Tombstone Tourist

Was out of the room about 8 AM.  Drove down to the town of Bigbee.  Old Bisbee is an interesting little town in the mountains, just North of the border with Mexico.  Stores where not open, yet.

From there, back to Tombstone to check out the cemetary at Boot Hill.  Amazing the number of graves marked "Unknown".  A few have lots of information, and some had interesting sayings. 

On back on Allen Street.  Did the self-guided tour of the Bird Cage Theater...Then lunch time.  At at the Longhorn on Allen St.  Had their chicken tenders with slaw, fries, and coffee.  Too much food, left most of the fries.

Last on the agenda for the day was picking up my copy of the souvenir coppy of the Tombstone Epitaph.  Back in the room, spend the rest of the day professing photos.

A Recovery Day

Yesterday evening, I set up for a Utility Vehicle ride of the ranch are and an afernoon 1 hour group trail ride.  When I got up, (remember, I did not sleep well), I stopped by the desk and asked then to cancel my plans for doing the afternoon trail ride.  I was just too tired.

The ranch owner took me an hour-long tour of the area.  It was a wild ride (I had been warned during playing poker last night).

Most of the afternoon, I rested and napped in the room.  Did process the photos from my morning ride.  Eventually, found myself on a stool in the saloon for a couple pints of beer and an order of cheese curds.  Entertainment in the saloon was a guitar picker and singer. Early to bed this evening. 

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.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - Day 1

Early depart from the house this morning.  Stopped by IHOP in Rio Rancho (Unser just South of Southern).  I thought perhaps they got their shit together over the last year,  WRONG!  Even with apparent new manager, the service sucked.  It took me half and hour to get an senior order of french toast w/ sausage. And, it was delivered with bacon instead of sausage.

After the disappointed breakfast, I headed to Balloon Fiesta Park.  At 4:00, traffic was already backed up turning off the frontage road, and slow going the street into the park.  It was about 4:15 when I got parked. 

When allowed to the Discovery Tent, I settled into doing final adjustments to the club's display. 

It was a beautiful morning for the start of Balloon Fiesta 2018.  Very light winds, clear sky.  I was a little late getting over to the field for Dawn Patrol.  Was there to catch the Air Force (?) fly-over.  The Canon balloon carried the US Flag aloft with the strains of the National Anthem.  

The field was still in the shadows from the Sandia Mountains when the mass ascension commenced.  Eventually, the sun started illuminated the balloons.  Wave after wave of balloons launched from the field. 

As the mass ascension was tapering off, the crowds started entering the Balloon Discovery Tent.  While testing the radios before the mass ascension, we were able to make a few digital contacts.  Then we had some software glitch.  The other station was able to make a couple SSB contacts.

This year we were set up in the same part of the tent where the astronaut and other speakers held their presentations. They had a strong PA system, which caused it difficult for us to hear folks that may want to discuss ham radio.  We did have some conversations.

A sample of the photos (over 80) I took during the mass ascension are on my facebook page and the club's (NM5HD.com) facebook page.

Back tomorrow for the same morning shift.  Hope the weather continues to cooperate.

Duke City HamFest - Friday

Today was the opening day of the Duke City HamFest.  The function is being held at the Isleta Resort & Casino about 10 miles South of downtown Albuquerque.  It's a big show this year because it is also the Rocky Mountain Division convention of the ARRL.

It was the first time I had ever been to Isleta.  And, being a Friday morning, I planned extra time to make the 30 miles from Rio Rancho (North of ABQ) to the Resort (South of ABQ).  Figured I would kils some time befoire my work shift (registration).

When I got to the resort, I asked at the front desk - where and when I can have breakfast.  The clerk told me at the restaurant close to the convention center entrance.  It was almostt 6am, he said it would open in just a couple minutes.  Alas, he was wrong - it did not open until 7am.  There had a coffee shop, but I was hungry for a full breakfast.  I killed time until the restaurant opened and had my full breakfast.

Food was "OK".  Sausage was a bit bland and the toast was cold (not even melting the butter) but it was much less expensive than Flying Star.

At 8am, I started my 2 hour shift at the registration area.  I heard there were over 400 early registrations. 

My other job is an official photographer for the convention.  After my registration shift was iver, I grabbed my Canon 60D to shoot some photos of the convention.  It was pretty "dark" in the vendor hall.  Had to jack up the ISO and slow down the shutter.  Of course, that causeed to blurry photos. 

When the show is over, I will process more of the photos, but for now, I posted the photo here of the High Desert ARC display (the club I belong to).

Not feeling so chipper today, so called it a day about noon and headed back home.  The afternoon activities included a outside fleamarket and an evening mixer.

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).

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.

Richard E. Kozak Retrospective

This evening I attended a public reception for photojournalist Richard E. Kozak. He is showing some of his photos at the Rio Rancho Main Library.  The show is a retrospective "4 Decades of Photojournalism".

One of his photos really hit me home.  The photo shows Marines gathered for a memorial service - with 4 field crosses.

Kozak now resides in Rio Rancho. I had a chance to visit with him, gave him my card, and got a photo with him. (Notice, I was wearing one of my "Tom Winfield Photography" polo shirts!  Doesn't hurt to advertise.)

Gilman Tunnels

This morning, I headed back up into the Jemez Mountains to photograph the Gilman Tunnels.  The tunnels were bored in the mountain for construction of a railroad spur. 

The route follows the Guadalupe Rio, visible below.  There is a small parking area above the second tunnel. 

Portable Studio

I used my new portable studio for the first time.  It' measures about 12 X 12 X 12.  A row of LEDs across the top for lighting (need a USB wall-wart to power it).  Comes with white, black, green and red backgrounds.

Not really worth the list price - but worth the money I spent on DealsKeeper.  Just the ticket for shooting small parts and objects.

Canyon Sunrise

Got a good night's sleep in my little cabin.  Dressed and headed out at "O-Dark-Thirty" and drove the 45 miles to the Grand Canyon.  Was set up in time for the sunrise.  Did not hike to the best view area, because my legs were still sore from the day before.

After sunrise, I packed the tri-pod back into the car and drove the Cape Royal Road.  Was able to get some great photos without a lot of walking.  By the time I was back to the main road, I was exhausted.  Was back at my cabin about 8am and crashed into bed.

After much needed sleep, I processed my photos and worked on my website pages.  ent to the lodge and had food at the counter.  Had one of my favorite burgers - the patty melt.

Upper Antelope Canyon

Got a good night's sleep at the Holiday Inn, Chinle.  Needed the rest from all of the walking at Chelly.  Splurged with the breakfast buffet.  Did not take me much time to packed - on the road by 9am.

Not in a big hurry, this morning.  I would be gaining an hour with a time change between Chinle and Page.  There were some boring stretched of the road, interspersed with some interesting red rock scenic. Most of the drive, I had the cruise set at about 55 mph (with a highway limit of 65 mph).  While slow to the traffic, I enjoyed the drive more.

Found the parking lot  and staging area for the Upper Antelope Canyon tours.When I got to the tour area,I found the tour 00cost is $40 the $8 (parking?).  I thought it a bit steep, but I stopping in Page for doing the tour.  Further, my room in Page is on "points".

When it was time for the tour, we were loaded on special pick-up trucks (12 per person) for a ride to the entrance to slot canyon.  Once at the canyon, we were herded through the canyon.  At time it was crowded in the canyon.  By the time we got to the top end of the canyon, I had enough if the tight quarters and crowds.  I was about ready to tell the guide to pick  me up on the way back, when were were out of the canyon. Glad I had the point&shoot camera and my DSLR - I used both on the tour.

It was a quick walk back through the canyon to our transport (no photos on the way back).  Was a struggle getting up into the truck.  I was thinking of doing the lower canyon tour the next day.  With my legs being toast and the cost, I decided it would not worth the price and time.

I was treated by an big room (suite) with  my points at the Days Inn.Settled into the room and started checking my photos.  Found food just a few blocks away (not having to drive into downtown) and had spaghetti and meat balls at  Canyon King Pizzeria.  Finally, crashed into bed about 8pm local time.

On to the Grand Canyon North Rim.

Canyon de Chelly

First stop of my Army Reunion trip was Canyon de Chelly National Monument.  Unusual for me, I was able to get a decent sleep the night before heading out.  Was well rested and headed out of the house about 3:45 in the morning.  Stopped for breakfast in Gallop, NM.

Just across the Arizona border, I turned North on Rt 12.  The map shows the road is a scenic route.  At Tsaile, I headed SW on Route 64, another scenic road.

This road included access to a couple view areas of the canyon.  Stopped by and walked to Mummy Cave and Massacre Cave Overlooks. The trail to Antelope House Overlook was 1/4 mile from the packing lot, so with my knees, I skipped that overlook.

Turned onto the North Rim road.  There, I found many more canyon overlooks.  At the first overlook, I purchase a souvenir of the trip.  A local was selling painted rock telling the story of the area and its inhabitants. My knees did surprising well for all of the walking to the overlooks.

By the time I got to the historic trading post, I was getting tired.  Did a little shopping and headed towards town to find my lodging.  The Holiday Inn is just out of the park.  Registered and settled into my room.

The rest of the day was spent processing the day's photos.  Stretched out my legs on the bed.  Started creating the website pages for the trip.  Finally, wondered of the the restaurant for a late light dinner of chili and frybread.

Bosque del Apache

Early rise and out of the motel to hopefully catch the morning flight of birds. I was driving NM 1 out of San Antonio.  There were a lot of photographers just into the refuge.  I stopped and took many frames of the snow geese as they leave the pond for their food spots.  It was a chilly morning (about 18 degrees) but there where a lot of birders out.  As the flocks dwindled I head over to drive the refuge roads.  There were more snow geese at the South end where I photographed some a previous visits.  On the North loop were many sand hill cranes.  Was able to get close enough to get a couple good photos.  Also go some great shots of other geese.  Was a productive photo shoot.

New Mexico State Fair and Wrangler PRCA Rodeo

My cousin Don and I attended the New Mexico State Fair on fair military day.  As veterans, it cost us just $2 each admission to the fair.  This helped take out the sting out of the $20 parking.  I had splurged on the parking to I did not have to walk so far from the car to the fair entrance and back after the rodeo.

We watched a couple dogs jumping from a "dock" ala Dave Letterman.  I had not eaten because of fasting for a physical exam earlier in the day.  Stopped to "feast" on fair food.  On down Main Street and looked at some of the exhibits of Native American and Hispanic handiwork.

By this time, my left knee was giving me problems,  After rest, we headed toward the Tingley Coliseum to wait for the rodeo.

The was a tribute to military and veterans.  There was a special tribute to us Viet Nam Veterans, recognizing the name calling and worse we were subjected to when we got home.

The rodeo was a typical PRCA rodeo.  We determined that the cattle won the rodeo.  Seemed many of the cowboys were not in their groove. Check my photography blog for information of my photo shoot.  I learned lots and ended up taking over 150 photos at the fair.

The rodeo was over about 9 pm.  Don and I took out time exiting the coliseum and walking to the car.  I dropped Don near his home and headed toward Rio Rancho.  Stopped by The Local Brewhouse for a pint of amber ale before heading home and bed,

Break from Unpacking

By Saturday evening, I was looking forward to a break from the moving activities..  Weather was looking good for most all of the day Sunday, so I decided it was a good day to make a return visit to the Valles Caldera.  I wanted to get an early start si that I could drive the preserve roads and take photos.

Typically, I could not sleep.  Got up early and had a big breakfast at IHOP (more than I could finish).  Gassed up the car,  Stopped in San Ysidro to use the facilities and get some soda.  It was about 8:15 that I pulled into the Valles Caldera National Preserve visitor's Center.  Signed in for driving the roads and headed off to shoot photos of the caldera.

The preserve is now under the National Park Service.  The preserve roads are narrow, gravel roads.  To keep traffic reasonable, the preserve allows 35 personal vehicles per day. 

Visited a little with one of the ranger - talked about my High Dynamic Range Photography/  Was thinking to check some of the spots along the way home, but the road and turn-off were full.  Think lots of people had the same idea.  Back home, I processed photos taken during the trip.

Photos I took at Valles Caldera are posted on my web site.   http://tomwinfield.com/new-mexico/valles-caldera.html

Tram Flight

Worked with my loan officer.  He got the mortgage papers ready for me and e-mailed me the link to review the application and electronically sign them.  Thaw was accomplished.

Since I was basically packed and the afternoon free, I decided to play tourist and ride (fly) the tram up to Sandia Peak.  Was a beautiful day for the "flight".  Brought my jacket because I knew it would be chilly on top of the mountain.

Took photos on the way up the mountain.  Shot some HDR photos on top of the mountain.  Since I had not eaten, I opted to have a late lunch in the restaurant on the top of the mountain.  Was a bit pricey but the food and scenery were great.  More photos on the way down the mountain.  Another time taking the tram flight, I need to remember to bring my polarizing filter (to cut glare and reflection from the windows).

Photos, Frustration, and Paperwork

Monday, my real estate agent took me to the house.  Agenda was to check out a few items about the house, take photos for my use, and identify what I might want in the house.  That went well.  Got some good photos to post online and send prints to relatives that do not have internet.

Next was how to pay earnest money for the purchase.  Problems because I had lost my checkbook.  All were a pain - I called the title company representative saying I would be bringing cash the next day.  That day, I had problems.  They did not want to accept cash.  Guess the title company representative was not able to act on my phone call the previous day.  Did get the situation partially rectified.  Left me in a foul mood.

Started packing the room to get on the road home Thursday.  Met cousin Don for dinner and pints (my treat).  A couple pints of Alaskan Amber Ale and a enchilada dinner did wonders for my mood.