Here, There & Everywhere

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  • Albuquerque NM

    Albuquerque NM

    03-02-2026 to 03-27-2026

    After Las Cruces we took a quick hop up to Albuquerque. We were trying to use up the weeks till our Grand Canyon stay. The area is quite a bit larger than Las Cruces, but the overall layout is the same. City in the desert, next to some interesting mountains. We actually found a great country dance hall and visited many times.

    We took a trip to Santa Fe while we were there to see the Meow Wolf exhibit. We also walked around in the the main plaza of downtown Santa Fe and toured a rather special church, the Loretto Chapel. It contains the “Miraculous Staircase” and has a story of its construction that is worth reading about.

    • A beautiful tree next to our rig – just budding out when we arrived
    • In full bloom before we left
    • It was the perfect tree for…
    • Attracting birds…
    • climbing…..and
    • unfortunately children
    • We saw a full lunar eclipse
    • Finally found out what the symbol on the flag means
    • Main Plaza Old Town Albuquerque
    • View from the Gazebo
    • Our dance spot for the month
    • Nice dance floor
    • Downtown Santa Fe
    • Outdoor gallery Santa Fe
    • Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe
    • Miraculous Staircase
    • No visible means of support

    Sandia Peak is part of the mountain range next to the city . We took a Tram ride to the top and also drove around the backside to Sandia Crest, which is a little higher than Sandia Peak.. These two spots are connected by a trail that runs along the cliffs edge. We also visited the local Petroglyph Natl Monument. A nice walk around some very old pictures, some not so old…

  • Picacho Peak NM

    Picacho Peak NM

    03-01-2026

    On our last day in Las Cruces we hiked to the top of Picacho Mountain. It was not a long hike, and has a great view from the top. You can see the Mesilla Valley, the Rio Grande and the Organ mountains across the valley.

    This is actually a small volcanic peak popping out of the desert floor.

    • We’re heading up
    • Thru the gully
    • Trail to the mountain
    • Halfway there
    • Can you spot the person in orange
    • At the top
    • What is he pointing at?
    • Our car!

  • White Sands Natl Monument NM

    White Sands Natl Monument NM

    02-25-2026

    White Sands is a massive area of “White” Gypsum dunes (not sand). Walking on gypsum is difficult in many ways but oddly easier than sand as it compacts better. We primarily went for the sunset. The drive out took an hour as its on the opposite side of the mountains from Las Cruces.

    The setting sun changes the colors in the park over a period of time and the shifts are spectacular. The clouds flared in intense yellows and reds. The drive back is in a total darkness that only the desert can produce. The contrast leaves you with a heavier sense of what you just experienced.

    • A nature trail of sorts, letting you walk through dunes and see a dense variety of sandscapes in a smaller space.
    • This is survival
    • The dimming light changes the colors from white to varying shades of pink, blue and purple
    • The scape seems other worldly
    • Looking directly away from the setting sun.
    • Let the color show begin

  • Las Cruces NM

    Las Cruces NM

    02-16-2026 to 03-02-2026

    We return to New Mexico for the second time, but this time we took a different route through the state, stopping in Las Cruces instead of Carlsbad.

    Our first week in Las Cruces saw us in the rig a lot due to HIGH winds and dust storms (just like the first visit). Fortunately, the second week was beautiful and we got out to explore downtown. Murals are seen everywhere. In our travels we are noticing that many cities now have murals.

    A unique thing in Las Cruces is the large Roadrunner on the hill. Designed in 1993, it is made entirely of recycled materials. It is interesting to stand under the bird and see all the individual items that were used to create it. In the photos you can see the belly is made of shoes.

    • Home…for 2 weeks
    • Sat. morning Farmer’s Market
    • The Roadrunner on the hill
    • Looks out over Las Cruces
    • Up close and personal
    • They used all kinds of recycled stuff
    • Those are shoes!
    • View of Las Cruces
    • Sawtooth mountains
    • Bronze statues downtown
    • Murals all
    • around
    • town
    • Las Cruces at night

  • Balmorhea TX

    Balmorhea TX

    02-02-2026 to 02-16-2026

    The weather moved east, and gave us a chance to get behind it. We headed to Balmorhea State Park. Its is quite literally out nowhere… The park is based on a natural spring that feeds a large lake. The pool is the primary attraction and is half finished surface, and then ends in wild natural pond. It is quite deep past the main pool half. People come here to scuba dive in the natural section.

    We mostly explored the park with the cats. They actually pulled us into spots we did not know were there. The park is really nice. We had nightly displays at sunset, and often woke to incredible sunrises. We also hopped down the street to explore a historic chapel.

    • New 1604 Upper Deck at IH 10
    • The sites were very large
    • We setup the cats tunnels for days at a time
    • The spring fed pool
    • There are two turtles, though one is in the deep grass just behind the other.
    • In the summer, the pool is full of people
    • Natural area just across from our site.
    • We walked the cats all over the RV Park
    • Nandi loved the water
    • Sunset
    • Sunset
    • Sunset
    • Sunrise
    • Evening Clouds
    • Sunset
    • A small historical chapel just down the street from the park
    • Antique farming tools

    Just to get groceries, we had to drive to Ft Davis, 32 miles away. It’s a very relaxing and quiet park and we were there during a slow part of the season.

  • Corpus Christi TX

    Corpus Christi TX

    01-18-2026 to 02-01-2026

    And the journey continues…. After 3 1/2 months in the San Antonio/Austin area (the longest we’ve been stationary since we hit the road)! Headed south to wait out more of the winter.

    We found a quiet RV Park just outside Corpus in Kingsville. We spent the next two weeks relaxing and occasionally venturing out.

    We went to tour the USS Lexington. It took several hours and endless corridors zig zagging back and forth, up and down all the decks of the ship. Totally worth it.

    On another outing we got to drive miles on the beach. More miles than anticipated, we thought there would be more exits.

    • Heading to Corpus
    • Forgot to grab the daytime shot
    • Escaped the San Antonio weather
    • Approaching the Lexington
    • First look inside
    • Driving the ship
    • Tons of narrow passageways
    • Displays like this throughout the ship
    • View from the conning tower
    • Many planes on display
    • on the flight deck
    • Heading to the beach
    • THE Beach
    • Getting on the ferry at Port Aransas
    • Exiting the ferry

    To finish the day at the beach we were greeted by an incredible sunset

  • Holidays 2025

    Holidays 2025

    Thanksgiving and Christmas 2025

    We were able to spend both holidays with family this year. We celebrated Thanksgiving at Martha’s daughter’s house with her husband and mother-in-law, and Greg’s daughter. Fresh pasta was made into tortelloni stuffed with stuffing. Greg made fresh dinner rolls and Martha made cranberry sauce. It was a small Thanksgiving. Very enjoyable and refreshing.

    Xmas happened while we were in Austin. We were there Xmas morning for “family opening presents” moments. And fresh homemade cinnamon rolls, Greg and his granddaughter made the dough a day earlier.

    • Appetizers to get us to work for our dinner….
    • Martha’s daughter making pasta for the tortelloni
    • Kitchen staff
    • Sous chefs making ‘stuffing’ tortelloni’
    • Thanksgiving spread
    • 2 generations – 3 families sharing a tasty Thanksgiving meal
    • Timing…..
    • is everything…
    • This is one house on an entire street where EVERY house decorates to the max
    • Greg T-Rex?
    • Xmas morning fun
    • Kids under the treee
    • Who’s looking at you
    • Infamous homemade oversized cinnamon rolls
    • Walking downtown Austin
    • The Austin crew
    • Interstellar
    • Outerstellar

  • SA Area – Family

    SA Area – Family

    10-04-2026 to 01-18-2026

    Greg’s family has been in San Antonio since 1983. Martha and her daughter have been in San Antonio since 2006 the first time, and long term since 2008. Since then, marriages and children have come into the picture. 3 generations now reside in the Central Tx area.

    We managed to spend time with the various groups and individuals, while also catching up on medical and retirement life changes. While we plan to travel for many more years, the winter will traditionally be our return window to get back down to our families and friends

    • Greg’s granddaughter at two weeks old. We had just arrived back in San Antonio
    • Two brothers and the new sister
    • Just 3 months later and she has blossomed
    • The boys being boyz…
    • Maternal grandma cuddles
    • Birthdays in the park.
    • Greg’s dad got a Tesla. He took us out for a spin while the car did all the driving. Amazing.
    • Car has a full multimedia experience, complete with GROK, the in dash AI…
    • Thanksgiving with loved ones
    • Greg prepares the dough for Xmas morning cinnamon rolls
    • Greg’s granddaughter gives a hand in the kneading.
    • Titled: Still-Life with kids
    • Greg building shelves with his son.

  • Austin TX

    Austin TX

    12-18-2925 to 01-11-2026

    This was the best example of mooch-docking. Greg’s son lives in Austin and we were able to setup in thier driveway. We even used a 110 extension cord to support running our AC on low on days it was needed. We also hooked up to their water, and did a weekly dump at a nearby RV park.

    Our visit crossed though Xmas and New Years. The grandkids came by all through the day while we were staying there. It was a great time to just chat with them, watch thier antics and meld with them a little bit. We played board games, chased the kids around and shared meals.

    • Just getting to Austin
    • I35 has construction in Austin too!
    • Our home for the time we spent in Austin – Greg’s son’s driveway
    • Doran got to climb the tree in the front yard
    • Nandi walking thru a nearby park
    • When was the last time you saw these??
    • At this specific angle the 3D illusion looks normal. It is actually a stretched long image on the sidewalk
    • Grandkids hanging out in rig.
    • Replacing the TV cover and collar
    • unstained yet – fully closed
    • Partially open
    • This little man answered the door every time we knocked
    • Our days in Austin come to and end

    During our month there, with Greg’s family we walked the neighborhood Xmas displays, spent time at the local park and went downtown to see the holiday decorations. It was an excellent opportunity to watch Greg’s son’s family’s day to day moments.

  • San Antonio TX -The return

    San Antonio TX -The return

    10-03-2025 to 01-18-2026

    We left in Sept 2023, returned that Xmas, then headed outward. After 2.5 years we looped back to SA to take care of various medical appts and hide from the weather. Both our families have roots here and we took the opportunity to spend the holidays and visit. This is the longest we’ve been in one place since we started traveling. 3.5 months.

    Many odd events unfolded while here. Our departure in 2023 was delayed by a Jeep issue (Accident) and this time the dealership lost track of our car for almost two weeks. Took it in for a leaky radiator, ended up with electrical issues, a new battery, new engine parts… What a mess! Martha decides to get new glasses, and that turned into a twisted mess.

    • One of our first sunsets back in Town
    • Our new home for several months, Our very first RV park 2.5 yrs ago. Notice the White Jeep!
    • The white jeep was one of two loaners for the month they had our car. The dealership lost track of why our jeep was there, they broke some stuff and then fixed everything….
    • We drove past these every week. Part of the new Upper level hwy being built.
    • Nandi on the way to the park
    • We took the kitties to this park when they were days old with us. Our second post has photos here.
    • We carried this excellent heavy grill for two years and used it twice. We sold it on craigslist and purchased a lightweight small gas grill.
    • We love Hexclads lifetime warranty. We’ve replaced this pan twice.
    • While in San Antonio, Martha endured a painful and expensive issue with her “new” glasses. In the end we cut our losses and got them as close to correct as the optician could manage.
    • Marthas old office, still dressing up at Halloween. This was the 80’s decade entry.
    • Alamo Plaza is now officially a walking plaza. Multiple streets were removed. The entire Rivercenter, Alamo area, is now a real tourist stop.
    • Entry to the Rivercenter from Alamo Plaza
    • River Entry at the Mall
    • The mall now has a zipline and fear factor area.
    • We went to the Pearl to see the decorations and to get a special treat.
    • Lorraines Bakery makes Canele, something we discovered on our visit to France.
    • Inside Lorraines.
    • We hunt for these as we travel across the states. One of the best was found in Pahrump NV.
    • Strange happenings
    • We attended this years “Spasmatics” outdoor concert, as we did every year. This is held in the fall “The Shindig on ShinOak”
    • We saw this work start the years just prior to our departure. Over two years, major changes.
    • Metal beams are often used on longer spans.
    • You can see the initial base is up on the left side.
    • Some areas are just getting setup.

    Greg had surgery to repair three hernias, and was out of commission for 6 weeks then got food poisoning. We got to meet Greg’s new Granddaughter. Just two weeks old. San Antonio has changed quite a bit over the two years, with the upper level hwy being built right at our front door. 1604, a major loop has similar projects connecting it in ways we’ve needed for decades.