Trip #98 (29): Santa Fe NM for Heat Wave Week

Santa Fe NM for Heat Wave Week
June 2 – 10, 2018
House Hunting.

Saturday, June 2
After witnessing a rollover accident and a huge semi pileup on I-40, both east of Gallup, we were ready to stop for the night. We chose the smaller casino Eagle xx in Laguna, where oddly enough was an arts and crafts show, battle of the bands concert and the final act of Quiet Riot. Also interestingly, there was a nice grocery store nextdoor to the (basically) parking lot campground, where for $11 you get full hookups. Sounds like a win win. Just don't go in the smoky casino, couldn't breathe.

The search week
Met with the ever patient Ginger on Monday to set up a plan, would be out with her about every other day or more to see what we could see, and drive by others on reconnaissance runs to determine what would stay and what would go. Did lots of shopping up and down Cerillios throughout the trip, revisiting old faves such as Jackalope and more. Didn't get as much New Mexican food this trip as Bill is sticking strickly to his Atkins, tho we did sneak in a Maria's, and he snuck in a margarita. Even went to Ginger and Larry's for dinner on Saturday, that was fun, had a lot of laughs. The weather was very hot during the day, up to about 93, so we didn't do much walking on our own. Only walked as far as Cowgirl for an early dinner -- didn't even walk to the plaza to my horror!

One house we revisited has a special name I won't repeat here, but below is the photo of us leaving it on Sunday morning after a second look.

Leaving Lamy, by G. Clarke

RIP Little Max a week before, May 29, 2018.

Trip #97 (28): Williams AZ with Parents for Grand Canyon Train

May 20 – 22, 2018
Two nights at the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park

Weather cool once we got up there.
Set up camp, took Bob & Vic to Railway Hotel.
Did a spin and walk through Bearizona.
Vic and I walked & shopped all over town
First night went to dinner at Brewery nearby. eh.
Picked a small Mexican place at random for the second night, eh. Had a good time shopping at night at all the junk shops.
Those PIGS had HUGE pies at the cafe on the corner.
Train ride was pretty uneventful but they keep you entertained with funny coach hosts, traveling musicians and a food car. Had a very short time at the canyon, which was made shorter by a terrible waitress at Bright Angel Lodge who forgot to put in our order! So time looking over the overcast rim was a bit rushed.

Trip #96 (27): Forest Lakes AZ with Silver Dreamer

May 3 – 6, 2018
Arizona: Cinco de Mayo @ Forest Lakes 

Thursday, May 3

Rain delayed our departure by a day, so we were able to caravan with Silver Dreamer, meeting at our usual rest stop on I-17. Partly sunny yet cool, arrived to Aspen Campground about 2pm. Spent about an hour checking out area for best tandem spot, finally only changing one, and keeping one. Got set up and took the short walk to the lake and store. Came back and everyone but Deb took a nap. In the tall pines, very quiet and peaceful here on a Thursday (that will change). New fire restrictions start at midnight so last chance for a campfire. A cow elk came strolling thru during the campfire. The Tinder Fire to the NW is still burning; saw some smoke, but hoping Wednesday’s rain slowed it down. Good, cuz I can’t get warm. Sat around a great fire for a few hours before dinner. Met for dinner at their camp, called it an early night, no kibbie.
37 degrees cold tonight

An unexpected happy hour campfire visitor. This would be our last cool night.

And temperatures would rise. Not to mention charcoal fires would no longer be allowed.

The lovely and talented Cosmo, camp security patrol officer.

Friday, May 4
Place is getting busier. Beautiful, cool and sunny so chose to walk around the lake today, being told by shop employee it’s "about 5 miles." We wouldn’t disagree. Very nice walk, ospreys flying overhead, fishermen, families gathering on shore of the small lake. Steep and rocky in spots but as always Cosmo lead the way. Rested before dinner, Jeff grilling chicken tonight, and bringing the game. Lots more kids here on Friday night and it's getting noisier. But we are plenty noisy inside, boys won first game, we took the second. Much cussing.
Low 70s, 47 at night.. breezy still.

Saturday, Mayo de Cinco 5
Warmer every day, so today we rode bikes to the rim for the overlook. Had a nice paved trail, did about 4.75 miles. They hung out while we took the kayak to the VERY busy little Woods Canyon Lake. Warm and breezy, feels like a sunburn day, need to stop at one loop around. So very busy. Came back and began dinner prep for fajita night. Much prepping with chopping for fajitas and guacamole and pico and shrimp. Fleeger's provided the grill, delicious steak, tequila and tortillas - a great group effort! The cow elk came thru again and helped herself to the noisy neighbor's food left out on their table. It was great excitement for the 12 kids and several dads as they followed her up the street taking photos. Best part of the day was when the camp fairies camp by while we were away and set up the table covering, solar lights and grill! One long game of kibbie at dusk and the boys took the series as 2 - 1, but you know, they cheat. And who's counting anyway... 

Sunday, May 6
Warmest day yet and time to head back. Stopped for a hot dog in Strawberry or Pine, can't remember, on the way back. Busy week ahead with parents coming in to Phoenix on Friday. The week is heating up too. Come on Santa Fe, please bring me the perfect house!