Hi all

We moved to the mountains in New Mexico. A great campground on the Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area. 

Got to love the Federal Lands as the camping fee here is $0. The main attraction here, which is closed to the public to protect the bats, is the cave. It is the 2nd longest cave in NM with over 42 miles mapped. The entrance is Fenced and locked and not very impressive. Nothing like the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns, the longest in NM, or at least not as big.

Views are wonderful and being the only ones in the campground makes for lots of quiet. The Boyz don't get distracted and only make things up to bark. Temps when arriving were near 90 and the weather changed. Only going to be in the upper 50's for the remainder of our visit.

Today we went to Ruidoso, NM. An upscale, not very discovered, ski and tourist area. The area has lots of high end homes and a main street filled with shops. The only ones we went to were thrift stores, a flea market and a winery. The winery had some of the best wines we have sampled this trip. They do know what they want for them and it makes diesel fuel look cheap. 

The 30 minute drive over was very scenic even though it was a cloudy, dreary day. About mid afternoon the winds hit and supposed to be gusting into the 60mph range. A lot of dust ended up in the air hampering the views on the way back to camp. We took the back road in, one lane mostly graded, rough, scenic trail, for lack of a better term. We knew the winds were coming and had parked in a fairly protected spot, so having little effect on the RV. Pulled out the generator so Millie could iron some fabric. Dang thing has less than 100 hours and seems to have a carburetor problem with surging. May try to address that tomorrow, if unable to fix, I'll have to find someone to repair when home.

Last full day on the Fort Stanton-Snowy river Cave NCA. Mostly cloudy, high of 56℉, windy and a very occasional shower (sprinkle). Millie did a bunch of sewing, I worked on the generator (with no success) and we went for a nearly 3 mile hike. 

Really? Stage Coach, how old is this sign?

Pretty good for an old flat lander and at 6000+ feet. Beautiful area and so quiet, other than the wind. Supper will be cleaning out the left overs in the fridge and then, after dark, some DVR time. Tomorrow we start the northward leg and hoping for continued good weather with less wind.

Make your day great

Tom and Millie

 Hi all

I am writing this as we are boondocking in New Mexico at a BLM Off Hi-way Vehicle area in the middle of more sand. 

We are alone out here, or at least can't see any other campers and we got to watch the parade of weekenders leave. Got a nice sunny spot (there is no shade) and it is around 90°. The windows are open and we have a nice breeze. Can stay comfortable is you are sloppy with your water and clothes dry really quick. It was an easy day drive. We are just one night here and were hoping to have some great sky viewing tonight, but with some cloud cover moving in that my not happen. Sunset was spectacular.

Night sky was pretty open and lots of stars, no moon, no wind and 70℉, just perfect for a bit of viewing. Just before sunrise the moon rose for a nice start to a new day.

Off to the next place today and new adventures.

Make your day great.

Tom and Millie

 Hi all

Soaked up the sun at Monahan's Sandhills St Pk in Texas. Middle of oil country and I suspect also the largest employer in the area. We literally camped in amongst the sand dunes. Like being at a huge beach with no water for a long way. The dunes, I would estimate, are around 100 feet high and is fairly fine sand making it a great workout getting to the top. 

Sunsets were also wonderful and the storm clouds (we didn't get any of the storm) made for fun photos.

Some of the fun there was using snow/sand saucers and sliding down the slopes. Good for the kids as it wears them out climbing back up to go again. 

Also some interesting activity. One group looked like they were filming a new chapter of Star Wars. Costumes and camera equipment and they went off into the dunes for the day. 

There was also a young lady that had sparkly formal dresses that went off into the dunes with a photographer and balloons for a photo shoot.

And these two, just happy together.

First night there we met a nice couple from South Texas, Ben and Marika, visited for a while and enjoyed their company. 

Thursday we stayed in camp and had a workout in the sand. Of course, the Boyz , had no trouble in the sand since they have 4 paw drive and don't weigh much.

Relaxed and watched the changing of the RV's. Seems the biggest use here is overnight on the way to somewhere. It is just off of I-20 and an easy stop. I also visited with a family with a bus and 5 kids. They are working on being full time and "road" schooling their kids. Talked solar with him and gave him a new look as to trouble shoot some problem. I will never know what he finds and if anything I said will help, just hope he figures it out. 

Friday we went to Odessa, TX. Laundry, groceries, fuel and thrift stores. Picked up some BBQ after and back to camp. I visited with the neighbors and Millie caught up with a girlfriend on the phone. Had the BBQ and it was fantastic, great flavors and just wonderful ribs, brisket and sausage. Good coleslaw and jalapeno cornbread. Watched a movie and off to a good nights sleep. 

The last day there we stayed in camp and did a few things around the RV and a few walks. Also washed the sand out of the Boyz. Was 92⁰ with humidity in the single digits. Good dog drying weather. Millie sewed a bunch and we generally got things in order to pack up and travel.

So, see you at the next place and make your day great.

Tom and Millie

 Hi all

Moving further south, we skirted around Dallas/Ft Worth and stopped SW of the Metro. Sowell Creek COE on Proctor Lake. Pleasant few days and got the chance to visit Dublin, TX on St Patrick's Day. Visited a couple of local museums, the original Dr. Pepper Bottling Co. Also sampled some wine and beer at Lucky Vines Winery and the Lucky Brewery. Enjoyed the campground and conversations with other campers. Temps are finally getting warmer and we are looking forward to heading further south.

Short travel day into Texas Hill Country and a great parking place at Millie's Cousin's place outside of Fredricksburg, TX. Horses, deer and sheep outside our door. 

Saturday we visited Luckenbach, TX. Dan and Lisa took us to the Mud Dauber Festival and Chili Cook-off.   https://www.facebook.com/events/2997635507150639/?_rdr Fun afternoon with lots of chili, beer and live music. Millie got her first "cowgirl" hat and we both got some sunburn. Temp around 80 and only a light breeze. 

Thanks Dan and Lisa for treating us to this annual event. Back to the RV for a quick nap. Millie and Lisa visited her Dad Mike for a while then we went to the Lone Star Bar and Grill for supper, beverages and some great country music. Music provided by Dan, Dan West Music, another guitar and a fiddle. We so enjoyed the music and a lot of fun people watching. 

Sunday we relaxed around the ranch looking forward to music and wine at the Texas Heritage Vineyard in Fredricksburg, TX. More great music and great wine. When we finished up there we visited Mike, Lisa's Father. Enjoyed talking with Mike, such a friendly happy guy. After our visit we took Lisa and Dan out for some delicious Italian food and wine. Home to bed. During the night a good portion of the area lost power. I just had to do a little switch over since we are used to dry camping. 

Headed out that morning to visit some Thrift stores, a museum, get fuel and groceries. Made a nice day of learning a little and headed back to the RV. Millie baked bread and Dan grilled some fantastic hand raised (by Dan) steaks. Grilled some sweet peppers, sweet potatoes and Brussel sprouts. With some of Millie's sourdough bread and smoked cheese for desert. Neighbors Lee and Mary had joined us and we so enjoyed meeting and visiting with them. All of this around the campfire. After eating, and some adult beverages, Dan brought out the guitar and we spent the next several hours listening and singing around the fire. When the early morning hours came it was time for some well deserved rest. 

Our time with Dan and Lisa was great. Good food, good drink, wonderful music and great conversations. Glad we ventured their way and so happy to have new friends. Tomorrow will be a travel day with a one night stop and then more travel. Total will only be about 350 miles and as you all know we don't go all that far in one day. 

First leg was sort of brutal. Head and cross winds gusting to 40 mph. Glad we stopped at about 150 miles as I am tired. Staying at a dirt lot in the little town of Sheffield, TX. Looking forward to getting on the way and to our destination tomorrow. We will spend a few days there relaxing and soaking up the sun.

See you after the next stop, so please, make your day great and share it with someone you care about.

Tom and Millie