Touring the extremities (Columbus, NM)

My friend, Julie, who lives in New York state, wanted to see some examples of border towns. Having limited time, she settled for one example: Columbus, NM.

Columbus abuts Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico and provides an easy pedestrian crossing into Mexico. She hadn't brought her passport, so we peered at the fence from the duty-free shop parking lot.

Columbus is a favorite of mine, mainly because of the library and its spirit. I once drifted into town and asked about a library card. The librarian said, "We LOVE transients!" I think she did want to see a card from where I lived, and so I provided my previous transient card from Arizona. Like we enjoy introducing one dear friend to another, I wanted Julie to meet my library.

The Patio ... patio.

Columbus hosts a couple of museums; we chose the old railroad depot.

No personal injuries for me. Also, no work.

Especially when you flush in the station.

Flush all you want, for the good it will do you.

Antelope Wells was another of Julie's goals, but daylight was burning. We settled for Hachita, NM. 

Have you had a chance encounter change your mind about everything? I have had a dismal opinion of Deming for a while. After declaring that I NEEDED coffee, Julie directed us to this coffee shop immediately in our path: Copper Kettle Coffee, corner of Gold and Spruce. [Facebook page.]

Coffee will generally buoy my spirits under most conditions, but this had a special feel. Let me try to pick the magic to bits:

1) Mandi offered "Bulletproof" coffee, a special mixture favored by people on a particular diet plan.

2) She served a "flat white," favored by Julie.

3) She and her son told stories of Deming that I had never heard, including tunnels, and gunfights over women.

She left me with the feeling that I could, perhaps, live quite happily in Deming. With coffee. You'll find art on the walls, and an area for children to play and feel comfortable while you fuel up.

We stayed overnight at Harold's horse motel, LazyKo Ranch. I had been there about 45 seconds when I started wondering if I could stay a month. Not for the horses, but for the vast plains all around it, the sunsets, and the darling cabin we were housed in. And Tika and Remy, two squishable little dogs who help Harold tend to the human and equine guests.

Suppertime found us in Hatch at a local landmark, Sparky's. 

I'm noticing talking about living some different place a lot. No real plans, but a willingness to shift and shake things up a little. Maybe what I want is to see where I am a bit differently.

Do you know Malia Lane? In the off chance you don't, please do yourself a cosmic favor and change that now.

Malia writes about her life choices with a distinctive voice, from a truly unique perspective.

Goodbye, Columbus (Columbus, New Mexico)

End of the line?

"This must have been a jail," explained Captain Obvious.

Single?

Or the family suite?

Old hotel.

The wind finally blew us out of Columbus, but not far out.

Door in Palomas, Chihuahua

 

Same door in Palomas

Pancho Villa

Goodbye, Columbus. [Pancho Villa State Park, New Mexico]

I really like Rockhound State Park, and had a wonderful time last time I was here. This time, circumstances were just a little off, so I moved on quickly to Pancho Villa State Park. I had it in my head that that was my real destination, so I didn't fight it.

Pancho Villa S.P. had a friendly vibe last time I was here (March 2014), and it didn't disappoint me this time. Sparsely populated right now, probably because no one can stand upright outdoors. It was so windy I had to take down my butt-tent and sleep hardshell like a common Yellowstone visitor.

Carol, from Diary of an Adventurous Lady, is full of energy, and her blog is always upbeat. It was so cold a body could freeze waiting for water to boil, and she made sure to intercept me to invite me in for coffee. She travels in a drool-worthy Chinook ("Jeremiah").

David (Pleinguy) is in his second year of full-timing in his peppy red-and-white Lazy Daze ("Tardis"). We got to chat over enchiladas.

Frank doesn't blog, or email. In fact, he only turns his phone on two times a week. He has been full-timing since 1999 in his silver cargo van ("______").

You'll want to visit the Pink Store in Palomas. You'll probably want to enjoy a margarita. WARNING: just because they're cheap doesn't mean they're weak. Later you'll shop, and realize the margaritas weren't "cheap" after all.















Tonight I'm in Truth or Consequences. Tomorrow, back to Datil. I really only intended to be gone for two days; I should have brought more underwear.