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.

Heading Home

Moved stuff from the motel room into my car. Checked out of the motel and stopped to gas the car, First destination the "ghost town" of Mogollon.

Narrow, mountain road, mostly only 1 1/2 lanes wide.  9 miles from the highway, I entered the town Mogollon.  The town is crammed into a canyon with a stream coming down it.  Building had bridges over the creek to get out of their houses!

There are a surprising number of occupied houses here in the town.  Man old buildings that look that they could be use.  A couple of ruins.

It was just after noon when I pulled into Pie Town.  Only one establishment was open for food.  I was not hungry, so skipped pie in Pie Town (people have told me it is not that special).  Got out of the car to take photos at the arch in El Malpais National Monument.  Home a little before 4pm. 

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.

Bodie State Park

Just a few mile from Lee Vining was the road to Bodie, CA.  The ghost town of Bodie.  The dry climate has helped the preservation of the structure in this town.  The state has turned in into a state historic park.

It was very interesting to see this old town in the mountains of California.  Walked part way in town, until my legs were telling me to turn back because I still have to walk back to the parking lot.  Did take s rest and visited for a California local before the return walk.

Drove the mountain roads to South Lake Tahoe.  Too early to find and check into my room.  drove the roads around the lake.  Took at some photos on the California side of the lake.  Back in S. Lake Tahoe, it was time to find my room and settle in for the night.  By the time I got into my room, I was too tired to think about finding food.   Processed the day's photos and crashed into bed.

On to Reno and my Army Reunion...

Cuchillo, Winston & Chloride, New Mexico

After shooting the birds at Bosque del Apache I drove South almost to T or C.  Headed West & North on NM 52.  This route took me to 3 ghost (or nearly ghost) towns.  The first of these, Cuchillo, is only a few miles of I-25.

Like many so-called "ghost towns in New Mexico had a mixture of abandoned buildings and others just holding on.  Yards are full with junker cars and other previously valuable items. They attest to broken dreams.

From Cuchillo, it was about 25 miles on a winding road.  At the junction of NM 52 and Republic Road you will find the village of Winston.  The only thing that gives a sign of any prosperity is the Winston General Store.

At the junction, make a hard left and head down Republic Rd, and follow the signs for Chloride.  At the end of the road you will find a interesting little village with much history and plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor.  I should have stopped in to see the museum .  Maybe another time.

At the Winston General Store I stopped to use the rest room and get some fluids.  Also, I wanted to get information about road conditions further North towards the VLA (Very Large Array).  The clerk at the store said it is 59 miles on a dirt road and seemed to disway me from driving this by myself.

At this same time, I started getting the chills.  I could feeling a bug had taken hold in my body.  With that I decided to high-tail it back to my motel in Socorro.

I spent the rest of the day, overnight, until early morning, nursing a bad case of intestinal discomfort. 

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.

Heading to Buy a House

Had a little delay getting on the road to Albuquerque - waiting for meds from the VA.  departed the Iowa residence a little before 4 am.  Drove in the dark for a good 3 hours.

Could not find a place suitable for food (convenience and not a chain) until about 11am.  Had a chili-cheeseburger and fries at the Cozy Cafe in Mullinville, KS.

After lunch, saw a sign for a historic round barn.  It was just 5 miles from the cafe.  Shot a couple photos.  Caught this photo of the old windmill at the barn property with the modern windmills in the distance.

Ended up in Liberal, KS for the night. A little over 500 miles and at the lodging before 3pm. Was going to grab a beer at a honky-tonk.  But, it was a membership club and only has bottle beer.  Ended up downtown at the Bricks for a pint of Fat Tire with a bacon cheeseburger and onion rings for supper.

A Little of Everything

Thursday night, I started getting cold in my room at the Quality Inn.  Tired to get some heat running. No Luck.  Found out that the hotel had turned off the HVAC system.  They could not come up with a heater to plug in the room.  Temperature was to get down in the low 40s, upper 30s the next nights. Registered my complaints, but it seemed to land on deaf ears.  After breakfast Friday, i moved to the next-door Motel 6.

Was a pain in having to move, but I did not have to load the bikes, i was able to ride them across.  Rained overnight and threatening rain off and on all day.  Not a day for a bike ride.  Grabbed my copy of Scenic Driving in New Mexico.  Drove to Pecos and up into the mountains there (Pecos River Canyon).  Nice scenery, but no much opportunity to photograph the landscape.  Was able to shoot some of the old, abandoned buildings. (upper photo).

Had tickets for the Handmade Bicycle and Craft Beer Show in the evening at the Farmer's Market.  Weather permitting, I wanted to attend.  Did not want to waste the $15 I paid the ticket for.  Weather was iffy, but decided to drive down to the Railyard.  Parking was a pain.  Eventually found a spot about 3-4 blocked from the show entrance.

Showed my ID, presented them my ticket, and received my hand stamp and wrist band. Wrist band was good for 1 free pint of beer.  Tabs were removed for each beer you had, up to the limit of 3 pints.  A bit disappointed - last year the entrance fee was $10 and included the frist pind AND a souvenir pint glass. 

Durango Bike Company has it usual selection a good looking mountain bikes (lower photo).  Visited with a local guy the does environmental studies and watching the regulators (for stuff they miss) and another that had lived in Minneapolis.. Last year, they had tables outside to sit at and visit in addition to the small tables to stand at while drinking your beer.  They had food vendors, but, again, no place to sit down to eat.  I had a second beer and visited with a guy in the area from Lubbock, TX.  He knows Copy Craft, the company that published my calendars. Had enough and headed back to the car.

Was rough walking back to the car. It was a bit chilly and spitting a little rain.  After standing for over an hour, my knee was giving my problems.  Was happy to get back to the car.  Headed back toward the hotel. 

Needed some supper.  Remembered Dr. Field Good was in the area.  They had a spot in the bar.  Had a burger and potatoes with large glasses of water.  Ready for bed once I got back to the room.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Saturday was my day to move from Farmington to Albuquerque.  I have do say, I was not impressed with the town of Farmington, NM.

Under 200 mile drive scheduled for the day, so had time for some tourist activities.  Drove over to Chaco.  First, I have to admit that I was confused, thinking Chaco Culture was the same Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

With the weather conditions (threatening rain) and having 2 bicycles on a read rack, I was concerned about driving the unpaved section of the road.  A sign just after getting off US550 suggested to check road conditions by turned to the radio at 1610.  Well, there was nothing on the air at that frequency.  Road was mostly good, except for a couple sections which were very muddy.  I ended up some heavy, caked-on mud on the bikes.

After the 21 mile drive into the park, I stopped at the Visitor's Center.  Picked up my vehicle pass and a book about the area.  Drove the one-way loop road stopping along the way to take photos.  With the altitude and my knee, did not want ot walk too much.  Took time to walk up to Pueblo del Arroyo.  Most of my photos are of those ruins.

Back on US550, the next place I wanted to find was the ghost town of Cabezon. Had some snow in the air at Cuba, NM.  Found the road off US550 that I needed to take.

I passed San Luis and consulted the book, finding to get to Cabezon, I would need to drive some dirt road and could only be viewed from the mesa because of a locked gate into the town.  Passed on that, and back to San Luis.  Photographed the little church and several abandoned buildings.  Maybe will get back to Cabezon when weather conditions were more conducive.

While in this part of the state, I wanted to find the "White Mesa" mountain bike trails.  I was able to find the road off US550, just South of San Ysidro.  Did not have direction handy.  Driving on the gravel road, I thought I had driven enough and so not further signed except just off the highway.  Guess I did not drive far enough.  The web site says the bike trails are 4.4 miles from US550.  Another time.

Checked into the hotel and sent message to my cousin.  We met to Billy's Long Bar for a couple pints and a sandwich.  At the server's suggestion, I had the Roswell Ale.  Pretty good amber-colored ale brewed in Roswell (yes, the home of the aliens), NM

Aztec Ruins

Loaded the car and had some food in the breakfast room.  Selected eggs and sausage (all lukewarm).  Gassed up the car and headed on the road.  The day was clear, decided to detour up to the Black Canyon - see if I could get some photos in better lighting.

Stopped at a couple vistas, one where I to walk a little to get to.  By then, I was a stop at the visitor's center and do some shopping.

Back on the way toward Farmington,I drove US 550 to Aztec NM.  I had forgotten the narrow, winding route that US 550 carves up and down the San Juan Mountains from Ouray to Durango, CO.  Encountered some snow in the air - thankfully, nothing sticking to the road. 

Made a wrong turn in Aztec, but with the help with a convenience store clerk, I fount Azrec Ruins National Monument.  Parked the car and walked up to the entrance.  Realized my camera SD card was about full.  Back to the car to get a cleared card.  The ranger gave me basic info about touring the ruins.

My body was about toast when I got back to the car.  As I got into Farmington, it took 2 different stops to find my hotel.  First  stop was at the Cottonwood Cycles.  Got the skinny on singletrack and bike path information in the area.

Checking in the room, I found me in a cracker-box room.  Not even a chair and desk/table to use my laptop.  Had to moved rooms - to a handicapped room.  By now, I was very tired and frustrated.  Took some time to move photo files onto the laptop.  Processed my files into HDR photographs.  Online, found a local brew-put for dinner.  Problem was that I was too tired to think about dinner.  Crashed into bed.

Salinas Pueblo Missions

With cool mornings, Monday I decided I would do some "tourist" stuff.  From the book "New Mexico Journey Guide" I settled on checking out the old pueblo mission ruins SE of Albuquerque.  East on I-40 to the Tijeras exit, South on highway 337 and highway 55 towards Mountainair.

There are 3 ruins sites that make up the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument.  The first one in this route was Quaria.  I was the only visitor when I arrived.  The ranger gave me a good synopsis of the history of the pueblo.  Then it was time to walk around to see the ruins and take photos.

The site is at about 6500ft altitude.  Glad I had just been on the mountain in Pine Cove, CA (about 6000 ft).  My knee was bothering more than the altitude. 

I walked the loop trail at the site.  Back at the visitor's center, I chatted more with the ranger.  Picked up a book about the sites.  Then, back on the road to Gran Quivira.  This site is a bit out if the way - 25 miles South of Mountainiar.  But, what the heck, I had all the day.  The only thing i was thinking of doing later in the day was a bike ride.

Gran Quivira sits on top of a hill, overlooking the mesa.  It also meant a walk up the paved trail (some sections being steep climb) to view the ruins.  I took my time.  Took photos of the ruins and the valley.  By the time I was back down to the visitor's center, my knee was giving me problems.  Selected a book about New Mexico parks and a bottle of Powerade (needed the electrolytes and sugar).

On back to Mountainair.  Was looking for a place for lunch and a large bottle of Gaterade or Powerade.  Downtown Mountainair was busy (at least many cars downtown) but did not see a place to my liking.  On over to Abo, the third of the pueblo missons.

The route to Abo and eventually back to Albuquerque paralleled the BNSF main line.  Took a couple photos of trains in the hill.  Several trains parked and lots of track work on the line.  Mountainair is the crest of the hill dropping to the West.

Made a short tour of the Abo ruins site.  My left knee was not up to walking the trail.  Took a few photos from the road. 

Saw many abandoned buildings up on the mesa.  Took some photos of those close to the road or interesting construction.  Some may end up on my Fine Art America page.

Bye the time I was back at the hotel, I was getting hungry.  The first place i looked for along Coors Blvd was not open.  Ended up having a pint of bock beer and a bacon cheeseburger at Effingbar & Grill on Sequoia, just off Coors.

Back at the hotel, I watch TV and crashed.  Photos with this post are of Quaria Mission, Gran Quivira ruins, and an old barn along US 60.

Last Day in Santa Fe

Last night, I started oacking bags for the trip home.  Had problems sleeping.  Having problems gettting my breath once in a while.  Feels like restriction in the neck, depending how i lay to the pillow.  That, and the altitude problems (worse than I had ever had) warrants a call to the doctor.

After breakfast, i grabbed the camera and headed South to the "ghost" town of Cerrillos, NM.  I had been there before, but did not know how much to look at in the town,  Thanks to my copy of the book "Ghost Towns Alive"  I spent some time there. (upper photo a shot of an Antique shop on First St.)

Heavy bicycle traffic on  NM 14 to Cerrillos.  All of the riders for the Santa Fe Centery and Santa Fe Grand Fondo were utilizing the same route.  Luckily, traffic was light.  Had to be 1000 riders or more on the road.

While in the area, I wanted to see if I could find the coke oven ruins of the old town of Waldo.  Made a wrong turn out of Cerrillos and ended on a dead-end road in Cerrillos Hills State Park.  A ranger gave me directions to the Waldo Canyon Road.  Interesting landscape along the canyon road.

After over 5 miles (further than the book says) I realized I had gone too far.  Grabbed the book to help me what the ovens look like and how to find them.  Eventually I found them.  Visible from the road and just across the railroad tracks.

Back at the room, I changed into my cycling kit.  Loaded the hybrid on the car and headed to the Railyard.  Parked at the Junction, where I was planning to eat after my ride.  Rode from The Junction to St, Frances Street on the Santa Fe Rail Trail.  (Lower photo is a caboose on display along the trail).

Took a couple other photos there,  Brew, burger and water at The Junction.  By then, I was ready to retire to my room.

Back to the room and packing.  Had to take a break for a nap a couple times.  Processed the photos taken today.  About time to get horizontal.  But before that, I need to plan my route home.  Hoping to see some good scenery as i leave the mountains. 

Birds, a Fort, a Trail, and a Blow-out

My cousin Don (Albuquerque resident) and I headed South to spend a day playing "tourist".  The first stop was Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

I have stopped at Apache in January each of the 3 years.  In 2012, I was treated to a flock of snow geese taking to flight in front of me.  Nothing memorable during my visit last year (I had time to check out the VLA in the generally same area of New Mexico).  This year, some of the birds were cooperative, again.  Here, a Sandhill Crane flies nearly over me.

Next stop was Fort Craig National Historic Site.  Fort Craig was an important frontier outpost during the Civil War period.  Since it was left to vandals and the elements all that is left are well deteriorated ruins and earthen walls.  The fort was one of 8 forts that guarded the roads of the Rio Grange Valley.

Ownership of the fort was transferred to the US Bureau of Land Management in 1981.  BLM has done a great job of preserving the history of Ft. Craig with interpretive signs.  There is a small Visitor Center - staffed by a volunteer and open Thursday through Monday. 

When I stopped at Fort Craig Saturday, on my way to Albuquerque, the host suggested I visit the El Camino Real International Heritage Center.  The El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro - the Royal Road the Interior Lands - brought the first settlers to the area we now know as New Mexico.  Center has exhibits and artifacts providing information about the history of this important historic trail.

By this time, we were ready to head back to Albuquerque.  Stopped at a all-in-one "truck stop) for G2 - needed hydration.  Tooling up I-25 about 40 miles South of Albuquerque at 65mph, my car suffered a tire blow-out.  Not just a flat, but the tire sidewalls were in shreds.  Will have to get a new tire tomorrow morning. 

"Ghost" Towns

Saturday was was the day to thank Sue & Merv for their hospitality and move on north to Albuquerque.  Merv was in Viet Nam the year before I was.  We met at the Echo Company, 2/3rd reunion.  Had a very enjoyable visit.  Upper photo here shows Sue, Merv and theor beagle "Murphy".

Late start.  Tt was almost 11 by the time we said our "good-bye"s, I gassed the car, and headed up the road.  First destination was the "ghost towns" of Hillsboro and Kingston, NM. 

I say "ghost town" in quotes as these tows are not ghost towns as depicted in TV westerns.  The population of these towns have waxed and waned as the economies of the area changed.  Both of these towns have an eclectic mixture of ruins, abandoned buildings, run-down shacks, well preserved structures and new construction.

Made a cursory tour down Main St of Hillsboro, snapping a couple photos.  Continued on to Kingston.  Most impressive structure in Kingston is Black Range Lodge. The lodge is a Bed & Breakfast as well as a retreat center.  Interesting place in south-central New Mexico.

A couple photos in Kingston and back to Hillsboro.  By this time,I was looking for a rest room and some a sandwich.  Decided at the General Store & Cafe.  Ordered a burger and went to the rest room.  What a "treat"!.  the "WC" was about the size of an airplane facility or less.  Hand holds on the dorr jamb to help sit.  The lower photo is part of the interior of the Hillsboro General Store Cafe.

At the store, it was suggested to grab the pamphlet about a walking tour of Hillsboro.  While i was not looking for exploring the town by foot, I took the pamphlet and did a driving tour of part of the town.  The pamphlet was also great to identify the structures in town.

Spent some time shooting in Hillsboro.  Soon, it was past time to be on the road North toward Albuquerque.  As I drove, I thought I might swing by Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to see what are currently in "residence".

When I exited I-25, as I turned North the signs included information for El Camino Real International Heritage Center, Apache, and Fort Craig.  Hmm - Fort Craig, had not heard about this fort.  Drove the 4.5 miles on gravel to check it out.  Visited with the host there about the ruins of the old fort.  It was already after 4pm, was too late and my legs were not up to doing a mile hike to explore the fort.

The host at Fort Craig said the El Camino Real Center is worth a visit.  Maybe one day this week while in Albuquerque, can make a day trip to the center, fort, and refuge.

Rolled into my motel just after 6pm.  unloaded much of of my stuff out of the car into the room.  Still have to bring the bikes into the room.  Contacted my cousing here in Albuquerque to make tentative plans to getting together while my stay.