I don't know what day it is, but I'm pretty sure I've spent two nights outside Cloudcroft, in Lincoln National Forest. I have so much to tell you! I've forgotten what it was!
Oh, here's something: it's hard to find wifi there. Saw a sign outside a real estate office: "HOTSPOT." I found it tepid. Then I moved on to the Chamber of Commerce, whose written policy is "The longer you lurk out there in your Prius, the worse your connection will get. Welcome to Cloudcroft!"
I stayed for a couple of nights at Upper Karr Recreation Area. I figured I didn't mind sharing my space with other campers. Nope. Nary a one. One SUV pulled in, spotted me, and didn't even slow down in his loop back to escape. Fine with me - no need to put my clothes back on, then.
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| For Judy. |
Met a local couple who told me not to leave until I had seen Bluff Springs. They seemed kindly, so I took their advice.
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| If there's a sweeter little stream than this, I'm ready to see it. |
Both of the places I mention are open for free camping. The first is secluded. The second is remote, but with a waterfall!
My first night solo in the forest felt a little weird. There were a lot of logistics to work out, like where do my feet go? The next morning I completely rearranged Spud, and last night was much better.
I realized that I left my sleeping bag at Cheryl's, but luckily I had the down comforter Sue gave me. That was fine, although when I visited the thrift store yesterday, I didn't turn down the brand new pair of Extreme Cold Weather Drawers for $3.50. You're willing to pay any exorbitant price when you're chilly in the mountains.
I woke up early with a voice telling me to go back to Alamogordo. That may have been internet calling me, that siren.*
*This post brought to you by Lowe's.
