Day 4: Tuscon to Las Cruces, New Mexico - 257.5 miles
Same routine this morning as before - with one exception. Frank was showing the super duper power washing equipment and bin he added to his Alpine. We were parked next to him and before Michael knew it, Frank handed him the wand and Michael tried it on the windshield and front of our coach.
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| Frank's bin he added under the driver side with power washing equipment |
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| our Alpine benefiting from a Frank spa |
It was a straight run, all on I-10 heading further east. The day was clear and bright, the land flat, barren and remote with mountain silhouettes in the far distance.
Around Benson the interesting rock dollops, monzogranite, appeared for a short time.
Then we were back to flat, empty, open space, the road a straight black ribbon to the horizon.
Around San Simon, located close to the San Simon River, for a few miles the landscape burst with greenery and cultivated fields and orchards.
We crossed into New Mexico.
Dust storms are prevalent here and road signs warn and remind you what to do in the event of being caught in one. (Pull over off the highway lane; turn off lights; feet off foot brake; stay in car with seat belt on; wait for dust to clear.) Thankfully the winds remained calm for today's trip.
We continued to travel through miles of flat open space, dry and dusty, and pretty well useless.
I amused myself by reading the reader boards that would suddenly populate the side of the road advertising an outpost up ahead with all sorts of souvenirs.
At one point, a large swimming pool passed us.
We crossed the Continental Divide, elevation 4,585 ft.
The miles dragged on, the landscape unchanged, the road flat and straight.
Several billboards advertised land for sale. One offered 558 acres.... we were not tempted. And judging by the faded billboard, nor was anyone else.
Astoundingly, about 30 miles from our destination, this billboard appeared for a Bernina dealer and quilt shop. That caught my attention!
I attempted a panorama shot to give you an idea of what we see as we ride along.
We finally approached Las Cruces, nestled in a valley against the backdrop of the Guadalupe Mountains. We had scouted out this area during our Eurovan camper travels. That seems like a lifetime ago now.
Our overnight stop today is Sunny Acres RV park. The Escamillas joined us, as did another couple we have not yet met. The two of us went off in search of a WalMart to stock up with provisions and supplies. Lajitas will not have much to offer. We all went out to dinner to a local brewery-restaurant. I enjoyed the peach beer very much. The beer was more memorable than the food. But we had a good time.
