We made the South West!

We arrived at Mammoth Caves National Park after a long day of driving. Our first day we did the "Historic tour" of the cave. Learned that the slave mining operations of salt peter supplied the US with much needed ingredient for gun powder for the War of 1812. The caves are an old underground river system of about 400 hundred miles.

Dylan arrived the next evening in time for dinner and hanging out in the bus during the rains. Our next day we toured the "New entrance" section with him. Just a bit frustrating for him as we had to stay on route with no rope for climbing and exploring the black parts of the cave.

The next morning Dyl headed off to the Red River Canyon for a little more time climbing on his return to Maine . Previously, we were at Miguel's Pizza and Climbing Equipment store near Natural Bridges for dinner, we chatted with a couple of climbers who were loving the bus. When Dylan returned he was talking to his friends who noted talking to "the guys from Maine in a bus." Lots of laughs for them to find out Dylan's dad and partner were "the guys"!

Crossing the Mississippi!

Life on the interstate is "interesting" to say the least! From Mammoth Caves the highway took over. With no more meetings planned until New Mexico we hit the road and found the "Rving life" is a strange phenomenon. Thanks to "Donny" for a few roading tips. We found parks right next to the highway and were lulled to sleep with the whine of trucks through the night. Easy off, easy on... keep moving.

In Oklahoma we found a nice state park to stay in, Red Rock Canyon. The next morning Mr fix it decided to work on the console lights but ended up blowing the main light switch so there were no tail lights or clearance lights! Down to day light driving only. A couple more roadside parks to Amarillo Texas where there is an International Truck dealer. A wonderful time enjoying the "customer lounge," complete with sleeping drivers and blaring TV while it was repaired. UGH!

We did get some real southern hospitality at the "Big Texas Steak House." The place was absolutely amazing with people from hill folks to infants in the bar. One room was a shooting gallery so the joyous noise of "bang, bang, bang, YAHOO!" rang continuously.

We made our way out of Texas, following "Route 66" to Las Vegas, New Mexico for the night. From Las Vegas we went up (and up and up) Rt 518 to Taos, also known as the "high road to Taos". The Immaculate Contraption made new heights in his life. 9425' in elevation! A long and
very slow ascent.

Crossing the mountains we passed Sipapue Ski Resort and yes, there were skiers on the slopes!

In Taos we walked the town and asked a woman in a climbing store if she could recommend a campground. We ended up camping down on the Rio Grand River in Pilar, just south of Taos. A WONDERFUL campground with just 12 sites right on the river. The weather was chilly at night but warm, sunny, great hiking during the day. Stayed over an extra day to enjoy the quiet of the desert canyon and the cry of eagles, without phone reception, Internet, TV, etc. Like Kanawha State Forest in West Virginia, a very special place.

From there we drove down to Santa Fe to a great campground on the southern end of town. Close enough to go to town but in the country. Coyote's talking at night..

Day 1 was errand day with groceries, propane, dishes, laundry. But we did treat ourselves to Ten Thousand Waves, a beautifully designed, rustic Japanese Spa. An evening of hot tubing, cold dips, and sauna was just what we needed. Met some new friends, Bobby and Milton, who took us into Santa Fe for dinner. And they are from New England!

Sunday we drove up to Bandelier National Park for a hike. The park is about 34,000 acres with some parts with ancient village ruins. Unfortunately this past June fire took 20,000 acres, and then a flash flood ripped through this summer, taking out bridges and paths. Parts were not accessible. Very cool place.

Today is the Georgia O'Keeffe museum, then on to Albuquerque!

'til next time,

missing you all...

johnney and Scott