Wednesday we woke up to nice sunshine but cool temperatures. A good nights rest despite the RR track nearby. In looking at the map we found we could go north from Van Horn, TX on sr54 to US180 and west to El Paso and it is only about 10 miles farther. The 53 miles up sr54 was a nice drive, good road along the mountains and several ranches on either side of the road. We passed 2 vehicles going south, one a pick up with a slide in camper and another pick up. We did see a few cows, however they have all apparently been moved to other pastures this time of year. It really did not look like there was much to eat anyway. Along
the ridge of the mountains to our east, we saw many wind generators, the farther we went the more there were, maybe a hundred or more. We picked up US180 at the base of the Guadalupe mountains and headed west for El Paso. Evelyn found a bypass around the north side of El Paso that kept us out of town. It was called inter mountain expressway. Now, I know why the name. It was a nice 4 lane divided highway until you get to the mountain. There it is also 4 lane divided, but it goes over the mountain. The sign says "road may be closed during inclimate weather". Also, slow moving vehicles next 5 miles. Well, we were the slow moving vehicle this time. It was first gear a lot of the way and about 20mph, maybe a little of 2nd gear and 30 mph. What a grind. going down the other side was a breeze, just have to use the brakes sparingly to keep the rig under 65 or so. Next time we will take I10 and fight the traffic through El Paso.
We climbed in altitude the rest of the day until we got to Deming, NM. and the Dream Catcher SKP park for the night. Cold, only 29 degrees this morning and the heat really felt good. We could see snow on the mountains nearby. They said it came about two weeks ago during a cold snap.
With a change in time, MT, we woke up an hour earlier than usual and got on the road by 9am. On west of I10 with fairly light traffic until afternoon. We stopped in Wilcox, AZ for lunch and a quick power nap and on to Benson to the SKP park called Saguaro Co-Op. They were full so we had to take a boon dock space and do without electricity, so we
will see how that goes. We have good batteries and plenty of LP so it should be alright. There are over 700 spaces here and all are full.
Our photos are from the Judge Roy Bean Museum. The top photo is of his saloon and the bar in the second photo. This is claimed to be the actual building that he used. The bottom photo is of the opra house he built, which is a reproduction of the original.
Tomorrow, we will complete the trip to Mesa, AZ and visit with our friend, Nancy B, and enjoy some of her fresh oranges. Hopefully get settled in the RV space she has beside the house and get some R&R.