The wife's family had a family reunion planned for the 22nd in Bridgeport, Tx and we planned to attend. But... since we were already 200+ miles north of home base, why not keep going?? It's a good analytical mind I got here, I tell ya.
So, as the reunion wound down, renewed acquaintances with folks, we headed out. Since we were headed for the mountains of New Mexico, we might as well add some more passport stamps to our National Parks Passport. We rode as far as Vernon Texas after the reunion, overnighted there.
On Sunday 7/23, we found ourselves near Fritch, Tx and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, and the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument.
We went to Alibates first, watched the film on it's history, got the Passport stamped and a lapel pin for the collection. A few views of the land of flint for early American's tools & weapons.
And we drove around Lake Meredith, wishing we were out boating with those on the lake.
But, these 100* days were wearing on us, so we turned the trike WNW again, made it as far as Dalhart, Tx for the overnight.
On Monday, 7/24, we arose early, gonna beat the heat, ya know?? Damn but Murphy struck... it was 61* this morning. Had to unpack the jackets until the sun arose substantially.
My reasoning was to also be early to our first stop, the Capulin Volcano NM. Well... we were early alright. Changed time zones. Why don't I ever remember those? But, plenty of time for leisurely breakfast at a Love's Truck Stop... there's slim pickings along here. But Capulin was there
...and a few views from the top and road up
From the bottom looking up. Not too tall, about 800' above the surrounding area. Total elevation was around 7000'
The next two photos are of the crater at the top of the volcano. Nope, I did not hike to the bottom.
We got the passport stamp and pin, then headed over to I-25 south, to Watrous, NM, to visit the remains of Fort Union, garrison for troops protecting the Santa Fe Trail. (There are still wagon wheel ruts on the trail, that can be viewed from the road into Ft Union)
This is a large place. We viewed the film, as all NP films it was very interesting. Got the passpoort stamped, got the lapel pin, then left the Visitor Center to wander.
The above pics are of the hospital for the Fort and area residents. It was said to have the best medical care for a 500 mile radius. I guess that's good for the late 1800's
It was impossible to take in the entirety of the old Fort ruins. Pics up close didn't convey the immensity of the place. So, we took this from way down the road.
We were kinda rushing as we were leaving, rain showers moving in. We headed on south, for Pecos NM, to visit the Pecos NHP. A place the Spaniards had settled/seized in the early 1600's, used the local Indians (most say forced) to build a great Church and grounds.
This church was over 4 stories high, I forget how many miles of stone fencing for the village.
There was this large, underground room. I *think* perhaps it was used for grain/food storage. We didn't climb down to see the extent of the room, the ladder didn't seem robust enough to hold my big butt.. and the wife kept thinking spiders & snakes. Nope
The park people seem to keep working on the place. Here, it looked like they were marking out an old graveyard.
We wandered this site for some time, until a rumble in the distance kinda goosed us into gear, to head for Santa Fe for the night.... and look at the long range weather forecast. :)
As always, you can click on a picture to enlarge it. Their pixel content should be sufficient for further enlarging by your computer.
Ride safe.
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