White Sands Natl Monument near Las Cruces

Enchanted in New Mexico

The slogan for New Mexico is the Land of Enchantment. Very appropriate! The people are wonderful, the scenery lovely, the history is old, and the roads are uncrowded. We spent today in Santa Fe and learned that it is the oldest capital in the US. It was established in 1610. It also has the oldest church in the US. We took the train up with the Potabis. We are staying with them for a few days and being treated like honored guests. They have a lovely home and yard with a view of the Sandia Mtns. The first night we watched the full moon rise over the Mtns while we sat outside on their patio. Before Albuquerque we were in the Las Cruces area. Next we are heading to Cochiti Lake and exploring north of this area where Bandolier National Monument and Tent Rocks Natl Mon are. Will be in NE Arizona after that unless we become completely enchanted with New Mexico and stay longer. Hugs to all.

Chiricahua National Monument

Echo Canyon Loop Hike.

Keep Bisbee Weird

The town motto is Keep Bisbee Weird and they are doing a super job. The truck at right is a prime example. Bisbee is a mix of history, mining, artists, hippies, galleries, and nice restaurants. The tour of the Queen mine was a highlight. They take you in old mine cars down 1000+ feet into the mine. The guide is a retired miner (they don't work much past 40 yrs old) and talks to you as if he is training you to mine copper. Very fun.

Off to new places tomorrow

We are heading to new roads starting tomorrow, April 16th. First Bisbee, AZ which is a cool old mining town built on the side of a steep hill with lots of stairs, old buildings, and the Queen Mine (with tour). Then to the Chiracahua Natl Monument and some picturesque sightseeing & hiking. After that week we head into New Mexico.

Pictures will be forthcoming. Yee Haw old coach!

Lessons from the desert

Lesson #1 - biking in the desert is not like biking on a bike path. Sunday we decided to take a bike ride in the desert to the campground nearby. The sign at the start said 2.5 miles. Well 2.5 miles in the desert is an endurance ride! The path started out easy. Not many washes and the path was wide with reasonable clearance from cacti. But after we were lulled into a false sense of security things changed. The washes got steeper and more frequent with nasty layers of loose gravel. Riding a bike is one thing, pushing it up a 90 degree incline in loose rock is a whole other thing. anyway we did make it back. Hot, tired, bruised, dusty and with a few cactus thorns and a lesson from the desert. Can't wait to go again.

Cochise Stronghold Hike

Loved, loved, loved this hike! Started out in a beautiful quiet campground with views of the boulders and strongholds. Followed the stream up the canyon to a small spring, then on to the half moon tank, before opening up to great views of the upper canyon and boulders. The divide is at mile 3 and has great view down the other side canyons. Good place to turn around. The 3 miles back is just as pretty and different views.

Lunch at the campground, then a nice drive home.

60th Birthday Surprise

What an amazing birthday! Who knew that John could organize such a party and that everyone could keep the secret so well. What wonderful friends and kids to travel all the way to Tucson. And a surprise Skype birthday greeting from the old gang at Attachmate along with some great cards and poetry. Fun, flowers, food, drink, presents and people I love. Thanks All.