Fire, Rain and Wind

Extreme Fire Danger!

We are back on the road -- at least for a few weeks.  It feels so good to be riding in Silver (our RV) on the highway in search of a beautiful place to camp and some new adventures.  We both loved our time on the road when Silver was the only home we had.  Such freedom.  Severe weather or forest fires were our only limiting factors.  There were some backroads that were best left to 4-wheel drive vehicles and not for Silver to roam.  And a few places that Maya was not allowed.  But those were our only limitations.

Yellow coneflowers were gorgeous in Santa Fe

It does feel strange and a bit sad not traveling with our Maya this season.  We really miss her, although in some ways she is with us especially now that we are on the road again.  Both of us have remarked this week how much it feels like she is right here with us and that makes us smile.

Our first stop was Santa Fe because it is a tradition when traveling west and also it is a great place to begin a mountain adventure.  We got a little acclimated to the higher elevation and filled up on some great food.  Santa Fe has an amazing variety of food, although for us New Mexican food is a must. 

Harry's Roadhouse -- a great place to eat in Santa Fe

Grilled Chicken Tostado at Harry's

We took it easy in Santa Fe resting up from a week of celebrating anniversaries and July 4th at my parent’s house.  Another reason we took it easy was we couldn’t hike in the Santa Fe or Carson National Forests as both were closed because of extreme fire danger.  So, chilling out, eating out and a little sightseeing was what we did.

The church at the Pecos National Historical Park

We made a day trip over to the Pecos National Historical Park.  Last year when we visited it was extra hot and we had Maya with us, so we limited our time there.  This time the day was beautiful with clouds building up even as we arrived around 10 am.  We hoped the monsoons were on their way.  A ranger led us and two other couples on a fantastic tour of the monument and we did learn new things about the Pueblo Indian community of the Pecos. 

This summer is reminding us a lot of our first summer on the road in 2012.  Fires were a big problem that year and this one is no different.  There is a fire near Cimarron, NM and the Philmont Boy Scout Ranch that has been burning since early May.  Just across the border into Colorado, the Spring Creek Fire, the 2^nd largest fire in Colorado history is burning away.  The 416 Fire near Durango is mostly out but not completely plus there are many smaller fires burning in both New Mexico and Colorado -- not to mention many other western states.  It is going to be a bad fire year.  

Entering the Kiva

Ranger Eric gave us a great tour.  

Inside the Kiva

Kiva with no cover

Our plans are to stay clear of fires.  We left Santa Fe yesterday and drove to Leadville, Colorado.  We have a campsite at Turquoise Lake for the next week.  There are no fires very close to this area so keep your fingers crossed for us.  We were here last year and just loved it.  The elevation is near 10,000 feet and though the days may warm up to the high 70s, the nights are cool.  We had a nice rain yesterday afternoon on the way up and light rains during the night.  It was 51 degrees in the RV this morning.  Life is good!

Phone service and internet are very spotty, but I am going into Leadville this afternoon and try to post this blog.  I may not have another post until next week but hopefully there will be new things to report on.  Until then…

Cane Cholla blooming