It's Great to be Back

 It's been a year and a half since I have been able to share our travels with you and it's like trying to go back to school.  I didn't realize how this will be a learning experience again but I will give it my best shot!!

Monday – We were able to get away just after 8 so we were able to make some real miles.  The border crossing was easy although we did have to wait in line for an hour and ten minutes.  A few questions, a look around, and we were on our way.  It was a pretty good day for travel – no freezing temps, and a clear blue sky.

  Since we both spent a bit of time behind the wheel, which one of us seem to be the most comfortable. 

 We did hit some wind but it wasn’t too bad.  We did manage to get to Gillette, WY which is a  pretty good day.  In past years the ditches near Gillette were always full of deer which was always rather unnerving when driving through.  This year, they seemed to be out in the fields grazing and we only saw a couple in the ditches.  It was getting on in the day so Walmart it was.  They really have a great area away from the rest of the traffic except, at 3:15a.m. they sweep the parking lot.  So of course they come right near you.  They really must have the cleanest lots.  We have found this  to happen in many of the Walmart lots we have stayed at.

Tuesday – It was an early start this morning.  We did hit some fog, which at times, was pretty thick.  Once we got through that, it was another great day for travel, although there really was minimal wind.  Construction through Denver seemed to go on for absolutely forever.  I did learn a lesson.  When travelling in a motorhome, there is a sign that says “please remain seated while in motion”.  Always that that rule didn’t apply to me – until some jerk cut us off and hit the brakes.  There were no breaks here but it sure did rattle the bones some after a crash landing.  But I came through it all with just a few sore muscles – sure does beat becoming a dash ornament – it was close.  Lesson learned.

As we drive along I always marvel at how attractive many overpasses and walls are along the highways.  He is a little sampling of some of the creative artwork.

Wednesday night was spent at a lovely state park in New Mexico.  We parked down near the water but as we drove down, we loved the sign warning the drivers.

On Thursday we arrived at our destination for the next week or so.  On our way we passed through Hatch, NM - I think it is likely the chile capital of the world. 

 We are at Empire Ranch which is a historical ranch about an hour or so from Tucson.  This is always a favourite spot but because it is at 4700 feet, this is the perfect time to stay because soon it will be too cool for us.  This our view out the front window.   

While here we can clean the motorhome which is in great need of some TLC as it has been a couple of years since anything much has been done.  The past couple of days we washed it and are currently in the process of giving it a much needed waxing – half done.

We went for a drive - we never did figure out what these were.  The likely were some sort of wild melon but the way it was grown up in the tree, you couldn't see any vine.

Today on .our walk, we saw a couple of interesting things.  One was a big, ugly spider.  It wasn’t a tarantula (we don’t think) but it sure did get angry when we sent it out of the grass so I could get a picture of it.

Even though this is a historical ranch, it is also still a working ranch so in some areas there are still cattle roaming around.  We came across  a tank that we think is used for watering cattle.  They lick the wheels in order to bring up water.  With it being covered, evaporation is greatly reduced.

The week has come to an end and I hope you enjoyed our week as much as we did.  It is great to be back in the sun when unfortunately, the folks at home are experiencing winter.  Have a great week.