ALAMOSA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Currently in Alamosa CO (Low 33 Sunny Early Then Afternoon Thunderstorms High 70) 

We talked yesterday about the challenges of weather and its impact. We 'planned' to go to the Great Sand Dune National Park which is nearby and was highly recommended by Bob's cousin Kevin who lives in Colorado. With all the snow we got Jo decided to check the live webcam for the Great Sand Dune National Park and we are glad she did. We decided we did not want to visit the Great Snow Dunes since they got more snow than we did so we came up with Plan B - the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge which was about 5 minutes from the KOA.

Our first stop at these kind of places is the visitors center to get some tips.

They had a list of the birds that have been seen that day and we were excited since there were a few we have not seen before so we took off on the auto tour route since the walking trails would be too muddy with all the recent rain and then the overnight snow. 

We saw some new birds to us like the Yellow Headed Blackbird. A reminder that you can select the photo and it will enlarge for you.

The American Bittern, a member of the Heron family

The Horned Lark 

We think this is the Sage Thrasher

Since this is a wetland there were ducks.

We saw a Northern Harrier in flight but did not get a good picture. Here is one that was stuffed and displayed in the visitors center.

We had a great time just driving very slowly through and stopping frequently trying to spot them with our binoculars and then get a good picture. Again click on the photos and it will zoom for you so you can see the birds better.

We will check the live cam for the Great Sand Dune National Park later this morning and if it looks good we will head there after breakfast.

Till next time,

Bob and Jo

THE CHALLENGES OF HIGH ALTITUDE TRAVEL IN EARLY MAY

Currently in Alamosa CO (Low 28 Partly Sunny High 60) 

At 7543' the weather is unpredictable. Who would have known that we would get snowed on last night. Jo took these pictures early this morning. Here is the snow on the ladder.

The sun trying to shine through, yes Jo was up that early :-)

Other pictures.

Luckily the snow melted quickly and we were able to do some sightseeing that we will blog about later

Till next time,

Bob and Jo

FOOD AS SIGHTSEEING

Currently in Alamosa CO (Low 30 Mostly Cloudy, a few Showers High 58) 

We thought we would talk a little about how we arrive at places to eat. With food being so important to us we have multiple lines of research. For years Bob has been collecting tidbits from TV shows and other people on where to eat so we check that first. Then a couple of bloggers that we follow are foodies so we check them, Phannie and Mae and Living our Dream. As we get closer to our next stop we check Yelp and other foodies sites. Once we get to the next park we ask at the checkin desk and then talk to fellow campers in the park. That gives us a whole lot of options. 

On our blog we have created a list of "Our Favorite Things! (Food)' on our blog. Here are the Arizona Green Chile Eggs from the Turquoise Room at the La Posada Hotel in Winslow Arizona.

Here is a partial view of that list as it used to be on the main page of our blog.

Mike Mills of Phannie and Mae has a list of his favorite restaurants by city which we think is pretty neat so we stole his idea. We have started to do this but it will be a work in progress. If any of our readers would like recommendations on a city just let us know and we will work on that first. Here is how our foodie section now looks on our blog. 

We have made two separate pages; our old best of list and this one  by state and then by city.

As stated before this is a work in progress so keep checking back and if you would like a city added just let us know.

Till next time,

Bob and Jo

ON THE ROAD AGAIN - TO ALAMOSA COLORADO

Currently in Alamosa CO (Low 33 Afternoon Thunderstorms High 71) 

We both survived our time at 7200' in Santa Fe so we left yesterday and headed to Alamosa Colorado (7543'). It was approximately 160 miles, this is the route we took



It was a scenic drive in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado and we could see the rain in the distance along with snow capped mountains.

We got a little rain on the way but arrived to rain in the distance but it did not affect our setup. We are planning to be here 1 week and are staying at the Alamosa KOA.

Hoping we can handle the 350' more in elevation. We sure can handle the scenery, here is the view out our back window showing the impending storm that never came.

Not sure how much sightseeing we will get done this week as the 'forecast' calls for rain most of the week.

Till next time,

Bob and Jo

REVIEW OF SANTA FE SKIES RV PARK IN SANTA FE NEW MEXICO

Currently in Santa Fe NM (Low 48 Currently Sunny 63)
Heading to Alamosa CO (Currently 47 Clouds and Sun with Afternoon Thunderstorm High 72) 

Our GPS devices agreed on the route and brought us right to the Santa Fe Skies RV Park. Sitting on a hill on the west side overlooking Santa Fe this is a picturesque park. This is the view of our sunsets that we will show later.

The roads are gravel as are the sites. There are concrete patios with picnic tables. The hookups are fairly convenient although the sewer connection is slightly elevated, but workable. We had a good line of sight for our roof mounted satellite dish. Here is the Lifestyle from the front.

We are at the end so the view to the left is the first photo. Here is the view to the right.

From the rear.

There were some great sunsets during this week, here is an example.

Since this park is in a picturesque and convenient location, very close to NM14 which becomes Cerrillos Road, we will stay here again if in the area. If what you are looking for is not on the Square then it probably is on Cerrillos Road

We handled the higher altitude pretty good so we depart today for Alamosa Colorado.

Till next time,

Bob and Jo

NEW MEXICO HISTORY MUSEUM IN SANTA FE NEW MEXICO

Currently in Santa Fe NM (Low 42 Partly Sunny High 77) 

Yesterday we toured the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe New Mexico. To be honest we were mainly going there to see the scale model of the USS New Mexico. Here is a famous photo from the web showing the USS New Mexico in Tokyo Bay after WWII.

Bob had read about a 2011 exhibit at the History Museum about the USS New Mexico that included a 7' scale model built by some Sandia National Lab engineers. We were disappointed that the front desk nor a docent inside the museum knew about the scale model. We toured the museum and although it was a small one it was a good time. We first toured the history timeline of New Mexico. Here are some artifacts from the 1700s Catholic Missions, silver crucifix and candlesticks, bell, and baptismal font.

As we progressed along the timeline we saw this stagecoach.

The WWII portion of the timeline had info on the USS New Mexico which was interesting. They also had a photograph of one of the kamikazes just before it hit the ship while Jo's dad was on it. It's a picture of a picture in a darkened museum that Bob tried to brighten so we apologize for the quality.

They also had a section on Fred Harvey and his hotels and restaurants along the Atkinson Topeka and Santa Fe rail lines. We then toured the Palace of the Governors which was built in the 1600s. It served as the seat of government for the territory and then the state of New Mexico for centuries. We found it fascinating that it is the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States.

We had a great time even without the scale model and once again proves just how great this country is.

Till next time,

Bob and Jo

WHEN YOU TRUST YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICES TOO MUCH

Currently in Santa Fe NM (Low 31 Mostly Sunny High 71) 

Subtitled: Rise of the Machines

On our arrival day to Santa Fe Bob went and got takeout from the Blue Corn Cafe and Brewery which was recommended as being fairly close and great food by the guy at the front desk during checkin. 

Before we give you the rest of the story we have a confession to make, we trust our electronic devices way too much. We first checked the menu online and decided what to order. Bob picked up his smartphone and said, 'call the Blue Corn Cafe in Santa Fe New Mexico' and got connected placing the order.  Bob then also used his phone saying 'navigate to the Blue Corn Cafe in Santa Fe New Mexico' and got directions and headed out.

We have been to Santa Fe before on business trips and vacations so Bob realized pretty soon he was heading for the historic Square, not really close by at 20 minutes. Driving a one tone dually in rush hour and then on those narrow streets in the Square was challenging but doable. What was apparently not doable was when he got 'you have arrived' and there was no sign of the Blue Corn Cafe. If you can believe this Bob finds a parking spot about 2 blocks away and somehow gets the F-350 in it and walks back to where it was supposed to be. Luckily there was a shop owner standing outside and Bob finds out that the Cafe is on the 2nd floor. Bob climbs the stairs and finds out there are no takeout orders and is told you must have ordered from our other location, which you have guessed by now is about 10 minutes from the RV park. We had no idea there were two locations and the smartphone usually says choose a location if there are more than one. Funny that the 'call' feature got one location and the 'navigate' feature got the other.

Bob worked his way to the other location and then of course walked the wrong way around the building, came in through the outside seating area into the barrel storage area and when he got to the front he let out a 'FINALLY' which drew the attention of the General Manager who happened to be in the area. Bob told him upfront that it was nothing Blue Corn had done it was the dang electronic devices. While waiting for the order the General Manager asked if we would want some free guacamole for our trouble. Bob reiterated that it was not their fault but he said he was going to do it anyway. We try to never refuse free guacamole. When he came back it was not only guacamole but queso and salsa and chips, all of which were excellent.

Other good news from this adventure is that we are adopting a 'trust - but verify' on all things electronic from now on. We wonder if this was just a test of the machines taking over so we are going to be careful. As mentioned before the chips and guacamole and queso and salsa were excellent. As were the blue corn tacos that Jo had and the New Mexican Shepherds Pie that Bob got, a collection of green chile, hamburger, potatoes, corn, onions, calabacitas (zucchini and yellow squash mixture) and lots of cheese. 

Also, it wasn't all bad as Bob looked kinda ragged since he came in his travel day clothes and people kept giving him money on the Square 😊

Till next time,

Bob and Jo

CATCHING UP - REVIEW OF ALBUQUERQUE KOA IN ALBUQUERQUE NEW MEXICO

Currently in Albuquerque NM (Low 37 Partly Sunny and Patchy Clouds High 65)

We really enjoy each visit to Albuquerque and the KOA is one of our favorite parks here. What it really has going for it is location, location, location. We are moments away from great dining (Sadie's, La Salita, Owl Cafe) and shopping (Costco, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart). 

The park is doing some remodeling and we ended up in one of the new deluxe sites at the regular rate since we might be staying longer due to the underbelly repair, guess they took pity on us :-)

The roads are asphalt as is the site but it is brand new asphalt. The patio is concrete. The hookups were convenient and we had a great line of sight for our roof mounted dish.

Here is the Lifestyle from the front showing the satellite dish.

To the right.

To the left.

From the rear.

The new patio area with a fire pit shown above the table.

Although more expensive than others we will stay here again. The underbelly repair added 8 nights to our stay and we had no trouble extending.

Till next time,

Bob and Jo

ON THE ROAD AGAIN - TO SANTA FE NEW MEXICO

Currently in Santa Fe NM (Low 39 Mostly Sunny With a Shower High 69) 

After getting our underbelly repaired we left Albuquerque yesterday and headed to Santa Fe New Mexico. We are staying at Santa Fe Skies RV Park.

It was approximately 60 miles, this is the route we took.



The main thing we will be doing in Santa Fe for the week is adjusting to the 7000+ altitude. Our next three planned stops, if we adjust to the altitude that is, are also 7000+ in Colorado. We both have had altitude issues before at 7000+, Jo more so than Bob. Hopefully 3 weeks in Albuquerque at 5312' will help our adjustment. We at least hope we will feel good enough to eat at some of the great places to eat in Santa Fe. Bob got takeout from the Blue Corn Cafe and Brewery for supper and it was good. We'll have more to say about this adventure later.

Till next time,

Bob and Jo

UNBERBELLY REPAIR COMPLETED

Currently in Albuquerque NM (Low 40 Sunny Currently 47) 
Heading to Santa Fe NM (Currently 44 Partly Sunny and Warmer High 63)

Affordable RV Mobile Service came yesterday and repaired the underbelly that was torn off during our trip with high crosswinds.

Here is the before picture.

The straps beneath the holding tanks that were never installed.

An in-process shot after the new straps were added and just before the insulation was added and the plastic liner lifted and screwed to the frame. The tech told us that the holding tanks were lying in a steel framed enclosure and they weren't going anywhere. So he wasn't sure what the straps did but he added new ones as a precaution.

The completed job looks good. After a couple of nights below freezing we are very happy that the holding tanks are again enclosed and insulated.

We really like the convenience of mobile service and if you are in the Albuquerque area don't hesitate to call Affordable RV Mobile Service.

We leave today for Santa Fe New Mexico.

Till next time,

Bob and Jo

INSTALLED AN ANTI-THEFT DEVICE ON OUR TRUCK

Currently in Albuquerque NM (Low 30 Mostly Sunny and Warmer High 60)

While in Albuquerque we got to thinking about how many late model diesel trucks are getting stolen. Albuquerque is in fact the stolen vehicle leader in America. As far as trucks being stolen the Ford F250/F350/F450s are the leaders so Bob did some research and went with the Ravelco Anti-Theft system. From their website,

"The Ravelco (pronounced Ruh-vel-co) Anti Theft Device is installed in an easily accessible place beneath or flush mounted in the dashboard of your vehicle. A removable 16 pin male plug (which when not in use connects to your key chain) makes all the electronic connections. A hidden armored steel cable protects the wires from the rear of the RAVELCO base on through to the engine compartment where all the connections are made and camouflaged. When the plug is removed from the RAVELCO, it is impossible to start the vehicle. There are more than 100,000 different combinations. NO MASTER PLUGS. An impossible obstacle for even the most persistent thief. No Bells or Whistles . . . Just Results!"

In 41 years not one vehicle has been stolen speaks well for this product. Here is a picture from the manual.

A sample installation in a Ford F-350.

The male pin that goes on Bob's keychain.

The stickers they put on both windows.

We feel better now that we have this anti-theft system.

Till next time,

Bob and Jo