Day 5 March 29, 2006

Day 5
March 29, 2006
Bottomless Lakes State Park, NM to Ruidoso, NM





The wind had picked up overnight, and it was chilly. Breakfast consisted of pancakes – we managed to get a lower simmer from the camp stove by placing the grill over the flame, providing more space under the pan. We’ve started getting more creative with the meal options, and this “just add water and shake” pancake mix is certainly going to make it back into the mess kit more than a few times before the trip is over.



Deb and Erik made a quick recon ride down to the bath house, and met a father and son team on a Goldwing from Albuquerque. They’d frequented this park on at least a dozen occasions and love coming back. We can certainly see why.

A hot shower was long overdue, even if we had to “mash the button” for more water every thirty seconds. Annoying, but rejuvenating. An electric hand dryer provided the first opportunity for the girls to dry their hair since leaving Houston.

On the road again… I just can’t wait to get on the road again… Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway…

Highway 246 from Roswell to Capitan was a roller coaster of twists and turns amid the hills, and is an absolute must for any motorcyclist visiting this area. We could have done without the gusting wind that seemed to want to push us off the road, but save for a few locals and a gravel truck along the way, we were alone for almost 80 miles of riding heaven.

With the elevation approaching 5,000 ft., the temperature was dropping quickly and we pulled over to don our liners to stay comfortable.



Capitan is the home of Smokey Bear. “Only YOU can prevent forest fires!”



Although we’re hoping to eventually find a campsite in an area not under a burn ban, it is clear that the dry conditions and gusty winds make fighting fires almost impossible.

Only a few more miles into town, we found Tom’s BBQ, “Best in the West”.



Suzanne Freeman (a former Houstonian), owner and operator, was there to serve up some great homestyle grub and “Luv Ya Blue” was all she needed to say to spark up old-time football conversation.



She offered up advice on where to spend the night, since some of the local campgrounds were still closed for the winter.

Cobbler and brownies with ice cream toppers were the perfect sweet treat, and then we hit the road again in search of overnight accommodations. Banito Lake Recreation Area was nice and scenic, but the camping area was less than primitive. We sent Erik down the gravel road for recon this time, and he said it was as if they’d stuck a sign into the ground on the side of the road – no table, no grill, nothing.



We made a few phone calls and headed back for town to try some of the local RV parks. Unfortunately, none had available tent camping. The only suggestions we received were for the strip of hotels and motels down near the ski area. With sunlight quickly fading, we conceded to staying in a room for a night and giving the camping gear a rest. Motel 6 offered the best bang for the buck with an indoor pool and hot tub, continental breakfast, and laundry facilities.

Once the bags and gear were nestled in the room, the guys set to the task of plugging in the TV. Now here’s a pair that have their priorities out of whack.



Pizza delivered from Dominoes in 20 minutes, laundry stuffed into the less-than large washing machines, and a few minutes of news and weather got us ready to plan for the next few days. We’d like to make it to four corners within the next two days, but it might be a stretch. The weather looks to be especially cold and windy to the north of us, so we may have to adjust to stay south of the jet stream. Clean, dry clothes feel good against the skin while you fold them in a heated room with cable TV. Ah, the joys of camping….