Side Effect's 2nd Retirement Adventure

[Iowa Dave]

Up here in eastern iowa we had hail that was pea sized and a lot of it. It covered the ground white. The rain came down hard and then floated the hail and 50 mph winds pushed it off the driveway and other flat surfaces. It’s all melted now except where it piled up in the low spots. Only 28 degrees so mostly an inside day today. Western closed I-80 and I-29 for
A while due to snow and blizzard conditions. Changeable it is.
Iowa Dave

 

[WillyB]

Just heads up if you are planning to travel New Mexico and it’s State Parks.

Their camping fee doubled from $10 to $20 without electric, sewer or water. Those are now a la carte. They raised their Non-Resident yearly Camping Pass from $225 to a whopping $600! No joke.

We were planning on seeing the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock National Monument but as of this year the Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Council has decided you must purchase a Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Pass for $20 per person plus a $2.37 Fee, not including the BLM Ticket Reservation of $5 per person to see it. Your America the Beautiful pass waives the BLM fee.

Good for the tribe but we’ll keep the $50 in our pockets.

Needless to say, New Mexico will cost you more in 2025.

 

[WillyB]

We made it Cochiti Lake Recreational Area this afternoon. Looks like a nice place at 5200 ft elevation. We had planned for 3 nights but with warm Mid-70’s coming we might spent a few more nights.

Your typical COE campground. Site 67.

 

[WillyB]

We have decided to extend our stay here until April 1st. At $7.50/night with the America the Beautiful Pass we couldn’t pass up exploring the area. Oh, plus get some laundry squared away.

Taos, Santa Fe, and the region have some really great things to explore. I’ll say be sure to say hi the Mr. Oppenheimer.

Weather this week is in the mid-70’s and lows in the mid-40’s.

 

[Mike G]

There's a paved road east of Santa Fe that rises sharply up the mountain and passes a NF CG (on the right) and immediately thereafter Hyde State Park CG (on the left). From the latter CG I walked a trail (perhaps 20 minutes?) to the NW which led to an overlook with a spectacular view of Santa Fe & the valley below.

I was taking slide photos then (2005) but here is a quick snap of the slide with my phone, to give you an idea of the vista.

 

[WillyB]

Mike G

Those are some of the reasons why we’re staying the are for a bit.

Can’t wait to start checking out the area. But after 23 days so far it’s laundry day!

 

[WillyB]

Spent the day at Bandelier National Monument and Los Alamos. Really enjoyed both.

We didn’t expect to see petroglyphs at Bandelier National Monument and we met a couple of monsters in Los Alamos.

 

[HABBERDABBER]

Mike G

Those are some of the reasons why we’re staying the are for a bit.

Can’t wait to start checking out the area. But after 23 days so far it’s laundry day!

There's a swell tune by the Roche Sisters........"
"Everybody in the laundromat is equal"

 

[WillyB]

We had the opportunity to see the “Miraculous Staircase” at the Loretto Chapel and the San Miguel Chapel which is the oldest Catholic Church in America.

Plus, received another fix of New Mexico Green Chilis for lunch.

I think we walked the legs of Mr. Shoji today. He said he had enough.

 

[Lorraine Pittsburgh]

We had the opportunity to see the “Miraculous Staircase” at the Loretto Chapel and the San Miguel Chapel which is the oldest Catholic Church in America.

Plus, received another fix of New Mexico Green Chilis for lunch.

I think we walked the legs of Mr. Shoji today. He said he had enough.

Shoji!

 

[Rockhead]

This is a beautiful town lots of history there visited several times

 

[brroberts]

Fun trip!

 

[WillyB]

An OG Series Escape 21 with Red graphics being pulled by a newer White Tundra just buzzed our campground loop here at Lake Cochiti.

Seems as if I might know the Escapee based on the pole extensions on the rear.

It’s an Escape Rally!

 

[WillyB]

He’s from Florida and his name is in the tip of my tongue. Can’t figure it out yet.

 

[LRCURTIS]

He’s from Florida and his name is in the tip of my tongue. Can’t figure it out yet.

Sounds like Mike Lewis. We me him last year in Alamogordo, NM - super nice chap.

 

[Ron in BC]

Yup, that'd be Mike. Highest radio antenna around.

Ron

 

[WillyB]

That’s who I thought I was.

Sorry Mike but we had to leave early this morning to beat the high winds. Maybe we’ll meet up next time.

 

[WillyB]

Here at John Martin Reservoir for a couple days and the heading down to Palo Duro Canyon State Park since I was able to secure a site.

Changing plans on the fly, bobbin’ and a weavin’. Good thing we don’t have to be back for a month and a half.

 

[brroberts]

I really like Palo Duro although we don’t often get there.

 

[WillyB]

Good morning from John Martin! We’re officially starting month #2.

Winds are still up a bit but not enough to keep the ducks from swimming.