Month: March 2013

I'm at the San Joaquin Road location just outside of Tucson, and it seems to be a particularly friendly group here this time. I'll be here likely through the weekend.

The breeze and potential dust was a bit iffy this morning, but I took a chance and headed to Benson. I'm glad I did; for only the second time I had a brisk tailwind, which meant 100RPM less on the tach while cruising. Doesn't sound like much, but the fuel savings are significant. I'm in dry camp at the SKP park for 2 nights, then to Tucson.

The dust is flying, and I'm getting rocked around a bit in 50mph winds. What should happen is that it lets up this evening, then the temperature will drop. From 75 today to below freezing tomorrow morning. If it works that way I'll be ready to move to Benson, Arizona on Monday.

The warnings are still up, but so far it hasn't been bad here at all. The wind blows here normally, and dust happens, but nothing big yet. The New Mexican Tourism group provides a map of places to get green chili cheeseburgers, most of which are Blake's Lotaburger stores. Lotaburger is almost entirely a New Mexico chain, clean, white, and brightly lit, selling the ubiquitous burgers, shakes, and fries. Their version is a regular cheeseburger...

This is a heads-up for my traveling readers. I was expecting high winds and the inevitable dust storms tomorrow (Thursday), but now the forecast is for pretty much steady winds through the weekend, at times up to 55mph. The forecast is much the same for West Texas, and I presume southern Arizona. Hopefully it will work like it did at Burning Man: High winds and a complete dust-out for a short while, then a break for a while. Stop what you're...

For a small village Deming has a lot of good Mexican food. I make my own Mexican, but for some things like tamales, enchiladas, and rellenos I leave it to the restaurants which are good and cheap here. Yes, enchiladas are easy to make, but the cleanup is a chore. Meanwhile I can grab some of the ingredients and local brands I like and can't find elsewhere, and stock up until I get back. Deming is a great place for rocks, and a day trip to...

Back in Deming. Stuck here for a bit because I've used up my gas money. I got out of San Antonio early because the wind was going to pick up quicker than I planned, and moving around here in dust storms is a bad idea. I landed just as the dust started kicking up. The penalty was that Sparky's in Hatch wasn't open yet so I have to go back later for their version of the chili cheeseburger. Driving 100 miles for a burger is worth it in this case. I...

A tiny village along the freeway famous for two things: The Owl Cafe's chili cheeseburger and Bosque del Apache NWR. "The Bosque" is known for it's massive wintering Sandhill Crane flock. The Owl is known for the best hamburger in the nation. This isn't a waypoint for me, it's a destination. The Birdwatchers RV Park is a perfectly fine place to park, and features an owner with personality, stories to tell, and frequently found at his...

Now this is a nice place. A scenic campground near Carrizozo overlooking a large lava flow. Paved roads and parking slots, visitor center, nice amenities. And it's BLM, so cheap with a federal pass. It's kinda "out there" near White Sands Missle Proving Grounds and the Trinity Site. A little tornado took off the roof off the local grocery store in town last Friday, and the nearest Wal-Mart is 50 miles away. An excellent place to park for a...

Clovis was built by the Atcheson, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad and it's still a railroad town. It's a big switching yard, and has a diesel repair facility. The passenger station, abutted against the current BNSF mainlines, is home to a model train museum. There are several layouts designed to work by pushing a button (like putting your hand on the glass at the department store during Christmas), the best is a replica of Clovis itself. It takes...

The wind was blowing this morning, and I took off heading into it up hill until I reached the plains. I was at some elevation, the land was flat and I could see forever. And the wind was blowing hard, stealing gas from me at an astonishing rate. When you're on the plains, and in Texas, you expect this. The fields were recently plowed and furrowed, no doubt for cotton, which reminded me of the hazard of dust storms. And I did encounter a fairly...

As usual, West Texas involves covering a lot of miles, and there is little to tempt one to stop and tarry a while. But, the route I'm taking (SE to NW) to Clovis, NM is a wonderfully scenic and varied view from behind the wheel. Much to see, little to do. Last night I stayed at Hords Lake COE campground, near Coleman. It happens to be about the only area with people I've seen that Verizon does not have coverage. The lake (as are all reservoirs...