Wandering around Northeastern New Mexico
For all the time I’ve spent exploring New Mexico, the northeast quadrant hasn’t gotten much attention. This spring I decided to check it out by visiting some state parks not yet camped. And, to see the sites in between them.
Spring 2016 / Apr-May
April started out by running up to the Apple Store in Albuquerque to pick-up my new iPad Pro 9.7. Then, I moved over to Sumner Lake SP to begin the spring trek. That was my second time camping there; and, I rather like it. On my way to the next camp, I stopped to see the gravesite of Billy the Kid. Oasis SP was a quiet, small park which turned out to be nicer than expected. The month ended at Ute Lake SP, a much larger place, where I camped in two different sections.
During May I camped at Conchas Lake SP, Santa Rosa Lake SP, Storrie Lake SP, Mills Canyon, Clayton Lake SP, and Sugarite Canyon SP. Side trips of particular interest were the Route 66 Auto Museum, Fort Union and Capulin Volcano National Monuments, and a hike into Mills Canyon to see the Canadian River gorge.
Exploring Southeastern Colorado
Spring 2016 / June
June found me in Cimarron Canyon, then through Eagle Nest and Red River to check out Cebolla Mesa. The rest of the month was exploring southeastern Colorado. A few well known places like Great Sand Dunes and Garden of the Gods; plus some unexpected gems like Chalk Lake and Bent’s Old Fort made for an interesting trip. At the end, I was headed easterly for the summer.