Wintering in Albuquerque 2010: March 2010

Death Valley

Death Valley Days

We left Bakersfield in the sun (I found a Starbucks) – went up a mountain on our way to Death Valley, spent the night, and woke up to a gloomy snowy morning. This town Huatapaxla? (near Andrews Air Force base) is a center of wind turbines – some 4,500 churn in these hills.

Then into Death Valley - which I was afraid would be overrated – but it is Awesome!

Camping Tribes

When you get to a crowded campground (almost all were) you have to assess the situation and think about what “club” you want to identify with. Everyone is friendly and chatty and picks up on the cues around your campsite. We have New Mexico plates which changes the opening salvos. I think a Mass plate would be surprising…certainly an Obama sticker would. Those you might find on the tent campers Prius or broken-down VW. Grey hair makes for a club, driving around with potted plants to decorate your entrance is another…or filling your windshield with stuffed animals. Or bringing a pet or two.

American flags are big – I guess overt patriotism the symbol of a large camping clan. ..the open road thing…I’m my own man…something curiously American going on. Sports affiliations are on display. But when Mott wore is Red Sox cap, he got nary a comment.

Then we walk around indulging in RV envy - would you look at that slick chair, cool sewage tube support, satellite antenna…..

We of course are the paupers of any RV park….only 20 feet long – and we seem to be the only people who prefer to cook and eat outdoors…and have a campfire. As dusk approaches everyone disappears inside and has dinner looking out their picture windows. Then the eery blue glow of TV screens colors the campground

oops...we forgot our solar panel

Camping Elephant Butte Lake State Park

Preparations

Getting Ready for a Hike

We must have a rock on our hike.

A Spreading Fest

Fishing with gummy worms.

There's something about rocks...

Happy Campers!

The Mad Greek - Baker, California

Emerging from Death Valley - through barren landscapes on our way to the Mojave, we stumble upon Baker, California – which seems another land. On Interstate 10 – the Los Angeles to Las Vegas highway, The Mad Greek seems to have attracted every passing motorist. ..and these weren’t just people emerging from desert visits – but a decked out, high flying clientale.

There was a photo essay there on the people. ..and their dressed up dogs. The Vegas-bound, the Vegas-defeated, bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, high rollers, losers, flashy fashion along with Fed Ex drivers, local cowboys, Hispanic laborers. And we were in a hurry……