Tent Rocks National Monument

Tent Rocks is managed by the BLM.  Excellent hiking with great interpretive  signage and really cool views.  The layers are comprised of volcanic ash (gray layer) and volcanic rock (ryolite) laid down over 6 million years ago.  Time and wind erosion makes some pretty impressive formations.

Lake Cochiti New Mexico

An Army Corp Lake in the middle of no where.  The dam is said to be one of ten largest in the country.  Camp is nice for a barren desert with showers, electric, and water.  My National Access pass gets me all this for only $10.00!  Most places I’ve visited have very little cell coverage, so I’ll post info when I can.  Plan on hanging in New Mexico for the next few days then move to Arizona.

Santa Fe Mountains

As I entered New Mexico, I decided to head north to the mountains, not the greatest of choices as I’m apparently early.  The US Forest areas were all still closed, but I managed to head back US 63 (turned into a gravel one way road) finally deadending into closed Jacks Creek camp.  The equestrian sites were kinda open so I parked there for the evening.  Beautiful rivers and scenery, but still closed until May.

Lake McClelan….sort of

I read that Lake McClelan was a great oasis in Texas just 3 miles off of US 40.   Well, I camped there, but in talking with a local he advised it’s been dry for over 2 years.  These dead fish were all that were left.  Stayed overnight and exited the great State of Texas.

Eufaula Lake Oklahoma

Happened across a really nice Army Corp campground in eastern Oklahoma called Brooken Cove.  Huge storm front moving through.  It was 82 degrees when I arrived Tuesday and now it’s 40.  The locals made sure I was aware of the nearest storm shelter up the road….I know weather is serious business here.

Somewhere in Oklahoma

This pic was from a top Hot Springs Mountain.  Tuesday, somewhere in Oklahoma!

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Hot Springs National Park

After finally arriving, I remembered Greg and I had stopped here years earlier. Not a bad place, but it is located in the center of town and too many humans for me. More like a mini Gatlinburg. Moving on early tomorrow for Oklahoma.

Shawnee National Forest

Camped at Garden of the Gods and heading to Hot Springs Arkansas next. Sparse cell phone coverage.
Will post pics tonight if coverage.

All Packed and Ready!

I’m heading out Sunday morning on that long vacation that I’ve never had time for.   The plan includes Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, then back home Junish.  I’ll be visiting friends living in the different states, and will have company flying out to travel portions of the journey.

Check back periodically and I’ll post pics along the way! 

Happy Trails!