We’re learning. She is teaching us. The first night we couldn’t find anything – 2 people doing the stowing, using inherent logic. Rummaging and tripping over each other, Mott murmuring…” and we were interested in a Roadtrek??” [a smaller vehicle]
City of Rocks State Park – Nite 1
What a campground! Really a City of Rocks – in the middle of the prairie north of Deming – large boulders left from a long-ago volcanic flow. The campsites are nestled around the rocks – well spaced. We changed sites a couple of times – the icy northwest wind driving us toward more sheltered spots…we gave up a sunset view for a windless corner. But we looked like snowmen with all our layers of odd clothes …trip to REI essential.
It got dark and we were still trying to find things – but we somewhat effectively got a fire lit and cooked in the dark. My New Rule of Thumb: You cook while there is still light – you can eat whenever.
My idea of graceful and romantic camping was formed by watching Robert Redford and Meryl Streep around the campfire in Out of Africa. Only I won’t be sipping tea. But, alas, Our Lady has technological wonders.
We have a generator - for electric – micro, coffeemaker – and a furnace, hot water heater. Night low was in the 30’s so we needed some kind of warmth – but the noise of furnace and/or generator (for electric space heater) – on and off all night did not enhance a communing with Nature experience. And I am sure that the noise carried across the prairie to the tenters who had a few things to say about us. This campground has 14 full electrical hookups (so no need for generator) but they were essentially in a parking lot…I’d rather freeze! I’m working on my good neighbor philosophy.
I am becoming Walmart Woman. Or more aptly – Walmart hasn’t left much room for anyone else…especially in Deming…where… you know the wisdom – that you can find really interesting and bizarre people in Walmarts across the country? Well I will square that for Deming, NM.
OLIVER LEE STATE PARK - Night 2
A state park south of Alamagordo. Up against the mountains to the east in the Chihuahuan desert.
And back to my Walmart predeliction. Did you know Walmart has olive oil?
New tabletop propane cookstove/grill – so we don’t have to start a wood fire…easier sometimes. La Donna has a large frig/freezer – we could spend 2 weeks cooking frozen prepared food in the microwave. But part of the fun is shopping locally.
Grilled pork and peppers, avocado and tomato salad – better than Applebees…but then what? We have to figure out how to spend the evening hours in our cozy space.
We’re getting smarter. We didn’t use the furnace last night – and it was much more peaceful. But we did feel like Eskimos, our noses certainly cold.
On our way again – with stop in Alamagordo for the night’s provisions. Found a SW supermarket chain – with lots of Mexican products – and a German section! they even have imported sauerkraut. I guess it tells you about the early settlers.
We just happened to pass Phat Phils BBQ – and it was lunchtime…brisket sandwich …a huge one, great slaw…am guessing some sour cream, lots of celery seed, maybe even poppy seed and a bit of Dijon mustard.
VALLEY of FIRE – Night 3
Overlooking lava fields, these sites have electric hook-ups and are also well-spaced – so a wired night in store. We had a terrible time choosing the perfect site – sunrise-positioned – or sunset, wind- protected. And of course the aesthetic factor – are you alone with Nature or can you see a cel-phone tower or that 40 foot RV with satellite out of the corner of your eye. Yes – we’re nimbies.
We microwaved dinner – pathetic – but it got dark ( breaking my rule) and it was cold and the wind had picked up. So we had leftover pork and fried rice from the freezer aisle, and listened to Garrison Keeler and the BBC on the I-Pod.
Then our usual…and unreasonable…40 minutes of stowing and rearranging and decision-wrangling. ….do we need to reposition vehicle …if we angle it just a little we will get a sunrise coming through our picture window…. is it level? Do we use our bathroom (which eventually we have to discharge) or walk 100 yds to the public bathhouse…where’s the flashlight…where’s my windbreaker…you can’t find the keys?....you took the cardreader… and lots of “would you get out of my ways?”
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