Las Cruces, NM

Stopping in Las Cruces, NM was ideal because of it's central location to all the things we wanted to see. We began with a visit to Old Mesilla with it's very colourful past. South of Las Cruces, Old Mesilla has a rich history dating back to 1848 when the first permanent settlers arrived. With the arrival of the "iron horse" (railway) Las Cruces grew while Mesilla remained a small town. In 1850 Mesillians considered themselves residents of Mexico building a church adobe style with one steeple. In 1907 it was replaced with a brick church.

Basilica of San Albino

Constructed in 1859 "The Thunderbird" is the oldest documented brick building in New Mexico. The builder, Augustine Maurin used burned brick from his own kiln. He was later murdered by robbers in his adjoining apartment.

The Thunderbird

The La Posta is the only remaining station from the Butterfield Trail. It saw personalities such as Billy the Kid, Kit Carson, and Pancho Villa. Today it is a restaurant.

La Posta

With all this history many merchants now make their living in these old adobe buildings. It was fun going from shop to shop. It was difficult not to buy something but the lack of space in our RV prevents that and is always on our minds. The El Patio has operated as a cantina continuously by direct descendants of Colonel A.J. Fountain. Who is A.J.? In April 1881 he was the defense lawyer for Billy the Kid.

El Patio

One of the more notable buildings in Old Mesilla is the County Courthouse. This courthouse is where Billy the Kid, alias William Bonney, was tried for murder, found guilty and sentenced to hang. Of course we all know this never happened because he escaped.

County Courthouse

The day was still young and we hadn't been on our bikes in awhile. So after lunch we decided to go for a ride along the Rio Grande River Trail. Well the mighty Rio Grande is not so mighty this time of year. Susan is stopped in front of the "river". See for yourselves. It's a dried up riverbed.

Look no water

It was a wonderful ride that took us on a six mile adventure past orchards of pecans and birds soaring overhead. It was away from traffic and the solitude was wonderful. Unfortunately, you have to stay on the pavement. Everywhere in the yellow grass are very sharp thorns. Well the picture says it all.

Fixing flat tires

Susan got the first flat so I walked her bike 2 miles back to the truck. She went ahead on my bike and waited. By the time I got back my bike had a flat. The moral of the story, stay on the path. It was still a wonderful day and it ended with the moon rising over the Organ Mountains.

The view from our window