Cloudcroft & Ruidoso

Monday we intended to visit Sunspot, NM where the National Solar Observatory is located.  We headed into the Village of Cloudcroft for a BBQ lunch.  We checked out a RV park nearby and they had a resident Ostrich (you just never know what you will see in New Mexico). As we were finishing lunch, it started to rain. We decided to save Sunspot for another day. The kids in the restaurant ran outside and held their hands out in the rain.  I kind of felt like doing the same and I have only been here for a month :).   

 It was a good rain and really cooled us down.   We headed back to the rig and enjoyed the rain and the cool mountain air.  The turkeys came out to enjoy the cool as well.

 Grace is enjoying the cool weather.  She has spent far too much time inside, due to the heat.  We started Tuesday with a nice long walk in the cool.  At the end of the walk, I could not get her to look up.  I soon saw what she was hiding... a feather.  She loves feathers.  Can't you just see her begging me not to take it away ?  I did :).


After our walk, we headed out for Ruidoso.  On the way, we saw a new bird for us- the Stellar's Jay.  I could not manage a picture.  There is one on the link-very cool looking bird.  We stopped at Inn of the Mountain Gods-really beautiful, even with the drought.  Below is the view of Sierra Blanca ( highest mountain in Southern New Mexico) from their back deck.

 I donated 20 bucks to the casino and we piddled around the shops in Ruidoso. There are lots of galleries, crafts, clothes and t-shirts.  We purchased some olive oil, New Mexico wine and green chili jack cheese. We are all about the food :)
We arrived back at the campground, just in time for another nice rain.  Afterwards, we sat outside and enjoyed the cool.  We had supper, watched "deadliest catch" and went back outside to enjoy a beautiful sunset. 

Today a bike ride and maybe the visit to Sunspot.  See you down the road....