Friday, March 23, 2018

Roadrunner Rest Area, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Friday, March 23, 2018 – Location: Roadrunner Rest Area, Las Cruces, NM

Even though my legs were sore, I could not sleep in this morning.  The parking lot was quiet when I woke up at 6 o’clock.  For some reason, I was just anxious to get the travel day started.   It’s going to be a clear and warm day throughout southern Arizona and New Mexico today.  A little breezy at times, but nothing to worry about.

Took Yuma for a walk around the area and we jumped in the MH and headed for Benson, Arizona, only about 12 miles north on hwy 90.  I told myself, I would eat breakfast at the Walmart.  It didn’t take long to get what I needed, probably for the remainder of my journey.  Didn’t like the idea of eating in the parking lot, so I told myself I would stop at the first rest area going east out of Benson. 

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Sure enough, about 24 miles down the road we pulled into the rest area with all the boulders.  Been there several times before, but of course I didn’t remember where it was.  Great place to have breakfast!

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The sky almost looks like I’m looking through cracked glass.

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Not going to be a long day.  I plan to stop at the Roadrunner rest area in Las Cruces, New Mexico and that is only 240 miles from the caverns.  I do have to take into account I will move into MDT so will lose an hour.  I’m glad because I’m still feeling fatigue from yesterday’s long hike.

Crossed into New Mexico.

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Crossed the Continental Divide.  One of the reasons I take this route is to avoid high mountains along the continental divide.  None here!

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The trip was uneventful and I pulled into the Roadrunner rest area around 3:30.  Not crowded, so I was able to park in the exact place I’ve parked several time before.  Going to take it easy tonight.  Gold Rush  will be on and that will be it for tonight. 

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As you can see from closer inspection, the roadrunner is made up of junk.

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Will see the lights of Las Cruces though.  That’s because this rest area overlooks the city from high on the plains west of the city. The Organ Mountains are across the way.

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I need to make a decision tonight or in the morning as to where I go next.  I either go north, south or east tomorrow.  Going to have to check the weather forecast to help me make up my mind.

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See you later.

18 comments:

  1. I'm glad you and Yuma had a pleasant trip to Las Cruces. I love all the boulders at the rest stop. It loks like a beautiful night there. Hope its not too hot tonight. Have a good night. ❤

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    1. Thanks Dolly. Beautiful rest stop and there is a nice breeze. Should have a great night. Looking forward to the rest.

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  2. I like that junky roadrunner! And your night time city scape pic is really cool too! Head east. We look forward to seeing you! I love you!

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    1. Thanks Sarah. With the weather you're having I may never come home 😁

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  3. Those are some big old boulders! Very cool looking! Love the picture of the city lights down below. Supposed to be a winter storm here tomorrow. Hopefully you can get rested up after your long day yesterday. Take care Dad. Love you.

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    1. Thanks Steve. Bet you're glad you don't have to move those stones around. The weather better get better or I may not come home. Love you.

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  4. Ahhh, love to see that New Mexico sign !! Safe travels today. 😎🐕🌈

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    1. Thanks Moonfly. I was getting tired of that two hour time difference. Will soon be in CDT and that will be nice.

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  5. A nice travel day and we too love the Texas Canyon rest area with all the rock anode course the Roadrunner with the view over the city. Deciding which way to go at this time of year is largely dependant on the weather, I know you will make the right choice and travel safe.

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    1. Thanks George. Nice highway to Las Cruces. Always something to see along the way.

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  6. What beautiful rest areas. Love the boulders and the roadrunner. Haven't seen him in person yet. I love your last picture a lot!

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    1. Thanks Patsy. I'm​ surprised you have never driven to Las Cruces from the West. Be sure to plan a stop when you do.

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  7. Beautiful pictures Doug! Love the boulder rest area and the Roadrunner. It'll be interesting to see where you end up tonight! I love the last pic too!

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    1. Thanks Shirley. It was hard to decide where to go. Las Cruces is a place where the direction you're going is important. Lots of mountains to prevent changes in direction enroute.

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  8. Two of our favorite rest stops, Texas Canyon and the Roadrunner. If we are going by we are stopping even if we do not need a rest...:)
    Great picture of the Las Cruces night lights.
    What ever direction you and Yuma take continued safe travels.

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    1. Thanks Deb. At the end of my journey, I now slow down and look around. About time. Finally not in a hurry. Having a winter storm back home, so may have to hold up somewhere.

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  9. It's always a mixed bag of feelings heading home. Anxious to get there yet sad to be leaving the great Southwest where so many adventuress memories abound. I think the saddest thing is not knowing if one will ever return again.........

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    1. I agree Al. I'm ready for this adventure to end but unsure what next winter holds. Just have to wait.

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