Rockin’-n-Rollin’, Our Course of Travel Planned, “What Was I Thinking” and Followed By A Pusher.

Our Location today is Elephant Butte State Park, New Mexico, U.S.A. 

As mentioned in Last Night’s Blog we were expecting High Winds for this area today. After posting the Blog and getting ready to shut the Computer for the night the last thing I did was to recheck the Weather Forecast. They had changed their report from 35 to up to 45 MPH Wind Gusts.  

Last Night's Forecast. Wind Gusts underlined with red.

We both slept fairly sound and were not surprised to wake before the Sun had risen to the sounds of the Wind hitting the side of our trailer. Knowing there was nothing we could do about it we simply rolled over for a few more minutes of sleep  

By 7:45 MDST there was no more ignoring the Wind as it sounded like someone trying to break into the trailer through the wall. Having tied down our Slide Toppers before dark last evening, they were barely making any noise. Having cereal for breakfast we nearly had to time each spoonful between the Wind Gusts because the Trailer was being Shaken with such force. 

This morning's forecast. Wind underlined in red

As soon as we were on the Computers the first thing I did was to check The Weather Network. Under normal conditions we can have High Winds and The Weather Network will report it after the fact but not today. By 8:20 this morning they were already showing Wind Gusts of 50 MPH. 

National Weather Service Map.
We're in the large blue block in New Mexico indicating Severe Wind.

Looking outside towards the lake you could barely see its outline from our site. We watched a Road Runner with his head and tail bent by the wind pointed in the same direction and only moving a few feet at a time before having to stop and quickly scan his surroundings. Looking at the rear of the truck the Tow Brush looked like the truck was heading down the road.  

Just Leftovers.

We simply resigned ourselves to catching up on our reading before having lunch. Kathy did a great job of using up the last of the Jell-O, finishing the Salad we started the other day and more of the Meatloaf she made the other day. In other words, it was a day of Leftovers. 

You can see the Towing Brush blowing in the wind today.
Picture taken through the window.

After working together to wash and dry the Dishes we started looking at where we’ll be stopping up the road. There are a few too many places to stop in the short time we still have before we have to be back in Ontario but Kathy did find a few that we will take in this trip. We spent hours going over the Map then using Map-Quest to get Distances and Time of Travel. After the next two stops, we did not set in stone any other places that we have to go to. Our travel will depend on the Weather and how we are feeling. 

While we were trying to accomplish that we were amazed to see that there were people pulling out of their sites to hit the road and we were still getting slammed with those 50 MPH Wind Gusts. It would not be until around 5:00 this afternoon that there was a noticeable decrease in the Wind. 

Being that it is Friday we decided to go out for Fish and Chips. A quick check On-line told us the name of the restaurant we wanted to go to and its address. So now we make a quick dash to the truck to avoid the blowing dust. This is where we had a Big Surprise in other words “What Was I Thinking?” Having been careful in all the other Dust Storms this winter to keep the windows in the truck closed but because yesterday was actually warm I had cracked the windows slightly to let the heat out. If heat can go out, Blowing Sand can come in. There is sand all over the inside of the truck. Glad I brought the Shop-Vac because we need it. 

Wonder how this RVer felt about the wind.

Having looked where the restaurant was and recognizing where the street was on the map I simply started driving towards Truth or Consequences. Everything was going well. I found Date Street and we were headed for the Eight Hundred Block when it changed to Main Street which is a One-Way and the numbers were getting too low. Turning around heading the opposite way you end up on Broadway Street, which is also a One-Way until the numbers are again too low. Turning around we were on Main Street again running in a circle. Luckily, I had suggested we bring the GPS just in case.  In five minutes we were at our destination. Somewhere the numbers start at zero in the middle of town and work their way up at both ends. 

The place was packed but we were able to get a table right away. Our waiter took our order for our drinks and by the time he returned we gave our order. The Décor was nicely done and it was very clean and well maintained. Within minutes we had our tasty Cole Slaw and then we waited and waited and waited. On our way in we’d seen a sign saying “Help Wanted” in the front window. This establishment could easily seat a hundred people but they only had three Waiters and a Hostess that were busy serving everyone. With this being Friday evening lots of people had the same idea to eat out. They could have had at least three more waiters to work that many people. When we finally got our meals it was well presented, tasty and reasonably priced. We’ll definitely go back in the future and hopefully they’ll have their Staffing Issue resolved. 

On our return trip to Elephant Butte State Park we noticed a Diesel Pusher with his four way flashers on, stopped in the left turn lane so we cautiously drove by. The next thing we know is that Pusher was soon nearly behind us. We turned into the State Park, he turned into the State Park. We passed through the closed Registration Booth and went around the Round-About. He momentarily stopped at the closed Registration Booth and slowly negotiated the Round-About. To say he had the Pedal to the Metal to follow where we were going would be an understatement. Seconds after we were parked at our site he drove by and found an empty site in the row below us. Either he needed someplace to stay or he need someone to guide him into the park and when he saw how our truck is set up he realized we're RVers.  

With the weather changes happening here we’ll have to play it by ear to see what we will be doing. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy! 

It’s about time.

Krackers 

A fine line by Mark Twain 

The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.

Cuddle Time, New Friends Gone, Checking Out Truth or Consequences, Haircuts and The Winds Are Back.

Our Location today is Elephant Butte State Park, New Mexico, U.S.A. 

Even though we were both well rested when we woke up shortly after 7:00 MDST this morning we just decided to cuddle and relax for a while longer before getting up. We have gotten so involved in things we want to do or see that we haven’t taken the time to do what is important and just hold one another. The fact that it was only 43 F (6 C) inside the trailer and it was much warmer under the covers might also have had something to do with our decision. 

This was the first place Kathy wanted to locate.

Even before starting breakfast we started our Electric Fireplace to help cut the morning dampness from the air. Our hot Coffee/Tea felt good to hold warming our hands enough to enjoy our breakfast. Our plans for the day were to check out Truth or Consequences so after settling in on the Computers while I checked our upcoming Weather, Kathy was checking out what we could see in town. We also managed to finish our morning reading before heading out the door around 10:30. 

We were surprised when we walked out the door and looked down the hillside that the two couples who had more or less rescued us yesterday had already pulled out of their sites. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to see them down the road someday and if they ever have a problem someone can help them out as well. 



Driving out the entrance of Elephant Butte National Park we saw the signs directing us to Truth or Consequences or to Elephant Butte. Since we have never been to the area before and Elephant Butte was closer that was where we headed first. We normally do a slow drive by of any community we visit so that was what we did this morning. Any time there was traffic starting to build up behind us, I’d simply pulled into a parking lot until they passed. After heading back towards the direction that we had come from we had an idea of what we would look at another day. 

 There was another road taking us directly to Truth or Consequences from Elephant Butte which saved us miles and brought us into town from the opposite direction. Still doing the slow drive by we were soon on Main Street and Kathy was looking for her list of places to explore. Instead of driving past anything she might have on the list I just pulled to the curb.

The first place she wanted to find was the Geronimo Springs Museum. Guess where we were already parked. We got out to check it out but right outside was a Map of downtown Truth or Consequences and we were just around the corner from the area on Broadway Street that she really wanted to go. 

Before getting back in the truck we saw this little park created by the Local Artisans. There were a number of memorial stones throughout dedicated to sponsors who supported the arts.  

Driving over to Broadway Street we recognized it as the way we’d driven through town yesterday. As we approached the addresses that Kathy had written down it was easy to find curb side parking. We started walking up one side of the street checking out a few of the shops. We found some interesting and unique items at Martha’s that were reasonably priced that ended up coming Home with us. 

By that time it was past noon and we were starting to feel a little hungry. Right across the street was a small cafe type eatery called A Little Slice of Heaven that advertised Good down home Cookin’ so that was where we headed. This was a Mom and Son Business and there seemed to be a constant flow of locals coming and going. Reading the simple menu we figured one order of Cole Slaw and a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich would more than feed the both of us so we shared. It tasted great and we were well satisfied with what we ate. Even though we ate inside they have a very nice looking terrace where you can eat outside. 

We checked out a few more stores before leaving the Historic Downton Area. Many of the buildings in this area are from the time when the town was first created but many are now vacant. Even Martha’s had downsized her store space by thirty percent due to a sluggish economy. 

Kathy had complained about her hair being too long and needing a Haircut. As any RVer knows finding a good hair stylist when moving around is always hard. I had spotted a place called Pro Family Haircuts on the way into Truth or Consequences so I headed back in that direction. Located in a building with other businesses Pro Family Haircuts is run by Michelle who looked to be just finishing her own lunchbreak. Kathy went first and only had to explain what she wanted once. If she thought that Kathy wanted more trimmed Michelle would ask rather then taking too much off like others in the past. Next was my turn and again Michelle worked carefully not to overdo it and she ended up with two very satisfied customers. We would highly recommend Michelle at Pro Family Haircuts if you are in Truth or Consequences. 

Driving up the road we saw a very small sign advertising Walmart which was located up a hill behind other businesses. We have seen many places in the Southern US that had Sun Covers for customers to park their vehicles out of the Sun but this one was even more unique. The Sun Covers at this Walmart were all covered with massive Solar Panels that was not only feeding power to the store but back to the “Grid”. That means whatever power that is overproduced is bought by the local power company. A great investment to saving the planet. 

The entire parking lot has Sun Covers to protect the vehicles
and they are all covered by Solar Panels.

We found a few things that we couldn’t find downtown before heading back to Elephant Butte State Park. One of those things was a Meat Lovers Pizza from the Deli Counter. Since I hadn’t put out our Weber Q yet that was the first thing I did when we got Home. The forecasted High Winds were just starting so the Weber was set up right behind the truck to block the breeze. As soon as the grill was lit the first thing on was our Pizza Stone which helps to even out the heat throughout the grill. Then Kathy and I got the Pizza onto a Pizza Pan and added additional cheese to it. Because of the blowing Wind as soon as the temperature reached 200 F on the gauge the Pizza went on. It took longer than the last time but came out perfect with not a stitch of overcooked crust. 

Since the Wind Gusts will be exceeding 40 MPH most of the day tomorrow I already installed the ropes on our slide toppers. This is only a temporary solution but when we get back to Ontario we’ll have our RV Dealer adjust the tension on them so I might not have to do this next winter. 

Finally getting the hang of doing Pizza on our Weber.
It turned out perfect.

Even though we only took a short trip to town today we will be doing more exploring. We are also liking this area so much that we will be coming back. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy! 

It’s about time.

Krackers 

Words of Inspiration 

You can give without loving, 

but you can never love without giving. 

Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish Writer

Helpful Explanation, Crazy GPSs, Room With A View and Heavy Thunder Storm.

Our Location today is Elephant Butte State Park, New Mexico, U.S.A. 

Even though we didn’t think there was any reason for us to be in a rush leaving Dream Catcher RV Park this morning we were both awake shortly after 7:00 MDST. As we sat having breakfast we contemplated whether or not to stay another day because of the High Winds that were being forecasted for the Deming, New Mexico area for this afternoon. 

I-10 heading towards Las Cruzes

Since I hadn’t put the Computers away last night we brought our morning Coffee/Tea over to check things out. The only thing not to like about the Forecast was the colder temperatures but it looked like a great day to travel. Our morning refreshments were soon consumed and things started getting packed away. We have started to get more efficient in how long it takes us to open and close our Home for travel. Once I had completed my inside chores I needed an extra layer to keep warm to go outside. 

Being that we were hooked up to full utilities I was able to dump and flush our waste tanks with very little effort. The one thing that did slow down my progress was our neighbour Dale came around asking questions about towing a Fifth Wheel Trailer. He and his wife just became Fulltimers on January 1^st and they are in a 24 Foot Travel Trailer. I continued my chores while explaining the trail of trailers we have gone through and why we made the changes we did.  

Going through Las Cruzes.

When he told me a Tucson RV Dealer had offered him a Fifth Wheel at a very high price plus they be taking their trailer as a trade as well and that the dealer said his ¾ Ton Truck would pull this heavy trailer I told him he was getting fleeced. Forty Foot Fifth Wheels tend to be in the Seven Ton Range and would destroy his truck. Then I told him about shopping online seeing what different dealers have in stock check and them out but wait until the middle of June to buy it. Most dealers want to bring in next year’s models at that time and will drop their prices drastically to get rid of the older stock. He thanked me for the information, but he really liked that trailer he had seen. 

Heading towards Truth or Consequences.

We were on our way out of the park just before 11:00 this morning. Having researched our route on Map-Quest the other day I knew that if we took Arizona Highway 26 to I-25 it was only 87 Miles and we would be in Truth or Consequences in just over an hour. Our GPS insisted we take I-10 towards Las Cruzes and the other one just gave us the silent treatment. Kathy insisted the GPS would take the shortest route and get us to where we needed to be so we followed its instructions. 

After getting off I-10 and driving through Las Cruzes to connect to I-25 we finally arrived at the Cabello State Park that Kathy had programmed the GPS for but it was for “Day Use Only”. The intention was to be close to Truth or Consequences so we could look around. Reprograming the GPS for Truth or Consequences it now began trying to have us drive down Farm Lanes so we finally had to shut it off. 

Heading towards the Fishing Village.

We kept driving not knowing where we were and finally stopped for fuel when we reached Williamsburg. As the person at the Post Office explained the village of Williamsburg was added to the outer edge of Truth or Consequences so was actually part of it.  

They told us where to find a campground so we followed their instructions to a Tee. The place we ended up at was a Fishing Village that the roads were barely wide enough for the truck and when we got to the campsites they would barely hold the truck. There was a very tight turn around loop but we made it in and out unscathed  

In Recognition of the Civilian Corps of Engineers,
located in the upper parking lot.

When we got to the parking lot at the top of the hill we stopped. It was already 2:30 and we needed to eat something since we’d had breakfast seven hours earlier. Kathy made us Meatloaf Sandwiches which helped us to start feeling better again. We pulled out Kathy’s Computer so she could find us a campground and while she was doing that I saw something walk past the back of the trailer. 

Following our new friends.

I got up and saw a couple checking out the empty stone building in the parking lot so I asked “Do you know where we are?” and “Do you know where there is Camping around here?”. There were two couples and they tried explaining our location and how to get to Elephant Butte State Park back towards Truth or Consequences but were confusing themselves in their instructions. Since they were camping there themselves they offered to lead us there which we gladly excepted. 

By the time they had walked back to their truck we had the trailer ready to roll. When they left the parking lot their GPS told them to turn left in effect taking them away from their Campground and I told Kathy so but we followed them just in case they were right. About five miles through the winding roads they pulled over and Red-Faced admitted their GPS had malfunctioned and was now telling them to turn around. It was a little tricky turning around on the sloping shoulder of the road but we made it. 

Traveling back seven miles on the winding road past the entrance to the Fishing Village we arrived at Elephant Butte State Park. They pointed the gate we needed to use and we Thanked them before they drove on to their own sites. The Attendant was very helpful giving us ideas of where to park and where we couldn’t park. We drove out to B Loop and saw plenty of sites but Kathy wanted to get closer to the water. Driving further she finally realized those were the Reserved Sites the Attendant had told us about that we couldn’t take.  

The two middle trailers are our new friends.

Back on the top of B Loop once we finished backing in we were looking down at our new friends waving up to us. Looking towards the rear of our trailer we are also looking down towards the Lake with all the Mountains surrounding it. 

Gazebo, Picnic Table and Firepit.

We got the trailer unhitched and leveled just in time for a quick little shower to start wetting things down. After I finished closing up the truck I went inside to help Kathy to finish setting up our Home. Off in the distance we could hear the sound of approaching Thunder. We were soon closing the windows we had just opened earlier because for the next two hours the rain came in waves before finally letting up. 

Just got settled in on time.

Our 87 Mile Trip turned into a 160 Mile Frustration. We are going to start writing Map-Quest directions down in the future and not being led on extended trips like today. We’ll still explore the area but just from a different Base Camp and we’ll wait until tomorrow to visit our New Friends. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy! 

It’s about time.

Krackers 

You Might Be a Redneck If 

You think Guitar Hero should be an Olympic sport.

Our Reasoning, Windy Errands, Taco Tuesday and A Proclaimed Junky.

Our Location today is Dream Catcher RV Park, Deming, New Mexico, U.S.A.

Something as simple as tying a rope over our Slide Toppers really quieted them enough that we hardly heard the wind on them last night. The reason we prefer having Slide Toppers is not only because of our Base Park being full of trees but many Parks and Campgrounds that we have visited were filled with them as well. Without the Slide Toppers, it was necessary to climb on the roof of our trailers and sweep Leaves, Twigs, Pine Needles, Tree Sap, Bird Droppings and Bugs from the tops of our Slides otherwise we would often found that on the inside. As some have commented we would not have the noise caused by the High Winds without the Toppers but experience has taught us how to deal with it. With the ropes on the Toppers we had more noise from the Wind rattling our Roof Vents. 

Wearing a Long-Sleeved Pajama Top last night helped to stop my arms from freezing like the night before and with the lack of noise on our Slide Toppers we both slept quite soundly. I felt so well rested this morning that I was up shortly after 7:00 MDST and by the time I’d opened the Window Shades in the living area and started making breakfast Kathy joined me downstairs. We discussed what we needed to do today before finishing our morning Coffee/Tea at the Computers. 

This was at 9:00 this morning.

Checking The Weather Network was showing Wind Speeds already at 30 MPH gusting to 40 MPH that early in the morning. It was shortly after 9:30 that I loaded our empty Water Jugs into the truck. Five minutes later we were on our way into Deming. 

This is what The Weather Network called Clear.

Our first stop was Walmart where we had a few things still on our list from the other day but more importantly we just wanted to walk around someplace out of the Wind. We started in the Seasonal Section looking for the Barbecue Covers that I use to cover our Weber. For the last couple of years, we have been unable to find them but today we found a box of them tucked at the back of a lower shelf. We got two. Last week my Watch-Band broke while we were in Tucson and I couldn’t find one to fit my large wrists. The Associate tried and tried to change it for me but couldn’t get the old one off. She also had to serve other customers so using her tools it took me fifteen minutes to finally get it apart. Another Associate came along to help and installed the new Watch-Band. Kathy found the other things on our list while I was dealing with the Watch. 

Our next stop was the Dollar Tree where we had to pick up some wrapping paper for a special little someone back home. It was already past 12:30 when we left there and since Wendy’s was just across the parking lot we stopped there for our lunch. 

Some of the Deco of downtown Deming.

When we were looking around Deming on Sunday we only covered one section of town so after lunch we toured the southern part of the town seeing things we didn’t know existed.  

We finally located the Reverse Osmoses Water/Ice Building to fill our Fresh Drinking Water Jugs up. Parking as close as possible I managed to fill them all in no time but the Wind was so strong it kept slamming the back door of the truck shut scaring Kathy a few times. 

We stopped to top off our Diesel but the pump wouldn’t accept my Canadian Credit Card so I had to go inside for the clerk to authorize the purchase. Directly across the street was the local Propane Distributor but when we drove into their yard a sign on their fill pump indicated it was Closed. With nobody in the office we headed back down the road. 

I had been told to stop at Road Runner RV Park where they filled Propane Tanks for other Dream Catcher RV Park guests. There is no sign telling you the price but from the final cost I figure it was close to $3.00 a gallon. 

We finally got Home around 3:30 so after unloading our Drinking Water and other purchases I went outside to prep the back of the truck for towing in the morning. We also had a chance to get some afternoon reading done on our Computers before heading back out the door shortly after 5:00. Walking through the Park Kathy said she was freezing from the Cold Wind. 

Sitting at the wrong end of the table for good lighting.
There were 33 Dream Catcher RV Park guest here for
Taco Tuesday.

Our destination was the Park Clubhouse where Park Guests were supposed to meet before leaving at 5:30. When we got to the Clubhouse we were told everyone had already left so we just continued walking over to the Quality Inn next door. Every Tuesday they offer a special known as Taco Tuesday and they set up a Banquet Room for the Park Guests. They have this down to a science assigning each couple or person a number which is given when they get your orders for your food and drinks. These are small Tacos for a dollar each but are well worth it. The one thing you might be careful of is the Salsa is “HOT” so if you like mild order the Sour Cream. Kathy was talking with a woman to her right while I was talking with Carol and Jim on my left. All 33 people in attendance seemed to be having fun visiting especially those who ordered the large Margaritas. 

Looking West to clearing skies.

On our way back Home the Sky was starting to clear on one side of the park while the other side looked like they were getting drenched. The Wind continues to shake the trailer and rattle the Solar Panel Cables on the Roof. Tomorrow the Wind is supposed to lighten up but if not we’ll stay another day. 

Look to the East and someone was getting rain.

After Kathy took her shower this evening she admitted to being a Boondocking Junky, still showering the same as if we were in the desert. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy! 

It’s about time.

Krackers 

Witty Words of Wisdom 

Just remember, if the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off.