Day 3:
The third day of the trip finds us in Santa Fe.
Earlier that morning we had to leave our mosquito infested haven in Texas at about 12:30 in the morning. Strong winds and an approaching storm gave us the motivation to continue our movement west a little ahead of schedule. It also helped that we had chosen to make camp in a flood basin. I hear those don’t mix well with heavy rain.
By daybreak we’re about an hour east of Santa Fe, fueling up and getting a change of clothes. The high elevation and dry climate here is a welcome change from the hot, humid one of the previous two states. Even on hot days, one can find cool relief in the shade. We arrive in Santa Fe at about 7 and after a bite at a local diner, we hit the Plaza. This early in the morning a lot of businesses are closed, but getting to witness and enjoy the architecture again is something I’ve missed, and something Jerry hasn’t seen before.
Santa Fe, NM.
That evening, after backtracking to Las Vegas, NM (about an hour back east from Santa Fe), we find a place to catch game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals, and eventually our camp for the night. A spot off the road, in the mountains, at about 9300 feet. Glorious.
Day 4:
The fourth day is a slow one. Not bad slow, but a day we can finally drop the pace a bit. We spend it traveling through Carson National Forest. Named after yours truly. Not a big deal. The views are as to be expected and the pace is a welcome relief to the normal rush. At about 10 that morning, after driving up a local forest road, we find a spot to take a break, enjoy a little coffee and relax. For about 10 minutes.
Not long into our relax session, we find ourselves asked for assistance in a tow. Nothing too crazy, just a couple local kids putting their light pickup through its paces. After two tows from the mud’s clutches (they insisted on going through again), we all split ways.
That night, looking for camp and passing up on locations that cost, we find a clearing, and an incredible spot. All free of charge.
Day 4 camp.