost of the snow was gone.  Stopped to take a couple photos at Abiqula reservoir and dam.  Recreational areas on the lake side and down river from the dam.  A short drive up US 84 to the Ghost Ranch.

It was lunch time when I reached the Welcome Center.  At the desk, they directed me to the dining hall if I wanted lunch to kill the time until the gift shop opens.  At the dining hall, I saw no facilities for purchasing a meal.  Looked like all a sign-in system for lunch.  Returned the the Welcome Center and listen to the radio until 1pm.  Picked up a couple t-shirts and a book and headed back down the road.

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With the beautiful scenery, I can understand why O'Keeffe likes this part of New Mexico.  The upper photo was taken in front of the Welcome Center. There were some unusual formations like the one in the lower photo.

By the time I got to Espanola, it was past time to get some lunch.  Stopped by at "Dandy's" hamburgers.  For something different opted for the chili dog and fries.  Was not a good choice.  Neither the hot dog or the chili had any taste.

At this time, I was going to hit rush hour in Albuquerque.  Took the bypass around Santa Fe.  Got off I-25 at San Mateo.  Stopped by the Boot Barn to straighten out any confusion with their rewards program.

Exhausted when I got back to the house at 6pm.  Processed photes and cashed into bed a little after 7pm.

Check out this Artsy page for more information about  O'Keeffe's work.

Poncho Villa

It was a foggy morning that greeted us in El Paso.  Had breakfast at the hotel.  While packing u the room, heard the rain start.  It was about done when we ere ready loading the van.

Out of El Paso, we headed West on Rt 9 to Columbus, NM.  The fog stayed with uo for about 50 miles.  Columbus is renowned for the raid on the town by Poncho Villa.  Toured the museum at Poncho Villa State Park.  From there, we went across the street to the old Columbus Depot which is now a museum.  Memorabilia from the raid and General Pershing's routing of the renegades.  Upper photo o\is of a early "tank" of the era.

From there, it was up to Deming, NM.  There is a local museum at the old armory.  Across the street is the old customs house.  We did not enter/tour either of these site.  I was food time.  Heading west on Pine St (main E-W drag) stopped at the cafe at the Balboa Motel.  Good taste and good price for lunch.

Out of Deming, we took the cut-off from Deming to Hatch.  Checking the map, I was a wide spot in the road called Nutt, NM.  Had to stop to take a couple photos of the sign.

Made it to Albuquerque by 5pm.  Cranked up the computer, checked mail, and crashed to bed.

First Meal

The weather continues cold.  A little of snow still on the ground. Decided to cook my first breakfast at the rental house - cheesy eggs, hash browns, sausage, toast & coffee.  Was an adventure, as the stove here is gas and the range at home is electric!  May no look pretty, but tasted good.

I have not felt like venturing out in the cold to ride my bike. Was out for a little, picking up a couple things I wanted.  Rest of the day was basically playing on the computer, which Y have been doing a lit from getting here.  Great to have the internet without paying satellite rate.

Settling In

Woke up about 5:30 Sunday morning.  Was thinking of finding tte local Panera Bread for coffee.  After a trip to the bathroom, I decided going back to bed sounded better.  Finally, I got up and dressed.  Not having any food in the rental house, I made my list and headed out for supplies.

When I ventured out, I was surprised the snowfall was not as much as predicted on Saturday.  Had less than an inch in the top of the car.  Temperature was 27 degrees.   Could see the streets were icy.

On the road for shopping about 8:30.  There were basically no one on the streets of Albuquerque.  The stores are open, but only a couple customer (at a Walmart SuperCenter!)

After putting groceries in the car, drove over to Big 5 sports, looking for "Lobos" (University of New Mexico) gear.  The sent me to a shop specializing on fan gear.  On the way there, stopped by Barnes & Noble for magazines and check out bargain books.

Back at the house, stowed groceries and checked out my new Lobos gear.  Took a selfie and posted on facebook,  By then, I was ready for a nap.

I was awakened by a knock on the door.  Cousin Don.  Was not able to contact me by phone.  (I did not hear the phone in the bedroom).  Anyway, we visited a little, I got dressed, and we headed out for dinner.

Went to O'Neills in Central with cousin Don.  They had an Irish band.  Door was open to the other bar in the same place.  A sports bar with football games.  The Phoenix Cardinal fans in the bar where pretty noisy at times,  The Packers played terrible.  But we had a good burger, brew and conservation.

Mostly a chilly week is the forecast with more snot Tuesday.  Think it will be a good week to do stuff like opening a local bank account and such.  No plans for New Year Eve.  Probably leave it to the pro-partiers and spend a quiet night.

Change of Plans

Woke up about 2:30, nature calling.  Checked my e-mail and the weather forecast.  Not good for traveling in the East side of New Mexico.  MAJOR storm in that part of the state starting Saturday afternoon and continuing to Monday.  Cousin Don had talked with his friend (owner of the house I am renting) saying if I could get to Albuquerque by middle of the afternoon, the weather should cooperate and I can change plans and start into the house tonight.

Calculating miles and times, It would work if I just showered, packed the car, and head toward ABQ.  That, I did.  On the road out from Dodge City a little after 4am CST.

Pretty lonely across SW Kansas and a section of Oklahoma at tat time of a Saturday morning.  Not even a place to get breakfast until I had been on the road for over 2 hours.  Found a place in Clayton, NM.  The sun was just up when I got there.

After breakfast, I started looking for abandoned building and ruins (see upper photo).  Helps keep my mind on the road.  Strong wind from the NNW and temperature dropping across the high plaines of NE New Mexico.  Even saw some blue sky!

As I got to Las Vegas, NM, it started snowing.  Mostly blowing across the road.  Drove with that until about Glorieta Pass.  Once again, some wind-driven snow as I get into Albuquerque.  Stopped quile at a Verizon Store on the way to the house.

Found the rental house and got keys from the owner.  He grabbed the wring keys, so a little delay getting into the house.  Cranked up the heat and started unloading the car.  While taking breaks to that, I checked e-mail, facebook, and processed the photos from the day.

Called Don about eating, but he was in for the night,  Actually, I was a bit tired from the driving, so not looking forward driving for a brew and burger.  Satisfied my cravings with some of my snack I had in the car.

Christmas on the Road

Thursday, between napping and checking the weather, I was able to get the bag pack and the car loaded for my trip.  Was able to get some sleep.  Did not need to make a early start, only about 450 miles to Dodge City.

Had some concerns when i headed out from the driveway.  The gravel road was icy under the snow.  I was not able to back up from the mailbox to drive down to RT 92.  Had to take the alternate rouse via US 6.

Once i got on the road, there were some unusual sounds from the front end of the car, specially when turning.  Everything had been fine until the car sat in the driveway during the snow storm.  Figuring there is nothing majpr wrong with the car, I took it easy as I headed out.  As i drove, the noise was abating.  Leaving Omaha, it was gone.  Think it bust have been some snow/ice accumulation giving the problem.

Was foggy this morning.  Not too cold (in the upper 20s).  The route for today was I-80 to York, NE, then South into Kansas and Southwest to Dodge City.  The temperature strated dropping after I went through Lincoln.  At about the Nebraska/Kansas line, it was down to 18, 

Salina, the temperature started to rise again with hints of sun to the Southwest. Did stop for a couple photos along the way.  Checked in my Dodge City hotel at about 3;30.  Temperature was a reasonable 47 deg.  Spent some time on the computer and then off looking for some food.  Opted for sub, chips and Gatorade from a convenience store.  Wanted to pick up a new water "go" cup, so one stop was all I had to make during my shopping trip

Checking weather.com, it seams that the southern storm is intensifying.  At last check, Roswell is expecting about a foot of snow and traveling is not advised from Saturday afternoon until Monday morning.  Looks like I will have to skip Roswell in this trip.  Thinking of driving to Santa Rosa and re=checking the weather and roads.  Stay in Santa Rosa or drove on to Alamogordo.

A White Christmas

I have been bust getting ready for a trip (month long) to Albuquerque.  Goal is to see how it goes, living in the city, in a house, for a month in the Winter.  Decided the best schedule is to head out Christmas Day. Only bringing the hybrid bike with me on this trip.

Had most stuff sorted that I want to bring.  Just pack the car.  Wednesday we had rain with forecast 1" snowfall for early Thursday.  Surprise, we got a major snow - reported 7 inches. With the freezing rain under the snow, I had problems getting up the hill off Rt 92 to head back to the house.

I still planned to get on the road Friday.  Just was not fun packing and loading the car in a first major snow storm of the season.  Forecast is showing another storm hitting home Sunday/Monday.  I needed to get on the road - with some cushion for getting to Albuquerque on the afternoon of Dec 30th,

Set tentative itinerary for stops in Dodge City, KS, Roswell, NM, and 3 nights in Alamogordo, NM.  Have to watch the weather because forecast is for South routh storm through El Paso, Roswell, and Amarillo over the weekend.

On the Road Again

Heading to North Central Iowa for Operation LZ - Viet Nam veteran welcoming home event in Forest City, IA. Hit some torrential downpour just North of Story City, IA.  Got off the interstate and saw this interesting farm structure. 

House Painting

Finally, the weather was conducive to painting.  We had good weather mid July.  Only took the painters a week to wash, scrape, prep, and paint the house.  It was a long time since it was last painted.  Took 2 coats (some spots 3 coats) to cover.  Only did trip accent color on the front of the house.

I like the colors - much brighter.  When I bought the house it was a pail yellow with brown trip.  I like the new cream with dark green trim.