Settling Into The Bosque

We rolled into the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in central New Mexico two weeks ago. Our spot at the volunteer area has a nice view of the refuge. Here's an early a.m. shot of the bright peach skies over the mountains and the steamy fog floating on the pond. The early light isn't good, but you can get the idea.

These first two weeks were both interesting and active. Since we arrived ahead of our scheduled time, we thought perhaps there wouldn't be much for us to do as volunteers for a while. Oh no! Nancy got to work learning to be the assistant for the Outdoor Recreation Planner, assisting with tours and volunteer logistics, training sessions, etc. Jerry has been occupied with various projects, such as taking the many government vehicles on the premises for oil changes. He will soon be running a slope mower on the miles of irrigation channels on the refuge. There's just a "certification" requirement for the government. But, we are confident that will all be handled soon. There are a wide variety of volunteer jobs on the refuge, all working in unison with the staff. It's nice to be providing some worthwhile service.

Another fun part of the volunteering adventure is the people and places that surround it. Here we get to revisit a few folks that we met four years ago in our first venue at the Bosque. As well as, we'll meet a new group of volunteers arriving soon for the winter here.

Last weekend we enjoyed an afternoon at the Socorro Fest with new friends, Joe and Bonnie Nemmers. Here's a handsome threesome hanging out in downtown Socorro.

The four of us drove the 20 miles from the refuge to take in the music and have a few libations. The New Mexico wineries and breweries provided fine refreshments, the company was pleasant and the music was fantastic. As in numerous other venues, we were once again amazed. There are tons of talented people hidden in small towns everywhere we travel. From the harmonica contestants we enjoyed during our lunch at the Stage Door restaurant to the blues band entertaining in the gazebo of the town square, it was a super musical interlude!


Then it was back to the serenity of the refuge. Just some coyotes howling and the occasional train in the distance. It's pretty quiet for now.





But, just as we have traveled to our spot for the coming months, the fine-feathered creatures are flying-in daily. Even for those of us who are not avid birders, it's fun to see the population multiply. The squawks of the gangly Sandhill Cranes are beginning to echo around the refuge. There are only a few hundred right now but they will soon be in the thousands. As will the snow geese.

In this last photo I think you might be able to barely see the small flock in the distance. This expanse will soon be a much different scene filled with other two-legged friends.

Elephant Butte - A New Favorite

Along the way in our rving life we've had quite a few stops that both of us would agree are among our favorites. We found another one. Elephant Butte Lake State Park is just north of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, along I25 at exit 83. The 40-mile long lake was created by a dam of the Rio Grande and is very popular with water sport lovers. But first, over 100 million years ago, this was a favorite stomping ground of tyrannosaurus rex. There have been discoveries of the humongous predator in rock formations of the area. Today we might here a coyote howling and prowling at night.

As far as our choice for parking, we have a nice view from our spot in the campground. But many brave souls drive their rvs down through the sand to get a spot right next to the water. Do you see those white objects on the edge of the shore in this photo? There they are. And these aren't just small pop-ups.
As many of you already know, the Hurleys aren't big on crowded camping locations. In fact, we usually prefer boondocking to regular campgrounds. But there are times when you can't beat having hookups, especially when good ole air conditioning is needed. And we are still in the 80s here in New Mexico.

Having said that, everybody has their own criteria for rating camping spots. Some of the features high on our list are general surroundings, privacy, cell and internet service and price. It turns out this park rates very well in all those categories. It's hard to beat $14.00 with these views. Then you add on that Nancy had a lady's day out in a few quaint shops in Truth or Consequences. Yes, we finished our exploring of the area, did grocery shopping and had enough of listening to the gloom and doom in the economy. So it was time for Jerry to tackle some of the "honey do list" and for me to nose around on my own. There are a few art galleries and small shops in T or C. It's not a Bisbee, AZ, by any stretch, but I found a couple of shops with interesting items. Second Hand Rose isn't just recycled. Stop in if you are ever passing through. The proprietor is friendly and it's a fun place.
Our visit here is just about over. Next stop is the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge up the road 50 miles or so. We'll check in with you then.