Camping in New Mexico

@xdr
Fingers crossed for ya! And that's what this forum is all about...learning from others successes and failures. 

BTW, am hoping to get to NM and spend some time at Bosque del Apache this fall killing a million or so pixels. Have you been there during that time of year? Suggestions? 

Good luck with the Bats! 

@gspdx Take it from your screen name you're in Portland? 

The imagery you shared sounds amazing. Only time I was in NM was for US Army missle testing at White Sands back in early 70's...wasn't exactly "epic." 

My camera gear is burning a hole in its case, dying to get out, and NM is definitely on the radar. 

AirBoss said:

@gspdx Take it from your screen name you're in Portland? 

The imagery you shared sounds amazing. Only time I was in NM was for US Army missle testing at White Sands back in early 70's...wasn't exactly "epic." 

My camera gear is burning a hole in its case, dying to get out, and NM is definitely on the radar. 

Yes - Portland for now. 

OK - a story.  I was in the Air Force when I was there and have lived in new Mexico, Indiana, Mississippi, Kansas, Guam, Utah, and now Oregon.

While in NM - Kirtland AFB - a guy I worked with walked outside to smoke during a fierce thunderstorm.  The lightning was hitting hard and the rain was pouring.  One bolt flashed as the thunder rocked the building.  We looked out the window and saw our co-worker face down in a puddle under a tree. I ran out and rolled him over and there was no pulse, no breathing and blood coming out of his eyes and ears.  

Long story short he lived but we didn't think he would.  Had to be medically retired.  

Those storms are no joke!

Grew up in Jemez Mountains, there are real world reasons NM is called Land of Enchantment, it is not marketing hype. Very special area, has everything except an ocean shore.  

Plus long rich history. Clovis man, vast ancient Indian sites, frist Spanish explorers and so much more.

NM is absolutely beautiful. 

Very nice hot spring resort at Ojo Caliente. Great pools, good breakfast (reasonable price) dinner was ok (higher price). The attached campground was 'ok', but we realized too late that our site had recently been someone's dog outhouse for a weekend. And hiking around there is beautiful - P'osi Pueblo ruins is within an hour's hike - fascinating, Sacred place.

Also, near Abiquiu, Georgia O'Keefe had her Ghost Ranch, which has become a 'retreat and education center' with a variety of programs for artists etc. They have a small campground, with some excellent hiking trails (cool artist programs too). Amazing scenery, makes it clear that Georgia O'Keefe wasn't exaggerating her colors! There's a COE campground nearby too, on the Abiquiu Reservoir.

We'll have to return to finish our trip (cut short in March by the V closing everything down). Enjoy!

AaronC said:

Jemez area is one of the greatest places I've been to on the planet! We plan to camp in NM in the fall. Any/all suggestions welcome! My brother lives in Las Cruces, but we especially love Northern NM.