Day 20-Sunday, 18 Jan 08-Carlsbad, NM to Las Cruces, New Mexico

Photos: Lynne on the trail and the LuvMasheen in front of El Capitan.

We had another chilly night last night but were certainly warm enough in the LuvMasheen. However, when I went to do dishes this morning the water wasn't coming through the pipes, and sure enough, they were frozen. It didn't take long before things defrosted though and no damage done.

We had backtracked about 45 miles last night in order to stay at the KOA in Carlsbad. We tend to stay in those RV sites as they have a very high standard of cleanliness, friendliness, and services and we weren't disappointed. When you are travelling in one of these small RVs, clean and roomy washrooms with nice showers becomes so important. We weren't disappointed with this one...it was terrific. There was a large pecan farm next to the KOA and I bought a couple of bags of fresh, shelled pecans. It's a big industry in southern NM and they are delicious!

We made our way back down Hwy 180/62, past the Carlsbad Caverns towards the Guadalupe Mts National Park that brought us temporarily back in to Texas. We weren't sure how much time we'd spend there as most of the activity is hiking and there are numerous trails that lead up to, and through, the local mountains. Many take more than a day to complete--which sure doesn't suit us--but there was a nice little 1-mile trail around the welcome centre that was great. The ruins of the Butterfield Overland Stage station were there and the trail was well marked with signs for all the various trees and plants.

The main mountain is El Capitan, and was used by the earliest settlers and mail stage coaches as the marker to guide then through the area. The only higher mountain in Texas is right beside El Capitan and is the 8,750 ft Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. It is surrounded by the Chihuahuan desert. I was amazed to read that for a few years from 1858 the stage (with passengers & mail) would run from St Louis, Missouri to San Francisco is no less than 25 days--that's 2700 miles of rough, dirt road! The scenery was breathtaking (is anyone keeping count of the superlatives so far) and I'm so glad we made the decision to visit this park--it was memorable for sure.

After a quick lunch, Wayne settled in for his 15-minute nap while I drove the straighest highway ever, through the Sierra Diablo and Delaware Mountains, past the Salt Falts and back in to New Mexico. Truly, every miles was a feast for the eyes.

We drove in to El Paso and for the first 10 miles, we wondered if what we were seeing was real or we had stepped in to a 'Groundhog Day' scenerio. For mile after mile, there was nothing...and I mean nothing...but car, RV, bus, & truck salvage yards! The city must have decided that this particular end of the city would be inhabited by only this industry...and they were huge!

As we approached Las Cruces, we decided it was time to stop and glory be....there's a KOA! It's a beautiful spot--half way up a mountain and overlooks the city which is backdropped by the Organ Mts. It's quite a sight at night!

I was standing beside a brand-new Roadtrek looking at the sights and started talking to the couple who own same. Turns out they are from Oakville and staying here for a month. We are going to have coffee with them in the morning to trade Trekkie stories--and get a look inside their beautiful van--and then leave for Tuscon. I'm hoping Tuscon (or immediate area) will be our 'home' for a couple of weeks. The weather sure looks great and I know it's time to 'nest'.

I didn't get abducted last night although I had this dream that Tom Cruise landed in a spaceship beside the van and asked me if I'd like him to take me to outer space. No details beyond that suitable for blogging but what....just what....if it wasn't a dream? Can I make a story out of anything or WHAT??? ha ha

Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx