Santa Fe Skies RV Park

28 02 2016
Site I-4, Santa Fe Skies

Site I-4, Santa Fe Skies

Good Morning from Santa Fe, NM.
We’re parked at Santa Fe Skies RV Park, where we last visited in October on the way to Balloon Fiesta 2015. We first visited this park in 2010 when we were in the truck camper. The full review is here: SANTA FE SKIES

This park occupies a great location looking toward the north over Santa Fe.  The evening lights and the city in the rising sunlight is beautiful. The grounds are still well-kept and the showers & restrooms immaculately clean. They also seem to have a interesting growing collection of antique engines and road equipment. But, the formerly wonderful WiFi has been reduced to a network that doesn’t support much of anything. I connected, tried a few browser pages and quickly disconnected. We’re not sure if we were just in a prime spot back behind the registration building, or if the network maintenance has fallen by the wayside. However, just as back in October, this visit offered no solution to the WiFi problems other than a cellular connection. However, this is just a quick overnight. Tomorrow we’ll continue south to Albuquerque where we’ll turn west along I-40. Our next stop will be western New Mexico as we head toward Phoenix – more from there!

Site I-4, Santa Fe Skies
Santa Fe Skies RV Park
Santa Fe Skies RV Park
Santa Fe Skies RV Park
Santa Fe Skies RV Park
Santa Fe Skies RV Park
Santa Fe Skies RV Park
Santa Fe Skies RV Park
Santa Fe Skies RV Park
Santa Fe Skies RV Park

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Categories : Texas Roadtrip 2016

Start of the 2016 Texas Road Trip

27 02 2016
2016 Texas (and Arizona) Road Trip

2016 Texas (and Arizona) Road Trip

Welcome to Lake Trinidad and the start of the 2016 Texas Road Trip.  As has become an annual routine, we’re parked at Carpios Ridge campground.  With 6 full hookup sites, these make it easy to de-winterize with lots of fresh water and the ability to easily leave the anti-freeze behind.  We’re parked in site #3, our favorite site #6 was previously occupied.  With piles of snow in the shady spots, there haven’t been a lot of warm days or nights here yet.  Reports seem to indicate about 28 degrees for the low last night.

The last week has been somewhat of a mad sprint.  A bit of history for those that don’t know the whole story.  After the Denver RV show in mid January, we had decided we were ready to “pull the trigger” on a new RV purchase.  We’ve been comparing various models to “the one” that we’d picked last year, the Forest River, Rookwood 8289WS, a 31+ foot, rear living, triple slide fifth wheel.  After internet shopping all the way from Central Texas to Southern California, we ended up finding the model we wanted at Nolan’s RV right here in Denver.  The option list wasn’t exactly right and we weren’t quite where we needed to be on price.  After dragging our feet for a few weeks before the RV show, the sales rep notified us that they’d sold the trailer during the show.  They expected to have more inventory sometime in March.  With this upcoming trip, we’d decided we’d need to find another unit out of state, or wait until we returned to Denver.  But, Nolan’s ended up acquiring a February 17th build slot.  They estimated they could get the trailer to Denver on February 22nd at the very latest.  We picked our exact option list, worked a few numbers and voila, had a brand new RV on order from the factory (fingers crossed)!  As it turns out, the trailer arrived in Denver on the 18th, and was ready for deliver last Saturday exactly one week ago.  We spent about 2 hours on a PDI, swapped all of the contents of the Wildcat into the new Rockwood, signed the paperwork and were off for a 2 night “shake down” trip to local Chatfield State Park.  Our experience (so far) at Nolan’s has been terrific.  We have no qualms fully endorsing them, from the sales team to the service folks – they have gone above and beyond on every level of support.

So, long story short – we’re now headed south with a brand new 2016 Rockwood 8289WS and from the 3 nights we’ve spent in it so far, loving it!  More as we get to Santa Fe Skies, a nice RV park on the south side of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Rockwood 8289WS

Rockwood 8289WS at Chatfield Lake State Park, 1st camping night


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Categories : Texas Roadtrip 2016

Taos Valley RV Park

19 09 2015
Taos Valley RV Park

Taos Valley RV Park

We’re parked in sites #56 & #57, just next door to those we had in 2012 when we last visited Taos Valley RV Park.  We enjoy this park a lot – with heavy sage brush a a few small trees, it feels very private in these “awning-to-awning” sites.  These are partial hook-up sites, with electric and water.  We think the full hookup sites #87-92 would be worth trying.  Situated at the back of the property, they look across an open field and also provide “awning-to-awning” configurations.  PARK MAP

Taos Valley RV Park offers a good mix of sites, from shady, no-services tent sites to large pull-through full hookup sites.  There’s also a small convenience store, an RV dump station and clean restroom/shower facilities.  It is also very close to downtown Taos and some great looking restaurants – a few within walking distance.

There is also the Rio Grande Gorge – with nearby Taos Mesa Brewery that we’d like to visit again.  We’d also like to explore nearby Chama including the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad that runs from Chama to Antonito.  And, for spa relaxing, there’s always nearby Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa – which provides RV parking also.

Having delayed our departure from Denver until Thursday, we’re only here Friday and Saturday nights.  On Saturday we bicycle into downtown to visit the Farmers Market in the main square, shop in the some of the rather touristy shops and enjoyed lunch at The Alley Cantina.   The Alley Cantina presents good New Mexico food and looks like a great place to enjoy a happy hour or even a sports evening.

Tomorrow we’ll pack up and make the 6 hour drive home.  Contrary to our “normal” travel pattern of about 3 hours per day, we’ll plan to go all the home since we’re still having trouble with the pick-up.  Our next outing is to Hecla Junction next weekend…more from there.

Taos Valley RV Park
Taos Valley RV Park
Taos Valley RV Park
Taos, Giant Metal Columbine
Taos, Giant Metal Iris
Taos, awesome Star Ship

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Categories : Summer Camping 2015

Departing Lake Conchas SP

27 04 2015
Our 'Big Yard'

Our ‘Big Yard’

After 3 relaxing nights at Lake Conchas, we’re packed up and headed north toward I-25 and Colorado.  The unexpected spring storm that dropped snow along our route home resulted in about 24 hours of gray, rainy skies here near Tucumcari, NM.  However, the delay along with chilly, soggy conditions gave us a great incentive for a full day’s work on Monday and a good reason to stay put for 3 nights in a row.  Daily moving with packing up, hitching, and re-connection of utilities can eventually wear you down, so it was a real treat to spend some extra time here.  And, even after a 65 mile round trip on Sunday to resupply a few groceries and petrol, we think this is a wonderful campground.

Our site B29 is positioned at one of the highest points in the campground has a great view, but possibly a bit more wind than other lower sites.  Other sites along this outer ridge include B30, B27, B25, B24, B21 & B19.  B21 is a nice long pull-through, others are large back-in sites.  There are also some long back-in sites on the inside of the loop near the restrooms.  Sites B18, B20, B22 are back-in sites that would be ideal for coaches that prefer great viewing out their front windshield.  Some of these sites also have extra parking for a towed vehicle.  Sites  B15, B14, B12 are smaller, best left for truck campers or large tent requirements.  All of the sites provide electric and water and there’s a dump station at the entrance to the campground.  There are also complimentary showers in a centrally located bathhouse alongside about 5 overflow parking spots.  Most of the gravel pads are relatively level (we used a single block) next to a concrete pad with the covered patio table.  Some sites have large shade trees – so great for shade, possibly in the way for awnings.  Each site also provides a fire ring and grill.

A complete photo album is available at CampSitePhotos.com, and individual site reservation is available after May 1st at ReserveAmerica.  We enjoyed Conchas Lake State Park and would like to return sometime.

Conchas Dam

Conchas Lake Dam


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Categories : Texas Roadtrip 2015

The Underground Caverns

17 03 2015
Carlsbad Caverns - Giant Column

Carlsbad Caverns – Giant Column

After some morning work, we’re parked at the Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center by around 2pm.  We quickly buy our entrance tickets and are on the next elevator for the 750 foot decent into the underground rest area adjacent to the “Big Room”, the largest single cave in North America.  We’re on the self-guided tour that will take about 90 minutes to wander through the Big Room with signs pointing out the most notable formations such as the Bottomless Pit, the Giant Dome, Rock of Ages and Painted Grotto.  For even more information, a recorded audio tour can be rented before descending into the caves.  After the cave tour, we wander around the exhibits and make a quick circuit of the gift shop.  By around 6pm we’re back at the trailer for a quiet evening.  Tomorrow we’ll be headed south again, into Texas and the Central Time Zone.  Our goal is Ft. Davis, home of the McDonald Observatory.

Carlsbad Caverns – Dolls Theatre
Carlsbad Caverns – Giant Column
Carlsbad Caverns – Twin Domes
Carlsbad Caverns – Totem Pole
Carlsbad Caverns – Totem Pole

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Carlsbad RV Park and Campground

16 03 2015
Carlsbad RV Park and Campground

Carlsbad RV Park and Campground

Last time through Carlsbad we stayed at Brantley Lake State Park on the north side of town.  This time we’re parked at the Carlsbad RV Park and Campground, just south of town on the National Parks highway.  This former KOA is a bit of a dusty relic of its former self.  With over 100 sites, we manage to end up in one of only about 6 “F” row sites that have grass and a few trees around. The remainder of the sites, which appear occupied by somewhat full-time residents, are lined up on a gravel field behind the main office.  Our sites are up against the entrance fence, closest to the highway but far enough away that the traffic noise isn’t a concern.  These “F” sites offer only water and electric, but there is a dump station onsite.  The staff is very friendly and goes out of their way to make sure to answer any questions, providing the latest National Park newspaper and a glossy magazine of all there is to do and see in Carlsbad.  Renovation seems to be going on everywhere, from new tree planting to new a new hot water system in the showers and almost constant cleanup of wind scattered trash and dog messes.  It’s obvious that they are trying to rehabilitate this campground.

Our original plan was to try for a site at the Pecos River RV Park. This tiny (only 18 sites) is right downtown and backs up to the Pecos River.  But, with spring break in full force, there are no available sites there. And, with a visit planned to the famous Caverns, this location will work well.

Carlsbad RV Park and Campground
Carlsbad RV Park and Campground
Carlsbad RV Park and Campground
Carlsbad RV Park and Campground Indoor Pool
Carlsbad RV Park and Campground Game Room
Pecos River RV
Pecos River RV
Pecos River RV

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Categories : Texas Roadtrip 2015

Santa Rosa Lakeshore Trail

15 03 2015

WP_20150314_021It’s Saturday and with temperatures in the lower 70’s we’re hoping to spend as much time outdoors as possible today.  The campground host mentioned a 2 mile lakeshore hike that we decide to check out.  Departing from the lower B loop, the trail skirts along all the coves and inlets on the way over toward the dam.  Little of the vegetation has come out of winter hibernation yet, so there’s not much color in the walk.  However, the lake level is far improved over the last time we were here about 3 years ago.  Other than a few lone fisherman trolling the opposite shore near the boat ramp, things are very quiet here in Santa Rosa Lake SP.  Tomorrow we’ll pack up and make our way further south to Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Santa Rosa Lakeshore Trail

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Categories : Texas Roadtrip 2015

Santa Rosa Lake State Park

14 03 2015
Santa Rosa State Park

Santa Rosa State Park

Good Morning from New Mexico.  After a mid-day departure from Trinidad Lake State Park and an unprecedented tail wind across Raton Pass, we’re about 60 miles west of Tucumcari, NM at Santa Rosa Lake State Park.  With the Pecos River and Historic Route 66 running through town, this place is a quirky mix of budget motels, car museums, road house cafes and natural lakes.  Most famous perhaps is the Blue Hole, a natural artesian pool known as the one of the most unique and popular diving locations in the US.  60 feet wide at the top and 130 feet wide at the bottom, the bell shaped pool maintains a constant temperature of 64 degrees and a constant inflow of over 3000 gallons per minute.

Santa Rosa Lake is the first major impound of the Pecos River with a water surface area of 26 square miles.  Camping facilities around the lake include Juniper Park, Rocky Point and the primitive area Los Tanos.  Only loop A of Rocky Point is open currently, with 23 electric sites.  Sites #1 through 8 also provide water hookups.  All sites except 20-23 are reserveable online with only a 1 day booking window.  Sites 20-23 are first-come-first serve sites.  The electric sites on A loop are $14/night, the 26 dry camping sites on loop B are $10/night.  There are water faucets scattered throughout for tank filling.  A modern camper services building with flush toilets and free showers along with a playground is located between the two loops.  There’s a mix of back-in and pull-through sites, all with fairly level asphalt pads, a covered picnic table and grill.  We’re in site #14 a nice private site on the NW corner of the A loop.  New Mexico State Parks use a red/green system for all sites.  A green tagged site allows for 1 night stay, red sites are previously reserved.  Parking in a green site is OK, but you might be required to move the next day if someone makes an online reservation.

We were in Santa Rosa a few years ago and wanted to stay at the lake. But, the cellular service is nearly non-existent once you drop down across the dam and into the campgrounds. However, with our Wilson cellular booster, we are able achieve workable phone and internet coverage.  The gusty north winds subside around sundown and we’re treated to a wonderful starry sky and a quiet evening.  The next morning our site is still “green-tagged” so we decide to stay another night. We’ll check out more of Santa Rosa and the surrounding area before heading to Carlsbad.

Santa Rosa State Park #14
Santa Rosa State Park
Santa Rosa State Park
Santa Rosa State Park Camper Services

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Categories : Texas Roadtrip 2015

Another Night in Silver City

14 03 2014
Silver City RV Park

Silver City RV Park

We’ve stayed one more night at the Silver City RV Park.  There are several other RV places in the area, some with better ratings than this little park.  But, all of the others are outside of town, and we wanted to be within walking/biking distance to the old town area.  Located between 13th and 14th along Bennett St, the park offers about 40 sites, many with long-terms residents.  We’re parked in site #8, right along 13th Street which dead ends into the Big Ditch.  There are a few sites (#1 & #2) that back up to the ditch, one with its own private overhanging “verandah”.  In general the sites are tight, but the park is neat and tidy, with a clean shower house and laundry room.  As is typical, the free WiFi service is spotty at best.  And, we found that while the Verizon 3G data signal was strong, there was barely any bandwidth provided.  Apparently the downtown network is completely saturated because we noticed good data rates as we left town.  The best option here ended up being tethered to our T-Mobile 4G phones.

This “Big Ditch” (couldn’t they come up with a nicer name?)  is a deep and wide arroyo that flows right through the middle of town and was originally Main Street.  With inadequate local drainage and the forests of the surrounding hills being slashed for building and mining, Main Street was turned into the “big ditch” as flood waters washed through in the early 1900’s.  Buildings that remained standing along Main St. were reversed, their front doors moved to Ballard St, the back doors opening to the big ditch.  Today there is an odd mix of natural beauty and urban trashiness that appears in and along the ditch.

We’re off to the El Paso, TX area later today…more from there.

Silver City RV Park

Silver City RV Park

Silver City RV Park

Silver City RV Park

Big Ditch History

Big Ditch History


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Categories : Texas Roadtrip 2014

Silver City RV Park, Silver City, NM

13 03 2014
Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery, Silver City, NM

Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery, Silver City, NM

The drive over to Silver City was an interesting mix of flat desert and hilly forest.  Once across the New Mexico state line, most of our travel is within the Gila National Forest with beautiful vistas out across a somewhat dusty plain.

We’re parked at the Silver City RV Park, a small, compact park right in the heart of downtown Silver City.  Some reviews have said this place is a bit too noisy because it’s in town, but what it may lack in quietness it more than makes up for in convenience.  The sites offer full hookups including 25 TV channels. There is park provided WiFi, but so far the speed has been less than impressive.

After checking email and doing a couple hours of work, we decided to walk over to Bullard  Street, the main street of Historic Silver City.  Each side is lined with interesting cafe’s, art galleries and old hotels.  We ended up at the Little Toad Creek Brewery and Distillery for a couple rounds of their craft beer and some snacks.

It’s an early evening after some TV and a nice hot shower.  More from Silver City tomorrow!

Silver City, NM

Silver City, NM


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