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. 

Enchanted Circle for the 4th

When am I going to learn - no not go out playing "tourist" on a holiday.  A friend and I headed out to the "Enchanted Circle".  Drove from the Albuquerque area to Taos via the Low Road. Drove the circle, returning via the high road.

Stopped along the road to take photos along the Rio Grande.  There were some ranters riding the river.  Shot some photos of them.

Was planning to have lunch in Red River.  The town was a zoo.  Wait for a table at the brewery was over an hour.  Looked like the parade had over, but there was a festivals in the park.  Decided to check out food in Eagle Nest.  Arrived there as folks were gathering for their parade.  Scrub that idea.

Found a nice, not packed brewery in Angel Fire.  After lunch, went to the New Mexico Vietnam  Veteran's Memorial and park.  Took a couple photos for a future calendar.  

It was a great day, all-in-all.  Just a bit too much for me in one day - ended up very tired and a head ache.

Trip to the Jemez Mountains

My friends from Hobbs are visiting. Saturday evening we met cousin Don and ha dinner at Billy's Long Bar. I devoured my service of the Enchilada Plate washed down with 3 pints of Kilt Lifter.

Sunday, I decided to take Pete and Jim on a tour of the Jemez Mountains.  A little late start but on the road about 11:30.  Traffic was bad at some places.  There was  Arts & Crafts show.  Cars all parked along the road at the Soda Dam. By the time we got to Rts 4 and 126, we were looking to get of the road for a little and have some lunch.

Note to self - do not play tour guide in the mountains on a holiday weekend.

The store there did not have much, but next door was the Nomad Mountain Pizza establishment.  The pizza was "OK".  But something like $3 for a bottle of soda bottled in Durango was a bit steep.  To add to our negative recommendation was the service,  They said they had call-in orders that had them backed up.  The place was not that busy (it was about 1:15 in the afternoon) but it took about an hour before our pizza was delivered to the table.

When I got dressed in the morning, I decided I was going to wear my black "Free Yourself from Pants Prison" T-shirt from Damn Near Kilt 'Em and my black & McLeod plaid kilt. That took me out in public more than the last outing when I was just driving.  And it is a more dressy kilt for a Sunday Drive compared to my camo kilt that last day I wore one while traveling.It was a beautiful day and I did not feel embarrassed wearing my kilt.

I wanted to get a photo of me in my kilt and Jim to send to a couple of our online friends.  Where we were getting to get the photo, another customer came out of the door, and complimenting my for my kilt and wearing it.  His Dad wore a kilt for his wedding.  Gave me a push to wear my kilts more often.

We continued to Valles Caldera, past Los Alamos and Bandalier National Monument.  I noticed a new. large visitor's center for the Monument in White Rock.  The other new change is that private vehicles were not allowed - you board a shuttle bus from White Rock.

From there, it was time to head back to Rio Rancho.  Still had over an hour drive yet to get back.  Took the bypass around Santa Fe.  Pulled into the driveway about 5pm.

The dogs were very happy to see us, but a bit upset that we had left them in the sun porch!  After a bit of a rest and review of the trip, it was time for dinner.  Since we had a late lunch, we were not looking for a big dinner.  We opted for the "Local Brewhouse" just a mile from my house.  Had an enjoyable burger on the deck watching the sun sets on the Sandias.  Jim and I had local beer and Peter had a margarita.

Visited and did some online chatting until I was exhausted and headed to bed.  Very relaxing, interesting day for my second full-day outing in one of my kilts.

Disappointing Drive to Gila Cliff Dwellings

Headed out to make the loop to Gila Cliff Dwellings. Pause at the mine to two photos.  The observation ate was closed.  Turned onto Rt 35,  Was a beautiful, mostly relaxing drive.  At the intersection with Rt 15, the drive became a bit more taxing,  New Mexico 15 is a winding, narrow road, most of the time in the Gila National Forest..

After almost 2 hours from leaving my motel, I arried at the Visitor's Center.  The ranger gave me some recommends understanding my knee problems. Even with that, I had problems.  I just headed a few yards down one of the trails and had to turn back because I coulde not catch my breath.  There should not the problem - considering I live at 5500 ft and the Monument is a little over 6000.  But I had bip problems for some reason.

Gave up and drove 15 all the way back to Silver City.  This route is a twisting, wooded mountain road all the way to Pinos Altos.  Easy drive rest of the way to town.

Rested at the motel for a while.  Headed back to Pinos Alsos to the Buckhorn for dinner.  Had two bottle os Amber Fat Tire with a bacon-cheeseburger with a salad.

The Buckhorn is an old, historic building with the town;w opera house attached.  One of the staff showed me way to the opera house and I was left there to take some photos.  Thating able to take photos in the old opera house saved the day,

Back at the motel, check the route to the far SW of New Nexico to Rodeo to look at the museum there that I had been recommended.

T or C to Silver City

After a waffle and several glasses of apple juice, I headed off toward Silver City (taking a tourist route).  First on the route were several "ghost towns" NW of T or C - Monticello, Winston, and Chloride.

In Chloride I tourist the museum and store then.  Spend so time visited with the "owner", a life-long resident of Chloride.  Her grandfather was born in Wisconsin and published his memoirs "Confessions of a Wisconsin Farmm Boy".  Sure sounded like I have been working on,

Drove through, but not stopp, in Hillsboro and Kingston.  I noticed that the General Store and Cafe in Hillsboro was not open - just hope it has not gone out of business.  On up the Black Range. Stopped at a view area.  There was a display about the Silver City forest fire.

Since I had time, I detoured to "City of Rocks" State Park. Purchased my annual state park pass.The park is mostly camping spots and some hiking and mountain bike trails.  Interesting rock formations out in the New Mexico desert.  Shot many photos of the rock outcropping.

Was thinking of picking up a t-shirt at the sate park, but after I paid for my annual pass, they basically ignored me,  They talked among themselves not paying any attention to me.From City of Rocks,

Checked into the Motel 6 in Silver CityIt was great - then gave me a room very near the lobby and entrance.  Settled into the room and then headed to Wrangler Grill & Bar.  Had 2 pints of Amber Bock and their taco plate.  Had a nice conversation with a local "snowbird"  Spends Winters in Silcer Cioty and Summers next to Acadia National Park.

Cloudcroft

Sunday, it was time for me to get back on the road heading home.  I made plans to spend some time playing "Tourist" in Lincoln County on the way home.

Wanted to see the mountain railroad trestle near Cloudcroft.  The trestle is just West of the town. Cloudcroft was in interesting mountain town,  Looking forward to visiting the town again to spend some time.

After taking photos in town and of the trestle, I drove down the mountain almost into Alamogordo.  Back tracked back to Cloudcroft and North up to Ruidoso.  Checked into the Quality Inn, processed photos, and headed out to K-Bob's for dinner.  Opted for the Bacon cheeseburger, fries, and a pint of Bosque Scottish Ale.

New Mexico 165

I was debate what to do for Labor Day.  It had been some time since I was on the road to take photos.  Decided to drive the "back road' up to Sandia Peak.

Checked the cameras (60D, T1i, & S95 - Canon) and loaded them into the car.  Stopped into Weck's for breakfast.  I have discovered Weck's "Nana's Value meals".  Smaller meal and good priced.  Had french toast, sausage, and coffee.

From Bernalillo, I crossed I-25 and headed up NM 165.  As I drove through the town of Placitas, I though "another day I will have to take time to scope out this town".  I saw several cyclist climbing the mountain.  Too much for me!

From the photo taken as I climbed out of the valley (see above), I was excpecting the top of the summit would be in the clouds.

At the edge of Placitas, the road pavement ends.  I was taking my time, enjoying the beautiful  day and scenery.  Soon, the road got very rough. At time, I was unable to make more than 5 mph.  The road winds up the Northeast side of Sandia Mountain. As climbing, the road was getting narrower and the brush/trees closer to the road.

I took my time. Stopped many time to shoot photos.  At one time, a cyclist on a cross bike rolled up the road past me as I was stopped to get a shot.

Being the monsoon season, the wild flowers were abundant along the road.  A couple times, the cyclist and I leap-frogged passing each other on the road. At one point, the road came clost to the edge of the mountain and we were rewarded with a view of the valley.  Took the time to get a photo of the cyclist and get his e-mail so that I could send him the photo,  He was visiting from Dallas.

At the end of the gravel, I turned up the mountain to Sandia Peak.  As expected, the peak was socked in with the clouds.  As I headed down the mountain, the cyclist friend and others were continuing climbing to the peak.

Down the mountain, I learned the mountain road I was driving is called "Balsam Glade Scenic Byway". I headed south on NM14 to I-40.  On west to Under and North to Rio Rancho and home. Photos from the drive can be seen on my web site.  http://www.tomwinfield.com/new-mexico/nm165.html

Since I had started at dawn, I was back at the house before noon.  Processed my photos and took a nap.  I was getting thirsty so dressed again and headed out to the local VFW post for a pint or two of Amber Ale.  The beer is good and inexpensive ($2.50) but don't think I will spending a lot of time there for a beer.  Being a private club, the smoke was terrible.  On the packed bar, I was sitting with a guy smoking a cigar, which he had a habit of aiming right at me, 

North Central New Mexico Mountains

When I got up and shower this morning, I saw the weather had not changed muck.  Cold, damp, threatening rain.  Not a good day for a bike ride.

Headed North to and past Taos and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  Took the low road from Espanola to Taos.  From there, clockwise around the Enchanted Circle to Angel Fire.  Off the beaten path to Mora.  Then West to meet up the High Road.to Taos.

Getting at Red River, it was lunch time.  Saw the "Yesterdays Diner" when I first came into town.  Looked like an interesting place for a sandwich.  Decor was a little of everything from years past.  Ordered Ham & Cheese sandwich - something different.  Alas, no ham.  Settle for a Patty Melt.  Was very tasty.

Wanted to see and photograph the ghost town of Elisabeth town.   Missed it.  Knew when I got to Eagle's nest, I had gone too far.  My guide book said about it being over 5 miles back and down a dirt/gravel road.  Maybe another time.

Spent the afternoon driving the roads of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain.  Weather was changeable. Spitting rain, trying to snow, overcast with periods of sunshine.  Any time i got out of the car, was happy I had worn my sweatshirt.

Took lots of photos of old, abandoned building and a few landscape photos.  Processed the photos when I got back to the room.  Also went out to the grocery store for some supplies on the drive home.  Packing the room this evening and early to bed.

Relaxing Day on the Mountain

Today, the day was spend on the mountain in Idyllwild and Pine Cove.  Slept in.  Finished up the coffee available in the cabin. Finished up my pizza from the other night.  Still tasted good warmed up for breakfast. 

In Idyllwild, stopped in the drug store to pick up a book about the town.  At the grocery store, it was loading up the car for snacks during the drive.

Chuck's rental car needed some work.  we went to the Red Kettle Cafe for coffee.  On the menu I saw "Boysenberry Apple" pie.  i commented that sounded like a good combination.  The waitress corrected me that they were 2 different pies, but if I wanted, she would serve my a 1/2 slice of both.  I took her up on the offer - with ice cream (of course)!

When we got to Nancy & Rick's place, Nancy was reading one of my writings and doing some suggested edits.  I was very happy when she said while she is not a cyclist, my writing about how I plan my trips kept he interest,  She thought that in the booklet form I was looking at, it would have commercial value.  We discussed other issues with possible publishing my works.

Next it was back to Pine Cove.  I loaded most of my stuff into the car ready for departure early morning.  David, Rick, & Nance came over to Chuck's place (the main house where I am occupying the cabin).  Visited while they baked bread. 

Made my travel reservations to Albuquerque.  Sent out the notices to my friends I am planning to see there.  Today's photo of Hyw 243 through Idyllwild.

Up To The Mountain

Saturday was the day to move my activity up the San Jacinto Mountains to Idyllwild-Pine Cove.  Woke up in the middle of the night Friday night.  Took the opportunity to finish photos from Joshua Tree National Park.  Wrote the blog posting.  That was enough activity that i was able to go back to sleep.

Woke up again about 7 am, showered and dressed for the day.  Had some coffee and started packing the room. Checked out of the room. My Palm Springs friend dropped by and we went out for breakfast. 

The valley between Palm Springs and Banning is covered with wind turbines!  Great to see so much power being generated with the source.

Thanks to directions, I was able to find my way up the mountain to Pine Cove and a friends has a house and guest cabin. So many folks in a big hurry driving up the mountain - some even tail-gating.  When I could, used a turnout to let cars pass me - I was not in any hurry.  Stopped to take a couple photos climbing the mountain. It was overcast and trying to spit rain when i got the my destination.  Settled into my cabin.  My friend's sister and brother-in-law stopped by.  Then it was time for a nap before supper.

The Sylvan House and Sylvan Cottage are both available for rent. 

For supper we decided on pizza and beer - two of the main food groups.  Had great pizza at the Idyllwild Pizza Company washing them down with a pint of beer and water.  Short visit back at the main house.  Then I walked over to the cabin and crashed into bed.

White Sands National Monument

Yesterday morning was a lay-back morning for a while.  Did a little computer work, had breakfast and then Merv and I headed up to White Sand National Monument.  Had a nice drive as the weather was good and light traffic once out of Las Cruces.

Checking in at the entrance station (those National Park Senior Passes are great).  Explored the "White Sands" of the park.  The "white sands" really are dunes of gypsum. Unusual stuff to walk or climb on.  While like snow, but you do not sink into it like a snow drift.  Try to climb the dune, the gypsum move under your feed, to its "two steps up and 1 1/2 step down.  Here's a photo of me on a dune.

While we were there these was a wedding on the board walk at the Monument.  Different place to hold a wedding.  And it was a little chilly. While it was sunny (times of "filtered sun", the temperature was only about 30 degrees.  We had watched the temperature drop in the car thermometer driving up to the park.

We walked a little on a marked trail in the dunes and walked the "boardwalk" nature trail.  My knee felt petty good. Starting on the boardwalk i was not sure how I would be go, but ended up walking to the end and back.

Stopped at the Visitor's Center on the way out.  Piked up a cople book.  A book of the monument, a book about a well known couple the disappeared at the Monument, and a book about the ghost towns of New Mexico.  Then it was time for food.  Went into Alamogordo for lunch. Gad a good lunch at La Hacienda Cafe on White Sands Blvd.

On the drive back to Las Cruces, I commented that i did not realize how far out to the Monument.  The time flew by as the two of us seemed to solve half of the country's problems inosr conversation! In the morning, Merv and I had planned to take bicycles to pedal into the old town of Masilla (about a mile).  We were a bit too tired, and Sue joined up.  Took at couple photos of the plaza and a couple of the mountains as the sun sut.  The sunset was not as dramatic as it normally is.

The evening ended with a pizza dinner - great local pizza - watched the new, and chatted until we were all ready to sleep.

Lower photo is of the Basilica of San Albino on the plaza of old town Misilla, New Mexico.  Today, its load the car, and head North to Albuquerque.  Planning to stop at two ghost towns to explore on the way.

Caves and Mountains

Was up in the middle of the night, not sleepy (that happens when I go to bed too early). Spent time posting a couple other photos on my photography blog and processed the photos from Tuesday's travels.  Eventually, went back to sleep for a while.

Another chilly (but getting warmer) morning on Wednesday.  Was in the upper 20s when I stuck my head out the door of my room in Roswell.  Good breakfast at the motel - busuits and gravey with some body!

Loaded the car and off toward Carlsbad Caverns.  Had a very enjoyable walk in the cave.  Had to be careful walking until the eyes adjusted.  I used the handrail at times to guide me.

Cranked up the ISO speed in the camera for the low light conditions.  Took some available light photos and some flash photos.  Never sure how they would come out.

As I found this morning when reviewing and processing the photos, the flash photos come turn out the better shots, thpro.anks to the software I am using.   Some of the available light shots are blurry from notion (I did not have a tripod with me in the cave).

The upper photo with this blog posting was taken in the cave with flash and processed from RAW with HDR Darkroom 2

I walked the base loop in the cave.  There is a further loop, but did not want to push it with my knee.  As it worked out, when I got back to the elevator, I was ready for get off my feet.  Did the obligatory stop in the gift stops and picked up a couple things.  It was noon, so grabbed some food before heading back on the road.

When I stopped at the ranger desk at the caverns, I asked about the Guadalupe Mountains National Park which I will pass on my way to Las Cruces.  She informed me the park is mostly hiking trails, but had some interesting exhibits.

Before leaving Calrsbad Cavern, i had to check out the 9.5 miles desert scenic (gravel) one-way loop.  Not too much to see there, but stopped to take a few photos along the road.

I stopped off the road at the Visitor's Center.  Took a couple photos and and did a pass on the visitor's center..  Body ways it was time to head up the road.  Over 130 miles of nothing between the caverns and El Paso, TX.  The only things to break the monotony at times was to stop stretch the legs and shoot photos of abandoned buildings.

The lower photo was taken near the visito's center at Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Rolled into Las Cruces about 4:30pm.  Now settled in at Army Reunion & wife's place.  Will be touring Las Cruces the next couple days.  Planning to get in a bike ride or two while here.  Looks likes it gonna be a great day.