The Land of Enchantment so they say. I certainly am enchanted to finally have wireless! We have been traveling through the the wonderful high desert and mountains of central Arizona since leaving California and have not been able to get in from the rural campgrounds. Here in Las Cruces NM it is working great, so here is a brief synopsis of the journey thus far.
Monday we toured Calico Ghost Town outside of Barstow, then did most of the paved roads in Joshua Tree National park, ending the day at Ole Johansen's place (Jay's uncle) who lives in Desert Hot Springs. Ole and Jan treated us to a wonderful mexican dinner.
Tuesday we left Desert Hot Springs about noon, and bucked the winds through the valley. ponting the wings towards Arizona by way of 29 Palms. The ride across the desert was fantastic. This is definately the time of year to see this country.. the wildflowers, cactus and succulents are in full bloom. Spent the night in Aguila, in a little RV park run by a gun-totin' (really) cowboy who rides a Shadow. Name of Doyle. Cool dude.
Wednesday we headed up into the mountains of Central and Eastern Arizona. Neither Jay nor I had any preconeptions about this area. I had plotted a course (roughly) while in Desert Hot Springs to thwart the interstate route through the state and traverse as many national forests as possible while still maintaining a generally easterly line of progress. We were amazed. This is some of the most wonderful desert/mountain riding we have ever encountered. The saquaro forest was spectacular. As dusk was approaching we crusied into the hamlet of Alpine. 8,400 feet ASL, replete with roaming elk and knotty-pine paneled cafe filled with friendly folk. Well maybe one not so friendly. As dusk was approaching we were hell-bent to find a RV park with electric, as we knew it would be a very chilly night at this elevation. We motored around the sleepy town and could not find any RV park. As we contemplated back-tracking to a state campground and toughing out the cold we happened to spot a few 5th wheel trailers in what looked like a small mobile park. We wheeled in and was able to raise the wizened and chain-smoking proprietress of the park, who, in response to our inquiry, said we could set up in a vacant space. "Fifteen dollars", says she - then, "oh you need electric?... then 25." Handing her a twenty and a ten, she handed me back the ten saying she didn't have change so the hell with it and closed the trailer door. Shortly thereafter Jay raised her again to inquire as to the possibility of there being a restroom for us to use. "Pee behind yer tent!", says she. We did.
Thursday 5/20. Leaving Alpine, heading for Las Cruces, I am resigned to the necessity of a spate of interstate once we descend from the mountains. Oh well, we have done really well so far staying off the super-slab. More beautiful vistas and sweeping curves through cedar-scented woods along the way though. We take a 9 mile diversion on a whim to a ghost town (can't resist 'em) and climb, climb, climb up and switch-back over a ridge to step back in time. Silver mines. Had to stop about a half mile to the top and let our steeds cool off some. Once back on the main road we meandered down to the New Mexico plateau at the continental divide and settled into the monotony of Interstate 10 for about 50 miles to Las Cruces KOA and INTERNET! Tomorrow we will be off towards Big Bend National Park... or maybe Carlsbad? We'll talk about it in the morning over one-eyed jacks and bacon.
1 comment:
I thought for sure she was going to make you hand over the $10 in order to use the bathroom. SHorter walk to the back of your tent though!
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