Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Three Rivers Petroglyph Site

This is one of those must see places if you are in SW New Mexico and like petroglyphs!  The detail and artistry in some of these rock carvings is amazing!!  This site is located just off Hwy 54 about 25 north of Alamogordo.

Unfortunately, there is no protection for this site and it is wide open and close to populated areas.  There are no warnings about staying on the path and you are allowed to wander freely among the rocks. As there are petroglyphs everywhere on almost all surfaces, you have to be very aware and diligent with your footing. The time to see this amazing site is now!





















Tuesday, April 8, 2014

White Sands Natl Mon, NM

I was happy we were able to get back over to White Sands this year as it was closed when we were in the area a couple of months ago.  I had been here as a child and it was cool to come back as an adult and show Mike!

As the park is mostly blazing white sand dunes, there is  not much hiking and only one road into the park.  The 5 mile Alkali Flats trl is at the end of the 5 mile road and we had to do it.  It is rated difficult because, well, have you ever walked across sand dunes....in the wind??  Wouldn't do it again but it was amazing!


Alkali Flats trailhead

the white sand came from gypsum in the nearby mountain range




you keep on the trail by following the sign posts.....hmmmm






Alkali Flats, you can see some of the missile testing range

we will have sand in our shoes for a long time;)

no, those are not clouds but blowing sand




look at the sand blowing off the ridge



awesome day, time to go shower the sand out of our eyes, ears, nose, mouth.......


Sunday, April 6, 2014

City of Rocks State Park, NM

We spent the last four days parked in the City of Rocks State Park near Silver City, NM.  Did not have any internet so I have some catching up to do!

The park is a very scenic, interesting place in the middle of no where.  30 miles either direction to the nearest cities, Silver City and Deming.  Really liked our site, we were in the middle of a yucca garden.  Big space in-between sites also.  You can hike up to about 7 miles in the park and it was fun climbing around the rocks, such interesting shapes!  But the wind.....the wind was rough and the camp host said it is always windy there.

We visited both Silver City and Deming from here and I will try to get pics of those up soon.

City of Rocks State Park

Visitors Center

we liked our space and had a covered picnic table but the wind prevented us from spending much time there



no problem keeping the windmill going;)





















Spam Museum, Austin, Minnesota

We were staying just a few miles away in Blooming Prairie and, of course, were going into Austin to a couple of breweries....how could we no...