Albuquerque...So Far

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.

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!

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!

KOA...The Owners Make the Difference!

Durango, CO
September 13, 2013

Our time here at the Durango KOA has just flown by. Tomorrow is travel day. The sheets have been changed, the laundry is all caught up, the floor has been vacuumed...with a brand new Hoover Air... and the fridge is full.

The view towards town from our site.

As many of you already know, we are KOA members and frequently choose to stay at them. Our puppies are a huge reason for that choice.

Jay and Carol Coates have been the owners/operators here for 21 years. To us, that's what makes this KOA a very special place.

 

It is evident that they truly love this place and enjoy providing a warm and friendly place for campers and RVers to call home.

 In 2012 their KOA was awarded the KOA Franchise of the Year and 2013 Campground of the Year.

 I am sure the pictures show the park is clean and well-maintained. But what the pictures don't show is that the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and most of all, happy to be here! 

It's quiet with sites that are private and comfortable. Junipers and pinon pines surround most sites. 

Speaking of junipers...the one outside our dining table window is full of berries. We have been entertained since day one with these beautiful grosbeaks enjoying an "all you can eat buffet".

 Here's "mama" ...

and "daddy". I hope he isn't sticking his tongue out at me, but it sure looks that way.

I could never get a clear pictures of the young birds all over the ground.

yellow crook neck squash



zucchini squash

 This year a vegetable garden and composting project were added. These pumpkins are much bigger than they look.

cantaloupes

The garden offers a lot of variety.

beans

broccolli

lettuce

tomatoes

The veggies are picked everyday and put into bins in the office...FREE to all campers!

herbs

corn

 Joe says no more yellow flowers, but I just cant help myself!

Seeds for the birds too!

 I do hope the pictures show how much we have enjoyed being here.

This little guy was a daily visitor too!

 Tomorrow, we are off to Albuquerque for a few days.

 Have a great week-end. Take care...

until later.