September 15-18,2013
Albuquerque, NM
We arrived at the American RV Park on the west side of Albuquerque last Saturday. Its an OK campground, except for 2 things ...first, the goathead thorns that we keep stepping on and second, the asphalt roads will be very nice once the resurfacing with stinky tar is finished.
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| Belle all settled in at American RV Park |
We have been busy... a trip to Albertsons where we finally found honeycrisp apples (my favorite), Sears where Joe found the toolbox he wanted (it fits perfectly in the bay), REI where I found a much needed pair of walking shoes (not for hiking) and 4 Wheel Parts and Service where a new back bumper for Pearl was ordered (and will be installed on Friday).
With those things out of the way...it was time to explore. A trip into Old Town was at the top of my list. Old Town is the historic district in Albuquerque dating back to 1706 when the Spanish founded the city.
We were starving...yummy smells of Mexican food filled the air so we stopped at the first place we saw...Hacienda del Rio. We both LOVE Mexican food. And we were not disappointed.
We chose to eat outside. Guacamole came first with corn chips and red and green chili sauce. Best guacamole (made in house) we have ever eaten!
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| The Plaza |
We enjoyed stuffed flat bread with beef, smothered in red chili sauce with lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. A feast!
After lunch, we took a leisurely stroll. Old Town is about 10 blocks of historic adobe buildings grouped around a central plaza.
Peppers are hanging to dry everywhere.
Colorful places to sit and enjoy filled the walks.
Many of the pueblo-Spanish style homes have been converted into boutiques, art and souvenir shops and restaurants. One boutique I especially liked was the Old Town Hat Shop. I couldn't believe the great prices and huge selection.
I bought 3 hats!
This morning it was back to nature and it sure felt good! For our first hike we picked the Pino Trail. Its about a 4 mile hike one way to the Crest Trail.
Its a moderate hike on a well maintained trail. It is big climb up... elevation gain is 3341 feet. Some parts were very steep, but mostly it was just a steady climb.
The first mile or so from the parking lot, the trail wanders thru a high desert canyon. It connects the stark cactus...
...to the Sandia Mountain Wilderness and beauty of the fir highlands.
We enjoyed beautiful views of the Sandia Mountains. The core of the range consists of granite approximately 1.5 billion years old. The highest point is Sandia Crest at 10,678 feet.
Once in the wilderness area, the trail was mostly shady...nice!
There were many views of Albuquerque...
Look very close at the white spot just to the right of the center of the picture... (if you click on the picture it will enlarge the photo)
a close up...its the Sandia Peak Tramway.
This was a wonderful hike...we both highly recommend it.
Life is good!
I forgot to mention we stopped by PetSmart too.
Until next time..
take care and enjoy the view!
The first mile or so from the parking lot, the trail wanders thru a high desert canyon. It connects the stark cactus...
Alburqueque! a decade ago we would have moved here. But glad it did not pan out or else we would not be full timing.
ReplyDeleteLooked like these mushrooms grow everywhere, we have them too here in the East Coast.
Beautiful pictures as always.
Where are you wintering? in AZ?
If you like really good (ok... that's my opinion) Mexican food, you might try El Modello. It's a carryout (but has picnic tables outside) and isn't anything fancy. Located on 2nd Street, just over the Cesar Chavez bridge, it has the best tamales and chile rellenos I've ever eaten. Our daughter always packs a carry-on freezer thing full of them when she flies back to PA. UmUmGood!
ReplyDeleteI'm visiting from Me and My Dog.....love NM. We were there (not in an RV) in Feb two years ago...cold on the other side of those mountains, they were skiing. Love old town too. Have fun! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the Old Town there and even had Lunch at the hacienda del rio a few years ago, loved it!
ReplyDeleteAnd even did the Sandia peak Tramway was an awesome trip to the peak.
Enjoy your time there, hope to get that way this fall, if all goes well.
Have too much fun there.
Glad you are enjoying Albuquerque. We hope to get there to spend some time in the near future. We did two days on a motorcycle trip years ago. Old Town is such a fun place.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great hike! I love the upside down octopus tree! Very cool!
We'll be taking notes as you hike around for our future visit. Enjoy your stay:)
Gay, Howard and I have stayed at American RV many times. I think it is a nice private park and convenient to the interstate for traveling around the city. We enjoy the Mexican food there, probably can't go wrong with any restaurant. I have been to the REI there! Trader Joes is always a fun place to visit! The last couple of years we have choose to stay in Santa Fe, coming and/or going! Something different! We like Santa Fe Skies RV Park and the old town area the and food in Santa Fe. We stayed one time, on our way home, at the KOE there, but it was too windy to enjoy! Have Fun! Where are you going next?
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Love the "kids". A stop at PetSmart is always a good idea!
ReplyDeleteWe skipped Albuquerque when we were in New Mexico. I am guessing it is similar to Sante Fe only larger. The old town part reminds me of San Diego too. Love the food!
ReplyDeleteHiking 8 miles with 3300 ft. gain is impressive to me. Hope I can consider that a moderate hike some day!
Enjoyed today's post, both the trek through town & the hike. Glad you found your Honeycrisp. Don't still looking for his own back here in eastern TN. Love, love, love Mexican food myself. It's my favorite. I grew up going out to eat at a local Mexican restaurant every Friday night. It's still my favorite restaurant & I've been known to go waaaay out of my way to eat there when back in Michigan. Enjoy
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've benn shopping in addition to hiking. With a hike like that you probably can eat all the food you want without gaining a pound. I've never heard of Honeycrisp apples.
ReplyDeleteWe just came across your delightful blog and were so pleased to see the wonderful comments and photos regarding our shop. Thank you so very much!!!
ReplyDeletePlease accept our best wishes to you for continued happy travels.
Marlene, Crissy & Cecilia
The Old Town Hat Shop
Albuquerque, NM
(505) 242-4019