April 10, 2013 – Lava and Burros

 We left our little spot this morning and headed south on I-10, then east on US-380 past the Buckhorn in San Antonio:

  

Past the entrance to the Trinity Site:

 

Past some more beautiful scenery:

 

 

And into the Valley of Fire National Recreation Area where we found a great site with water and electric for $9.00 (Golden Age Pass Price).

 

How about that view – :-))

Let me give you some information on the Valley of Fire.  Between 1500 and 5000 years ago, lava spewed from volcanic vents in the northern end of Tularosa Basin and flowed south for 44 miles.  This may be one of the youngest lava flows in the Continental U.S. (Mount St. Helens did not cause a flow of lava across the landscape).  The lava flow covered everything in its path except for a few “islands” called Kipukas.  The campground is on one of those islands.

After we set up and had lunch we went to the hilltop overlook where you could really see where the lava flow went around the campground area.  This is looking north: 

This is looking south:

Coming down the overlook, we noticed this walking stick cholla in bloom:

We stopped at the visitor center, picked up a trail map and headed out on the nature trail.  Here is the start and a view of one of the lava fields:

Check out the swirls:

 

In the distance is Little Black Peak.  This peak is probably the last vent that opened in this area.  There are some lava caves there that are home to different bat species.  People can go to the caves but you need a permit from the BLM and equipment.

The edge of the lava flow:

What amazed us is the amount of plants growing out of the cracks in the lava – amazing:

More swirls:

Isn’t he cute:

This large hole was a gas bubble that collapsed as the surface cooled.  There are quite a few of these:

Tree growing out of one of the cracks:

This ropey looking lava is called Pahoehoe – (Pa-hoy-hoy):

This blocky, jagged lava is called a a (pronounced ah-ah):

Spring time:

 

Standing on one of the flows:

This juniper is estimated t be over 400 years old.  I just love the trunk of this tree:

Cacti from the cracks:

 

Check out the little bird:

There are many birds in the area and quite a bit on the tree next to our motorhome.  And they love to tease the cats.  Speaking of the kitties, they were in the front window when we got back:

 

There is snow in those hills – Brrr!:

We then took a little ride to Carrizozo which is about 4 miles away to check out their downtown.  Carrizozo was established in 1899 so it is an old town.  It looks like they are trying to revitalize it – hope so cause it is really cute and colorful.   We saw quite a few of these painted burro statues around the town:

 

And this is what I found out about them:

“The Burro herd is back at Gallery 408 on Twelfth Street in Carrizozo! Pick your favorite we like Jeremy Howe’s Golden Rod—and help the local Animal Rescue Organization. Every November, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Carrizozo buzzes with excitement during the annual Burro Auction at Gallery 408. Life size Burros painted and embellished by well-known artists have become the Public Art of the sidewalks and buildings of Carrizozo. Gazing from rooftops, garden walls, sidewalks and private patios, the Burros of Carrizozo welcome travelers and friends. Each burro has a unique personality and story demonstrating the visual interests of the artist who created them.”

We have been thru other towns that have done something similar:  Ground Hogs near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania; Cats in Catskill, New York; and Moose in Talkeetna, Alaska.  We may have to go back tomorrow to see and find out more.

Stay tuned.

Miles Traveled: 72 Miles

Routes Traveled:

New Mexico: Fairgrounds Road; I-25; US-380

April 8-9, 2013 – Windy, Stormy, and a Back Country Byway

On Monday we woke to calm skies but by 11 AM the winds picked up.  By noon, we pulled our slide in and it stayed that way until Tuesday morning.  So we just kept ourselves busy by updating the blog, planning our next couple weeks of travel, reading, and watching TV.  And the winds continued all thru the night.

I did receive a comment on my blog from DNPC “Damn Near Perfect Couple” - http://dnpc.blogspot.com/

Do you remember this picture from April 5th?

Well, here is what they are - “The white cone-shaped things you see are a "VORTAC" (Variable Omni-Range, Tactical Air Navigation) sites. They provide bearing/distance information for aircraft and form airway intersections or fixes. (I'm a retired air traffic controller).”  How cool is that .  Thanks so much DNPC.

This morning the wind had died down so I went for a haircut and to do laundry. (Yesterday I cut Andy’s hair so we are now both clipped – :-)).  After lunch we decided to go do something after our day inside yesterday.  We made a stop at the BLM office and picked up a map for the Quebradas Back Country Byway.  It is a 24 mile long dirt road and goes thru both public and private lands.  We were not sure how far we would get since we saw some dark clouds coming over the mountains but decided to chance it anyway.  And the scenery was SPECTACULAR!

We crossed the Rio Grande at Escondida:

  And started on the Byway:

Storms ahead, oh my:

 

 

 

 

That white stuff is hail melting.  We were very blessed to have missed the storm in this area.  When we saw the white, I had to get out to check it – almost thought it was snow – LOL:

 

Our greeter at the end of the trail:

And, yes, I did all the driving

We ended up on US380 and then headed to the Wildlife Refuge south of San Antonio.  Alas, the visitor center was closed.  We decided to use the bathrooms there and when we came out, our Tracker tire was flat – oh oh!  Andy used the compressor and added air.  We headed back to San Antonio, stopped at Buckhorn’s for dinner and then headed back.

The tire was still losing slowly so we put on our spare.  When we get to our next Wal-Mart, we will get it checked.

The weather has turned much colder – even had to put on the heater this evening.  We hope to head east tomorrow so stay tuned for our next adventure.

Enjoy today!