THURSDAY, JULY 3. 2008
As we pressed further East, we stopped at Bluewater Lake State Park for a few days, and met a really nice couple, Bob and June, from Albuquerque. We even introduced them toGeocaching, and wouldn’t you know it! Novice Bob found the cache!! He’s ready to strike out on his own!!
On to Albuquerque, where again we meet up with the Topley clan by coincidence and go to Daniel and Jenn’s “co-ed” baby shower! Never had been to one of those before!! They got many really nice things for their baby boy who will be born in August. (John’s note – I’m hoping that’s my last baby shower!) We attended Blake Road Baptist Church, and really enjoyed worshiping with fine group of believers! We even were greeted and hugged by about six young children…so special!
Our next stop was Cochiti Lake Core of Engineers Park. The lake was created by one of
the ten largest earth-filled dams in the United States, along the Rio Grande. Odd thing about this park is that our electrical box was on the wrong side of the RV (left instead of right), so John had to do a bit of maneuvering so our electrical cord (on the left) would reach the box! Guess whoever laid this place out, didn’t have a clue to how RVs were set up!! We loved having 50 amp service, though!!
While here, we did some more Geocaching which took us to La Bajada hill. The road (or what was left of it) was part of Route 66 back in the 1920’s and 30’s. Most interesting terrain with very many volcanic rocks all over! The next day, we planned to go on a short (remember that word) outing to theKasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument only a short distance from our camp. The “rocks” are actually mounds of tuff (or volcanic ash and pumice) resulting from volcanic eruptions 6-7 million years ago. After visiting the monument, we were going to go to the Pena Blanca Post Office to mail a package and some letters. Remember I mentioned “short” outing? Well, we made a wrong turn (even with GPS…no wonder we call it BD for “blind and dumb”)! In this area of New Mexico, there are several Indian Reservations and Pueblos, and I do believe we drove through all of them!!! We finally made it to the Post Office in a round-a-bout way (about a 60 mile detour), and back to our coach! Needless to say we had a late lunch! John was fit to be tied that we made the wrong turn, but Jane just told him that we were seeing things that most Anglos never get to see (though I’m glad no one stopped us to ask why we were there)!
On to Santa Fe, and on our trip into the old city, we learned there was some sort of festival going on, since there was a parade, craft tents set up in the square and live music. We finally found a parking place and visited the Georgia O’Keeff Museum where we also saw many of Ansel Adams’ photos. We strolled down to the square where rock music was heard, and after the song was finished I looked to see who was speaking…a male voice, with long blond hair, and a short little turquoise dress! Well, that will attract attention, for certain – just like the days of Boy George! Some things never change!! Sunday, we attended First Baptist Church, and had a wonderful worship experience with that body of believers!
Heading further East for our Forth of July festivities with our friends, the Rohanes in
Amarillo, TX, we find ourselves at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in the Mesquite campground. 50 amp electrical (and the electrical box is on the left side of the RV where it should be!) and water! We are parked next to a beautiful red bluff…another part of God’s world, and we are so blessed to be here and are thankful to all our friends for “following us” in this very lengthy blog!
Blessings to you all, and have a wonderful Independence Day celebration…stay safe!