Lagunitas, Carson National Forest, NM - June 2024

June 17 - 19, 2024

I wanted to get in one more camping trip before the heat of summer settled in and before the Independence Day holiday week. There had already been some hot days. However, the long range forecasts seemed to be showing the so-called monsoon season was beginning. I determined there might be a short window of opportunity if I moved quickly. I'd just head up to the northern New Mexico mountains to minimize travel time, thus maximizing time at my destination. I hoped it would be cool at elevation, though that's not always the case.

In considering my options, I decided to return to one of my favorites areas, the dispersed campground along the Rio de los Piños close to the Colorado border.

Monday, June 17

On the Highway

I headed up the Interstate and took the by-pass around Santa Fe. I stopped for provisions in Española and continued up US-285. There was road construction just north of Tres Piedras that caused a bit of a delay as a string of vehicles had to wait for a pilot car. The quickest way in to Rio de los Piños is just on the other side of the Colorado state line. First on narrow paved roads, then on gravel, passing a New Mexico State wildlife refuge that is popular with those fishing for trout.

Rio de los Piños

I found the nice spot where I camped last time and pulled in. When I stepped out of the truck, my legs were instantly covered with mosquitos. OMG! I'd camped along the river here many times and never had any issues with bugs. I wondered if it was only this one spot, so drove farther up the river and stopped at several other campsites, but they were just as bad. It was only mid-afternoon and there was no way I was going to slather myself in repellant only to sit around and wave off mosquitos all day. I decided to abandon my plans to camp here. I didn't take any photos this time. Click the link to the right for plenty of photos and description of my previous stays here.

I remembered there was a campground to the southwest, up in the same mountains, by a small lake called Lagunitas. I'd been there once about 10 years ago, but hadn't camped as the campground was covered in fallen trees—you could barely even drive in and most of the sites were inaccessible. It felt claustrophobic with all the downed timber so left after only a few minutes. Now I remembered reading somewhat recently that the campground had reopened. I'd drive that way, plus I knew there were quite a number of smaller dispersed sites in the general area if that didn't work out.

Carson National Forest

I left Rio de los Piños and turned south on NF-87A. I remembered there were some rocky stretches and after driving over one such I decided to pull over and air down my tires. When I drove on the ride was much, much smoother with my softer tires.

View southeast from NF-87A

I recalled there were a few dispersed sites on the ridge overlooking the Cruces Basin Wilderness. I saw the turn-offs, but it was way too windy to contemplate camping on the ridge line. At the intersection with NF-87 I continued straight ahead toward Lagunitas, which is the "main" route. This is a lovely section of road with views across wide alpine valleys.

Roadside Lupines

There were a few more rocky stretches and also some sections of road that showed deep ruts of hardened mud—not a road you'd want to travel early in the season or after heavy rainfall. I also noticed a few side roads or spurs. I'd have to explore those another time to see if there were interesting dispersed campsites up those.

Southerly view from NF-87 of Cañon Largo

Lower Lagunitas Campground

Laguntias is comprised of two old-style USFS campgrounds at 10,400 feet with a lower section next to the larger of the two lakes and an upper section on the NE ridge above the lake; they have separate access roads off NF-87. Both have a modern vault toilet. By "old style" I mean access to sites is narrow dirt roads and you can still find a site or two close to the lake; there are also heavy plank picnic tables. The USFS website claims 12 sites (most of the sites in the lower area had been closed off due to fallen timber for enough years that their access had all but disappeared beneath plants and grass; they are still there with their picnic tables if you search them out and are easily accessible.)

I turned off NF-87 about a half mile past the sign pointing to the upper campground. Both are clearly marked, unlike Los Piños where there is no sign. Less than a mile up a gentle climb you come to the campground where there is a vault toilet. At one of the first sites I spotted a USFS truck next to a picnic table with 4 people feasting on a watermelon. There was a nice view of the small lake.

First view of upper Lagunitas Lake from my campsite

I parked and walked over to talk to the workers who I assumed had been clearing and cutting fallen trees. They asked if I was going to camp there and I replied that I was thinking about it. They said they would be leaving in a few minutes if I wanted that site. I asked if they were going to be back the next day—thinking I might not want to camp there if the following day was going to be full of chainsaws running. They said they were not (but didn't say no one would be). They mentioned they were a wildfire crew from Arkansas. I guess fire crews who are staged are given tasks such as clearing fuel areas when there are no fires to fight.

Once the clearing crew left I backed into that site. It had a pretty view of the lake and surrounding hills. After I set up I was approached by a man who had camped a bit farther along the lake with his family. He asked if I had an axe. He wanted to split some of the many dry, cut logs left by the forest service to build a cook fire. At first I replied in the negative, but then remembered I had a nice hand axe (or large hatchet) I'd gotten on sale at REI, but only used a time or two. I dug it out of the bottom of my camper's under seat storage for him.

My campsite

I was rewarded later when I was invited to join Eugene and his family for a steak dinner that they'd cooked over coals from the wood they'd split. OMG, he had the best steaks (NY strip and ribeye), charred and cooked to perfection. What a treat! When I commented on the crust he showed me he used Montreal style seasoning as a dry rub. All enhanced by the view of the lake and hills on this beautiful evening.

View of lake with wildflowers

While we were talking after dinner we looked up when a tall, very weathered man walked up and asked if it was all right if he set up between my camper and Eugene's site. I blinked and asked him "Are those bike shorts you're wearing?" When he replied in the affirmative I then asked "Did you bicycle here?" "Yes," he replied. That's when I learned Lagunitas is on the Continental Divide Bicycle Trail. It's also a recommended stop on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) for hikers, as well.

Eugene invited this newcomer to join us for dinner, but he declined wanting to set up his tent. As I long ago did some bicycle touring on the West Coast, I later spent some time talking to the cyclist, Dave, who is from the Yorkshire Dales in England. (This was also interesting to me as I've been reading a series of excellent English mystery novels that take place in the Yorkshire Dales, the Inspector Banks series. What are the odds?)

I also offered Dave water as I recalled from my bike tours that this was a precious commodity. The Lagunitas campground does not have potable water. Like the other cyclists and hikers he has a filtration system to get drinking water from the lake, but he was very happy not to have to use that at this stop. Perhaps that is why he generously shared a couple nips of his remaining stash of Speyside single malt. Mmmm—smooth! 

Dave started his journey in the boot heel of New Mexico at Antelope Wells. Wow! He would follow the trail, mostly dirt and gravel roads, up the divide to Canada. He hoped he'd get to Calgary (if I remember right) to make his flight home. He was delayed getting started when the airline misplaced his cycling bags.

It was a very pleasant evening with a couple of beavers cruising the lake and feeding on the bottom vegetation. Only a few mosquitos came out briefly in the evening. The rest of the day was bug free!

Tuesday, June 18th

Lagunitas (continued)

The day dawned with beautiful blue skies and chilly temperatures. It was one of those mornings where the sun was a bit too hot and the shade a bit too cold which kept me moving my chair around while enjoying the view with my coffee.

Dave prepared to continue his trip and I took his photo as he was ready to ride off.

Dave from the Yorkshire Dales, England

I walked down to the bottom of the lake as I'd seen a footpath that appeared to go all the way around. I had assumed the lake was formed with a human made dam, as so many are in New Mexico, but it appears to be all natural—as is the pond just downstream. As I walked around I was chagrinned to see dark clouds moving in from the west. I knew a system was supposed to come though, but not until the next day, I thought. I was able to walk all the way around keeping my feet dry, but just barely.

Upper lake at Lower Campground

View of my campsite from the other side of the lake

 Later in the morning I was greatly relieved when those heavy clouds moved away leaving clear blue behind. I walked the footpath down to the lower lake. There are several marshy ponds in the area, too. I explored around those ponds hoping to find dragonflies, but it was not to be. 

Lower lake

Trail Marker

I also launched my drone to capture a spherical panorama to give you an overview of the area.

I was lazy, sitting in my chair and enjoying both the lake view and the antics of the fearless ground squirrels. I also ambled though the woods away from the lake looking for wildflowers. That's when I discovered the fallow campsites.

Eugene and his family left with me in sole possession of the campground. Though come evening I saw a hiker or two down at the lake filling their water bottles and setting up their tent in the trees near there. 

a.k.a., Cop Car Moth

Yellow-rumped Warbler at the tree top

The beavers came out again and I spent an inordinate amount of time trying to get a good photo. A wonderful relaxing day in the lovely mountains.

One of the two beaver in the upper lake

Wednesday, June 19th

Lagunitas (continued)

Based upon the weather forecast I'd expected clouds on Wednesday heralding a storm. So when the sky was clear blue with no wind I thought I might be able to stay out one more day before the storm arrived. I would find a new campsite both for the variety and to get beyond the section of road I mentioned that showed evidence of deep mud when I drove in, just in case it did rain heavily.

Douglas Squirrel with a snack

I watched the antics of a squirrel next to my site. At first I couldn't figure out what he was eating, then I remembered the watermelon the forest crew had been eating. They must have discarded a piece in the bushes. This was confirmed when I saw the squirrel try to carry an entire piece up the tree, but it was just too heavy.

For the morning, though, I decided to hike north along the CDT for a mile or so (about all that my old knees will tolerate.) The trail climbs the ridge at the bottom of the lake and is not too steep. It provided a nice view of the lower lake. The trail here follows the ridge and there are additional views of the upper lake and the hills in the distance. It skirted the edge of the upper campground before climbing farther. There were a few wildflowers along the way. I stopped at a nice viewpoint before returning to camp. For campers who like to day hike this campground would provide a nice spot to explore either direction of the CDT.

Pretty flowers along the Continental Divide Trail

A view of the lower lake from the trail

A view of the upper lake from the trail

Continental Divide Trail

Trail marker

A westerly view from the trail

Panorama of the ridge along which the CDT travels.

After lunch I broke camp and headed back to NF-87. Looking at the map it showed that 87 continued west then up to CO-17, however I'd been warned by those with local knowledge that this is a very sketchy road and not to attempt it, so I'm passing that word along to you. I turned left (east) on NF-87 and drove the short distance to the entrance road to the upper Lagunitas campground. It's a good road and the little campground up on the ridge is nice. There is a vault toilet and the sites are spaced well apart. Two sites even have a bit of a view across the hills, but when I return I'll camp again in the lower campground close to the lake.

A last view of my beautiful campsite. 

NF-87

Back on 87 headed east. I wanted to explore a couple of the side roads I'd seen driving in. I took the first one headed south and in less than a mile came to a lovely meadow on a ridge overlooking the mountains and valley to the south. However, the wind had picked up considerably and was howling across the meadow on the ridge. Not a good site to camp with southerly winds.

I tried another road to the south which lead to a larger meadow, what they call a "park" in Colorado. There was a shepherd's mobile hut and a horse grazing. I turned around about the time a man stepped out the door. I waved and drove off as he returned the salutation.

A view toward the Cruces Basin Wilderness

Later on I tried a road headed north, the Cruces Basin Wilderness access road, but it got uncomfortably rocky before I drove very far, so gave that up. When I got to the intersection of 87 and 87A, which I'd driven in, I turned right following the main 87 route. There were a number of side roads along here—I know they are popular with hunters in the fall. I didn't explore any as the clouds were getting heavier. I was beginning to think I should return to Plan A and head out rather than try another night.

When I came off the mountain instead of proceeding toward the highway I turned right on the road that follows Rio San Antonio upstream. From my detailed perusal of satellite imagery it looked like there might be nice areas to camp in the national forest 4 or 5 miles up the road. I figured I might as well explore while I was here. The first few miles are private property and beef ranching seems to be a viable concern. The road wasn't bad, exactly, but was slow going. I decided to stop and turn around as the weather was getting worse. 

A view up the road from where I turned around

I returned to NF-87 and continued east. The road, especially the section just south of San Antonio Mountain had really deteriorated since I drove though a few years ago. It used to be good gravel the whole way; now there are sections of bare soil with deep ruts of dried mud. This is no longer an all-season road, just so you know.

I stopped at the turn-out where the public lands information sign is located to pump my tires back up to highway pressure. Wow, the wind was terrible with blowing dust! Miserable time to have to air up the tires, but unavoidable. 

Back on pavement

I was delayed by road construction on US-285 again, but that gave me time to find a snack and restart my music playlist.

There were dark clouds ahead and the closer I got the darker they got. It started to rain at Ojo Caliente and by the time I got to US-84 it was torrential. I pulled off the highway in a wide spot, put on my flashers, and waited it out. Even with this slight delay my calculations would put me on the freeway south of Santa Fe at the heaviest commute time, so loitered in Española.

Nearing Santa Fe I heard the traffic report via our public classical music station. It warned I-25 was closed between the cities due to a multiple vehicle crash caused by a dust storm. Yikes! I contemplated the complete lack of any alternate routes and tried to get up to date info. I pulled off and tried both the 511 phone line (audio was horrible) and website, but neither had any info concerning a closure or even slow traffic. I started listening to AM radio and got only the tail end of a report "...open and traffic was slow, but moving." I crossed my fingers that this was referring to I-25.

Luckily all the reports were behind times and traffic was flowing smoothly the entire length of the freeway. There was still dust blowing, but it didn't significantly reduce visibility. So I got home safe, if a little later than I'd hoped.

This was a very enjoyable short trip to a lovely area of New Mexico. Thanks for coming along.

Northern New Mexico Mountains - June 2016

Areas of Carson National Forest

June 23 - 28, 2016

Once again I used the excuse of a New Mexico Volunteers For the Outdoors (NMVFO) project to launch my camping trip. The project was trail work for the National Forest Service on Friday through Sunday. We would be headquartered at Agua Pietra Campground near Tres Ritos, NM. After the project I thought I'd explore areas of the Carson NF that I had not seen before. I would return home hopefully before the July 4th crowds ascended to the cool mountains.

Don't forget to click on any photo to view a larger version.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Chimayó

I couldn't wait to get out of town. It had been so hot and it was a trial getting the camper loaded and ready for this trip in the heat. I headed north on I-25, took the relief route around Santa Fe and gassed up at the Indian Casinos. I turned onto The High Road to Taos, NM-503 at Pojoaque Pueblo (pa-walk-ee), headed for Chimayó (chee-my-OH). I stopped for lunch at Rancho de Chimayó and had a very tasty combination plate.  I don't usually take a picture of my lunch, but it was too wonderful.

Delicious combination plate served on the terraced patio with real honey for the sopapilla in the little bowl.

After lunch I visited Sanctario de Chimayó, a historic church and mission. I took some photos, but it was so hot I didn't stay long. Photography inside the buildings is not allowed.

Santuario

Santa Niño Chapel

Historical Marker with a little history

Overview of the compound

Many folks have left offerings at this small shrine.

The old Vigil Store

Agua Prieta

I arrived at the campground just behind the group leader and her friend. Camping for us volunteers was not in the campground proper, but we were given access to a meadow behind the livestock corrals. I was asked not to set up my camper until the cooks arrived as the cooks always get first choice for their camping spot. The volunteer cooks drove up about a half hour later and decided where they would camp and where the best kitchen set-up would be. They were very accommodating and let me snuggle my camper up next to theirs in the level area. I helped to erect the kitchen shelter then set up my camper. A few other volunteers came in before evening. We were on our own for this evening's meal; breakfast would be furnished Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; and dinner Friday and Saturday nights.

NMVFO project campsite

Kitchen Shelter just after we set it up and before the cooks moved in supplies.
The cooks were staying in the older pop-up camper next to my modern unit.

Friday, June 24th

It rained fairly hard overnight, or at least it sounded like it on my aluminum roof, but the morning was clear and sunny. After breakfast we gathered to hear the safety and orientation talk by the forest service. We were to be in a couple separate groups with FS employees leading each one. We gathered tools and hard-hats and climbed into FS vehicles to be driven to our assignments.

Craig Saum (left) gives the orientation and safety lecture. Those standing on my side of the circle are not in the photo.

I really should have taken more photos of the trail work. I carried my phone only for that purpose, but only took this one atypical shot.

Working on a creek crossing. After a diversion was built to keep the creek off the trail a section from a large deadfall tree was cut and laid across the water.

We worked the Agua Sarca Trail. It was quite beautiful, climbing through the forest and meadows with lots of wild flowers blooming. Beside "tread work" I learned how to use the 2-person saw. Craig, the trail maintenance supervisor, was our leader.

Several Colorado Columbines were growing next to the trail.

We returned to camp with time to clean up and sit a few minutes before dinner.

Saturday, June 25th

Another full day of trail work. This time on the Comales Trail. Today I did mostly "brushing" - trimming branches and removing small trees (mostly aspen) from the trail. There was a section where we stacked and rearranged rocks to keep the creek in its bed and not running down the trail. Another lovely trail, though not as many wildflowers. Jenn, who leads the Taos band Naturally Magenta, was our leader - she was full of energy and had a great sense of humor.

Sunday, June 26th

We only put in a half-day today on the trail. I was again on Jenn's crew. I think we worked the Tio Maes Trail, but I may be wrong. I did mostly tread work and only a little brushing. I also did a little rock stacking to direct a small brook off the trail. Then we rode back about noontime to Agua Pietra to break camp.

Rio Chiquito

After helping to break down the kitchen, I broke camp and headed back west on NM-518 which becomes the highway to Taos.

The view looking toward Taos from the "high road." Looks like rain farther north.

I descended to almost Ranchos de Taos where I turned east on FR-437. This dirt road, "Not Suitable for Passenger Vehicles," follows the Rio Chicquito up into the heart of the mountains. The road was actually in very good condition except for one "puddle" that was about 20 feet in diameter, a foot deep, and with a muddy bottom, but I was able to get through in 2WD.

I saw a couple beaver dams on the way up and the road to the old campground, which still shows on some maps, is closed and the access road was blocked by a large berm. A hiking trail continues along the river. I did find a lovely campsite near the Rio Chicquito next to a large meadow and set up there. To find the area, where the forest road turns away from the creek and heads uphill, instead follow the spur that continues along the creek.

My campsite along the Rio Chiquito

I was tired and my feet were sore, so didn't hike up the canyon, rather I sat in my comfy camp chair in the shade listening to birdsong and waiting for them to appear for their portraits. I didn't get any great photos, but passed a lovely afternoon and evening in this beautiful spot.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Ground squirrel in a little meadow across the creek

Rio Chiquito

Monday, June 27th

I took a brief walk around the meadow, taking a few wildflower photos, before packing up and returning to FR-437.

Prairie Smoke across the meadow

A close-up of the plumes that give Prairie Smoke its name

My camp at the edge of the meadow

More wildflowers

The road up the hill was OK, but looked like it would be sketchy early in the season or when wet. I saw I magnificent bull elk with a full rack, but he bolted before I could pick up my camera. The road also crossed the Divide Trail, popular with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers.

Red River

I made it out to US-64 and headed east to the village of Eagle Nest. I had intended to have breakfast at Cowboy's Corner, as I had on other trips, but it was closed - seems he cannot get help for breakfast, so is only open for lunch. Therefor, I turned off on NM-38 and drove to Red River. In this ski and resort town I saw only two cafes that were on open on Main Street. I chose the one that had a parking space in front and was that ever a lucky choice.

I asked my waitress if the Huevos Rancheros were authentic New Mexican, as I knew a larger portion of the tourists to Red River are from Texas. She said they were, so I rolled the dice. Wow! They were excellent! Some of the best I have ever had. Though not exactly super-authentic, instead of a single tortilla under the eggs, the cook had placed two tortillas with cheese between - yummy. If you are in Red River stop at The Old Tymers Cafe. When I mentioned I would promote them in my blog, one of the waitresses said "Tell them about our pancakes. We are well known for our large pancakes" and held her hands about 12" a part. And so I have.

Cabresto Lake

From Red River I drove up FR-597 - the road is not marked as such in town, look for Mallette Road. This somewhat steep and windy road leads to FR-134, but was in very good condition.

This is the view after the road from Red River crests the top.

From there I explored FR-134 northeast to Lagunitas Saddle, there were only a couple dispersed sites along the way. There were primitive roads to various nearby locations from the crossroads, which looked popular with the ATV crowd, but I turned around to drive to my destination, Cabresto Lake.

You turn off onto FR-134A to Cabresto Lake. It is a steep 4WD drive road, but fine for high clearance vehicles. Watch for ATVs traveling fast downhill. It seems the lake is a popular destination for these 4 wheelers. Although it is a National Forest Campground, that is stretching the term a bit. Mostly it is a flat parking area for those fishing the lake or the aforementioned ATVs. This is also the trailhead for the Lake Fork Trail #82, so those folks park here, too. The parking area has one picnic table.

There are three other camping "sites." The two closest to the lake are not at all level, the one a bit farther away is only somewhat un-level. Nonetheless I was determined to camp with a view of the lake, so chose the site with a view that, although it was on a severe incline, did not tilt to the side. I used all 20 of my leveling blocks on the rear wheels and the camper still sloped. However, as I like to sleep with my head higher than my feet, I was OK.

My campsite looks fairly level as the camera is pointed downhill. Note all the leveling blocks under the rear wheels.

I was going to hike up the lake trail after I set up, but an afternoon thundershower came before I could get going. I sat in the camper and read, and started writing this blog post. After the shower was safely over, I gathered my photography gear and set out.

Caberesto Lake. The trail is on the left, cutting through the slide area.

The Lake Fork Trail starts out at the northwest end of the parking lot, skirts the lake, then follows the creek up the canyon. It is gorgeous! One of the most beautiful trails I've walked since I've had my camper. There are not the breathtaking views that many Colorado trails provide, but the trail itself as it follows the creek, though the trees and flowers, is delightful. I was told by the ranger who headed the trail maintenance crew that many backpackers take this trail up to Heart Lake, then loop back around via Trail #85 along Bull Creek.

Lake Fork Trail as it enters the canyon.

This butterfly probably hatched last season and is just about at the end of its life.

Wildflowers lined the trail.

Lake Fork Creek was a rushing torrent.

Lake Fork Trail

Here the trail flows along side part of the creek.

After I returned from my 2-1/2 hour hike, I set up my chair above the lake shore hoping for a colorful sunset to reflect on the water. I didn't get the red, orange or yellows of the hoped for sunset, but enjoyed the blues as evening settled in.

Evening photo of Cabresto Lake

Here is my evening photography set-up and chair.

Actually, you shouldn't be discouraged to camp at Cabresto Lake, especially if you're in a camper. Go ahead and camp in the level parking area up next to the hillside and spend your day hiking the beautiful Lake Fork Trail. When you return, your camper will be in the shade, the ATVs will be long gone, and those who've been fishing will be leaving. You will likely have the place to yourself.

On the other hand, there were quite a few dispersed camping areas along FR-134 the first couple of miles east of the turn-off to the lake, many not far from the creek. They do look like they see heavy use, so be cautioned in that regard.

Tuesday, June 28th

Questa

I decided to simply pack up and drive into Questa for breakfast, as it is only about 8 miles. Turned out, however, the only real cafe in town was closed due to equipment problems. The owner directed me to the Chevron station on the south edge of town. What?! Yeah, that's what I thought. Turns out there was an actual grill/kitchen in the station run by a little, Hispanic lady. She cooks up your breakfast to order. It's called Banana's Take Out Grill, but there is a small area to sit and eat with several tables. I don't know what all is on the menu as I didn't bring in my reading glasses, but the breakfast burrito I ordered was very good and huge! So good I joined Yelp just so I could give them 4 stars.

Valle Vidal Unit

From Questa I drove north on NM-522 to the town of Costilla, just south of the Colorado border. At that tiny village I turned southeast on NM-196 toward Amalia. Somewhere past Amalia the road becomes FR-1950 and leads to the Valle Vidal Unit. The road runs though private land until you get to Valle Vidal. You can camp along the creek if you get a $20/car permit from the Rio Costilla Park office. It is a very pretty area.

Approaching Valle Vidal from the west. Costilla Creek, hidden by brush, on right.

Entering Valle Vidal Unit

Valle Vidal is a 100,000 acre tract that was once the playground of the rich and famous, such as Herbert Hoover, Douglass Fairbanks, and Cecil B. DeMille. The entire area was donated to the people of the United States though the Forest Service by Pennzoil in 1982. It is now managed to enhance opportunities for wildlife.

View up FR-1900, a side road that follows Costilla Creek

Looking back along main road and interesting rock formations.

The entire eastern half is closed in winter to protect the large elk herds; the western half is closed in spring as an elk calving area, though the designated though roads are open year-round (weather permitting.) No vehicular camping is allowed in the unit, though there are two campgrounds. Backcountry camping is allowed on foot or horseback in those ares that are not closed for elk protection and both campgrounds have corrals for horses, which use seems to be popular. The Cimarron Campground is located among fir and spruce; the McCrystal Campground is at lower elevation in a Ponderosa pine grove.

Looking SW toward Mt. Wheeler (which is not within Valle Vidal), the highest point in New Mexico

As I pulled into the Cimarron Campground to check it out I thought I was looking into a mirror. There was a silver, extended-cab Tacoma with a FWC camper right in front of me. They had fancy after-market bumpers and an Eagle, not a Fleet, but otherwise my twin. They were as pleasantly surprised as I was. I pulled over to meet Jay and Kay who were in the middle of a long sojourn across the country. We probably talked campers, traded tips, and admired each others modifications for the better part of an hour. Good fun. I provided recommendations for the areas they were planning to visit the next week.

I stopped at Shuree Ponds for photos and hoped to find dragonflies, but was disappointed in the later goal. I exited Valle Vidal by continuing on FR-1950 to the southeast through part of the Philmont Scout Ranch to US-64. From there I took NM-58 to I-25 and headed south toward home.

Looking across the big Shuree Pond at thunderstorms developing to the south.

On the recommendation of the NMVFO project leader I stopped in Pecos, NM for dinner. Apparently, it is now a thing for there to be quality, cook-to-order food in gas stations in NM. Is this true other places? If so, let me know in the comments. Pancho's Gourmet To Go is located in the Shell Station in the center of Pecos. I got the roast beef and green chile burrito. The beef was as tender and juicy as any brisket I've had - delicious.

Will a full stomach and a song in my heart, ha-ha, I headed back to the freeway and home.

Thanks for joining me on this little journey.