Our most recent camping trip came about in much the same way as the previous ones, Jordan found a way to squeeze in a few days off last minute and off we went in search of better weather.
Side note: I'm never really part of the planning when it comes to these trips, they're all Jordan and they're always sprung on me no more than a few days before we leave. Not that I mind, I'm pretty much always up for an adventure. And when it's time for us to head to the ocean or to peep at some leaves, those are all me. I don't know that we've ever actually planned a single trip together :) Anyway....
We stopped in Tucumcari, NM on the first day, and got to Red River, NM on the Fourth.
^^ I would highly recommend Dairy Bar! Great root beer float (among other things :) ^^
^^ A nice relaxing ride to to the top of the mountain.... unless of course you're 2 years old or in the company of a 2 year old and then it's kinda just a long ride :) ^^
^^ Nice view from the top though ^^
We also saw a good firework show that night in Eagle Nest, NM. The best part was definitely the fact that we watched them while cozying up in a sleeping bag in the back of the truck with popcorn and gummy worms :) The sleeping bag part being the real highlight, though the other bits are obviously worth mentioning.
The following day we headed out toward Carson National Forest to find a spot for the next couple of nights, and stopped at Wild Rivers Recreation Area along the way. Very cool place, definitely worth a stop if you're in the area. It's where the Red River and Rio Grande merge leaving this area with steep cliffs/canyons/crevices on both sides (I don't really know the geological specifics when categorizing these things). I don't think it'd be the best place to camp because it's quite exposed (though I'm sure plenty of people would absolutely love it and the actual sites may be more protected than the viewing area). Regardless, it is definitely a good area for at least a day trip or even just a quick looksie. It looked like there were a couple of really cool hikes, but we didn't attempt them since we were both sporting velcro Tevas and didn't have any sort of carrying device for Adelaide. You know, didn't seem like ideal circumstances for hiking way down there vv
^^ Notice Jordan's socks + sandals and the one rolled up pant leg (left over from the bike ride earlier in the day). Calm down ladies, he is t-a-k-e-n ;)
After looking around there for a while and eating some lunch we drove the rest of the way to Carson National Forest. For anyone who doesn't know: you can camp anywhere, "dispersed camping" in a National Forest, you just have to follow a few guidelines. You're not going to have access to potable water, electric, toilets, etc, but a lot of high use areas (like Carson National Forest) have lots of undesignated sites that get a lot of use with fire rings and clear areas for tents or campers, and it's free. You should be able to get any info you may need from the local BLM or National Forest Office on your way in or of course you can always ask Google. Google knows everything about everything.
^^ The stream running near our site ^^
^^ Gathering firewood. Luckily we have Adelaide to help with the heavy lifting ;) ^^
^^ That mean face... grr :( ^^
And for anyone wondering how the sleeping situation works out in the camper... it's pretty much great. Here's the proof:
^^ Adelaide is in that pile, see the arm. And that's me to the right. Not a clue when or why Jordan was awake. ^^
I'm hardcore hoping Jordan will snag some time off in the fall for a camping trip out East. I'd love, love, love to get back up to New England, but it's so far maps don't even show the time in hours... nope, it's day form! So, I'm not holding out hope for that, but the Blue Ridge Mountains maybe? I think it'll be my turn to plan.
Oh, there's also a vlog from this trip!
