Red River, Eagle Nest, and Cimarron, New Mexico.

We spent two nights at an RV park in Questa. There are advantages, but I always feel hemmed in by them. Like I'm being judged.

"I'm just here to judge."

What ...?

Hahahaha! What the what?

LOL!! THE HAIR!

Hoo boy. Fancy top-knot.

Okay, I'm judging a little.

"Don't stare at their hair!!"

From there, we headed toward Eagle Nest State Park, where everyone who was anyone had gathered. We met Swankie Wheels (Charlene), and Evie and her mom, Joy. 

Red River, New Mexico

Red River is lively and bustling with commerce.

How is that possible?

I put this here for you Texans. He was down to strawberry.

I don't see you, and I never shall.

We waddled around saying "duck-like" for two days.

Don't make me do the pelican limerick. Again.

The visitor's center at Eagle Nest State Park is straw-bale construction.

Just remember, it's like the country.

We paid.

Eagle Nest is a cute little town, and it also has a nice thrift store, Angel's Attic.

Eagle Nest State Park has charm, enchantment, and magic. It does not have hookups, a dump station, or Verizon wifi reception.*

*Swankie did have 3G with her Verizon jetpack, but the price was that she put it on top of her van and drove away. I don't recommend that kind of Faustian bargain. Evie and Joy had AT&T reception.

Cimarron, New Mexico

We managed to find 1) a burrito, and 2) a good cup of coffee in Cimarron. Plus a walking tour.

We didn't stay here, but that review almost swayed me.

All you need is $2 and a dream. Alone, I might have killed off the afternoon in here.

I'm no architect, but I was unreasonably excited by this building. Check out those lines! One hundred fifty-one years old, and plumb plumb.

The old jail. These guys weren't kidding around with their penal system.

Rumor has it this jailhouse is haunted. I see no evidence to support that claim.

St. James Hotel, Cimarron, New Mexico

TAhhhos, New Mexico and the Enchanted Quarter-circle

Santa Fe: I AM REALLY GLITTERY! LOOK AT ME! I SPARKLE!

Taos: Dude. You look awesome. Have a decaf.

Taos has a vibe, for sure. It's a destination that doesn't take itself so seriously. You can still buy great art, but you can park for free to shop for it. Looking for wifi? Taos would like to treat you at the public library (where you've parked for free anyway).

Stroll around the plaza (where you've already peed for free - NOT THAT tree - use the public restrooms down the beautiful "alley").

Talented buskers will serenade you while you buy (or don't). I'm a sucker for street performers. When forced to choose between buying a coffee and tipping a performer, I hesitate and feel remorse while adding my soy milk. Luckily, I don't have to choose yet.

A nut at the wheel
A peach to his right
A curve in the road
Fruit salad tonight

BurmaShave

I couldn't resist the jumbo bowl of fresh pineapple at Albertsons, even though I knew it would end in heartache and regret. This morning I did a major front-seat cleanup. I would do it all again.

Next to Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.

Did I or didn't I?

Eagle Nest and the area may be the most beautiful place I've ever seen. I tried to see it overnight, but no go there. A park ranger gave me tips for where to camp further into the dark, stormy mountains.

This is where I actually camped - BlackJack Tent Area (Cimarron Canyon)

My campsite along the Rio Grande was at 36.305442,-105.770558. Rio Bravo BLM Campground, up 570. It's just north of the Rio Grande Gorge Visitor's Center, and if you forget my directions, someone at the center will tell you where to find it.

If you have an interagency pass (and who DOESN'T??), you can tent camp for $3.50 and get water and electric for $7.50. Coin showers, shelters, hot water, flush toilets. Like you're back living with Mom.

~~~~~~~

Get Mom something nice from Amazon.