Driving, once again on I-10 which we have begun to dread for the truck traffic, we leave Arizona and enter into New Mexico. There are long stretches of flat terrain with ominous signs warning of potential sand storms which can produce ZERO visibility conditions – and every once in a while a tumbleweed rolls across the highway. The signs go on for miles along with tons of billboards advertising all kinds of toot for sale at the highway junctions. We passed the continental divide – pretty cool………..
We arrive at our next destination, a small working ranch and RV park which is situated on among 7000 acres of open range and surrounded by mountain ranges. The ranch offers basic amenites and the price is decent. Full hook-ups and they have on-site propane at competitive prices which is great. The only downside is that the road in is a 7 mile stretch of dirt road which is well maintained, but a long dusty drive for the daily excursions. There are quite a few permanent residents most of whom have an ATV -the southwest desert areas are very popular for ATVers. There are tons of trails and wide open spaces to explore within a short ride including several petroglyph sites and Fort Cummings (a garrison built to protect the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach route from Apache Indian raids).
Beside the gate is a pile of rocks with boots sticking out. Someone’s quirky sense of humour…….. or maybe not.
http://www.hiddenvalleyrvranch.com
A day trip to nearby Faywood Hot Springs was a welcome treat. In this region are quite a few primitive hot springs which can be accessed by hiking, as well as a few fancy spa’s with mineral pools. It is a rustic hot springs facility that appears run-down and is really in need of some TLC (which it does need) – the reviews were mixed, but they rent private pools at decent price $13 per person for an hour, so we decided to give it a go. We were greeted by some very friendly staff and lucky for us, the private pools had just been drained and cleaned. The pools are basic concrete tubs of varying sizes – our private pool would have accommodated 8 people easily. – they are fully fenced for privacy which does not allow for any view of the desert, but would be great at night for stargazing. They are open 24 hours. Being quite liberal in New Mexico, there are also clothing optional pools on site.
Not far from the ranch is the village of Hatch New Mexico. They call themselves the Chile Capital of the World and are indeed known worldwide for their New Mexico Chile’s. Every year on Labour Day weekend they have a Hatch Chile Festival.
Another widely grown crop is Pinon or Pine Nuts. Since they are so expensive at home I will definitely be bringing some back with me.