FMCA Convention & Rally – Albuquerque, NM

The reason that we’re here in Albuquerque is to attend the FMCA Convention.  We were here 6 years ago for this rally and it was warm – this time we had our fill of cold and snow!

Early morning temps were in the low 30’s – and sometimes the sun warmed up the afternoons.  Not my cup of tea! 

Of course there’s all the new Motorhomes on display, but we really enjoyed seeing the vintage, 1950’s, trailers and the restored cars that pulled them.  Here’s a peek into some Airstream & Shasta trailers. A blast from the past!

We took a ride to the Sandia Indian Resort and Casino – at the base of the Sandia Mountains.  It’s a beautiful and busy spot where we put a few quarters in the machines.  The exterior photo shows the outdoor swimming pool and Sandia Mountains ; inside shot shows the hotel lobby.

We attended some great seminars and enjoyed perusing the vendor’s booths, but the highlight was Alice’s winning a “free camping”  drawing for ALL OF 2010 – at the Oasis RV Park in Amarillo, Texas!    I still can’t believe it!  We’re headed to my new, free campground, where even the laundry is free.  Amazing!

Albuquerque, NM – it’s all about Art!

We left Alamogordo while it was sunny and no wind. Half of the trip to Albuquerque was on 2 lane, scenic roads. On Rt. 54, we saw an active archeological dig alongside the road and a sign that said “this is Billy the Kid Country”. On US380, we stopped at the Valley of Fire Lava Beds. The black stones were quite a contrast to the tan & red sand. In the distance were the snow covered high peaks.

 

 

 

 

The New Mexico motto is: Land of Enchantment – how true. As we approached Albuquerque the bridges and overpasses are painted a vivid coral and blue. The artwork has begun.

We visited The New Mexican Museum of Art and I especially enjoyed the “modern” art that had such amazing creativity. 

We also went to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. We did the “Walk through Time” – from how the universe was formed through the age of dinosaurs. There was a smaller “astronomy” exhibit and then we saw a film “The Wild Sea”. It was filmed in 3D – on the coast of South Africa.

Across the street from the University of New Mexico, is the famous Frontier Restaurant. The fresh tortillas roll off – hot and puffy – and are put right on your plate. We both had Mexican – some of the best we’ve eaten. Art works are everywhere – inside and outside the restaurant. A delightful experience.

Alamogordo, NM – seeing the sights – Elks Rally

The FMCA Elks Rally was for 5 nights.  The mornings were in the low 30’s, but the sun quickly warmed us up.  Breakfast and dinner was catered and we had a wonderful bluegrass band on Sat. night.  One fellow Elk – named Bill – looked amazingly like another Bill you may recognize.  Souix (80)and Bob Smith(81) (she’s the blonde) – are  very active in FMCA and are a lot of fun. Here are some photos from the rally.

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Alamogordo is at the base of the Sacramento Mountains.  One evening, our group drove up to Cloudcroft – elevation 8,650 ft. – for dinner at Big Daddy’s. Another day, we caravanned to the National Solar Observatory -

. It was a beautiful ride through the Lincoln National Forest. The higher we climbed  - the more snow.

The National Solar Observatory is located at a height of 9,200 feet in the Sacramento mountains. It overlooks White Sands Missile Range in the Tularoasa Basin. The dry air of the southwest, isolation from any major source of air pollution, and plenty of sunshine make this an excellent site for observing the Sun.

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Another side trip was to the Toy Train Museum in Alamogordo.  They have converted the old train station into a museum of miniature trains.  Remember the old Lionel train set under the Christmas tree?  Well, it’s here.

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The New Mexico Museum of Space History was a neat tour.  The museum overlooks Alamogordo and you can see the White Sands Desert in the distance.  The museum traces the history of space flight and honors astronauts from all over the world.  Even Carl Sagan got mentioned! 

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One afternoon, Don & I headed toward Sierra Blanca Peak – elevation 11,973’ – because it’s snow covered peak was so attractive.  We were soon driving through the Apache Indian Reservation and arrived at The Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino. We parked in the parking garage and took the elevator to the hotel lobby and casino.  It’s a beautiful resort and I won $10.00 at the slots.

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White Sands National Monument took us on an amazing 15 miles drive.  The sand is blindingly white and with the amazing blue sky I have some of my best photos, ever!  We watched the  kids using plastic saucers to slide down the dunes.

From the Brochure: White Sand - A rare form of sand. The common mineral gypsum (CaSO4*2H20) hydrous calcium sulfate, is rarely found as sand because it is soluble in water. The rains would normally carry it to the sea, but there is no outlet and so it settles in the Tularosa Basin.  The White Sands Missile range surrounds the park and is the testing ground for our rocket program.

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That wraps up our touring around Alamogordo, New Mexico.  We’ll soon be on our way to the FMCA Rally in Albuquerque.  Hope you enjoyed this blog! 

West Texas & New Mexico

Typical of Texas, this is the Valero oil refinery in Three Rivers.  It’s on RT.281 on our way north to San Antonio.

Everyone has to stop at the Border Patrol Inspection station.  I’m always amazed by the “Texas Proud” paintings that we see – and this trailer is a good one.  Ahead just a ways – the guards were loading bales of marijuana into another trailer.  Too bad I missed that shot.

. On Sunday, Don drove 300 miles – all on I-10. The speed limit was 80mph, but we went much slower. Some may say it’s boring, but we encountered steep hills and during this trip we’ve climbed from sea level to over 3,000 ft. We saw miles of power generating windmills perched on top of the plateaus. The landscape is mesquite and cactus. There’s a song that says it all:

“When I die I may not go to heaven - I don’t know if they let cowgirls in,

So when I die just let me go to Texas – ‘cause Texas is the closest that I’ve been.”

We finally joined “Passport America” discount camping club. The first time that we used it was  in Balmorhea, TX at the Saddleback Mountain RV park for $10.00 – one night only. EZ on/off I-10.  A good stop.

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On Monday,there was a strong wind blowing from the west. As we headed north into New Mexico, the wind was 40mph + against the side of the motor home. Don kept complaining about the wind and I kept saying – why don’t you go faster? We were going 42mph in a 65 mph zone. Well, it was a long slow trip against the fierce wind, which I came to appreciate when we stood outside to unhook the car at the campsite.

We are now in Alamogordo, NM at the Boot Hill RV park and in the Mountain Time zone. This park is quite new and well kept. We have free wifi and TV. It’s time to rest after the long long drive.  New Mexico has a beauty all it’s own – even the highway system has artistic touches.  The night sky is very dark and the stars are amazing!  Note the snow on the mountain.   

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It’s good to be settled here in Alamogordo after our long – 3 day trip.  I baked a quiche – couldn’t resist a photo.  And there’s a large Pistachio farm and store (with free samples) across the street, which we visited today. We’re here for the FMCA chapter of Elks and I’ll write another blog about that. 

Alamo Palms – Feb./Mar -

It’s been an unusually cold and rainy winter, with a few sunny days for relief.  Of course it’s better than up north and about the same temp as Miami, FL.  No complaints tho – as there’s enough activities to keep everyone happy. 

Despite the violence along the Mexican border – it has not deterred us Winter Texans from going to Progreso, Mexico.  Don and I visited our dentist for teeth cleaning and a big replacement filling for Don.  We  stocked up on medicine, booze and had some great lunches.

This is a photo of us at lunch, on the balcony of the “Red Snapper”.

Our dentist, Dr. Mustre, has a huge bill board as you come back into the USA. 

 

 

 

It’s always a treat to go to South Padre Island and Mary Patt and Joe Talton – from Alabama – offered to drive.  We had a wonderful day watching the surf-fishermen who were making several good catches that day. Don & I on SPI – ………………………….

Mary Patt & Joe Talton – from Alabama

My 3 year old geranium was in full bloom this winter. 

These are lemons from Cora’s lemon tree – they’re as big as oranges! 

 

 

Our good neighbors, Carol & Jim Weber.

I love my quilting group – they are so talented!

Well, I’ve packed up my sewing machine, made space in the car for the plants and am looking forward to heading west – to New Mexico.