2011 the Finally!!!

 Aug 2011

Staying true to our decision to move around (even if it's just in the area) we moved back up to Alamogordo, NM and the Boot Hill RV Resort. This turned out to be a good move, as the hosts were the friendliest and most helpful of any we have seen on our travels. They were also the reason we decided to stay with them until our departure in late Oct.

 We also made the decision to get out and see the sights alittle more. Sheryl was feeling better so off we went. On a trip combining business with pleasure (needed to finish up some paperwork from the sale f our old trailer) we took a trip to Silver City, NM. After the business end we cleared up, we stopped of at the City of Rocks State Park (between Deming and Silver City) we spent several hours exploring and hiking around and through the rock outcroppings.
It was getting late and we needed to start heading toward the house, we did stop in Deming for diner and found the Mimbres Valley Brewery, where we discovered Green Chili Beer and Chocolate infused wine, a very interesting experience and more than yummy!!!

 We also took a trip down NM 28, we had travelled this scenic hwy before and just wanted to check it out again. The drive takes you along the southern Rio Grande Vally of New Mexico, with mile after mile of rich farmland and the high desert mountains as a back drop. The road is also home to several southern NM wineries.

 Sheryl being Sheryl, could not stand the early 90s decor of the new rig, so out came her sewing machine and in came new valances and matching accessories. Definitely gives the rig a more updated look.

Aug also brought the purchase of a new camera for yours truly. I wanted to expand my photographic horizons and creativity, hopefully it helped and it's a purchase I have really been enjoying.

 September 2011

Fall is beginning here in the high desert and what better way to see it than head to the mountains. Alamogordo is located at the foot of the Sacramento Mountain Range so it was just a short drive up to some beautiful scenery and our favorite little mountain town of Cloudcroft.

 Just down the street from the RV Park were two Pistachio farms and wineries. The high desert climate of this area seems to be prime for pistachio growing. Both farms offered tours and wine tasting so it was a no brainier for us to check out.

 During our travels I have become fascinated with what I call Highway Ghost Towns. One that we drive by a couple of time a month is just outside Las Cruces, NM. so one day I decided to stop and shot some photos which now has me hooked on checking out these little gems of history we all drive right by.

 Sept is also Sheryl's birthday, it was a nice day so a drive up into the mountains for lunch and sight seeing sound like a great way to spend Sheryl's B-Day.

 While we were out, we stopped by the ghost town of White Oaks, an old mining community out in the desert mountains. It's in the process of being restored, so not as deserted as we thought, very interesting to explore though.

Speaking of desert mountains, it was time to give Big Red his first off road test. While I was in the Las Cruces area one day, the Dona Ana mountains were just looming there calling my name. I pointed Red in the direction and off I went for the day. The mountains are very rugged with rugged two track roads winding through them. I had taken the Jeep there a couple of times, and Big Red, held his own during the day.

Oct 2011

In Oct we stayed really busy, a bit of a contrast to earlier months were we were mostly just hanging out. The beginning of Oct brought the Trinity Tour, a twice a year tour of the first atomic bomb test site. Very interesting to see and learn the history of the atomic age.

Even though we had lived in Alamogordo for almost three years before fulltiming and spent time here afterwards, we had never gone out to the White Sands National Monument together.  Nice thing about white sands is, you can spend just a little time there and still see most all there is to see.

Another day out was a really cool dinner show held up in the mountains. They put on a Chuck Wagon style dinner, then a great western show afterwards. We had a great time out with friends from the RV Park.

The end of Oct drew near and so did the medical appointments, we were off and running once again! First stop southwest Kansas and Sheryl's Family Farm which her Grandfather Homesteaded in the early 1900s. We had a big old style family gathering with more food and fun than you can shake a stick at!!!

We also experienced the first snow of our RV season.

One highlight was getting to meet up with fellow fulltimers Ron and Elena. They just happened to be in SW Kansas on there way back from there Alaska adventure. We met for lunch and had a great visit before they had to continue on.

While in KS we also stopped in at one of the local history museums, it's always fun to learn the history of these areas and there is no better place to do it.

 Nov 2011

November brought a fast run for Florida and our sons wedding at the end of the month. Alot of driving and many miles covered in a short period of time, but we did stop to catch our breath once in a while. First real stop was more Moochdocking at Sheryl's Cousins home in North FL.

 While we were there, fresh seafood was in order and a local place was just the ticket to put a dent in our craving.

 Hit up the local museum for another history lesson.

 and explored the North FL. scenery.

 After a couple of days rest, the jaunt was on again, net real stop, St Augustine, FL. The weather was pretty poor for a couple of days but finally cleared and gave us a day of sightseeing before the push on to Miami.

And of course the whole reason for coming to FL was to see our son marry the lady of his dreams. It was a great week, with lots of fun and wedding bliss.

Dec 2011

December was another busy travel month, we had agreed to watch Sheryl's bothers kids in Austin TX. while they took a couples vacation and we also agreed to spend Christmas in Oklahoma City with our other batch of kids, so off and running we were.

First stop after Miami and a quick rest stop from the crazy busy wedding week was McDill AFB in Tampa FL. We were able to get a spot (highly unusual for this time of year we were told) for 3 days off. We fixed a flat on the rig, eats some good food and just enjoyed some more great FL weather.

 Hitting the road again we did a long push into North FL and Apalachicola for some of the best oyster known to man. We had to stop at our favorite place for oysters, Raw is the only way to go for me, however Sheryl differs in opinion, Rockefeller for her.

 We made it into Austin TX a couple of days later. Watching the kids was a joy and we managed to keep them entertained. Good thing Austin has lots of activities going on during the holiday season. Of course what is TX without eatin some good BBQ, luckily one of the best places in TX is just down the road form the house, yea we put a dent in their inventory.

 Dec also brought us a new travelin buddy by the name of Scrappy Doo. On his registration paperwork he will be know by the stuck up name of Sir Scrappious Doobeious, however to us he's just a bouncing bundle of fur named Scrappy.

 After Austin, we made a quick stop in Dallas to say hey to Kayla and Chris and also pick up our daughter Kaileigh from DFW airport. She'll be catching a ride back up to OKC with us.

 Once in OKC we fond hat Santa had come early one morning and dropped off a nice new table in our rig, man wasn't that nice of him.

 During our stay, we all went to the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial and Museum.

 Of course there was tree trimming to be done

and lots of Christmas holiday fun to be had by all.

Whew, 2011 was quite a ride and we are hoping for a great 2012, abit at a little slower pace. However, we were advised of a couple of surprises that are to take place in 2012, but we'll keep that secret for now.................Ok, 2011 has come to it's end and here's to a great and happy 2012 to everyone!!!! 

2011 Review Part II

 March 2011

We began our the last leg of our journey back to New Mexico with a trip across the south western part of Texas. Two things we discovered were, gas stations are few and far between in this part of the world and when you did find one, it was not guaranteed they would have gas. We also discovered just how bad the Jeeps gas mileage was 5-6 mpg with a small tank, 80-100 mile range at best towing up and down the hills.........had us plenty worried a couple of times but we made it

Our first stop, by mistake, looking for gas, was the Judge Roy Bean Museum in the middle of No Where Texas. We are actually glad we found it, as it was a good tour and lots of info on this colorful old west character

 Speaking of middle of no where Texas, there is alot of it west of Del Rio, miles and miles of nothing, but yet full of it's own beauty.

So after a two day drive across the state, we pulled into the Ft Bliss RV Park and set up to this fantastic sunset.

We had only planned on staying in the West Texas/Southern NM for a month or so at max, however one thing lead to another medical wise and we ended up staying for 8 months. Lots of ups and downs during that time, but in the end worked out for the best.

By the luck of the draw, the Military Jeepers, El Paso Chapter had a trip pan a couple of days later to Arden Crater in the desert west of Las Cruses, NM. I never had a chance to make it out that way, so I jumped at the chance to go. Arden Crater is one of several volcanic craters located between Las Cruses and Deming. You don't need 4 wheel drive to get to them (but it helps) and is worth finding them as they a little know to the travelling RV'er.

The next thing that happened was, well as you can see, we traded the Jeep for a diesel truck. We had been discussing moving up to a larger travel trailer or 5th wheel, so we went ahead to bought the truck. I sure do miss the Jeep, it took us to some great places, but the truck will do the same, as 4x4 was a mandatory option.

April 2011

April brought a lot of day to day life, not much in the traveling department, however we did move to Holloman AFB RV Park after a month at Ft Bliss. Figured if we moved from park to park in the area, it wouldn't get so old so quick. The month was also filled with general truck maintaince to ensure she'd be in tip top shape to future travels.

May 2011

Come May, we had decided a 5th wheel is what we wanted, so the hunt was on. Not wanting to put the carriage before the horse, we bought and installed the 5th wheel hitch so we'd be ready when the time was right. Being the truck is of the short bed variety, we opted for a sliding hitch, and went with the Pullright one. I can say one thing for sure, at 200 lbs, it's well built and my back can vouch for that!!!

 Another milestone in this aging thing, was I came to realize hearing aids were in order.........Sheryl is much happier as not to listen to me say what??? nearly as much. Nice thing was, after just a couple of trips to the VA Hospital, they were ordered and arrived.

One other thing we finally got around to doing, was to visit the museum at Holloman AFB, and what better day to do it that Memorial Day. The museum is small but they do have several planes on display.

 June 2011

June brought another major change in our fulltiming lifestyle. After scouring the Internet for a couple of months we happened upon our new home, and what do you know it was just down the road in El Paso. So after a little haggling we landed on a good deal for both of us.

 It still amazes us how much more room we have. Our trailer served us well and got us fulltiming, even if it was a little cramped at times.

 Of course as with anything new, you have to make it your own. We started by getting rid of one chair and the couch, replacing it with a more residential style couch. Much more comfort and room.

And of course as with any pre owned rig, it had it's share of hic-ups and a trip or two to the RV doctor was needed. First was the black tank flushing. I'll spare you the yucky details. You'd thank me later.

Sheryl and I also celebrated or 3rd Wedding Anniversary, dinner at a nice place in town and a peaceful evening at home.

 July 2011

July brought another trip to the RV Doc, seems as if the ole girls front legs gave out and needed replacing. Turned out to a good thing as we had a much better system installed.

We also changed RV Parks once again, back to El Paso for a change of pace. We also had a mighty bad scare with Sheryl's health, she ended up in the hospital for a week, but in the end she came out fine.

Once again, we'll leave this post and start a new one to finish out the year. We are enjoying our new rig and are really looking forward to getting out on the road for some seriou travelling (not all at once of course) Ok, See you on the next post. Oh, thanks for the nice comments, we sure have been enjoying this lifestyle and glad you have enjoyed riding along with us............so until next time........