Roadrunners are abundant in southern New Mexico, and are very tolerant of humans. Tolerant, but never friendly. We have several roadrunners in the park, one of which roosts in a tree outside my window. The tree is short, 12 feet or so, which makes it one of the tallest trees for a hundred miles. It looks like a nursery tree recently planted. Every evening I've watched and laughed as the roadrunner leaps up to try to reach the lower branch, about...
Finally made it. I had to sit two days at Bosque and watch thunderstorms go by or over me. These weren't the Kansas-style storms, but the little ones that appear from nowhere in the desert. Anyway, my view at Birdwatchers RV Park overlooking the Rio Grande valley and the mountains (up to 30 miles away) was perfect for storm watching. Better to watch than to get caught in a flood. I'll be in Deming a while while I contemplate my next move. I'm...
I've had two blowouts, one tire was burned up, and one went flying off to who knows where. The rest, 14, were worn to the danger point, sometimes by a failed axle. Both axles were replaced once, then again with built-on-the fly models, which I have now. I've had them aligned, bearings packed, the rig weighed. Tire pressure checked frequently. I've been on the road 8 1/2 years. Driving me nuts.....
However you know this place, I'm at the Birdwatchers RV Park. I'm paid for two nights, but will stay over if the t-storms persist. The park is being run by a friend of the owner; John took off this morning for SLC because his mom took a turn for the worse. Last year, John told me he'd retire when she passed. I wish him luck. After getting caught up on the rumors I had to have lunch, of course. If I get trapped here by the weather I'll have to...
The first reason for being here is shopping for turquoise stuff as gifts. Gallup is the center for stones and jewelry supplies, and conveniently located in the middle of the Navajo Nation, yet not on the reservation. The second reason is to wait out a weather thing coming through. I'm here in a rv park, perfectly protected from any crazy storm events. I'll be here for several days, until the weather passes. And then, on a rainy day, I'll go over...
Gene's Frame and Alignment did a great job getting me in and fixed up today. Rather than order a replacement axle they built a new one using my old one as a source of parts. I mounted my ugly spare wheel to get me along, but I had to buy a new tire because my spare was 8 years old. Now that leaves the bent sheet metal that I'll try to straighten up a bit until I can arrange for a replacement. Then I'll need a pair of decent wheels. All of that...
I'm in Farmington, NM, which is exactly where I wanted to go but am here under entirely different circumstances. My brother died on Saturday in Yakima, WA. My plan today was to move to the Farmington fairgrounds where I could sit for cheap. Talk to folk, find out what's happening with Glenn. I was in Aztec, on the way to Farmington, and noticed I was missing a wheel on the trailer. Wheel gone. Just axle spindle showing. I'm going down the road...
Durango is always a favorite place of mine, this time I managed to reserve a spot yesterday for the weekend at the fairgrounds. They have 6 spaces. I have space 6. It's basically downtown, so lots of activity. And it's next to a railroad that can be surprisingly loud when doing a crossing. Except the locomotive is steam and makes a regular circuit to Silverton in the mountains. Maybe I'll visit Silverton. Or go to Mesa Verde. The weather is...
I've been to Arches many times, and still think it's one of the best places to see. I did not get a fast start this morning so hit the traffic going into the park. Oh well, it's part of the National Park Experience nowadays. Tomorrow I'm going to Durango. Finding economical RV parking spots can be tricky in the Four Corners area because the Navajo don't provide any services for RVs. I found out the fairgrounds in Durango has some RV spots, and...
The stormy weather has moved on, and it's looking good for a lot days ahead. I landed in Moab (at the BLM campground South of town) today and will spend at the least two nights. This was meant to be a milepost place to figure out where to go next, so I guess I should get started on that.....
I've been waiting out weather events, then moving when I get a chance. Right now I'm at the Border Inn in Baker, NV, next to the Utah border, near Great Basin National Park. There's a strange weather pattern that is moving through on my travel route. I don't mind a little drizzle or rain along the way, but thunderstorms have a way of making desert travel a real danger. So I'm watching closely the forecast as well as the radar images. I might...
I had Les Schwab inspect my brakes in Washington when they had the tires off; 40% was the assessment which meant I was good for one year, at least. Today I had Les Schwab replace the rear brakes because they were gone. Either the assessment last summer was in error, or I've worn out the brakes since I left Port Townsend.