Roswell, NM

We stayed two nights at Bottomless Lakes State Park, about 12 miles from Roswell, NM.  Of course everyone knows about Roswell; this is where aliens crash landed back in the 40's and the government covered it up, hid the facts, and denied that it actually happened. Well, we have pictures that prove their existence........

 

 

Our Campsite at LEA Lake Campground

 

 

 

 

 

LEA Lake and Campground from the bluff overlook.

 

 

O.K..... I said we had proof of alien existence.  I was taking June's pic when these creatures just appeared behind her.  We didn't even know they were there until I loaded the pictures to the laptop.....

 

This unfortunate alien had been captured and was being held in this tank for preservation.

 

 

And, it's all documented - sooooo, it must be true!

 

This is the story about Mac Brazel who actually found the crash site ..... more documentation.....

And...... for real proof, I caught this alien space ship taking off just over the downtown roof tops just as we were leaving the alien gift shop.  Finally, a real alien space ship caught on camera...

After the "alien exposure", we strolled over to Roswells art & history museum.  This piece of work was accompanied by the sign below that someone had defaced.... It's really sad that people have to do this, but the sentiment I do share a little......

This piece was title "Burnt Head" .... Look close... it's a head on its' side. The piece was about 5 ft. long..

The museum also had on display some work by Dr. Goddard, a Rocket scientist and pioneer in rocket engine research form the 1930's .....

Some of Dr. Goddards rocket engines.

Alamogordo, New Mexico & White Sands National Monument

After Carlsbad we drove over to Alamogordo, NM, about 100 miles as the crow flies, but by road, about 230 miles.  There is a shorter route over the mountains between Carlsbad and Alamogordo, but there was a height restriction on that road which forced us to take the long way around.  I always consult a truckers Atlas for the bridge clearances, plus my GPS does the same when finding the best route, otherwise we would run into problems getting under some bridges.

 

Anyway, just a few miles from the RV park was White Sands National Monument; pure white gypsum left from an ancient lake bed that is a large white desert constantly on the move being pushed by the winds.  The day we visited was very windy and we didn't spend much time outside as when we did, we got sand blasted.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the edge of the white sands, gradually encroaching on the desert as the winds move it along.

 

 

There is an 8 mile drive through the dunes.  The road has to be plowed regularly and occasionally changed when the sand wins the battle.

A short way into the park, pavement ends due to the shifting sands.


After a few hours at White Sands, we visited the Space History Museum back in Alamogordo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Mexico



We've been moving slowly West and as I write this, we are in Carlsbad, NM.....  Our last two nights in Texas were at Lake Colorado City State Park, near Colorado, Texas.. The park is pretty remote and has a lake that was in need of water.  The boat ramps were closed and the large campground was nearly empty - besides us, there where only two other campsites occupied.

Lake Colorado City State Park, Colorado City, Texas

A short hike at Lake Colorado City State Park
 

Our friend Olivia & June standing in a field of the Texas state flower Bluebonnets.   Olivia & Fred live in Waxahachie, TX.   Fred was ill from Chemo treatments and couldn't visit.  We spent the day with Olivia and has a really nice visit.

We saw a lot of these oil pumps across Texas and into New Mexico

Getting ready to hike a trail at Guadalupe Mountains National Park - about 100 miles from El Paso.  We drove here from Carlsbad, NM - about 60 miles.

We have the Federal pass for seniors which cost $10 for a lifetime pass.  It gets us free admission to all National Parks and other federally owned lands, and half-price camping too.  We've saved a bundle over last three years with this pass.

Gualdalupe Peak

Cactus Bloom

The ruin below is what is left of the Pinery Station mail station that was open only one year in 1800's

Resting a bit on our hike in Guadalupe Nat', Park.  Very high winds today - temps about 80

The following day, Monday, we visited Carlsbad Caverns National Park.  Took the tour of the caverns and a 10 mile desert drive thru the park.  Another dry day with winds, but as strong as our day in Guadalupe Mountains.

 

 



This is the cavern entrance. This steep walkway continues to wind down over 750 ft. to the main cavern.



 

It's hard to get a picture that shows the enormous cavern.  There are literally thousands of Stalactites and Stalagmites. This is named Lions Tail. 

 



Captured these pics with no flash... The flash pics don't pick up as much.

 

 

 

Imagine the earliest cave explorers, possibly thousands of years ago, when they came upon this paved path with the stainless steel railings ..... Must have been quite an amazing conversation (or grunt fest) around the campfire that night!


After the Carlsbad Caverns self guided tour, we ventured off road and took the 10 mile loop thru the park canyon.

 

 

 

 

 

 Travelers thru the area used these small caves for protection from the elements and probably wild life and enemies.

 

 

 

 



Special Day

Today we visited the Portrait of a Warrior Memorial Art Gallery in Baytown, Texas.  This was a vey moving visit as the gallery displays paintings of fallen heroes in which the artist has portrayed their lives. These are brave warriors who laid down their lives to defend the freedom we all know and love.

Ken Pridgeon, the artist, has made it his mission to paint a portrait of these men and women, and then presents the families with a print as his way of honoring their loved ones.  Ken started painting while serving in the United States Air Force and after leaving the military, made a career of painting billboards in Houston, Texas.  Ken paints portraits of fallen heroes fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, originally from Texas, but now has expanded to all the United States.  He told us he will be attending his 60th year high school reunion this year. The gallery building was donated and the local Golden Coral cafeteria gives him free dinners each day to show their support, as they will not accept money from Ken.

There is no fee for admission and The Gallery exists solely from donations.

Portrait of a Warrior Memorial Art Gallery
308 W. Texas Ave.
Baytown, Texas  77520
kenthedauber@hotmail.com
find Ken Pridgeon on Facebook

The Artist, Ken Pridgeon, met us at the door and humbly discussed his work.  He lovingly brushes each portrait and includes a personal touch to each piece.

Each portrait of the warrior includes as well, a small portrayal of that heroes interests