Around the Southwest & New England
For the first time, I spent the summer in New Mexico and taking short trips around the southwest. One was a two week outing into Arizona and then up to southern Colorado; but, most were weekend excursions.
Arizona
July started with Mesilla Plaza Music, then a long trip routing through Tucson to see friends, a revisit to San Xavier Mission, and a first time camp at Catalina SP; followed by a stop at Diamond L Ranch to see some funky sculptures, and another to see Salt River Canyon.
Continuing onward through the Navajo Nation were repeat visits to the Hubbell Trading Post, Canyon de Chelly, and Shiprock Peak.
New Mexico
Back into New Mexico, and to previously visited sites at Angel Peak, Aztec Ruins, and Navajo Lake SP-Sims Mesa.
Colorado
From the Sims Mesa camp, I went through Dulce where I encountered the Jicarilla Apache Parade. Then, onward into southern Colorado to boondock by the East Fork-San Juan River in order to see Silver Falls.
Finally reached the higher San Juan Mountains for cooler camps during the hot summer. New sites seen were the Río Grande Headwaters and the Ute-Ulay Mine. Also, returned to see Clear Creek Falls, Capitol City Ghosttown, Whitmore Falls, the Pike Snowden Cabin, Lake San Cristobal, and Cataract Gulch Cascades. Camps were at Crooked Creek CG, Mill Creek CG and Snowden Cabin boondock. Also, stopped to stroll around the scenic villages of Creede and Lake City.
New Mexico
Heading out of the San Juans, stopped to see Treasure Falls again, and boondocked along the West Fork-San Juan River. Then on to Chama to stroll around, browsed the Tierra Wools store, and camped at Heron Lake SP-West Brushy Point CG overlooking the lake.
Left Heron Lake State Park and headed further south, stopping to see Echo Amphitheater, and Rancho de las Golondrinas again. Visited the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History in the Old Town neighborhood, and then overnighted at the Isleta Casino.
On the last leg of the Arizona to Colorado trip, stopped in Truth or Consequences to check my mail, and then continued to my friend’s place in Las Cruces. It was a fun whirlwind journey.
Camped at familiar state parks, and at Aguirre Springs up in the Organ Mountains. Visited a friend, attended a movie, a concert, Art Hop, and the Art and Farmers Market. Also, went to see an historic home in El Paso.
Texas
Went back and forth between my home base in T-or-C and my friend’s place. Also, saw Inn of the Mountain Gods and had blood test at the VA Clinic. Flew out of El Paso to Vermont.
Tour of New England
Landed in Burlington to begin a tour of New England with my friend; staying at their place on Grand Isle by Lake Champlain. First day we drove around the islands, and took a hike by the lake.
Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts
Got to see Church Street Marketplace, Waterfront Park, and some Street Art in Burlington. Then went to the Scottish Highland Games and Festival, and saw some More Covered Bridges in New Hampshire. Visited my cousin in Argyle NY. Saw Lake Champlain, some Fall Colors, and had lunch in Saint Jean, Quebec CAN. Finished out the trip with a visit to Downtown Boston, attended a Baseball Game at Fenway Park, and flew out of Logan Airport in Boston.