Saturday, July 4, 2015

Heading Home - July 1st

We pulled out on Tuesday after a quick sandwich. Even though we wanted to see the rock slide on the road to Cimmaron Pass, I chose to take the more narrow and less traveled road into the Mora Valley. One more Route 66 stop was the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, NM. By the time I reached Muleshoe, TX, I was exhausted. We had planned to get to Waylon Jennings Park in Littlefield. Muleshoe has a lovely free park. The moon was just lovely. The next morning we traveled through Slaton TX and saw the museum and Thumbprint Cookie Shop. the train was a big part of Slaton's history. We made it to Cameron for church on Wednesday night. I wanted to stay at my parents home ~ I miss them but I know they would love that I went to the encampment just like they did. We arrived home after washing the Snail by 2:00pm. What a trip.

Red River Encampment

This little mama has about twice as many ducklings as she normally has when I pull into this campground. The river was higher than I have ever seen it. Friday night started the Red River Family Encampment. Singing was first and then we were non-stop each morning from 8-12 and evenings beginning at 5 until the last story was told around 9:30. Great speakers! At the first gathering I looked to to see one of my ACU friends. So amazed that I recognized the Stigers. Jim and Charla Stigers - so happy to get to visit with them several times during our stay. We were with the encampment until Tuesday noon. Loved every moment. We were camped next to folks from Merkle and on the other side a lady from Georgia. I believe there were nearly 3,000 registered at the encampment... a full tent.

Middle Fork Lake

Trail to Middle Fork Lake - elevation is pretty high - approximately 9922 elev.where we turned around and headed back. Yes, I did see a young man riding a bike down the trail. WooHoo for him. Not sure how long you have to be in the mountains to get your lungs working properly but blood thinner does not help.

Elephant Rock Campground and Red River NM

Going over to Angel Fire, we took a side trip to Elizabeth Ghost Town. Not much there. Arbor Day at Red River. So much fun to help with Arbor Day with Smokey the Bear and the folks at the Community House. And the staff had smores prepared for the kids to take to the fire ring. Dry camping or boondocking in the forest again ~ Elephant Rock NFCG near Red River. The Sail has landed until Saturday when we move to a campground in Red River.

Leaving Williams and heading to Red River

Wake up to birds making their special sounds in the morning. After all it is very cold and humidity is zilch. On the road to Piedra Falls Trail and then the trail. There has been so much rain and flooding in the area that much of the established trail has disapeared with rocks and trees covering the trail. I am sitting on a lovely rock observing the falls. The falls have two huge falls and then smaller ones. Not satisfied, I chose to walk a little closer and the tiny pebbles and shale rolled under my feet. Glad I have a large bottom which took the blow and saved my camera. UGH! The hike back to the car was interesting but not like the next day. Leaving the forest was a little bitter sweet. I may have to take up fishing or pick up my crochet again to make me relax and stay put longer.

June 23

This one I missed the evening before. We do have some good meals on the camp stove. Breakfast is always good. Nothing like bacon, eggs and toast in camp. Nice to take an early morning hike after breakfast. We took the trail around the Williams Creek Reservoir. There were a few fishermen. Relaxation around camp. Quiet time which we seldom do. The Clam screen shelter is a life saver when the little bugs decide to fly. We really did not have much problem and the shade really helped. We decided to put it near the trees and not over the picnic table. Another supper in camp .. talapia steamed with vegetables ... yummy.