Left Roswell and headed south to Carlsbad, N.M. Short drive for Skip - approx. 70 miles south. We pulled into the Carlsbad KOA. Very nice campground.

In fact, we signed up for dinner that night at the campground. The staff cooks dinner - either have meal delivered to your campsite or can eat in the hall. We chose to eat at the hall. We both had the barbecue ribs - great. Our site is a good size with grass for Thumper. Their dog park is also nice. Thumper met few dogs there. Also had coyotes walk by one day. Dogs noticed the coyotes; coyotes didn't pay any attention to the dogs.

  The next day Skip and I headed over to the Caverns. It is about an hour drive. When we got there, we were greeted by a ranger explaining that the elevator was out of order and that you would not only have to walk into and down the cavern but also walk back up. This could take about 5-6 hours. Skip and I headed down. After about 1-1/2 hours we were still descending and we called it quits and turned around. We do not like to leave Thumper for over 6 hours. Unfortunately, we did not make it to bottom of caverns.

Another time. In fact, there were a few struggling on the way back up. Before we left Carlsbad a few days later, I called the Caverns but elevator was still not in operation.
  On our way back, we did stop to take a picture of the billboard on the main road.
   

  While in Carlsbad, we did go to the movies to see the new James Bond - Spectre. We enjoyed it. Daniel Craig is not hard to look at!!!   The seats were really comfortable and lots of room between rows.
  We also went to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens which is located on top of a mountain. Views were great. You follow the trail through gardens and the animals, some of which are in outdoor environs. It is about a 2 mile walk.

prairie dogs

javelina

Hosts at the KOA told us to go to the town of Artesia. It had cute shops, etc. All we saw were oil wells and refineries going through. We drove up for lunch.  Also wandered around looking at the larger than life sculptures that are around.

I think I was told there are 7 total. We also pulled into one of the refineries to see if we could get a tour. We were told to go to the Admin Building, but they were all out to lunch right now.Couldn't figure how they can close down the admin building and all be at lunch. We figured they just did not want us asking questions. We figure we'll see someone hanging around an oil well or refinery on our travels and pull in.

  Another day we drove out to the Sitting Bull State Park. It is located about 35 miles outside of Carlsbad and is part of the Lincoln National Park. As usual, views were great. Temperature had definitely cooled down.

view on way to Sitting Bull State Park

waterfall at Sitting Bull State Park

                 

                               

for your safety along the way!

 

We discovered Roswell to be a good size city. Besides the UFO theory that probably brings in the tourism, the city is diversified with dairy, agriculture, manufacturing, aviation, homeland defense training, film production, and art galleries. One gallery named The Gallery showcases local artists. Found interesting pieces there.

one of the local artists

Artists are also on the premises.
   We took a side trip one day to Ruidoso which is west of Roswell on the southern end of the Rocky Mountains. Another beautiful drive.

Most of its business is in the winter - plenty of places to stay for the skiers. There are also 2 casinos in town and a race trace - Ruidoso Downs - which is the only horse track in the U.S. that has a separate quarter horse straightaway and oval thoroughbred tracks. As you can see, the Billy the Kid Casino is located on the premises. Amazed at the number of casinos we come across as we travel around the United States.

On the way back, stopped at local antique market. Skip took Thumper for a stroll around the grounds while I strolled the shop.

lots of goodies here!!!

Last day in Santa Fe we went to the Santa Fe Farmer's Market at the Railyard. While there, a railway train came through.

Great market. Enjoyed walking all around. Market is indoors and outdoors. Since it was Halloween, many vendors were dressed in costumes. 

 While I picked up some veggies, Skip learned how to roast peppers from one of the vendors. While talking with vendor, a local was also giving Skip a recipe for adding chili peppers to mac and cheese telling him it will be the best mac and cheese he ever had. We all know Skip and spices. I don't think I'll be adding any chili peppers to his food.

    For lunch we went to Santa Fe Bites. The place was recommended by a camper we had met in Oklahoma City. More costumed people - waitresses and some customers. Halloween is big in Santa Fe. After lunch, we took a ride on Canyon Road. This road is noted for its art galleries.

We couldn't even find a place to park the car. People walking all over.

Back at campground, took some pictures of metal art that is around the campground. One of the shareholders in campground is artist.  

Heading out in the morning heading to Roswell and UFO's. We enjoyed our stay in Santa Fe. There is a lot to see. Also enjoyed staying at Santa Fe Skies RV Park. Would stay here again if we come back.

At Ski Basin

Another sunny day!!! Snow still on top of the mountains so we took a ride up to the Santa Fe Ski Basin. From the campground it was about a 30 minute drive.  The route takes you from 6,000 ft to approximately 11,000+ to the base of the ski basin. Top of mountain is 12,000 feet. Road is mainly lots of switchbacks. Pulled over a little over half way at scenic overview. The ski season opens middle of November. We saw snow making machines around. While there 3 snowboarders were going to hike to top of mountain for snowboarding.

One of them said it would probably taken about 1-1/2 hours to hike to top from here at base. One is red jacket had a go pro. Wished them well. Hope they were able to have fun.

Afterwards we had lunch at Maria's. Restaurant has been in business for a very long time.

Good Mexican food! I had tacos, Skip had enchilada. Maria's is also known for their margaritas. In fact, they have a 4 page menu of just margaritas. Had the basic. It was great!
  Following day was overcast and rain showers. Good day to go to one of the casinos. Headed to Buffalo Thunder.  After getting or player's card, we each played on the $10.00 they gave us. High rollers we are! Ha Ha!!!  
                                                                    Had fun anyway. There are about 5 or 6 casinos in the area.

 On the way, we stopped by the Santa Fe Opera House. Massive renovations going on. Looks like outdoor stage.

 

 

Another beautiful day. We have been lucky with the weather. Rained at night. In the morning we saw on top of the mountains. We took a ride to the Estrella Del Norte Vineyards.

While I did the tasting, Skip and Thumper strolled through property. I joined three ladies on vacation for tasting. They were from Washington, DC, Indiana and Colorado and were heading to Taos after wine tasting. Had a good time and interesting wines. Their Holy Mole has red chili peppers  and gives a real kick going down. They grow grapes on property but also have at least 2 vineyards in southern New Mexico.

  Afterwards we took a ride on the Route 503 - considered the high road to Taos up in the mountains. Again beautiful views.

  We saw snow on the mountains. Plan on making a trip up to the mountains before we leave Santa Fe.


We stopped at Santa Cruz Lake which took us on a few switchbacks to get to it. We were told that the trout fishing there is really good. Beautiful place.

Up early and on the road to Taos, which is north of Santa Fe. About an hour and half drive. We took the low road, which runs along the river at times. On the way we passed Santa Fe Opera House (saw part of it from the highway). Also casinos are along the way. As passed a few wineries on the way. Taos is a small town; lots of galleries, shops and restaurants. Parking could be an issue at high season, but we lucked out.

  After browsing around the shops and galleries,

shops on either side

Skip and I had lunch at the River Gorge Grill. Skip had soup (too spicy for his taste) and grilled cheese. I had their "gorgeous burger" loaded with onions and chili (taste the heat). 

Poster hanging in the restaurant showing the Gorge River Bridge. We were informed it was about 7 miles up the road. Off we went.
   The bridge is 600 feet over the Rio Grande.

It is a long way down there!!

In the middle of the bridge, there is a "Crisis Call Button" for anyone who may think about suicide.

We have never come across this before in our travels. Just hope it never is needed. Also Tiwa Indians were on site with jewelry and trinkets. We picked up a few things from them. They were also delighted to talk to us about their culture.


   Afterwards, we headed back to Santa Fe. As usual, views are gorgeous. Lots of clouds - rain the distance.

We have been in Santa Fe, New Mexico for a week. We are staying at the Santa Fe Skies RV Park. Have great views of the mountains. They have a large dog park which Thumper loves. Lots of jack rabbits around. She is going crazy trying to catch them.

There is a lot to see here. There are lots of museums and galleries as well as great food. Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in North America. The Palace of the Governors located in the Plaza is the oldest public building in America. On weekends, it is where many vendors sell art, jewelry, etc

. Our first stop was to the Georgia O'Keefe Museum. I have seen her work in other museums over the years.   As one of my nieces said "going to check out the various vaginas".   There were a lot there checking them out. There is a short documentary on her life, which does reference the sexual innuendo to her work which she denied.

Afterwards, we walked over to the Plaza area stopping in a few galleries on the way. We noticed no tall buildings anywhere. Seems in 1958, a modern zoning code was passed that mandates the city keep its distinctive Spanish-Pueblo style of architecture. Earth-tones!!! After a week, I was looking for a bold painted structure.

    We went to Angel's Café for lunch which was more brunch for us. I had French toast and Skip had eggs.  We walked around town browsing and buying in some of the shops.

Skip looking at artwork

 Afterwards, we drove around trying to get our bearings and taking in the beautiful views. We do not have views like these in the northeast.