Our Site In kerrville, TX

Texas Hill Country is a wonderful place to explore, if you have not already done so.  Located west of San Antonio, TX, it’s a large area of Texas that is known for there beautiful hillsides and scenery.

We spent some time in the towns of Kerrville and Fredericksburg.

Not much to say about Kerrville.  We spent a week at the Buckhorn Lake RV Resort while exploring the surrounding area.  This rv park is nice, but expensive.  It is located just off I-10 so there is some noise from that traffic.  But not much to disturb you.

The area of kerrville is interesting.  You have old historic buildings next to modern day chain stores and restaurants.  The Guadalupe River runs right through the middle of town with a nice park to picnic.

The ranches in the area offer tours of their exotic wildlife, there’s wine tours and a smaller version of the English Stonehenge that you can visit, aptly named Stonehenge II.

We mostly spent the time in Kerrville exploring the hillside and not doing to much more.  I’m sure there would be more good things for me to say if we explored this area and what it had to offer a little more.  But we mostly were in the rest and relaxation mode.

Then we moved on to Fredericksburg, TX.  Just a short 30 minute drive northeast of Kerrville.  This town took us by surprise.  We were only booked at the Hill Country RV Park for 2 nights but quickly extended it to 3.  We would have gladly extended longer but it was getting into the time of Spring break for the Texas kids, and the place was fully booked.  Not much of a park, but it was the cheapest around at $25 bucks a night (cheaper for a week), right in town and in the plaza in front of the rv park there is a really good taco place.  Highly recommended.  We’d stay there again as it’s a nice home base for the area.

Fredericksburg, TX Main Street

Fredericksburg, TX Main Street Buildings Are From The 1800's

Fredericksburg, TX Main Street Buildings Are From The 1800's

We completely fell in love with this town.  Fredericksburg is an old German settlement that dates back to the 1800′s.  A lot of the original buildings still stand today and make up what is now know as Main Street.

An Old Amish House Just Off Of Main Street. There Are A Few Of These Still Around.

1800's Buildings Still Line The Main Street Of Fredericksburg, TX

On main street there are modern day mom and pop stores, restaurants that take you back to old German food, restaurants with modern day flare high end and lower end restaurants, lots of cute coffee shops, a really good fudge shop (yup, been there done that) and an old 1950′s style ice cream parlor that makes their own ice cream!

The Fredericksburg Ice Cream Parlor On Main Street

I must say, and yes, I’m speaking from experience, this place has very good ice cream.  All home made.  YUM!

We didn’t come across one shop that was a “touristy” shop.  No touristy Fredericksburg t-shirts.  No tourist swag.  I’m sure there was some, but we didn’t really see it.  So it’s a nice tourist town without being touristy.  If you know what I mean.

Things to do in Fredericksburg are boundless.

There are wineries everywhere, which we didn’t get to.

Wildseed Farms were you can go traipsing through the wild flower patches.  And there’s acres of them.  Nope…didn’t get there either.  It was a month to early for the wild flowers.

Fredericksburg Trade Days has over 350 vendors on acres and acres of land.  It’s filled with crafts, antiques, furniture, food, etc.  Nope…didn’t get there either.  We were one week to early for that.

Das Peach Haus, a fruit stand that started in 1969 and has grown into a huge tourist attraction.  They make their own gourmet sauces, dressings and such.  Peaches are a big export of Fredericksburg.  Nope, didn’t get there either.

The first Friday of every month Fredericksburg hosts an Art Walk.  Local artists showcase their works.  Local art galleries open their doors and host wine receptions for the artists.  Restaurants have specials.

Nope, didn’t make it for that one either.

And that’s just to name a few.

Did I mention that 3 days really is not enough time to do and see it all?  I feel like we barely touched the tip of the iceberg.

One of the things we did make time for was the National Museum of the Pacific War.  Now I know you are wondering why their is a Pacific War Museum in the middle of Texas Hill Country.  Well, the Admiral of that entire war, Fleet Admiral Nimitz, was born and raised in Fredericksburg, TX.  So now it makes sense.

The National Museum Of The Pacific War In Fredericksburg, TX

The museum is one block off of main street.   So very easy to walk to.  We weren’t sure what to expect from this museum.  The building didn’t look all that big, so we figured an hour or so.

Nope…try three hours, and even then we didn’t see it all.  This place has so many twists and turns, they really jam packed it with tons of artifacts.

Inside The National Museum OF The Pacific War

They have actual planes that were used and shot down during the war.  Not that other museums don’t have planes.  But these were presented in such a way that when you turned a corner, BAM!  Their it is.  It takes you by surprise.

An Interactive Table Inside The National Museum Of The Pacific War

This museum is filled with nice modern day technology.  Theirs flat screens everywhere you look.  Interactive boards you can touch and a video will play.  Light shows.  Displays that are larger than life.

Some Machinery And Guns That Were Used During The War

An Atomic Bomb

They even had an Atomic Bomb.  This was the war that the Atomic Bomb was developed and later on used.

But wait…there’s more.

The Admiral Nimitz Museum In Fredericksburg, TX

Admiral Nimitz has his own museum.  It’s all included as part of the main tour fee of $14 dollars.  Which I must say is a steal for all this info and technology.

This museum is housed in the old, historic Nimitz Hotel that his family owned.  Right there on main street.  So when you leave the main Pacific War Museum, you can take a nice short walk to main street and enter the Nimitz Museum.

Their is so much to see and total information overload, the museum pass actually is good for 48 hours!  We decided to do the Nimitz Museum the next day, as we were exhausted from the main Pacific War Museum.

The Outdoor Garden With The Memory Wall

When we went back the next day for the Nimitz Museum, it took us all of 20 minutes.  It really is small small small.  So don’t plan on a lot of time here.

There is also a large outdoor memorial courtyard that is surrounded by a memory wall.  Engraved with names of soldiers from that war.  We weren’t able to enjoy this too much as it was pouring rain.

Further down the street is the Pacific Combat Zone where the town of Fredericksburg does a reenactment, living history, of different events from that war.  We didn’t get to that.

There is so much to this museum and the grounds that I know I’ve forgotten some of it.  Make sure you go to this museum and see it all for yourself.

If you hadn’t noticed by now from our pictures, the sky was really not cooperating those few days we were in Fredericksburg.  It rained and got real cold.  Another reason why we skipped the reenactment.

However, if in this area, or even if you are not, this museum is well worth the trip.  It’s a must see.  Highly recommended.  This had to have been one of the best museums we’ve come across.

We will for sure be back to this area.

BTW…How cold was it you ask?

It was so cold….

Tory Sleeping In Front Of The Heater

Tory had to sleep in front of the heater just to keep herself warm.

City Of Rocks State Park

When we left Silver City, NM we noticed we were going to pass by another state park.  City of Rocks State Park in the Mimbres Valley of the Chihuahuan desert.  It looked like an interesting pass through, and we were headed right past it.  So we stopped for a spell.

Boy, was it interesting.

City Of Rocks State Park

As we approached this state park, we found ourselves feeling like we were entering a strange land far far away.  While the park is only a few miles off the main road, it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere.

As you approach, you start seeing these giant rocks all clumped together.  The “city” is truly a geological wonder formed by large rocks that are sculptured over time by erosion.  They form paths that take the shape of streets through these giant formations.  The rocks climb to over 40 feet in some areas.  Towering over the motorcoach.  Making everything next to them look miniature.  They were formed about 34.9 million years ago when a very large volcano erupted and threw these rocks where they lay today.  It’s interesting to note how they are all clumped together and not just thrown around the area sporadically.  It feels as if someone actually placed them there on purpose, to bring tourists into the area.

Mmmmmmm…Maybe I’m on to something.  This is a state park after all.  They do charge $5 bucks to enter.

Angel Admiring The City Of Rocks State Park

City Of Rocks State Park

The park offers camping, with some electric sites if you want to spend more time here.  We were just passing through, so we found a spot to pull over and got out to explore.

Our Coach In The City Of Rocks State Park

An Interesting Balancing Act In The City Of Rocks State Park

Brenda At The City Of Rocks State Park

There’s lots of nooks and crannies to explore at this park.  That’s for sure.  It’s also easy enough to get lost.  Yes, I speak from experience.  These rocks tower over you, so you have no sense of where anything is.  You think you may be heading in the right direction, then you come to a clearing and find out you are on the other side of where you wanted to be.

Oh well, it was fun.

City Of Rocks State Park

City Of Rocks State Park

David Enjoying The City Of Rocks State Park

As you can see, we had a beautiful day to explore this “city”.  We could have stayed for the night, but we wanted to move on.  This is an easy enough stop over to do as you are passing through the area.  It would only take you about an hour of good exploring to feel like you’ve “been there, done that”.

Brenda Enjoying The City Of Rocks State Park

Brenda Enjoying The City Of Rocks State Park

A View From The Top Of A Large Rock Formation In The City Of Rocks State Park

While we were wandering around, we noticed that the rocks have some interesting erosion patterns.

A Natural Erosion Channel Worn Out By The Rain

As you can see from the above picture, the rain wears some interesting channels in the rocks.  I imagine in the spring time this area can come alive with plant life.  While we were here at the end of February (yes, I’m a little behind in blogging), there were trees and some greenery around.

David Being A Kid Again And Climbing The Rocks

There’s no way you can come here and not climb the rocks and feel like a kid again.  It’s very easy to do as the surface of the rocks is very rough, so your shoes grip very easily.  As you can see from David being a kid again and climbing all over the place.  Their are some hiking trails in this area too, but not to many.  One actually leads to an observatory (the first observatory placed in a NM state park) so you can appreciate the nighttime sky.  I bet it’s beautiful as there are no lights out here to obstruct the view.

Alas, we did not do that trail.  We were more interested in these gentle giants.

Our Coach At The City Of Rocks State Park

By the way, if you end up driving around the loop like we did (which is an easy in and out for all you big rigs) be prepared to get dirty.  The dirt on our toad was unbelievable.

So, if you are traveling through Deming, NM on I-10, consider taking a side trip north to Silver City, with City of Rocks State Park between the two.  We loved it in Silver City and will be back in a heart beat.  As far as City of Rocks State Park, I wouldn’t go out of my way to go there.  Considering the cost of gas now a days.  But if you are going past there, on your way to Silver City, definitely make the side trip.  Only a few miles off the main road, it’s worth it to see at least once.

I’m glad we stopped.

The Entrance Sign To The Gila National Forest

Just north of Silver City, NM is the Gila National Forest (pronounced Hee-La).  It’s this countries first national forest thanks to Aldo Leopold, ecologist and conservationist, who wanted to protect his favorite wildlife area.

You don’t typically think of a forest with tall pine trees in the middle of New Mexico.  But here it is.

Beautiful Road Through The Gila National Forest

Beautiful Road Through The Gila National Forest

It covers approximately 3.3 million acres and has elevations that range from 4200 feet to 10,900 feet.  More information can be found here.

It’s a beautiful drive that takes you through mountains and snow covered passage ways.

The road is long and very windy through the forest.  Do not attempt this road with anything other than your car.  Fair warning.

The View From The Top Of One Of The Mountains In The Gila National Forest

Horse Back Riding And Camping In The Gila National Forest.

Their is a lot of horse back riding in this area of New Mexico and people bring their horses into the forest for camping trips.  I don’t know about you but it looks like a lot of work.

It takes a while to get to the Gila Cliff Dwellings in the forest just because of the twisty road.

But it’s worth the trip.  Trust me on this one.

The Beginning Of The Gila Cliff Dwellings Trail

The First Siting Of The Cliff Face. The Black Is From When A Forest Fire Swept Through The Area.

The trail leading up to the cliff dwellings is a nice one.  You pass over the Gila River which wasn’t flowing to strongly when we went.  The trail can be steep in some places.

You are climbing a cliff face people.

The Trail To The Cliff Dwellings.

It’s nice in the fact that the trail is one way.  So you don’t come across people hiking down from the cliff dwellings.  You exit from a different path.  Nice.

The First Spotting Of The Cliff Dwellings.

Then you round a corner on the path and you come face to face with your first sighting of the cliff dwellings.

The cliff dwellings were made and occupied by the Mogollon people.  They lived in pre-historic times.  That’s over 700 years for those of you trying to do the math in your head.

It’s amazing to think that Mogollon people would climb these cliff faces on a daily basis, without the help of the nicely groomed trail from the parks department.

The Entrance To The Cliff Dwellings.

The Gila Cliff Dwellings

The Gila Cliff Dwellings

When you step inside the cliff dwellings the view can take your breath away.  On the other hand,  maybe it was the steep climb and steps.

The View From Inside The Cliff Dwellings.

David Enjoying The View From Inside The Cliff Dwellings.

Pretty spectacular if I do say so myself.

Inside The Cliff Dwellings. Note The Heavy Build Up Of Soot On The Ceiling From Fires.

One of the main rooms in the dwelling you can see years of soot built up on the ceiling from the many fires that were lit to keep the Mogollon’s warm and safe.

Inside The Cliff Dwellings. You Can See The Various Rooms Walled Off.

Their Is Actually A Basket That Was Found At The Site Filled With Ancient Corn That The Mogollon's Used To Farm.

The Mogollon people used the Gila River below the cliff side to grow corn and farm the land.  With all the work and effort it took to build this place, it’s amazing to learn that they only occupied the cliff dwellings for one generation.

Brenda Taking A Rest Inside The Cliff Dwellings

The Trail Through The Dwellings Leads Down A Ladder To A Lower Trail

These particular cliff dwellings, from what we understand, are the only cliff dwellings in the country that you are still able to go inside of.  All others have been closed off due to vandalism.  So sad.

Brenda Touching A Tree That Had Burned In The 2011 Fires That Swept Through The Forest.

On the path down from the dwellings you come across a lot of burned up, dead trees.  The Gila National Forest had lost 88,000 acres due to a human started fire.

Tragic to see all those burned up dead trees.  Make sure your camp fires are out completely people!

A Smaller Dwelling On Another Trail

When we left the Cliff Dwellings we were told not to miss the “lower campground” dwelling.  It was just down the road, on our way out, so we figured why not.

It took all of 20 minutes to do this trail and see this small dwelling.

Petroglyphs On The Side Of A Rock Wall By The Dwelling.

Their were Petroglyphs on the side of the rock wall by the smaller dwelling.  The parks department says these date back to pre-historic days.  Just like the Cliff Dwellings.  Amazing that they are still visible.

So if you are in this area, or even if you are not, make a detour and head to the Gila Cliff Dwellings and take a giant step back in time.

The Beginning Of The Gila National Forest. On Our Way To The Catwalk Hiking Trail.

While in Silver City, NM, there’s a lot to do and a lot to explore.  High up on our list was the Catwalk Hiking Trail in the Gila (Pronounced Hee-La) National Forest.

It’s located about an hours drive northwest of Silver City, in a town called Glenwood, NM.  On our way there we stopped at the Aldo Leopold Picnic Area where the Gila National Forest begins.  From the picture above you can see the vastness of this view point.  The sign gives a little history of the forest and of Aldo Leopold himself.

The View From The Aldo Leopold Picnic Area Of The Beginning Of The Gila National Forest.

Long story short, Aldo Leopold was a nature conservationist and back in 1924 he convinced the forest service to dedicate this land as the nations first National Forest.

So in essence, this is where our National Forest system started.

On our way into the forest, headed for the trail head, you pass over this…

The Road In And Out Of The Catwalk Area

Where’s a 4×4 when you need it?

Ha!

I think we’ll survive.

The Entrance To The Catwalk Trail

Once we reached the trail head we were amazed at how the landscape had changed.  The tall white Sycamore trees were amazing at the entrance way.

A Picnic Area Around The Sycamore Trees

What a wonderful place this would be to come for a picnic.  I can only imagine what this place would look like in the springtime with the leaves in bloom.

Speaking of trees, they grow them big out here.  This is me trying to hug a cottonwood tree.

They Grow The Trees Big Out Here. I Can't Even Wrap My Arms Around This Cottonwood Tree.

Anyway, off we went on the 1.1 mile trail.  Not a long trail mind you, but this was 1.1 mile in and 1.1 mile out, not a loop.

Starting Off On The Catwalk Trail

The trail starts off along side the cliff walls.  You are hiking in a canyon after all.  Whitewater Canyon was a central point in the mining saga out here.  They ran pipe through this canyon in 1897 to transport a continuous water supply to the town below for electricity.

David On The Catwalk Trail

David On The Catwalk Trail

The miners built and used the catwalk to help navigate the canyon walls while they were doing repairs to the pipeline.

With modern technology and advances, they don’t use this canyon anymore for hydroelectric.  So in 1961 the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) was assigned to rebuild the Catwalk as a recreation attraction.

The CCC built the Catwalk Trail along the same path as the original pipeline, using and reinforcing some of the original pipe and catwalk that was still there.  It’s pretty interesting to walk along a bridge and have the original pipe there underneath you, supporting you.

On The Catwalk Trail

On The Catwalk Trail

Along the trail, the scenery changes dramatically.  One minute your in the bright sunshine, baking.  The next your in the shade of the cliff wall and chilled.  Water seeping from the walls.

Brenda On One Of The Suspended Bridges Spanning Over The Canyon Floor

The Catwalk Trail With Whitewater Canyon Below

There are bridges to get you across the canyon to the other side.  Some are solid metal bridges while others are suspended.

One Of The Bridges Spanning Across The Canyon

Everything felt very solid as you passed over it.  Nothing was rickety.  You felt very safe.  The CCC did a wonderful job.

The Catwalk Trail

Some Of The Huge Cliff Walls Along The Catwalk Trail

As I said earlier, the scenery is constantly changing.  There are huge cliff walls that tower over you.

Part Of The Catwalk Trail

Deep ravines where the water runs through.

A View Of The Cliff Side And The Valley On The Catwalk Trail

Spectacular every which way you look.

On The Catwalk Trail

On The Catwalk Trail

Once you reach the end of the Catwalk Trail you are greeted by a lovely waterfall.

The End Of The Trail

We Reached The End Of The Catwalk Trail

Then you get to turn around and do it all over again.

On The Catwalk Trail

Off The Beaten Path, David Checking Out The Water In The Canyon Bottom

With different points of view and more pictures to be taken.

It’s a trail that’s well worth the drive from Silver City.  Not to mention, the entrance fee is only $3 bucks.  How can you go wrong?

On The Road To Silver City, NM

When we left Roper Lake State Park in Arizona, we wanted to stay off the interstate.  So we headed towards Silver City, NM.  Aptly named when it was established back in the 1800′s during the silver mining era.

First off, the road (state route 90) into Silver City, is an ever changing, interesting road.  You have long stretches of straight road, heading towards the mountains. Then you start climbing ever so slowly.  But you climb for quite a while, and your elevation becomes so high, that you get into some snow on the ground.

Climbing In Elevation, Heading Towards Silver City. Yup...That's Snow On The Ground.

Once you arrive in Silver City, you realize one thing.  There is no easy way to explain this town.

One Of The Downtown Historical Streets In Silver City, NM

It’s a historical town.

Old Historic Buildings In Silver City, NM

A Neat Building On The Street Corner. All Different Color And Size Tiles Adorn The Facade.

An Old Coffee Shop That's Now Obviously Closed

An artistic and coffee house kinda town. Murals everywhere.  Pretty painted buildings in pastels and brights.

Mural On Side Of Building In Silver City, NM

Mural On Side Of Building In Silver City, NM

Mural On Side Of Building In Silver City, NM

Mural Painted On Window Inserts. There Are Plates And Tiles Protruding From The Wall Art Also

A college town.  Home to Western New Mexico University.

An outdoorsy, hiking, bike riding town.  The Tour Of The Gila Race is held here every year.  Attracting such big names as Lance Armstrong, it’s billed as one of the toughest races in America.

It’s really a town with a personality conflict.

An Old 1950's Era Sign With A Modern Message

I found this sign laughable.  Really?  A 1950′s style sign with “Like us on Facebook” as there message?  Too funny.

Although it is truly a charming town and we would certainly spend more than a week here.

One of the things that make this town interesting is when it rains in the springtime.  The streets come alive with water and essentially the town’s streets run free with water.  For a short time at least.

Quirky yes.  It did not rain when we ere there though.  So we never experienced this first hand.

Back in the 1800′s the town had originally been built with the streets running north to south.  The town was also built in the natural path of water runoff.  Businesses sprang up and houses were built.  Sidewalks were built up to accommodate the water, as you can see from the picture.

A Coffee Shop On The Corner. Note The High Sidewalks To Accommodate The Water Flow.

The town learned to live with the inconveniences of the summer rain.  Uncontrolled grazing thinned down plant life on the hills surrounding the city.  In the summer of 1895 rain washed away main street.  Leaving a trail of total destruction.  Houses were swept away.  Businesses were ruined. The townspeople believed it was due to that uncontrolled grazing.

The businesses that did survive started using their back doors as their front doors.  They eventually got permission to move their front doors permanently and a new main street was born.

The city eventually got together and formed what they called the “Big Ditch” project.  They made the washed away main street a city park.  They widened the ditch reinforced by a wall, planted trees and placed benches.

A Bridge That Spans Across The Big Ditch Park

The Big Ditch Park As It Stands Today

David On The Bridge That Crosses The Big Ditch Park.

Take a look at this picture with David standing on the bridge that spans across Big Ditch Park.  The brick house that stands behind him used to be facing the original main street.  It is one of the few that survived the great flood of 1895.  It is now refurbished and someone’s home.

Silver City has an interesting museum that tells all about their early history.  One of the big tales is that Billy the Kid grew up here.  There is even a replica log home that is designed after the one he had grown up in.  The original was swept away by the great flood.

Although, what you learn quickly about being out here in the west is that every town seems to have some kind of tie to a famous person.  To attract tourists and all.  Some true, some you’re not to sure of.  Although Billy the Kid’s mother is buried in the local cemetery here.  So their is that.

The Museum In Silver City

The museum itself is located in the H.B. Ailman House which was built in 1881, during the height of the silver mining boom.

David Looking At The Stereoscope In The Silver City Museum

David was amazed that they had a Stereoscope and that he could actually pick it up and look through it.  As he puts it, it’s the original 3D!

It’s an interesting museum, but certainly nothing to go out of your way to go and see.  If you’re in the area, it’s worth a stop.

The reason why we decided to stay a week?  There is a ton of things to do in this area.  Not only do you have this historical town that has a new-age, artsy, coffee house vibe but you also have the Gila National Forest, Gila Cliff Dwellings, City of Rocks State Park and a Catwalk, just to name a few.  Lots and lots of hiking trails in and around this town.  We tried to fit as much as we could in the week we were there.  We didn’t quite make it.  I don’t even think if we stayed a month we would have seen it all.  There’s just to much in this area.  But we’ll be back and stay longer.  I will have full posts about what we did and what hikes we took coming up.  I just have to sort through the thousands of pictures I took to capture it all.

BTW… the Rv Park that we stayed at was Rose Valley RV Ranch.

Rose Valley RV Ranch In Silver City, NM

Rose Valley RV Ranch In Silver City, NM

Nice people, nice property with some nice views of the mountains, peaceful and quiet at night.  However it was conveniently located right in town.  Stay here if you are in town.  Their rates are decent.  We stayed a week for $170 bucks, where you going for that price?

BK Enjoying The View

Even BK enjoyed the view.  And you know how hard cats are to please.

Tory And Angel Driving Down The Road

Arizona has some wonderful state parks.  Not to mention a super easy online reservation system.  We’ve stayed in a few of Arizona’s parks along our travels and when it came time to leave Catalina State Park, we thought we’d head for another one.

Roper Lake State Park in Safford, AZ was not to far from where we were staying.  Only 2.5 hours or so.  That’s ok, we weren’t in a rush.

And boy, it did not disappoint.

We were only able to get reservations for 4 nights with 50amps and water.  That’s ok.  We forgot it was a long weekend as it was President’s weekend so it filled up fast.  We were lucky we got what we did.

But with views like this….

A Snow Capped Mountain Viewed From Our Window At Our Site At Roper Lake State Park.

who can complain.

The campground in the park is located between views of snow capped mountains on one side and the lake on the other.

It also is in an area of Arizona that has many hot springs.

The park itself has an all natural hot spring that stays at a constant 94 degrees.  Or so we were told.

The Natural Hot Spring That The Park Made Into A Hot Tub

It felt pretty toasty to us.

There are many nice hiking trails in and around the park.  We took one in the park, close to the campground.

The Start Of The Hiking Trail

The trail took us up to peak with some spectacular views.  Thankfully there was a bench there to rest and take in the view.

David Taking In The View

Snow capped mountains on one side.

David Taking In The View From The Other Side

And the lake and campground on the other.

As you can see, there are mountains surrounding this area.  Every which way you turn and look there is a mountain.

David got in front of me a little bit on the trail and when I caught up to him, he had drawn a heart in the path.

David Drew A Heart In The Rocky Soil

Everyone do a collective sigh now.

Aaawwww.

Brenda Enjoying The View From The Hiking Path

One afternoon we had a storm come over the mountain and it rained something fierce.  The cats didn’t like it too much.  It was raining really big drops that seemed to echo inside the rig.

When it was over, which thankfully wasn’t to long, the sun came out.  We looked outside and low and behold….

A Rainbow

A rainbow.

But this was no ordinary rainbow.  Oh no.  This was a double rainbow!

A Double Rainbow

You don’t see doubles very often.  And this one was a double from end to end.

You’ll have to trust me on that one.  These things fade fast and I was lucky enough to get the pictures that I did.  I was running around like a mad woman in the campground, shooting pictures from every angle.

Every campsite.

Not carrying if it was occupied or not.  Sorry…I wasn’t going to miss a great shot of a double rainbow just because someone’s rv is there.

They’d have to understand.

It’s a double rainbow people!  I know, I know, I’m not 12 years old.  Going on and on about rainbows.  But you have to admit, a double rainbow really makes you stop and appreciate.

No one complained about me traipsing around.  And others were coming out of their rigs to see said rainbow.  So it’s all good.

Then I saw myself when I came back inside and I know why no one said anything to me.  I was a wreck.  It was still sprinkling and with all the running around and the dirt turning to mud (yes dirt does that when it gets wet), I looked dreadful.

Who cares.  I got my shot. And we had a good laugh at how water logged I looked.  Nope, you get no pictures of that :)

The Lake And The Snow Capped Mountains In The Back. Our Rig In between.

So after 4 nights of a nice quiet and peaceful stay at Roper Lake State Park, it was time to move on.

But where?  Nice thing about rv living is it doesn’t really matter.  Our only plan was to try and stay off of the interstate for a while.

Looking at the map, Silver City, NM looked interesting.  Also only another 2.5 hours away.  Near the Gila National Forest.  So we headed there planning on staying a week.

More on that later ;)