Feb 17, 2013 - Valley of Fire Nature Trail

This was a beautiful day to walk the Lava fields. This field is about 44 miles long and is 2-5 miles wide. This Lava field was created by vents in the earths crust and not by a volcano, over 1500 years ago. This makes it the youngest lava flows in the continental United States. Although Mt St Helens erupted in the 1990's, and is building a lave dome in its crater, it did not cause a flow of lava across the landscape. This walkway is on top of a pressure ridge, which was formed as the lava surface cooled and hardened, while still molten...

Apr 15, 2011 - On The Road Again

Having accomplished all we needed to do in Albuquerque, we got on the road again after getting our tax return from the accountant. Our goal for the day was Carrizozo, because we wanted to get a green chili cheeseburger -- the best in the state. Carrizozo has a nice, basic RV park attached to one of the motels in town, so that's where we stay when we go there and then, it's to the Outpost Bar for our green chili cheeseburger fix. We arrived in town to find painted donkeys everywhere. We finally counted ten and don't know if we found them all...

Feb 18, 2011 - Carrizozo, New Mexico

In contrast to the White Sands of the southwestern Tularosa Basin, Valley of Fires National Recreation Area lies covered with black lava at the north end of the Basin. The most recent lava flow occurred about 1,500 to 2,000 years ago. The lava came from volcanic vents and flowed south for 44 miles. Sometimes, it surrounded areas of higher ground, forming islands called “kipukas.” We spent several days in the campground atop one of these kipukas with beautiful views in all directions. We walked the mile-long Malpais (“Bad Land”) Nature Trail...

Jan 24, 2011 - WSMR RV - Ruidoso, Lincoln, Capitan and more

Off to explore the last region we had ear-marked to visit while staying here at White Sands. This time, back to the northeast towards Ruidoso and then around the loop taking us through several towns in the scenic driving route that forms a triangle with Tinnie, Lincoln, Capitan and Carrizozo before returning to the base. Also dubbed, “Billy the Kid Scenic Byway”. The day was beautiful when we started without a cloud in the sky, temps still in the high 40s, low 50s, but all-in-all a beautiful day. Yes, again lunches are packed, cooler’s...

Dec 2, 2010 - Green Chili Cheeseburgers

On the 2nd, our departure from Albuquerque was delayed, because the brakes on Clark’s new trailer needed adjusting and by the time that was accomplished and we’d finished last minute errands, we didn’t get on the road until early afternoon. So, we decided to go to Carrizozo for the night, so we could have New Mexico’s best green chili cheese burgers at the Outpost Bar & Grill. In Carrizozo, is a motel with an OK RV park behind and that's where we spent the night for $10. The green chili cheeseburgers were as good as they always are. With...

Sep 27, 2010 - I love the smell of mesquite in the morning

Continuing our trek west and south, we had one of our longest driving days at almost six hours. But I was on a mission to arrive at the Valley of Fires Recreation Area in Carrizozo, NM. We first saw this cool place in December of 2006. We happened on it while driving from Socorro to Alamogordo. I remember being enchanted with the large field of black lava rock stretching on forever. I also remember being totally enamored of a campground right on the lava field called Valley of Fires Recreation Area. It is a Bureau of Land Management...

May 13, 2010 - Famous Characters of Lincoln County, NM

We are currently in Valley of Fires Recreation area, a BLM park in Carrizozo, New Mexico. It’s about 60 miles north of Alamogordo, 90 miles west of Roswell and about 150 miles southeast of Albuquerque. The park is located next to a lava flow area which erupted about 5,000 years ago and filled the area with molten rock for 125 square miles. It is a very rural area but located in Lincoln County which has two famous characters. OK, here is the first clue. Only YOU can prevent forest fires! How many of you remember those famous words from...

Mar 9, 2010 - Valley of Fire

Up and off again drove to Carrizozo AZ and stayed at the Valley of fires state park. Went for a sunset hike but it is very difficult to hike anywhere because the valley floor is a maze of lava flows that have been fractured by seismic activity I’m guessing. Will try again in morning Morning hike along a trail through the lava flows very windy and cold.

Feb 22, 2010 - SKI DAY

This morning we head over to the ski area and try not to break a leg. New snow last night so it's going to be great. The new snow they received last night was a walk in the park compared to today's accumulation. We drove 30 miles of the 42 miles only to find CHAINS required. So we drove back to Ruidoso to Western Auto and bought chains. Drove back to the chain sign and installed chains. Started up the 12 mile hike which is from 6900 ft. to a little over 12000 ft. Man I've never seen snow like this. Got to the ski area and parked the jeep....

Feb 21, 2010 - Pulchritudinous Day

Breakfast is over and decided to head to Alamogordo,because of weather. Will update when we get there. Decided to stop at VALLEY OF FIRES and walk the trail. It's such a nice campground and the views are marvelous. In all things of nature there is something special about this place. The hike was three quarters of a mile and Lex got to go also. The lava is 165 ft. deep 44 miles long an covers 127 square miles. It's amazing how the lava forms itself as it cools. Then gas pockets form,bust an create large sink holes. Pretty neat stuff. NOTE---...

Oct 8, 2009 - On The Road Again

Our summer of rebuilding an aging body has come to an end and we're moving. Clark saw the ankle doctor, yesterday morning, and WE'RE FREE. The incision is healing slowly, but it's healing and we're off. We went to see granddaughter, Rachel, perform at her horse show, this morning, but were disappointed in that we never saw her do her jumps. She didn't go on at her appointed time. I've never seen such a poorly managed event. The wheels finally started rolling midafternoon and we drove to Carrizozo. We treated ourselves to green chili...

Apr 1, 2008 - Valley of Fire National Recreation Area

Today we visited a site where volcanic lava flowed out of the earth through vents into a valley and left a lava flow nearly 44 miles long and 5 miles wide in this southern part of New Mexico. As you drive through this area, suddenly you come upon an area where all the rock is black, and obviously different from anything you have been seeing, if you've been watching at all. This is another one of those remarkable acts of nature that continue to amaze us on our trip around the country. The pics don't do justice to the unique beauty of this...