As bad as the previous night was, last night was that good. I had a secluded campsite, away from the interstate and train tracks. It was cool again, so I decided to put the fly on the tent as an added layer of warmth.......seemed to help. Slept comfortably all night. My wake up call came at 6am, and by 7 I was on the road. Because I'd taken Rt 418 rather than the interstate, wasn't sure exactly how many miles left to Deming. I figured this route added at least 2-3 miles to the trip, but worth it to get away from traffic.
Very little traffic on the road, so I was able to enjoy the scenery. Lots of agriculture along this road, I assume it is irrigated. I passed a large field of pumpkins, acres of cotton, milo, and chili peppers. Also a large vineyard. After not too many miles I was in Deming. Stopped by McDonald's for breakfast, and while there a guy approached me to ask about the trip. He was riding an immaculate, 1980, Vespa scooter with approx 3,000 miles.......said he was a collector. Enjoyed talking to him, but sorry I didn't get his name. He did tell me there is another award winning vineyard in this area.
I stopped by Wal-Mart for a new cooler.....the styrofoam one I've been using is splitting, so bought a new Coleman. It's heavier, but I'll cut back weight somewhere else. With cooler weather coming, no need for as much liquid. Plus, think I will be moving into more populated areas over the next month or so, where supplies will be more available. Decided to stay inside today, so checked into a Holiday Inn Express for a little R&R and watch the Cowboys (lose!). Checking email, updating the blog, and just chillin'.
Tomorrow after the radio interview, I'll head out for Las Cruces. It's about 60 miles, so I figure 3 days. There is an alternate route I can take out of Deming, Hwy 549 the old Las Cruces road, and it will keep me off I-10 for about 18 miles. Then, back on the interstate for a couple of days. After Las Cruces, on to Alamogordo, then across the mountains to Artesia, and finally on to Hobbs. After that, a new state. I hope to be out of NM by the end of October.
One of the "bummers" about the walk is I do little, or no, sightseeing. If something is not in my path, I usually don't see it. But, that's a choice we have to make on an adventure such as this. 6-7 months on the road, away from family, is long enough. Plus, I hope to come back one day traveling in a more conventional manner, and see the things I'm missing this time.
One thing I would encourage you is to check out the link named "Where I'm Going." This shows info about the next destination. Some of these places are really interesting, especially to us "east coasters" who maybe don't know as much about the history of the West. Las Cruces is especially interesting, as was Deming.
Talk to you next from the road to Las Cruces.........take care, Jeff.
Very little traffic on the road, so I was able to enjoy the scenery. Lots of agriculture along this road, I assume it is irrigated. I passed a large field of pumpkins, acres of cotton, milo, and chili peppers. Also a large vineyard. After not too many miles I was in Deming. Stopped by McDonald's for breakfast, and while there a guy approached me to ask about the trip. He was riding an immaculate, 1980, Vespa scooter with approx 3,000 miles.......said he was a collector. Enjoyed talking to him, but sorry I didn't get his name. He did tell me there is another award winning vineyard in this area.
I stopped by Wal-Mart for a new cooler.....the styrofoam one I've been using is splitting, so bought a new Coleman. It's heavier, but I'll cut back weight somewhere else. With cooler weather coming, no need for as much liquid. Plus, think I will be moving into more populated areas over the next month or so, where supplies will be more available. Decided to stay inside today, so checked into a Holiday Inn Express for a little R&R and watch the Cowboys (lose!). Checking email, updating the blog, and just chillin'.
Tomorrow after the radio interview, I'll head out for Las Cruces. It's about 60 miles, so I figure 3 days. There is an alternate route I can take out of Deming, Hwy 549 the old Las Cruces road, and it will keep me off I-10 for about 18 miles. Then, back on the interstate for a couple of days. After Las Cruces, on to Alamogordo, then across the mountains to Artesia, and finally on to Hobbs. After that, a new state. I hope to be out of NM by the end of October.
One of the "bummers" about the walk is I do little, or no, sightseeing. If something is not in my path, I usually don't see it. But, that's a choice we have to make on an adventure such as this. 6-7 months on the road, away from family, is long enough. Plus, I hope to come back one day traveling in a more conventional manner, and see the things I'm missing this time.
One thing I would encourage you is to check out the link named "Where I'm Going." This shows info about the next destination. Some of these places are really interesting, especially to us "east coasters" who maybe don't know as much about the history of the West. Las Cruces is especially interesting, as was Deming.
Talk to you next from the road to Las Cruces.........take care, Jeff.
fantastic i'm going to call you...so nice to read your blog..
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