Winter is Done

Another week has come to an end and with it, our winter vacation, or as we prefer to think of it, time to head north.  Last week I promised to let you know of what we found in the town of Santa Rosa, NM.  Well, after checking on the weather, we decided that we best head out as Mr. Weatherman was promising to show a nasty side as he was predicting some winds.

On our way out, we passed a couple of parking lots near a railway track where they were unloading automobiles that had been transported in by rail.  There were two huge lots which were both full of new vehicles.  That may not be so unusual in a large centre but Santa Rosa is a town with  a population of just over 2,600 people so it obviously was not for the local dealership.  Always a mystery as to where these vehicles ultimately ended up.

It wasn’t too long before the wind came up and it was a bit more than a breeze.  Of course it was a north wind which would shift to northwest.  As you can see, the road was a bit on the narrow side, and there was nothing to block the wind.  It was definitely a challenge.

  After a long day of almost 400 miles, we stopped for the night. We had wanted to spend a night or two at Spearfish, SD to do a bit of sight-seeing so the next day was also a fairly long day of almost 500 miles, with even a windier day, narrow roads, and rough roads, we decided we best check into a campground – wise choice.  We ended up staying four nights as the wind got windier, there was some snow and it was co-o-o-ld!!

We took a drive out to Devil’s Tower as that is a spot I have been wanting to see for quite a long time.  Devil’s Tower is a butte which rises 1,267 feet high and definitely adds a different look to the landscape. 

The scenery on the road to the tower is very scenic which makes for a wonderful drive.  When I got out of the car to take a photo, the wind almost knocked me over – it was blowing.  Heading back to Spearfish we passed through some old settlements where the old buildings are still around.

The day was not conducive to spending any time outside, we decided that we would take a drive out to Deadwood to see the changes.  The town has sure expanded with the addition of hotel accommodations and casinos.  There were a few of the old buildings left but the neat little gambling town of days past are not longer there.  We saw a deer come across the street and went down a set of stairs and who  knows where.  It all came so quickly that I wasn’t able to snap a photo.

Heading back we took Spearfish Canyon highway which is a beautiful drive.

The campground we were at had a bit of wildlife.  Each morning at 6 a.m. the turkeys would go gobbling throughout the campground. 

Then again about 3 in the afternoon, the turkeys would show up again, but this time some deer would come by and spend some time feeding. 

One afternoon, a squirrel came by with a nut in its mouth and went to bury it.  He/she would start to dig a hole, stop and go to another spot and start to dig a hold, and then go to another spot, same thing.  I never did see where he ended up burying his nut (if he ever did) but there were areas scratched up all over the place.

In all this, Gerry ended up catching the stomach  flu for a couple of days so it was a great place to lay low.  Finally the weather turned, the sun shone and the wind was minimal (and eventually from the south) so we headed home.  We put Gerry in the drivers seat where he stayed until we got home some 8 hours later.  It was a nice drive as we go along the edge of Theodore Roosevelt Park which has some great scenery.

I enjoy seeing freight trains go by as some of the graffiti is quite amazing.  This particular train had quite a lot of cars that were potential canvas for some budding artists.

The border crossing was easy and pleasant and quick - always a great way to end a trip.  So with this, I say goodbye for a couple of months when we plan on heading out on a long awaited trip to Newfoundland. 

I hope you enjoyed following along on our winter journey and that you will be able to join us on our next one.  Thanks for reading and take care.

 

 

 

 

Good-bye Arizona

 

This week we said good-bye to Arizona,  and our last Arizona sunset,

and hello to New Mexico.  We started the week by simply enjoying the weather – well sort of, because it was quite hot – it was 35C one day but there were several other days that were fairly close.  The nights cooled off nicely so really it was just hot for a couple of hours late in the afternoon before some coolness crept in.  Each morning we would head out for a walk.  Usually, they were pretty boring except for one day when we came across this critter on our path – oops, walk cut short today.

Some critters are really quite entertaining.  There were some small gophers running around near us.  First he snacked on the blossoms of the creosote bushes (the humming birds also feed on them), then he had to scratch an itch!!

They did predict some rain this past week and sure enough, it rained.  In fact there was quite a thunderstorm which resulted in quite a rainbow!!  

On our way home we saw a couple of vultures in the bushes.  I think there was a little bit of romancing going on.

Then it was time to move on so we went to Deming, NM where we spent a couple of nights.  We took a day trip to see the Gila Cliff Dwellers site.  Five naturally eroded alcoves contain the homes of the Tularosa Mogollon. About 42 rooms were constructed from local stone. All wooden beams seen in the dwellings are the originals. Tree-ring dates range from the 1260’s through the 1280's. The cliff dwellers had departed their homes and abandoned their fields by about 1300.  The hike up to the caves is a one mile (round trip) hike with a gain in elevation of just under 200 feet.  Yes, we made the hike and weren’t even too bushed.

We are parked way down there

On our way home we went through Pinos Alto, an old gold mining town.  We then briefly visited Silver City, a historic mining town.  Many of the buildings have been refurbished and some of the historic downtown is quite colourful.

Isn't this an amazing tree

On our way to the cliff dwellers, we stopped by a state park, City of Rocks.  This is a park and campground in an area of unusual rock formations and huge boulders.  It certainly was a unique setting.

Along the road there was a group of wild pigs. 

We stopped along the road and found some bushes with some very unusual bark. 

It was a fairly long day but the scenery was amazing.

But time is moving on and so did we. 

I guess this means not to cross (twice as good as a double solid line)

past the White Sands missile range

We carried on to Santa Rosa, NM.  As we were driving, there was a train which entire cargo was military vehicles and some equipment.  It certainly was usual cargo – at least not some that we are used to seeing. 

Tomorrow we tour Santa Rosa so next week I will fill you in on what there was to see.

Until next week, stay safe and stay healthy!!