Inner US Loop - Fall 2014

[Pmount]

Wednesday, October 22
Start : Espanola, NM
Finish: Valley of Fires Recreation Area (BLM), W of Carrizozo

We had started our trip in Santa Fe, can always find more to do, but time to head South to Kasha-Katuwe Rocks National Monument (a BLM site, not part of the NPS 401). The rock formations are unique and a couple of trails take you into the middle of the 'tents'.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument


Our next stop was south of Albuquerque, on US 60 at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument at the Abo unit. There are 3 missions within this monument, scattered in a Central New Mexico. They were built over 600 years ago and abandoned in the 1670s, the remains are dramatic.

Abo - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument


We continued east on US 60 into Mountainair, NM to the main visitor center for the missions. Across the street was a bakery that had just opened a few months ago with wonderful treats, we enjoyed Cream Apple Scones. Across the street was a great mural.

Mountainair, NM building mural


Out of town we headed south on NM 55, actually south, then east, then south ..., zigzagged our way south to the second unit of the missions, Gran Quivira. The remains are smaller and constructed with a white rock. The pots on display in the visitor center were spectacular.

Gran Quivira - Salinas Pueblo Missions NM pottery display


Kiva pot


On our trips we keep track of the license plates we see. Early in the trip we had seen almost all of the states, then we still needed North Dakota and Hawaii. On SB I-25 today we saw several North Dakota plates. Still need Hawaii.

We ended the day at Valley of Fires Recreation Area (BLM), west of Carrizozo on US 380. This is an excellent, but small campground with 19 sites and 14 with electric and water. The restroom and shower building is excellent. Another spectacular Fall night overlooking the lava fields.

Passport Stamps
Salinas Pueblo Missions NM
Abo, NM
Mountainair, NM
Gran Quivira, NM

Bonus
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument - BLM New Mexico
A Centennial Celebration 1909-2009 - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Letterbox - 1

Wildlife Sightings
Pronghorn
Garter Snake

Red-tailed Hawk
Common Raven
Ferruginous Hawk
Dark-eyed Junco