The expected 40+ mph winds arrive on Monday confirming that we made the right decision to stay put in Tombstone an extra couple days. Bill and Donnie make a grocery run to nearby Sierra Vista while I stay back and give Tessa a much needed bath. Anna is at work :-(
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| Nice and clean.....for a minute at least |
Tuesday the weather calms down in Tombstone, but the storm is still in Deming, our next stop. I take Bill for an auto hike to see some of what Anna had shown me, and we stop at the Wizard's Workshop. Their friends own this amazing hand-crafted jewelry shop, doing all the work themselves on-site. If you're in the area, be sure to stop and take a look. The variety of beautiful stones is worth your time, and be sure to check out Donnie's prize Bass mounted on the wall :-)
The four of us enjoy Taco Tuesday, visit for a bit more, and with hugs and plans to see each other in April, we say goodnight and good-bye for now.
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| Our last morning in Tombstone is a bit nippy |
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| Where's my Anna and Donnie? |
Before we pull out of Tombstone, Bill notices one of the safety straps on the exhaust manifold has snapped. After confirming the remaining strap is still holding strong for the drive, we add it to the items to be repaired.
Our 198 mile Wednesday drive is the longest we've made since we launched in June. Perfect clear and calm driving weather make it an easy trip and we pull into Jimmy's RV Service just after 1 PM.
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| Excellent reviews, professional and friendly on the phone, immediate action in person, I'm glad to have our home in their hands |
Not only is the food very good, but the service is as well. Less than a mile off the interstate, this Valero station has diesel at every pump, as well as a RV island with easy access, plus a huge parking lot. The convenience store has the usual snacks and drinks as well as RV supplies like DEF and toilet chems. But the thing that impresses me the most is the immaculate and lovely restroom!
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| At a truck stop?! |
If you're traveling through Deming, NM on I-10, this is a perfect stopping spot for everything you need (Exit 82B).
Aaaanyway, back at the shop they've fixed the fuel-fill issue, confirmed they can fix the exhaust strap, and although they haven't found the slide problem because it of course works for them until we return, Jimmy assures me he will get it fixed for us.
We check into the Roadrunner RV Park and do a short set up as we're moving back to the shop in the morning.
Nothing to do Thursday but go play. The sun is bright, but it's still under 40 degrees. A drive to Truth or Consequences with a stop in Hatch seems like a perfect option for the chilly (pun intended) day.
Much smaller than I thought, T or C's downtown is quaint and colorful.
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| Water tank overlooking the town |
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| Indigenous to New Mexico |
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| Penny Music Art |
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| Wondering what to do with your old cassettes? |
Elephant Butte State Park has a variety of campgrounds, including Lion Beach with several w/e sites. Loop C sites all have unobstructed views of the lake.
Few things make Tessa happier than running on the beach. We enjoy time by the water, followed by a drive through the small dirt back roads.
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| Elephant Butte Marina |
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| I'm so fast with my bunny ears! |
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| Woooohooooo! |
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| Beautiful vistas |
We take the old highway back through small towns where post offices are the only buildings still open. Cotton, pecans, chilies and alfalfa all grow here in abundance. A recently tilled field provides a winter stopping spot for numerous Sandhill Cranes.
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| Fields of harvested chilies - subtle roadside colors |
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| Cranes find a meal among the plowed rows |
Hatch, NM, is known for their red and green chilies. I can't eat the really hot ones, okay....I can't eat the medium ones usually, but I love the flavor!
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| You can buy all the chilies you could ever need at several locations |
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| We opt for a world famous Sparky's lunch |
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| Green chili cheeseburger and pineapple slaw - the best of both I've ever had |
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| Walls lined with eclectic decor - yes that is an elephant carrying giant donuts with robots in the forest..... |
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| Very big Americans like green chilies |
Returning to the shop we find three techs working on our slide. No luck yet. Clearly an electrical problem, we tell them to order a new motor and wiring with expedited shipping.
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| We'll be back on Monday |
The weather is slowly warming, we have FHUs with 50 amp, there's more to do and see in the area, so Deming is home until sometime next week.
I've stayed in and liked Deming a few times, Rockhound SP, unless the wind blows. Hope you get the rest of the repairs done and have fun in the meantime. There's Faywood Hot springs resort & RV park nearby.
ReplyDeleteWe loved Rockhound - especially up in the canyon. Will have to check out Faywood :-))
DeleteBeautiful and colorful photos! Never been to this part of NM but sure do look colorful. Hatch chiles are the best, red and green.
ReplyDeleteHave we told you of our slide story? Hang in there it will be fixed, in time.
I don't think I heard your slide story, although I'm finding most everyone has them! We're fortunate to be here when the weather is nice so we're definitely hanging :-)
DeleteBrrrrr is all I can say. It's a cold winter you are spending out there. No wonder they all eat hot peppers I,m a pepper weenie. That burger looks so good but how hot is a green chili? Fingers crossed for your slide.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm a cold weather weenie! We have figured out how to keep things warm "enough" inside when it's below freezing, but am definitely looking forward to much warmer lows! This green chili is medium and the slaw really helps cool down the mouth. The green chili I've had in Santa Fe is tooooo hot for me!
DeleteBrrrrr is all I can say. It's a cold winter you are spending out there. No wonder they all eat hot peppers I,m a pepper weenie. That burger looks so good but how hot is a green chili? Fingers crossed for your slide.
ReplyDeleteDeming is usually an overnight stop for us when traveling east or west. We've even had a little vehicle maintenance doen there too. If you have a chance, check out the Adobe Deli. It's fascinating!
ReplyDeleteOh thanks! I was trying to remember the name of that place - will check it out today. Next time you stop, check out the new truck stop - it's sweet.
DeleteTessa makes me smile!
ReplyDeleteUs too :-)
DeleteNot too bad a place to hang out:) All three of these towns are on my list of places to visit. Love the photos of Tessa on the beach, especially the bunny ears:) Sure hoping this shop can finally fix the problem with that darn slide!
ReplyDeleteThe town itself is pretty tired, but the people are nice and there's fun and beautiful places to see. You'll love Rockhound campground where you can collect rocks (sorry John), and the sites have wonderful views. We're hopeful :-))))
DeleteI always love seeing happy puppy pictures...what a cutie Tessa is.
ReplyDeleteHope your slide gets fixed. Enjoy your time there.
She definitely keeps us laughing. Hoping to hear from the shop after 10 this morning - fingers and toes crossed!
DeleteI really like the colorful painted windows. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your slide repairs. Clean fluffy doggies are the best :-)
ReplyDeleteThe painted buildings and windows were really fun! Success on the slide - yahoo!
DeleteWe got pounded with those crazy winds too! Good thing you stayed put. Tessa looks like she was having a blast running all around! We're looking forward to going back to Hatch some time. Definitely want to eat there next time. That burger looked delish!
ReplyDeleteAfter you eat the burger - and you must have the burger - stop at Chili Express to find lots of fun Hatch goodies :-) That dog is happiest running on a beach!
DeleteLooks like you're having fun, despite the chilly temps and the (grrrr) slide issue. There's always something, the key is finding joy in the midst of it all. Which you three do very well. :-) That pic of Tessa with her bunny ears is adorable! We like that area of New Mexico, too -- looks like you're finding all the best places!
ReplyDeleteIsn't she too silly looking?! We keep reminding ourselves we're not on vacation so if we get delayed we just have more time to find cool stuff :-)
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