It Looks Like Snow



It's a beautiful day not a cloud in the sky so we headed toward Alamogordo, NM to check out the Missile Museum and White Sands National Monument. As we crested the Organ Mountains we entered the Tularosa Basin. Our first impression was the remoteness and flatness. The first stop was White Sands Missile Range and Museum. Again, we had to show our passports to get into the museum which was on the base.

In 1944 the United States needed a land site to test missiles and then have the ability to recover them, White Sands Proving Ground (WSPG) was born. The missile range covers 3,200 square miles of the Tularosa Basin. Now called White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) they have tested over 42,000 missile and rockets including the first atomic bomb detonation at Trinity Site.

The indoor museum housed much of the equipment used during the testing. I liked this field barrel.


Check out the contents & what's crossed off

The museum was very interesting but I really wanted to see some of the rockets and missile fired on the test range. Susan was none to happy as we walked toward the 60 plus missiles that have been tested at WSMR.

Susan hates snakes

Fortunately we didn't see any snakes but was able to get up close to many of the missiles and rockets. I lived in El Paso, Tx during the Gulf War in 1991 and heard a lot about Patriot Missiles.

Patriot Missiles

Missile Launcher

Nike Hercules Rocket



 Testing for the Nike Hercules began in 1955 but tragedy  struck soon after. A liquid-fueled engine exploded causing 5 injuries and 1 death. This is the only missile-testing death in the history of WSMR.

Honest John Missile

What an amazing museum, a little scary to think of all this testing, you don't hear about mishaps or mistakes.

Still in the Tularosa Basin and one of the worlds natural wonders is White Sands National Monument.

Visitors Center

Emerging from the desert are brilliant white dunes covering 275 square miles the largest in the world. It's a rare form of sand called gypsum. Only a few plants and animals can survive in this every changing harsh environment. When driving or walking in the park sunglasses and water are a must.

Soaptree Yucca plant

Miles of sand with mountains in background

Playing, picnicking, and walking on the dunes are encouraged by the park. So of course I am going to take full advantage of this opportunity.


Yes that's me ....What a blast

To much fun....Now it feels like home

Sand Angel

That was soooooooo much fun I didn't want to leave. However, climbing up the dunes at this altitude I realized I'm really out of condition. Besides I had so much sand in my clothes....you can imagine the rest.

My truck in the sea of sand

As we were leaving I couldn't help but stop to take one last picture. The shear beauty of these dunes with the brilliant white sand against the blue sky backdrop is amazing.

Absolutely beautiful

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

Big Bend National Park, Texas

It has 800,000 acres of desert, mountains, and river canyons. It contains an entire mountain range within it's borders - the Chisos. The elevations differences are from the lowest point at 1,850 feet to a towering 7,825 feet. I could go on and on but have you guessed yet. Yup you guessed it's Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas.

We decided to make the trek to Big Bend because it was another beautiful day and I had heard so much about it. From Fort Stockton it's 125 miles due south to the Park gates on the 385. The road was fantastic with lots of scenery but no Texas longhorns.

When we arrived at the park boundaries at the north end it's another 25 miles to the ranger station.

Park boundaries

On the way to the park it was one continuous OMG, that is sooooooo beautiful. I couldn't imagine it getting any better but it did and more. From the desert vegetation to the mountainous rock formation, here is our day.

Desert floor with an Ocotilla

We asked at the ranger station the best places to see because of the time frame involved. We brought the dogs with us but were informed they are not allowed on any of the trails within the park. Our first adventure is to Balanced Rock. Many off roads require a four wheel drive vehicle. I just happen to be driving one. However, this one not so much.

Entrance to the trail

Susan was a real trooper she opted to stay with the dogs while I walked the 2 mile trail round trip. Equipped with my camera away I go.

Rock formations were beautiful

The trail follows an old river wash so it was pretty easy until you got to the rocks you had to climb over. I'm glad Susan stayed back.

Half way there Susan is out of sight

It was worth the trip as the view was amazing in all directions. Now I wish I had brought some water, it got pretty hot. Yes, stupid me.

The Balanced Rock

It's pretty cool how these rocks ended up in such precarious positions when the glaciers retreated.

Another balancing rock

Beautiful rock formations

Desert vegetation

What a great experience. I showed Susan the pictures. She was happy she didn't go. Leaving the desert behind we climbed to Chisos Basin at 5400 feet stopping to take breathtaking pictures along the way.

I see trees

As we climbed in elevation there was a distinctive change in vegetation from desert cactus to trees. Ascending the lower mountainous slopes we entered woodlands of junipers, oaks, and Mexican pinons. At the higher elevations are forests of tall Arizona pines and Douglas fir.


Well now for the excitement of the day. As I was getting out of the truck to take another picture something jumped off my shoulder onto the ground. OMG a picture says it all.

A Tarantula

I put the penny down to show the size. It was in the truck with us, when it crawled in I do not know. The unfortunate part is it lost a leg as it hit the ground.

Before leaving I wanted to check out the campgrounds. I so badly want to come back even with the tarantula experience. There is only one area that will accommodate our rig and that is at the Rio Grande Village. The National Park campground has no hookups but the Village Campground has full hookups (W/50amp/S). Can't beat that all for $35 p/n.

On our trip home it was non stop chatter about all the sights we saw (too many to but in the blog), the trails, and of course the tarantula. We also experienced our first border patrol inspection station with a drug sniffing dog. Luckily our good friends Marilyn and Dave told us to carry our passport. We did, the patrol police were friendly.

Border Patrol

Getting closer to home we stopped at the Sierra Madera Crater site. The site spans 13 km and occurred over 100 million years ago. The rebound effect of the meteorite hitting earth is 793 feet above the surrounding land. Unfortunately it's on private land so we couldn't get any closer.

Sierra Madera Meteor Crater



Fort Stockton, Tx

I bet your asking yourself why Fort Stockton of all places. Well it's halfway between San Antonio and Las Cruces NM and it happens to be central to the things we want to explore.

Fort Stockton originally named Camp Stockton until 1860 had the third largest source of water (Comanche Springs) in Texas. Therefore, it became a favorite stopping place for cattle drives, infantry men, wagon trains and now us. With the discovery of oil and natural gas, today Fort Stockton is seeing an economic boom.

Sunrise over Fort Stockton

On the east end of the city welcoming us to Fort Stockton is a large silhouette "March to Fort Stockton". It depicts the 9th U.S. Cavalry, later known as "Buffalo Soldiers" riding towards Comanche Springs.

"Buffalo Soldiers"

Located in the center of town near the visitors center is Paisano Pete. Erected in 1980 "Pete" stands 11 feet tall and spans 22 feet long.

Paisano Pete the Roadrunner

Our visit to downtown Fort Stockton started at the visitors center where we toured around the grounds understanding some of the history in the area.

Visitors center

Surrounding the visitor center are terraced gardens, sculptures, and a water feature which all depict much of Fort Stockton's history. The water falls represents the importance of Comanche Springs while the silhouettes depict the Comanche People and Buffalo Soldier.

An old prank someone put soap in the water

Shows the importance of oil to the area

There are a number of key stops while taking the Historic Drive around Fort Stockton.

The start of Historic Fort Stockton

As we drove under the arch we stopped at what was the First National Bank. Built in 1913 this building now serves as home for the Fort Stockton Police Department.

First National Bank circa 1913

Moving down the road we came to the Annie Riggs Museum. Who is Annie Riggs well she was a woman before her time. When the world was dominated by men in 1904 Annie bought the Koehler Hotel property for $4,500. She renamed it the Riggs Hotel. Wood stoves in every room kept patrons warm at night while the adobe walls boasted the coolness in the summer. Lots of history in this place.

Riggs Hotel

Desk used by Annie Riggs

Very old wheelchair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Different types of Barbed Wire

Across the road from the Riggs Hotel is the  Pecos County Courthouse.

Circa 1913

The Pecos County Jail was built in 1883 and enlarged in 1913. It now houses a museum depicting a holding cell, local sheriffs, and law enforcement. Unfortunately it was closed so we couldn't investigate.

Pecos County Jail now a museum

Driving around Fort Stockton is not always about sunny skies and dry climate. The flood markers throughout the city tells a different tale. After living in El Paso I know what they mean when they say flash floods and torrent rains. Check out this flood marker. If you think they are kidding, think again.

Looks can be deceiving

Yes, there is a fort in Fort Stockton. In 1867 Fort Stockton was established at it's present location. The fort consisted of 35 buildings of which only 4 remain today.

The Guard House



Shackles

Solitary Confinement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old West wagon used in 2 John Wayne movies

The last stop along our historic tour of Fort Stockton was the Hovey School and St Stephens Episcopal Church. The school was built in 1917 at a railroad stop in Hovey. It served as a one teacher, seven grade schoolhouse. It was moved to this location in 1987.

Hovey school

The St. Stephens Episcopal Church was constructed in Pecos in 1896 and moved to Fort Stockton in 1958. It is one of the oldest protestant churches west of the Pecos.

St. Stephens Episcopal Church

To the west of the city is another silhouette representing a small hunting party of Comanche Indians. They are pausing to search for the few remaining buffalo.

"Look to the East"