September 14, 2008 - Valley of Fires Recreation Area, New Mexico
CO-17, between Mineral Hot Springs and Alamosa, is a straight, flat road. Fortunately a bit of rain livened up the drive. Unfortunately, this is when I found out that my windshield wipers don't work.
Yeah, it gets a little boring. With the camera within reach, I passed the time taking one-handed self-portraits.
I found a spot to camp for the night on the Carson National Forest, just north of Ojo Caliente on the south side of US-285.
Just before sunset, the sun peeked below the clouds to make some nice lighting.
Another pre-sunset shot. I liked this spot so much I decided to spend the next day (Friday) here, not doing much.
On Saturday morning, I started off under clear, blue skies. Getting around Santa Fe was a bit of a hassle, but the rest of the drive through northern New Mexico was a visual treat.
I arrived at Valley of Fires and had a nice choice of campsites. After setting up I unloaded the bike and went to check out the village of Carrizozo, only a few miles away. I found a place to make me a green chile burger, advertised as "The Best You'll Ever Eat!" It was certainly the best green chile burger I'd eaten that day. :o)
As the sun set, Libby and I checked out the sandstone rocks that lie at the edge of the lava field (the namesake of the rec area.)
To the west, just beyond the mountains behind Libby's majestic profile lies the White Sands missile range.
Sunset, September 13th, 2008.
More horrible scenery.
