SW National Park Tour - Joshua Tree CA

Joshua Tree is right next to the masses of Southern California, but our visit was almost solitary with many great vistas and the Joshuas just coming into bloom and a hike to the amazing 49 Palms, an oasis smack in the aridity of the Mojave Desert.

SW National Parks Tour - Saquaro, AZ

Our tour started south basing out of Green Valley, AZ to visit Saguaro NP.  What a beautiful place surrounded by the hustle and humanity of Tucson.  On our hike, we encountered a sparkling pool at Lime Falls and were treated to our first closeup to the cordially-named 'Teddy Bear Cholla'. 

Snow Mountain Ranch Jan10

We, and several friends, enjoyed a blast of winter recreation at the YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch, in Colorado SW of Rocky Mountain National Park.  The snowshoeing and cross-country skiing were excellent with perfect conditions.  The Ranch trails were right outside our cabin, and in RMNP, just 1/2 an hour north, we relished in having Park trails pretty much to ourselves. We thoroughly enjoyed a full-moon sleigh-ride drawn by two beautiful Belgians that included hot chocolate and roasting marshmellows around an open fire.  There was ice and roller skating, foosball, ping-pong, lots of cabin games, and working jigsaw puzzles.  All the fun was always in sight of the spectacular snow-capped Rocky Mountains.  Inside our cozy cabin, we shared delicious meals and great stories and all agreed that this venue stays on the bucket list for a return visit.

Carlsbad Dec09

It was the "Christmas on the Pecos" river boat ride why we and some friends took our RVs to Brantley Lake State Park just north of Carlsbad, NM.  You would think December in southern NM would be warmer than at home in Edgewood.  NOT.  In fact, the whole time, temps were close to, and even broke, low temperature records.  It was flat out COLD.  But, in spite of a few frozen water 'issues', we had a great time, even did a hike at Sitting Bull Falls.  The camaraderie of friends and festive spirit of "Christmas on the Pecos" made this RV adventure memorable and lots of fun.

Wisconsin Nov09

We blasted back to Wisconsin to get our long awaited snow blower and of course, visit our granddaughter, Alison and her Mom and Dad, Jennifer and David.  We finally got to celebrate their July wedding with a special dinner at a great Irish pub in downtown Milwaukee.  We of course, also saw all David's family and had especially nice visits with Mom Thibeau.  It was a fast trip, but with lots of great quality family time.

SW New Mexico Oct09

Our October adventure was to southwest New Mexico.  First stop, Monticello Point at Elephant Butte State Park, where the night sky was crispy clear and the star gazing incredible. 

Then to Silver City, where we discovered Manzano's, a most hospitable RV park we'll surely return to.  While in Silver City, we did day trips, enjoying the fall colors along the Gila River, to Glenwood for a hike on the famed Catwalk, and into the Gila National Forest and a hike on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.  We'll go back to Silver City.  It's a great place to explore further.

Next, it was south to City of Rocks State Park where soon after we set up and were out for a walk, a rapidly approaching ominous storm forced us back to the RV.  Warm and dry inside, the noise from hail became deafening and the storm's intensity alarming, as rivers of water and hail flowed swiftly around and under the RV.  Fortunately, it didn't last long.  After about 15 minutes, the ground was white with dime-size hail and the sky nearly black where the storm was headed.  It was eerily beautiful and the sunset soon after was absolutely spectacular.

We returned to Monticello Point for a couple more days, to ride our bikes and enjoy the serenity of fall at Elephant Butte Lake.  There are lots of birds on the water and cranes migrating overhead.  We sure enjoy the roadrunner who visits almost every time we're here.  It was another great trip on the Thibeau trail. 

Coyote Creek / Angel Fire Sep09

Antsy to RV, we parked at Coyote Creek State Park for fall colors and a long overdue visit with our friends the Koehlingers.  Coyote Creek is a lovely campground nestled in the canyons south of the Moreno Valley and Angel Fire, NM.  During the few days of our visit, we saw quite a few elk and wild turkey, and a variety of birds. 

The visit with our friends included a day at Rick & Virginia's almost at the top of Angel Fire Ski Resort.  Their home is called a 'Ski-in, Ski-out'.  Just a few dozen yards out the back door to the slopes.  Swoosh down, ride the lift back up to the top, swoosh back down to the back door.  You're home.  We hiked to the top to over 10,000 feet and had chilly, but incredible, 360 degree views of Angel Fire and the Moreno Valley far below.  What a location for a home!  Boundless opportunities to experience the beauty and wildlife of northern New Mexico.  We loved visiting our Koehlinger friends, including Chris, Kelly, Sasha, who is such a joy, and precious baby Grace.