The first time we went through New Mexico was across from the east. This time we did a quick north-south tour. We would like to return one day specifically to visit Santa Fe…when the temperatures are more humane. Sadly, the sweet, subtle bubblegum smell of Russian Olive trees is fading as we move further south.

Gallup (Church Rock, Actually)

After slowly driving through some of the worst, muddiest roads we have ever experienced, we stayed one night at a city park in Church Rock. When we arrived I had to chip off mud from the camper while Greg checked for damage from the big bounces we took.

Red Rock Park is not the best, but hey. There is a rodeo stadium along with some cool rock formations. There was also trash, speeding cars and some shady people along with a giant loose dog that seemed friendly, but was startling. We didn’t put up the catio, because we were afraid he (and we know that for a fact, no mistaking THOSE) would show up to “visit” Nemo and Cleo.

Gallup is very close by and had a good WalMart and a delicious Mediterranean restaurant. This is when the price of gas really started to decrease. Yay!

Bosque

We stopped in Bosque. It was dusty. No photos were taken.

Radium Springs

The name Radium Springs makes me think of Radiator Springs from the movie “Cars.” It also looks similar, so it makes sense. Hmmm….

During our travel time to Radium Springs the inside of the camper got up to 95 degrees even with all the shades down. The first thing we did when we reached Leasburg Dam State Park was get the A/C running before any setup. It took several hours for the temperature to normalize inside since our campsite had zero shade. It’s the desert!

This park has great campsites and a very nice host. The Rio Grande is part of the day use area which has a small beach. We were prepared to take a dip, but it isn’t clear water and it really moves fast in that section.

The temperatures got up to 104 degrees. At night it dropped down to the 60’s and was a dream with a cool, lovely desert sunset. We also went into Las Cruces and enjoyed delicious Mexican food at a bustling cafe.

Catio Corner

First complaint, Cleo is hoarse. Those bouncy roads made her meow with each bounce. For three hours. And now Cleo is embarrassed by her squeaky voice. How can a respectable cat menace birds from the catio with that kind of voice?

Second complaint…the big dog was allowed to cramp our style. Not cool. Enough said.

And why do we keep wanting to lay sprawled out on the floor and table? Something feels different in the air. Our humans call it scorching desert heat.