Sunrise on Elephant Butte Lake

Upon our return to the motorhome from our trip to Arkansas and Louisiana we parked the motorhome at Lions Beach campground in Elephant Butte Lake State Park. This was the sunrise on our first morning. Will leave here on Friday, May 6, to travel north of spend our summer at El Vado Lake State Park.

Desert in Bloom

Desert willow. A native plant that needs little moisture to live in the desert. A little water will assure it blossoms all summer. We had no rain all winter so we were surprised upon our return to the area that the desert was in bloom even the prickly pears.

Blossoms on the desert willow, some are lighter purple.

Ocotillo

Beautiful red blossoms on long green stems of the ocotillo plant.

Istrouma High School class of 1954

We had not been able to attend a class event for the last 27 years. This year we were about 550 miles away so of course we drove to Baton Rouge to visit with old friends at Beth's home.

Family in North Louisiana

Francis and his great grandson, Kayson.

Piney Creek in the Ozark National Forest

One of the two low water bridges coming out from Joy's home. Lots of rain at the higher elevations resulted in both creeks flooding. On Monday night the forecast was for 10% rain Tuesday AM increasing to 70% later in the day and continuing for several days. The decision was made that if the creek nearest her house was down on Tuesday AM we would come out. The creek was down (only about a foot of water over the bridge) so we came out driving a pretty good gravel road over the top of the mountain since Piney was still too high to cross.

Joy's Boys

Here are Joy's boys (Noah, Hunter, Nate and Cole) busy the day before Easter.

April 2011 Trip from New Mexico to Arkansas then Louisiana

For this trip to visit family and doctors we decided to go I40 by car, leaving the motorhome in a friends yard while we were gone. Much the old Route 66 is covered by I40.

Kate and Annaleigh

Braden and Jackson

Both of Jana and Jeff's son are very tall. Very interested in the registered herefords they breed, train and show. Kate is following in their footsteps and now Annaleigh at 2 1/2 years wants her calf.

Our friends, John and Diane, came though Batesville to meet us for lunch. They were in route from Livingston, TX to Wisconsin where they will be workamping in a park.

Even though the dogwoods were past their prime they were still beautiful.

Southside High School Animal Judging Team

This young team (started approx. 3 years ago when a new AG teacher arrived) went to the Arkansas State Finals in April and came away with first place. Our grandson, Jackson is second from the left and he had the individual highest score. There is a little deception in the picture however, Jackson is so much taller (he is 6'4") than his teammates he had to stoop down so they would all be in the picture and their shorts would not show.

April Trip to Deming

Going to Deming to visit friends we decided to take the scenic route. This is Percha Creek and Canyon.

Beautiful rock formations

Looking down on Hwy 152

The last time we made this trip along Hwy. 152 we were returning from the Cliff Dwellings and it was after dark. What an exciting drive through all the curves and switch backs in the dark. Felt we should do it during the day so we could see this mountainous area.

April Trip to City of Rocks State Park

Cactus blooming in rock garden at City of Rocks State Park

Trinity Site

On July 16, 1945 the first atomic bomb was tested. This led to a quick end to the war in the Pacific. In 1975 the 51,500 acre area was declared a national historic landmark including the base camp, ground zero where the bomb was placed for explosion and Schmidt/McDonald ranch house where the bomb was assembled. Twice a year the area is open to the public. We were not in the area the first Saturday in October but Francis did tour the area the first Saturday in April.

Fatman Bomb Casing

Fishing friends at Elephant Butte

Francis, Joe and John went out on Joe's party barge. Lots of fun but Francis caught the only fish (and Jo Ann can't eat catfish so he gave it away) however John did catch a duck (decoy).

Celebrating Mardi Gras in Elephant Butte, NM

Some of the Red Hat Ladies really got into the mood for this luncheon. Here are some of the costumes.

Celebrating the February birthdays.

Enjoying the jazz musician during our lunch.

April Return Trip to the Sanchez Ranch and Chloride

This was our second trip out to the Ranch. We spent a lot of time looking at all the antiques. When she retires Aunt Sally plans to remove all everything and set up displays so the items can be better appreciated. There must be a dozen sewing machines in the house.

On a return trip to Manny's family ranch we spent a lot of time looking at all the interesting items in the house. This fireplace was built using petrified wood.

Boulders in the Forest Service Campground in Cibola National Forest Between Ft. Craig ruins and the city of Monticello, NM

Ruins at the site of old Ft. Craig

March 2011 Trip - Cliff Dwellings

These dwellings were built and occupied by the Mogollon people from 1276 to 1287. They farmed the valley below and by 1300 the dwellers had moved on.

Cliff Dwellings

Inside the cliff dwellings.

Looking out from the dwellings which held about 40 rooms. About 100 years after the Mogollon people left the Apaches migrated to this area.

Lunch time

A beautiful lunch site . . . Copperas Creek Volcano

March 2011 Trip - Lots of large rock outcroppings

As we drove through the area we saw several large herds of javelinas (wild pigs)

Mine Site near Mogollon, NM

Old ore cars from silver mining days.

Latest in RVs

This homebuilt was parked along the road to Mogollon.

March 2011 Trip to Mogollon

Old cars and gas pump in this old ghost town from the silver mining days.

The Cat Walk (March 2011 Trip)

When silver was discovered in the area the need for water resulted in a 4" pipe being installed through the narrow canyon approx. 1.5 miles from the watershed above. Later an 18" pipe was installed and people maintaining the two pipelines walked the lines . . . resulting in it being called the "Cat Walk". After discontinuing the use of the lines the CCC installed walkways for easier hiking. This is a beautiful hike not always accessible after large rains because the canyon floods. Here are Francis and our friends, Mary Ann and Jim, at the entrance.