Matilda has gone to a new family and I hope they enjoy her as much as I did.
When my daughter decided to join me in New Mexico I bought an older Dodge Conversion Van.
This is the beginning.
Volunteering
and healing.
November-December 2018
Leading up to my first gig volunteering I was excited as a kid in a candy store. It turned out to be everything I expected and more.
The six weeks that I spent at White Sands National Monument was the 1 year anniversary of the hardest six weeks of my entire life. The time that my husband spent in CCU before passing away.
After orientation, my maintenance duties on the sands became my healing tool. All by myself cruising the park picking up trash I cried, re lived and cherished the twenty years I had with my husband. And came away in a much better frame of mind.
If you have never visited White Sands you must add it to your list and you have to experience it early in the morning when the Sands look like diamonds, as the day warms the sparkle is harder to see but it’s still there.
I met the owners and restorers of this VW van named Leroy Brown on their maiden trip from Colorado. They did a great job restoring this beauty.
Thinking about Volunteering? Do it. It is rewarding to help and what a great way to get to know our National Treasures.
Lake Valley Ghost Town
October 2018
The scenic drive from Caballo to Hatch on nm27 will take you through Hillsboro and then to Lake
then off to Hatch for a green chili milkshake.
on the way to VLA
October 2018
Between TorC and the VLA there is a lot to see.
I picked the wrong time to see wildlife but the drive through Bosque Del Apache NWR is worth the side trip off I25 regardless of the time of year.
The VLA has been on my list forever and the Plains of San Agustin are breathtaking.
The gift shop is loaded with books and information.
Caballo Lake and Percha Dam State Park
October 2018
Located just south of Truth or Consequenses New Mexico these parks offer water and a view.
New Mexico state parks are a great value $14 with elec/water. Stay up to 14 days. They offer in and out of state annual camping passes which reduce the rate to $4. Caballo Lake also has full
Percha Dam is right on the Rio Grande River so it does not have a dump station you will have to use Caballo Lake. The hiking here is along the river.
Truth or Consequences
and a look into my heritage.
October 2018
The last time I came through TorC I did not have time to hang out and get the feel of this quirky little town that my grandmother called home for awhile.
Still toadless I found a campground half way between downtown and the cemetary where my grandmother and older baby brother are buried.
Mountain Creek is being updated by it’s owner and his plans are going to make this a great park. They also own the Laundramat and UPS store next door across the street is a convience store and propane next door.
Random art is everywhere.
And my heritage.
Elephant Butte State Park
October 2018
This place is HUGE.
I have to say I was a little overwhelmed at first so I just went straight to the main entrance. There are 173 developed campsites. 144 with w/e. 8 w/s/e. Primitive, boat in and beach camping.
My site was level and a picturesque.
I woke the first day to the sounds of Gambel Quail covey moving from one level to the next. They sound more like a prairie dog than a bird and I enjoyed their morning wake up calls daily since they don’t start till way after sun up.
I was also fortunate to be there during a full moon.
And a nice rain storm with extras.
Cochiti Lake COE
October 2018
Cochiti Lake COE is another great place to spend a few days absorbing the views. Two large camping areas with electric and water within 15-50ft. water is shared by two campsites. Sites are level and have picnic tables.
Less than a 1/2 mile to a well stocked Convenience store with gas and a laundromat.
Tent Rocks National Monument is about 15 miles.
Views from the campground.
