The crew and I set out just before sunset.
Did the rock help this cactus grow?
We discover there are several trails to choose from and the length of each one is marked. We choose the short trail, only .2 miles. It starts about .1 mile from our campsite, so it makes a nice, very short, beginner’s hike.
Both Bridget and I carry more weight than we are designed for and our lives have been very sedentary the past six months or so. At one point I was walking 4-5 miles a day almost every day of the week, but that came to a halt once Georgia humidity set in last Spring. Anyway.
Back to our first New Mexico desert hike!
Spike always seems to be the pacesetter. He leads with a brisk and jaunty walk. The trail is well-marked with stones lining the path and there is no close brush to hide Easter eggs . . . just kidding . . . to hide rattlesnakes.
What a spectacular view!
We come to an opening and suddenly we see the lake and a vast stretch of desert reaching over to distant volcanic formations . . . absolutely stunning! The time of day adds to the beauty of the scene. The sun has set, yet its remaining light turns the undersides of the massive clouds a soft pink against a pale blue sky. The desert is dotted with green clumps . . . junipers? mesquite? I have so much to learn about this new, strange, and intriguing environment!
The lake level is extremely low.
I can see a boat dock on the other side that ends on land and then there’s another fifty feet or so, I estimate, to the water’s edge. People are wading along the shore on that side. On our side, we look down a cliff to the water. The light is too low for my camera. I decide we’ll hike again in the morning and I’ll take photos then.
The hike is the highlight of the day.
Earlier I research Storrie Lake State Park as a possible next camp. The reserveamerica.com site is confusing because it indicates the season ends after Labor Day. I call the New Mexico Parks office and the lady explains it’s the end of the reservation season. The park is open year round. After Labor Day its first-come, first-served. There are so few campsites that I doubt I’d be lucky enough to land one, given the park is only four miles north of Las Vegas (New Mexico . . . for those of you not familar with the area). I’m looking at other possibilities.
The crew and I take frequent walks, short excursions off the campground road. Look closely and you can see the mesa at the horizon.
I’ve got a good read going on my kindle.
It is cool enough in the shade to sit in my anti-gravity chair and read. This gives the crew some time outdoors, too. There are only three other rvs here and one of them is the camp host’s. It feels like we own this side of the campground as we have it all to ourselves!
Flashback to Oak Park Campground at Navarro Mills Lake, Texas!
I’m sure I left my camera behind at the Navarro Mills camp. I can’t find it anywhere. I should have known to venture into the black hole of my purse. Sure enough, there it is, in the zippered part I rarely use. I rush to hook up the USB cable to see the photos. I especially want to see the one of Paul and Reine standing in front of their Casita!
These two are experienced campers who enjoy lending a helping hand to newbies. I can't thank them enough for helping me get started on the fulltime vagabond life.
This entry is the one I tried to post yesterday, but couldn’t. Remember, if I suddenly stop posting — possibly for days — it is because I have poor internet connectivity. Do not think bad thoughts! One of the reasons I drove up to Santa Rosa State Park is for Verizon service which has enabled me to post since I’ve been here. It still isn’t great, so I may disappear at times.
I’m glad the crew and I stayed here. Every day we enjoy it more!
rvsue
rvsue and her canine crew 