So, I took my first turn this trip driving and because he wasn’t used to doing so Mark missed getting a picture when we entered New Mexico, Land of Enchantment. We planned to go to Roswell and Carlsbad Caverns but because of bad roads and lots of construction had to forego those but we did get to White Sands National Monument. Driving there seems like we should have been in snow and sliding around all the corners, but no, it was just like driving anywhere. The light was more intense, but the views were stunning.
On our way back to the RV we went through White Sands Missle Range and Mark lamented that we couldn’t go to Roswell. Years ago he had what the doctor called a calcium build-up removed from his forehead. We really knew it was an alien implant tracking him. I think he was sorry to miss the shuttle back to his home planet, wherever it may be. But we will carry on anyway! Mid course correction will now take us to Big Bend National Park, the most infrequently visited national park of them all. We don’t even need reservations!
Month: April 2015
TOMBSTONE, CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL FOREST AND RATTLESNAKES
Yes, we made it to the town too tough to die! Met with friends Morgan, Virgil, and Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday. 
Then it all went wrong at a shoot out at the OK Corral, but luckily the guys got by with only flesh wounds while those dastardly Clantons and McLaurys met God. So, not having enough of theold Wild West, we went to Gammonds Gulch which is another way out of the way movie set. The guy who showed us around was a pretty crusty old fella who told lots of bad jokes, but we had fun. On the way back to the RV we had to pass through a Border Patrol station. I had picked up a Pinkerton’s badge there and Mark had gotten his Arizona Ranger’s badge so the agent said we could go through “Code 4.”
Next up was Chiricahua National Forest. What an incredibly beautiful place with all the rock formations and long views of “the mountain islands in a sea of grass. We hiked into the park to see these wonderful formations then headed to 
to Fort Bowie National Monument. Again we hiked into the park enjoying the scenery. We saw the ruins of the Butterfield Stage Coach Line and the tracks permanently etched into the earth. Then was a military cemetery for old Ft. Bowie. Hiking down a small ravine, Mark in front, me riding drag we suddenly encountered wildlife. “Rattlesnake!!” yells Mark. I whip my zaftig white behind around and run for the top of the hill. “How will I get by it?” asks Mark. I answer, “Throw rocks.” He does and with the sound of rattling in the background he bolts up the hill and we double-time it back to the car. Yes I am petrified of snakes and a coward whenever they are on the menu. But we survived!!
CACTUS 101
For the last couple months we have been treated to a cacophony of color while the cactus has been blooming. Never having experienced this I thought I would like to share with you what I have learned about this very interesting species.
The top picture is of Hedgehog cactus. It gets flowers in a crown around the top of the plant.
Next up is an Ocatillo which only gets leaves when it rains and then flowers. The rest of the time it is just spiky sticks.
This one is a Purple Prickly Pear. I read that the color is to deter animals from eating it. 
Here is another variety of Hedgehog cactus. These flowers start out as big red buds then open to huge white flowers.
More Prickly Pear.
Organ Pipe
These next two are pictures of Pine Cone Cholla which hasn’t flowered yet but it is interesting because it looks like bunched of pine cones.
This is a succulent, the Century Plant. It sprouts this huge flower each year. Notice how tall it is!
More Organ Pipe cactus.
Pink Prickly Pear. 
These elongated paddles are called Beavertail cactus. 
Anyway, hope you can see some of the beauty of these plants. This desert is sure “blooming like a rose.”
Mark and Kathie's Excellent Adventure 