We even had a White Christmas . . . . .
The weather this year has not been as cold as 2010 or as windy but we did have some snow.
This completes the blog for our 2011 adventures.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Thanksgiving, 2011
While we have ten host/volunteers here most of them have family in the area. We shared this holiday with George Broussard (a long time family friend that is hosting here also) and Holly and Marv from MN.
Bosque del Apache, November 7, 2011
This bird sanctuary is a favorite of sandhill crane, snow geese, eagles and other migratory birds for the winter.
Back at Elephant Butte – October 2011
When we returned to EBLSP we learned that the lake is 25 feet lower than when we left last April. It was 75 feet low at that time so it is really low now. In fact, at the present time it is possible to drive out to Rattlesnake Island to camp. A strange sight to see large RVs on the Island.
We also arrived with a full moon lighting the night sky.
TRIP TO MONTICELLO BOX CANYON ON OCT. 26, 2011
The road through this beautiful canyon follows a creek. Depending on how much rain/snow melt has occurred in the mountains you may have to drive across/though the creek. This time we forded the creek 50 times and as we exited the canyon we drove for about half mile through the creek.
When returning to Elephant Butte we stopped at Chloride (again) an old silver town to share the museum, etc, with Jeanie and Jack. Here we are enjoying lunch with them.
Oliver Lee State Park
Our next stop was the Oliver Lee State Park.
Very little fall color even at 8000 ft.
Traveling in the area we went to the Cloud Climbing Railroad
We saw several of the old trestles used by the trains.
Homes in Cloudcroft reach to the sky.
We also stopped by the Sunspot Observatory
This telescope was used in Antartica for number of years.
Inn of Mountain God Indian Casino
As we drove south in New Mexico we spent several nights in the RV parking area at this Indian Casino.
Believe it or not these are the roads we travelled (in the car) to reach the summit – Apache Ski Resort.
and when we returned this is a picture of the footprint on our GPS of the route just traveled.
Definitely not a trip to be made in our motorhome.
Fort Stanton
This fort was built and occupied from 1855-1896, first by the Union, then the Confederate troops. Kit Carson and the Union solders regained control in 1862.
The buildings have been restored by a local friends group. Volunteers work the visitor’s center and lead tours. They continue to maintain the area.
September 2011 Trip to Arkansas and return to New Mexico
We stayed at Maumelle Corp of Engrs Park in Little Rock. This is one of our favorite parks in the area. Annaleigh and Nate enjoyed time with Pops.
On the return trip from Arkansas we decided to visit a couple of different state parks. Here at Bottomless Lake SP there are several clear lakes as well as some facilities constructed by the 
CCC in the late 30’s and early 40’s.
El Vado and Heron Lakes
Both these lakes are irrigation lakes (as are many along the Rio Grande River) so with the very dry summer of 2011 the water level dropped regularly as they released water at the dams.
Heron Lake is a no wake lake and is a favorite for sailboats.
One of the many strange plants in the area.
The colors of the rock layers in the area are beautiful.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park August 20, 2011
Native Americans began building in this area in the 800’s and remained in the area for 300 years. 
As we drove in the Fajado (Banded) Butte Soltice Marker came into view. We understand that for years people in the area celebrated the solstice by climbing the butte. In recent years this has been prohibited because of the damage to the butte.
Great Sand Dunes National Park Aug. 8,2011
The Great Sand Dunes Park is in southern Colorado and we had planned to volunteer there in August 2012 but had to change our plans. We enjoyed a brief visit in 2011 but do plan to return.
Driving from El Vado to Blue Water Lake SP July 31, 2011
While we were at El Vado friends were at Blue Water Lake so we decided to make a trip over. The distance was too much for a day trip so we stayed over night at Grants, NM.
BLUE WATER LAKE STATE PARK is a beautiful park. Like so many of the New Mexico lakes the water level was low.
El Vado State Park
While hosting at El Vado our motorhome faced west and we were privileged to see many beautiful sunsets.
In the park there were about 6 platforms built on the top of utility poles around the park. Osprey made their nest on the platforms and the visitors were able to watch the young being fed and learning to fly.
Between Heron Lake State Park and El Vado there was a trail (about 5 miles) and below the dam at Heron this bridge crossed the creek.
Near the campground there was a weaving shop and school. The classes were well attended and the yarns were beautiful (out of my price range).
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
July 20, 2011 Trip to Pagosa Springs, CO
The River Walk through downtown Pagosa Springs has several hot tubs that the public enjoys. There is also a hot spring fountain
and hotels with pools and hot tubs.
Leaving town we stopped at Treasure Falls
with beautiful mountains across the highway
Leaving the area the mountains were wonderful
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)