Where Have We Been?

 Northern New Mexico, October 2023

We're off!  The BurntFrogs are back on the road full time.  After purchasing the base camp in May we worked on the house and yard most of the summer with very few forays into the countryside in our trailer, so now we’re happy to say that we…

  ✓  Wrapped up our summer medical appointments, including two unscheduled vet visits,

  ✓  Finished numerous house projects at base camp, and then

  ✓  Winterized and put base camp to bed for an indeterminate period of time while we gallivant about the US SW.

 Taos, October 2023

Not only did our dispersed campsite on BLM land offer great views from the front porch, we were also treated to a couple of cool surprises right there in our remote neighborhood.  

In town, at the must-see tourist attractions near Taos, we learned about historical and modern-day pueblo life as well as ecologically-friendly architecture in an earth-friendly community.

 Santa Fe, October 2023

Continuing south from our peaceful dispersed campsite perched above the Rio Grande canyon, we lucked into a lovely corner lot in a Forest Service campground not far from Santa Fe.  

Santa Fe drew us magnetically to its museums and galleries; however, just a few days of city hustle and bustle was enough so we hiked up the Black Canyon for a quiet, spectacular view of the city from atop a 9,300 foot high ridge.

 Journey Interrupted, October 2023

Our quest to explore as many NM state parks as possible produced another great one due west of Albuquerque with an old dam, a lake and a lovely canyon to hike -- and wild horses.  The park’s location was perfect for eclipse viewing, too.  

Then, unfortunately our winter’s journey came to a screeching halt.  Reversing course, we scooted back to our Canon City base camp, to take care of some unfinished business. without any idea when our winter travels would resume.

 Off Again, December 2023

The BurntFrogs were back on the road after a slight diversion and nearly 2 months’ unplanned stay back at base camp, Colorado.  

While we took care of boring ole business in Canon City, Stan installed a whole new power system in the trailer, Front Range Stone installed a new counter top in the house, and we both welcomed a lovely Pinon Pine to its new backyard home.

 SW New Mexico, December 2023

The BurntFrogs sampled another state park and thoroughly enjoyed the history and geology of the place.  Then, moving toward Christmas with friends in Phoenix, we took full advantage of another convenient Harvest Host winery for a quick overnight.

 To Phoenix, December 2023

After a delicious dinner and quiet night at the Lescombes Family Winery, we continued to push towards Phoenix with just one more overnight to let the kitties rest midway.  By noon the next day we found ourselves at Lost Dutchman State Park twenty miles east of Phoenix proper, nestled underneath the Superstition Mountains and a lovely rain cloud.

Toward California, December 2023

Shea Road offered a little more than we bargained for.  On the plus side our visit to Parker, AZ was rewarded with a visit with an old friend from our days in Manzanillo.  Then once the excitement exceeded kitty comfort levels, we trucked on into California to Mojave National Preserve where things were so laid back we even forgot it was New Years.