We had a great time exploring Santa Fe over a long weekend. We were fortunate to grab the last unreservable RV site before a busy weekend.
Hyde Memorial SP is ten miles east of the city and at an elevation of 8800 feet. Going another couple of miles and a few more thousand feet is the local downhill ski area
There are only 7 sites that can accomodate an RV our size, and the so-called main loop is really meant for tents, vans and pop-ups.
Main Loop rough road – possibly the cause of a crack in the water pump.
The trails seem to be well travelled and easy enough to navigate.
Nice trails within the park – and a cardio workout.
The annual Indian Market was just as busy as reviews suggested it would be. Santa Fe is a beautiful place and would be perfect if not for the traffic.
We took a side trip one day to Maddrid, and, as described in the Turqoise Trail brochure, it was funky. We thought we had found the perfect southwest area rug, at a great little shop there, but found the dimensions were not going to work with the slide.
NM14 is dotted with galleries and local art along the drive, and is a great way to get out and see the countryside.
Sugarite Canyon Sate Park in the northeast corner of New Mexico minutes outside the historic town of Raton is a great place to escape to nature.
There are several multiuse trails within the park, some more travelled than others.
One of wider trails are in the vicinity of the old coal town that existed in the canyon up thru the early 1940’s.
The guided tour of the coal town was really neat and it is hard to imagine what life was like there three quarters of a century ago. It is quite incredible to visualize the town being built up the hiilside with stone quarried, on location, in order to establish three coal mines in the side of the mountain.
Nature has a way of reclaiming its space if left unattended. The ranger did say considerable portions of the structures were salvaged by locals after the mines ceased operating.
The historic coal town reverting to nature.
Houses in the historic coal town were company-owned and workers were paid in script money, only useful at the company-owned store. Families were allowed to have supplemental means such as gardens and chickens, and there was a good sense of community and sharing.
The transport of coal down the steep grade from the mines was managed by wagon for a long time until an eventual rail line and loading station were built some time later.
One-ton horse / oxen pulled coal wagon.
Now all that exists is the peaceful sounds and sights of nature.
There are spectacular views from the Soda Pocket campground, which is three miles (last 2 are a steep gravel road) past Lake Alice campground.
Soda Pocket campground.
We actually preferred to enjoy electric hookups and a shorter drive to town. It was also a good time to catch up on RV maintenance and reading, as there was no internet or phone service in the area.
Our camphosts were excellent, and as we travelled to our next State Park were surprised to see them as they were passing thru on their days off to explore the surrounding areas.
Using the annual camping pass has, so far, beeen a great way to explore New Mexico. We are getting a taste of the monsoonal season, which has not been as bad as expected.
It might all be about place and time. We shall see.
Keeping a travel journal is quite amusing to understand just how much or little humans are creatures of habit.
There was one such entry in our travel log indicating our arrival at the fish hatchery in Idaho was exactly the same month and day as the previous year. Wow! And— leaving it is always bittersweet, beacause it is so peaceful with tons of wildlife around.
Baldy Mountain in Sun Valley.
Often, it turns out making plans are just that. Making plans, then foregoing them because life makes other plans in the interrim. This time it a part for the ancient VW that extended our time in Idaho Falls – a neat and clean city with lots of outdoor green space.
A view of the Temple from Downtown.
The downtown river front is flanked by greenbelts on both sides and a nice community park with ballfields and perimeter walking/bike paths that we took advantage of during our stay.
We seem to be following the Snake River as we leave Idaho Falls and head toward Jackson. It would have been nice to let Ellie take a dip in the River more often, but it runs too fast. She finally was able to cool off in the Snake River near Alpine at a NFS campground, where a little barrier pool was created by rocks.
Jackson is very busy right now, at the height of Summer. We quietly meander through town toward home on the range.
Moving to higher elevation for cooler weather is a nice break, especially when we cannot always get spots with a shade tree.
We revisit a previous site on National Park Land north of Jackson to find the same picturesque view of the Tetons.
A perfect backdrop for any picture.
The place has changed some since last travelling through the area. Now there are numerous signs everywhere indicating rules and where not to camp. Changes undoubtedly associated with the knowledge spread by websites that publicise boondock areas. Public lands are for all to enjoy, so I cannot complain. I am here, right?
Today we visited one of interpretive places along the Oregon trail in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon.
The site sits at approximately 3500 ft and traverses Ponderosa and Douglas Fir studded forests and rocky meadows.
An easy patch of trail
Part of the self-guided walk parallels the original trail the emigrants travelled. As we ventured off into the woods (Independence Loop), I was keeping my eyes and ears open for unexpected wildlife. This portion of the trail was less than one mile, but still, one never knows what to expect when diverging from the main path. It wasn’t until after reading the excerpts of the emigrants’ journal that I read about their panther sighting.
The ascent out of the woods up onto a rocky meadow was simple enough on foot, but it was at one point twenty-two head of cattle was needed to haul one (lightly loaded) wagon over the grade to avoid overturning the top-heavy wagons.
Wagon wheel tracks and fallen timber
By the time they reached the Blue Mountains they were only making eight miles a day given the terrain. So much for having an accurate forecast of provisions.
Imagine keeping this intact over rugged trails?
So many aspects of the journey presented challenges.
Being in the lead sounded better than pulling up the rear, with the clay dust being kicked up from the trail. It was hard to know whether they embraced the wind, or the rain more —being plagued by flying insects and breathing trail dust.
Most likely no room for riders alongside the provisions
These were definitely a group of incredible people — leaving everthing behind, risking the unknown and maintaining the stamina to endure months of rugged travel and dangers that accompanied them.
Near the end of May, we finally finished appointments in Salem and feel like we have been set free. We followed the Columbia River east past the area where the Eagle fire almost took out the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge. Over the horizon for miles remains only the silhouette of the forest that once was dense.
We spent a few days relaxing along the Columbia River watching kiteboarders, barges, and trains go by. And, a paddleboat(cruiseliner). The wind is generally guaranteed by midday and brings forth the water activities.
Three days of beach time for Ellie
As we travel east toward Pendleton, I really was expecting to see some sheep farming. Especially as we approached Pendleton. I guess that is a bygone era as most production for Pendleton Woolen Mills has been outsourced to China. I did find the historic artifacts interesting, if not the shopping experience.
Navajo Blankets at Pendleton
We are back in nature in the Wallowa-Whitman NF and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
Only good things are in store (vine-ripe tomatoes) for the Willamette Valley after a good week of gentle rain this time of year. The weather has been refreshing with abundant spurts of sunshine.
We were lucky to get into a decent spot midday on a Friday at Boulder Beach CG in Lake Mead NP. Then with some early morning scouting, we were able to switch to a lake view site.
Beachfront property.
A day trip has taken us to explore the Valley of Fire State Park.
A early morning drive was quiet and watching the hills change color made the ride enjoyable.
We stopped at one of the many waysides, and found Rogers Hot Spring along our trip. The water looked inviting, although there are some inherent risks with Amoeba organisms in these natural springs. I wondered about the palms,as we always see palms at hot springs. But the information sign indicates plant life is often introduced over time by human and animal traffic.
Outflow of the hot springs.
Both the journey and destination was a delight. We visited many of the key features in the State park, although my desire to seek out the canyon-like passages on the Prospect Trail turned out to be more challenging to hike down to than I anticipated.
Traversing the steep trail.
I traversed down the first quarter of mile or so, to see there had actually been a film set created there in 1965. I am not sure if they had horses on location for that scene, but I decided that was a good turning point for me today.
Stairs along the White Domes Loop.
There was so much to see at the Valley of Fire SP, and was glad we had the time to spend a morning out amongst all the wonderful rock formations, on a mild day.
A few glimpes of Valley of Fire State Park.The CCC built these structures decades ago.One of many unique features in the Park.
We look forward to visiting the Hoover Dam and the historic features in the area.
This week I returned to Los Algodones to get a second crown.
I was able to request the same dentist who I saw in November and getting a crown has progressed smoothly, and with zero pain.
Well, not exactly zero if you count the tension in my toes and knuckles the entire time I am in the chair.
FEAR – False Evidence Appearing Real
Oh… if only I could forget one bad dental experience from long ago.
I almost walked out of the waiting area in November as the clock ticked past my appointment time, as fear started to creep into my mind, then they called my name. Just in time.
This time was so easy.
Appointments are not always on time, as we all know, so allow extra time.
Calle Almo location – just one block past the plaza
My overall experience at Sani Dental Group was excellent. They have two locations in Los Algodones and as explained by the patient coordinator, they staff each office with several qualified dentists (not students), that cover the range of dental needs in each location.
The standard procedures for the office were consistent for the two separate times I scheduled dental work.
1. Set the appointment.
2. Check in at the front desk with photo ID, fill out a health questionnaire, have your photo taken for your file.
3. Meet with the patient coordinator.
4. Get a panorama X-ray.
5. Meet with the diagnosing dental team.
6. Agree on what procedures will be performed.
7. Pay for half of the agreed upon procedures.
8. Wait in the waiting corridor until called by the dentist/assistant.
9. Complete dental work. If followup appointments are scheduled, return next time, sign in with the front desk and proceed to the waiting area, once instructed.
10. Once work is complete, a post procedure X-ray is taken (at no extra charge), remaining payment is processed and a final meeting with the coordinator to sign the two-year warranty paperwork.
The offices are clean, temperature controlled and the waiting area is well lit, and provides television/reading material as well as restrooms and drinking water.
The waiting corridor – nine rooms and more specialized areas beyond the glass doors (maybe where implants are done)
I saw Dr. Mario Rafael Valenzuela Cruz and his assistant el Senor Gustavo. The dentist provided direction in english and the assistant explained procedures in detail. They appeared to work together professionally and answered my questions or concerns.
I know there are some terrible reviews online for many dental practices and sometimes I wonder about the validity of such reviews.
I did see a patient return to the office with a bridge problem, but it is possible there are reasons things did not go smoothly for that person.
Every person and procedure has its own set of limitations or problems.
I hope my will last a very long time and should that change will orovide an update.
Meanwhile, if you have a question or comment about getting dental work done, I would be happy to share any additional insight based on my experience.
Years ago we stopped at the official center of the world in Felicity, CA. Little did we know that we would be spending a long stretch of the winter months in the BLM Long Term Visitors Area across the highway.
There are seven different areas in southwest AZ and neighboring CA where one can stay from September 15 through April 15. We previously stayed at the La Posa LTVA in Quartzsite on a two-week permit (after the winter gem and RV show).
This year we are still thinking about whether we want to get into the flux of half a million people in Quartzsite. From what I understand, there are good deals to be had on goods and services.
Our original plans were to stay at the Imperial Dam LTVA, but the rough paved highway (thru miles of farmland) was pretty slow going. It is 40 minutes to Yuma and we had no cell coverage at that place. It was good to check it out in the van instead of taking the motorhome up there.
Greens – ready to harvest
On the way to the Imperial Dam we stop at the Imperial Date Farm. I didn’t know it, but apparently I like dates – first time trying them.
Fabulously fresh Medjool dates. We will be going back to get more.
The benefit would have been the RV dump and fresh water fill on site. Staying at Pilot Knob costs a bit more, having to pay extra for dump and water nearby, but the trade-off is the convenience to Yuma.
And… to Los Algodones. We made an initial trip across the border to buy medications. The hawkers were ready to guide us to optical and dental services. We passed on that, not needing those services.
Well…, a week later one of my fillings fell out and now I had the need for a dentist. I tried to do research and based on other reviews by others, I went to a larger group and feel I found a dentist that did not cause any pain during the process of getting a crown. Now I just need to follow up to see if I can request this specific dentist for a future visit.
It’s funny how you think all is well on the health and medical side, until these expenses pop up. Fortunately, we try to stay within our budget.
Pilot Knob has worked out to be pretty nice; once you get used to the trains at night. Ellie has so much fun being able to play off leash and run in an area outside the LTVA boundary line where people go to hike the hill.
As for the humans, we are getting our fill of reading and cooking.
Recent culinary creations – Sonoran hot dogs, persimmon tart, mashed potato biscuits, quiche, pulled pork and tomalito (yumm!)
As a special treat, I was able to find spice jars that allowed me to organize my spices. Now I have three dedicated places to find one of the 30 or more spices we carry in the pantry.
Our new 4 oz spice jars with shakers and lids.
2018 was a wonderful year for us, full of happiness and good health.
Toucanrv 