Blogs from New Mexico, United States, North America - page 118

The past two days have seen a flurry of last-minute-before-the-trip activitiy. I've actually been packed for a week (although I did make a few changes this morning) -- the three photos accompanying this entry illustrate how I'm trying to pack more lightly from now on. Other than cramming all of my "necessities" in one carry-on-approved combination rolling dufflebag/backpack plus a messenger bag-style camera/electronic gear satchel, the most important pre-trip task was the traditional vacation haircut. My hair grows very quickly (and begins to curl terribly the longer it gets); I also hate going to the barber so a trip is usually the catalyst for me doing this dreaded chore. I did this deed yesterday (a warm, why-am-I-the-only-one-wearing-a-jacket, kind of day) and ended up getting my hair cut shorter than ever before -- I'd asked the barber ... read more

Any trip I take seems to entail way too many preparations in the weeks before departure and my upcoming December journeys are proving to be no exception. The easy part is actually finished once I've decided where I'm going and have booked the plane and hotel reservations. Those steps, for me, actually take about a week of research -- where do I want to go? what's the least expensive way to get there? what's the least expensive, but still comfortable, place to sleep there? Once all the transportation and accomodation arrangements have been made, the "real" work begins. The first matter involves luggage. It seems like whenever I return from any trip, I decide my bags aren't good enough for the next one. I've essentially been searching for the "perfect" piece of luggage for the past ... read more

After leaving the cowboy camp we continued south, through Phoenix and Tucson to the famous town of Tombstone where we explored the gunslinger related history of the town. Afterwards, we a had a long evening drive (240 miles) into New Mexico where we set up camp and ate Fitz's Jambalaya (a taste of things to come).... read more

SOME PICTURES FROM HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL... read more

04/09/05 Las Vegas (no not that one) We left Amarillo via Cadillac Ranch, where 10 pink Caddies are planted bonnet deep in a row in the middle of a field, it's not at all surreal really! Many visitors have added grafitti to the cars and if you look closely you may find our own little stamp on one of them (hint: see photos). A further four hours on the road got us into New Mexico where the land became a lot more lumpy, we stopped at the Plaza hotel in Las Vegas after a recommendation from a traveller who we met in a Visitor Centre on the border, it is an old place with wonky floorboards, a resident ghost and connections to some of the famous names of the wild west. We had a pleasant meal ... read more