FOUR CORNERS

The first picture was taken Wednesday as we crossed the New Mexico, Colorado borders. Today 9/2/10, we drove to Four Corners. The second picture taken is of the Ute mountains on the way to Four Corners. The drive took about 45 minutes from our RV site in Cortez CO. We each stood in the center of the monument. It is a very interesting monument showing the dates each state entered the US as a state. Also flags are flown from each state. Of course there were lots of native crafts to buy. I'm not sure how I resisted any purchase at all. But I keep telling myself there is only so much room in the RV, and I just auctioned off lots of stuff, so there isn't any need to start collecting again. I'll be upset tomorrow when I think of all those really neat pieces of native jewelry at such great prices. On the way back to Cortez, we stopped at the Ute Nation Casino and Hotel. They have pretty nice RV park behind the casino. Actual RV park, not just spaces in the parking lot. We will think about staying a night there if we come back this way again. We are staying in this area for a few more days.

STAGECOACH STOP RV PARK

The first picture is at the entrance of the Stagecoach Stop RV Park in Rio Rancho NM. It is a really nice Good Sam park, and we will definitely stay here again when we come through the Albuquerque area. The next two pictures show the Jeep and RV at our site, and the Sandia peak that can be seen from the windows of the RV. The old bridge is a historic bridge that is being left by the expressway. It is part of the original "Route 66." The pictures showing mountain views were taken on the way to Colorado from the Albuquerque area. Oops, last picture is a duplicate, and hopefully I can delete it later.

RODE THE SANDIA PEAK TRAMWAY

On Saturday 8/28/10 we had lunch at the Sandia Casino, then drove to the Sandia Peak Tramway. This tram is the world's longest aerial tramway. Elevation at the peak is over 10,000 feet. Trams hold up to 50 people. There are 2 towers holding up the trams, and you feel a slight swaying when traveling over the towers. I rode the tram while Ted waited at the base. It wasn't scary at all, and I am really afraid of heights. I took a few pictures on the way up and down the tram ride. Also walked around at the peak to see the ski lifts that go up and down the opposite side of the peak. In the summer people ride up the ski lifts and ride bikes down the ski hill. Not for me. One of the pictures (#6) shows two trams passing on the way up and down. The fourth picture looks like there is a face in the side of the mountain. I found a nice couple who took pictures of me at the peak to show I was there. They were from Lubbock, TX, and he had worked at Chucky Cheese in Saginaw, MI while it was under construction. Small world. The last picture is the tram I actually rode down. The picture was taken as it was arriving at the peak.

BACK IN ALBUQUERQUE NM AREA

We arrived at our new RV park on Thursday afternoon. Found a nicer RV park to stay in that is close to a very new casino, Walmarts and a Social Security Office. No-o-o-o, I am not looking to return to work yet. The first picture is the view from the front window of our RV at our site. Much better view than we had during our last visit. We found the SSA office in Rio Rancho while looking for a Walgreens. Not very busy on a Friday morning as you can see by the parking lot. Also for any SSA colleages, fenced gated employee parking in the side and rear of the building. We did not stop in for a visit today. We drove to Camping World for replacement windshield wipers, and ended up looking at a newer RV. More to come on whether we make an up grade. Yikes!!! Also found a new casino West of Alburquerque. The Route 66 Casino and Hotel. Of course we had to check it out. The sign at the entrance is unique as the sign posts are replicas of the old visible gas tanks from the 1920's. We dropped some coin in the slots and gift shop and had lunch there. Later in the day we also visited the casino near our RV park. Ted hit twice with four of of kind on video poker so we came out ahead today at the casinos and had a great time. We plan to stay in the area for at least 4 days.

HEADING NORTH TO NEW MEXICO 8/2010

The first picture shown is West Texas landscape taken on the way to New Mexico. Second picture was obviously taken as we crossed the border from Texas. The third picture is of the landscape in New Mexico after crossing the border. We spent two nights at the KOA in Carlsbad, the next picture was taken at the entrance to their office, store, community area. This KOA is definitely the nicest KOA we have ever stayed in. The sites are very large, lots of amenities offered for the KOA nightly price. It was our second time at this RV park. While there we made a trip to the Sitting Bull Falls. We drove down into a canyon in the Lincoln National Forest to get to the entrance of the falls. They have several nice picnic areas, and very clean restrooms also available at the park. It was a short walk to the Sitting Bull Falls. The last picture was taken while "driving through" Artesia NM. We had seen it on our previous trips on NM 285. The bronze sculpture is the 1st of 3 in a series titled "Cattle Drive." It is titled Trail Boss by Vic Payne. After researching it on the internet, we discovered there are two more sculptures in Artesia, The Vaquero, and The Rustler. Maybe we will get to look for them the next time we drive through Artesia.

VISITS WITH FAMILY 8/2010

The week after the races we spent some time visiting with relatives. Dorothy's Dad had medical problems and spent 24 hours in the local hospital. He was upset about the overnight stay because we had invited him and Nelda for a steak dinner on the day he was admitted through ER. So when he was released the next day, they immediately drove over to our RV site and we found his appetite was not affected by the hospital stay. He is doing well since with some changes to scripts. We also had lunch with Dorothy's youngest sister and her husband at Z-Tejas near Cedar Park. A nice restaurant and we had a great visit with them. Before we left Texas, we spent two nights at the Guadalupe River RV Resort in Kerrville, TX. It was a nice resort, but we also found lots of other RV parks in the area. While at this resort, Ted discovered he could pay a $5.00 fee and wash the rig at our RV site. So we spent the morning washing and drying the RV in triple digit heat. (Not something I want to repeat any time soon. It took several hours to recoup after that adventure.) Dorothy's brother and his wife come to the resort and we went to dinner together at Bella Vita, a really nice Italian restaurant. We will go there again when in the area. Dorothy's brother and his wife also took us for a tour of the Pathways 3H Camp near Kerrville TX. They have been involved with this agency for several years and are doing lots of great work with troubled teens. The last three pictures show wind turbines east of Fort Stockton and some Texas pride at roadside picnic area, Texas flag in colored stones .

LAST DAY OF LAKE FEST

On Sunday, Aug 15, we returned to the races and worked under the Merchandise tent at T-shirt, hat, kozy, poster sales booth from 8 - 11:00 am. Of course we bought t-shirts for our two sons and six grandsons so we definitely contributed to the profits of the event. We could see and hear the races when they began. Had a great time again meeting new people and enjoying the whole experience. The drag boats were going so fast, it was difficult to get good pictures, and my new camera does not take short movies. The fastest race we saw was going over 242 miles per hour. The boats really throw a roostertail during the race. It was so hot, we only stayed a short time after working our assigned time slot at the merchandise tent, then went back to the RV to cool off. Had planned to go back later and walk through the pits and take more pictures, but honestly couldn't talk ourselves into getting back out in the heat. Actual temperatures were over 100 degrees and heat index much higher. We still think it would be fun to return next year.