New Mexico - Drive on I-25 South from Alburqueque to Las Cruces

Aloha Everyone,

We skirted Albuquerque to evade Monday morning commuter traffic and drove on I-25 South. Miles and miles of incredible open space is a wonderful opportunity for me to practice meditation and sitting Kundalini Yoga. After nearly 5 months of living in Honu, J.J. is accustomed to my daily practice starting with HUD Kriya.

Our first stop was an early lunch in Socorro, a small city located in the Rio Grande Valley. According to the U.S. census, in 2012, the population of Socorro was 8,906.

As usual whenever we are looking for a good restaurant in an unfamiliar city, J.J. would drive up & down main street to observe which eatery has a parking lot full of cars.  In Socorro it was El Camino Family Restaurant.

It was only a little after 11:00 am so I ordered breakfast food while J.J. had Beef Enchilada. This part of the country, meals are huge. My breakfast came with 3 slices of French Toast, 2 (very large) scrambled egg, 3 pieces of bacon and hash brown potatoes. Even after J.J. pitched in, 40% of the food remained uneaten. Here is Carrie bringing our order.

We passed a road sign that says "Truth or Consequences". What a strange name for a town and we were ready to investigate. Unfortunately, the road was closed due to highway repairs so we continued on South.

Here is quick data on New Mexico.

1.  New Mexico (Spanish: Nuevo México and in Navajo: Yootó Hahoodzo,

2.. New Mexico is the 5th largest in size, the 36th most populous, and the 6th least densely populated of the 50 states.

3.  New Mexico is one of the top pecan producing states in the country along with Georgia and Texas.

4.  New Mexico, in 2008  had the highest percentage (47%) of Hispanics.

5.  In New Mexico, 64% of the population speak English, 28% Spanish and 4% Navajo as their first language.

Tonight we are staying at Sunny Acres RV Park in Las Cruces, "The City of the Crosses." There were a lot of political signs on residents lawns as they gear up for the November elections.

The Organ Mountain is a very prominent landmark in Las Cruces. The ragged peaks I photograph are called "The Needles'.

Michele does "work camping" and spends two days a week helping customers in the office. She was very nice and helpful.

One thing that we don't understand is that in addition to 7.94% sales tax, there is also 5% hotel tax on our bill. Basically when we stay in RV park, we literally rent a parking area with hook-up of electricity, water and waste dumping. So how does the state figure that it is a hotel?

Tonight JJ and I will weigh our option of taking Highway 70 to Alamogordo passing White Sands National Monument then to Artesia or go down to El Paso, Texas. Our final destination for tomorrow's adventure is Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Aloha -- Cathi

Albuqueque, New Mexico

Aloha Everyone,

Weather has a significant factor in our decision on which direction to go. Due to freezing temperatures forecast for Northern Arizona, we had to abort our plan of going to Canyon de Chelly in Chinle, Navajo Tribal Lands. We decided to head south where climate is warmer.

Some of you may have seen the movie "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" a 2009 drama film based on the true story of a faithful Akita Inu* (dog). The Akita is a large, powerful and imposing breed of dog with a dignified and intimidating presence. Akita was originally used for guarding royalty and nobility in feudal Japan. Akita is fearless and protective of his family and according to Akita owners, will not back down from danger or physical challenges.  Akita is also an affectionate and sociable dog. This morning Steve came by to introduce himself and his Akitas.  Yoshi Hoshi, the black female is 1 year old.  Yoshi could be translated as "good" or "superior" and Hoshi means "star",  The white and black Akita is called Taitan, Japanese name for Titan and he is 6 years old.  Steve currently resides in Corrales, New Mexico but he has lived in Germany and Spain for a total of 19 years.

Unable to find healthy lunch stops, J.J. and I had a picnic in Honu.

We passed a number of Casino/hotels and RV Parks located in the middle of nowhere.

We are staying at High Desert RV Park just outside of Albuquerque. Upon registering, we were assigned Site #406 but there was a car parked in our stall. After informing the office, we waited in Honu. The manager came running out all apologetic and gave us another site which is closer to the office.

Albuquerque is known for its International Balloon Festival held each year during the first two weeks of October.  More than 2,000 balloonists participate. We were informed by people we met at another RV park that this year the weather was not cooperative. Many balloons were blown to their side and could not take off.  

This RV park offers nice amenities including a kitchen if you would like to prepare elaborate meals.

One peculiar line in their Guidelines For An Enjoyable Stay, it states, "Without prior approval of management, any vehicle which detracts from the intent, purpose and general appearance of the park is not allowed.  This includes any RV over 10 years of age." While there are many large, newer RVs, we saw quite a few older models which must have obtained prior approval of management for their stay :-).

Aloha -- Cathi

Gallup, New Mexico

Aloha Everyone,

Gallup is located in western New Mexico and it is the most populous city between Flagstaff and Albuquerque. The city's name comes from David Gallup who was the paymaster for the Atlantic Pacific Railroads. U.S. Route 66 ran through Gallup. Today motorists prefer wider, faster Interstate 40.

About 5 years ago, J.J. and I stopped in Gallup on our way to Window Rock. Two things that were etched in our memories about Gallup was a stately Navajo man wearing one of the most impressive, museum quality jewelries made of silver and turquoise. He was shopping at Walmart and we thought perhaps he was on his way to attend an important ceremony. We returned to The Walmart to shop just in case he happens to be there.

The second thing we remembered about Gallup was El Sombrero and the delicious meals they served.

It was not even 11:00 am and the parking lot was filled with cars including two patrol cars with Gallup Police emblems.

My beverage of hot water with fresh lemon was served promptly with extra hot water.

El Sombrero's tortilla chips were just as good as we remembered.

Addie, our server was truly charming and our return to Gallup was totally satisfying.

There are two RV parks in the city of Gallup. The first place we stayed was in beautiful Red Rock Park but their facilities were a little rustic. Today we are staying at USA RV Park located on Route 66. Based on their charges, this place seems to cater to a more affluent clientele.

They offer cowboy cookout during the summer month.

There is also heated pool, playground and outdoor chess set plus putting green.

J.J. and I did our laundry and caught up with our emails and phone calls. Tomorrow we are moving towards Chinle in Arizona and hope to visit the Canyon de Chelly in the Navajo Tribal Nation.

Aloha -- Cathi

Salt River Canyon on Arizona State Hwy 77

Aloha Everyone,

Our drive on Arizona Highway 77 took us through beautiful Salt River Canyon passing San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation to Fort Apache Indian Reservation.

Salt River Canyon is hardly publicized. J.J. noted that the area has no services along the way, and therefore does not seem very inviting for the casual tourist.  For us, however, it was well worth the extra time on the road.

At one of the lookout points we met Jamie (right) and Liz. Jamie is Apache and her hometown is about 20 miles from where we met. Liz, a Senaca-Iroquois, is from New York. The girls are both studying in Albuquerque, New Mexico and today they were taking their little sisters to Phoenix.

From high desert to pine tree forests, J.J. had to adjust our AC to accommodate the changing topography and cooler temperature.

We stopped at the Chamber of Commerce Tourist Information Center in a small town of Show Low.

The lady who assisted us was originally from Warsaw, Indiana. She's been in Show Low for the past 10 years.

Tonight we are staying at the Red Rock State Park camping ground in Gallup, New Mexico.

Our next door neighbors are Ben and Mary from San Diego. They are on a short break from their business of selling fruiting plants from around the world.

Three sides of this park are bordered by red rocks. The park is managed by the city of Gallup. J.J. and I visited here about 5 years ago and fondly remember an excellent Mexican restaurant in town. If it's still in business, I am certain that J.J. will find it.

Aloha -- Cathi