Almost Home--Sorta. Ms, Al, Tn and Ky in the Rearview Mirror

Hello, ZigZags! At last, I feel as though we are almost home. Yesterday, we left Tupelo in rain, what's new? Cannot believe these bikers! The road signs say they can use the whole lane and that cars must change lanes to pass them. Ridiculous--driving 40-50 mph on a twisty road in the rain and mist, around a curve and there is a biker or, more often, a cluster of bikers. They are riding to the side but hear a car coming and immediately spread out across the lane. The day before yesterday we saw a line of vehicles practically at a standstill with a guy on a recumbent bike in the front, a large RV looming above him. Suicidal in my opinion. Notice the guy in black--we almost didn't see him until he sort of crested the hill and was backlit. Totally in black, no lights either in front or back. These guys should have to carry insurance and register the bikes so that they are licensed with a plate. They should be required by law to have lights in back and front and wear reflective clothing. The flickering LED's some of them use are confusing when a mob of them are headed toward a driver. Snowmobiles aren't allowed on the road, yet they can keep a good speed, are well lit and insured and licensed. Makes no sense to me at all. Rant over!! The foliage is just past peak in Alabama and Tennessee but with the rain it was hard to appreciate it. Crossed the Tombigbee Waterway and the Tennessee River while on the Trace and then traveled toward Nashville. To avoid the chaos of converging Interstates in the middle of the city and the traffic and the poor visibility , I took Barb around the City on the 850 loop. It takes a huge swing out and around but it is much easier driving--although the narrow, windy roads we had to take to access it were a bit hairy--lol--even though the falling down barns and fields and farms were quite scenic. Once on the Loop we went through Gallatin-Hendersonville area which is where Johnny Cash and June Carter lived, died and are buried. Crossed the Cumberland, next to last of the big Rivers we cross to get home, on a lovely new, modern bridge that almost doesn't seem like a bridge. I'm amazed that red Toyota hasn't been egged--a 'Bama plate??? In Tennessee??? LOL Finally we hooked up with I 65 and into Kentucky. Stayed in Bowling Green. After checking in to the motel we headed over to Smoky Pig for dinner. OUT OF RIBS!!!!! Well, got the last pork chop plate and sweet tea. Told them we'd be back at 1030am tomorrow for ribs for the road. The guy behind the counter said you don't know how many say they'll be back and never come. Told him, it's been about four years since I've traveled through on a day other than Sun or Mon, when they are closed--I'll be back!! Barb had a pulled pork sandwich. I had my usual mayo slaw and beans, she had slaw and macaroni and cheese. Then back to watch Big Bang and hours of Family Feud--since there is NOTHING worth watching on TV on Thursdays. Now, as we were off the road for the day, the sun decided to show its face and the clouds parted for it! After breakfast this morning, made the reservation for a room in Cincinnati. Then off we were again. First stop--Smoky Pig--for two rib plates with beans and slaw. Took our sweet tea to drink on the road. Then off to Frankfurt, in rain and mist and grayness. Got off I65 at Elizabethtown and onto the Blue Grass Parkway to Vincennes and through horse country to Buffalo Trace Distillery. I stayed in the car while Barb shopped and called Bill to let him know where we were, since there was no cell service in BG last night. Then I took Barb, once more, over narrow back roads to pick up I 75 toward Cincinnati. Got on at Georgetown, which is quite pretty. Went all the way to Florence and then cut once more onto a loop around the city 275. Traffic was brutal on the main road, less so on the Loop. The rain was torrential no matter how we went. I do like the Twin Bridges over the Ohio better than the old double decker at the base of the gorge in Covington, Ky over into Cincinnati. Neither bridge would have been very visible either way. Once we got over the River traffic lessened a bit--although the five lanes going into the City and toward Ky were pretty congested as the pictures show. 49B takes us right onto I 71 North and the very next exit is the one for our motel--on the Northeast side of the city --and right next to the Interstate which we'll take to Medina Ohio tomorrow night. Got everything into our room, broke out the ribs and warmed them up and sat down to finger lickin' between bites. Now, I'm going to change and get comfy. Looks like rain all the way home, but if all goes well, we'll be in Saratoga on Monday and in Vermont on Tuesday. In the meantime, it is drive, drive, drive on Interstates all the way. Good night now, will fill you in next time. Barbzig and Katzag.

My Birthday, Glorious Sunrise on the Mississippi and Serenity Riding the Trace

Hello All Z's! Yesterday was, as predicted, an easy day. We only went 166.3 miles but had a beautiful day. It began by following the directions provided by our Alexandria desk clerk, a retired Navy enlisted man. Don't know what he did in the Navy but, let me tell you, he gives detailed, accurate directions and we had not a bit of problem navigating through a fairly large, unfamiliar town to La 1 which led us through small towns directly to New Roads, La. As we were loading our heavy bags into the back a young man asked if we needed any help--we hesitated but a moment before saying yes, please. He was built like a football lineman and he hefted those bags as though they were feathers and was off. Who says chivalry is dead? What a dear man. This part of Louisiana is also French--many creoles along the Southern Mississippi would come to this part of the State during the hot summers. They either had family here or they were affluent enough to afford a second home in the " cooler " north. As a result the farmland here is planted at right angles to the road, in the French fashion and the area reminds me very much of the farmland north of Vermont on the way to Montreal. This is the land of big rivers that tend to flood and so the bridges rise like mountains up and over them--here the bridge crosses the Atchafalaya River. We take off from the levee on our side, rise up over the navigable river and land on the levee on the other side. I don't mind these bridges too much, as a rule, because though high they are usually short. Beyond the far levee stretched fields and fields of cane. How I'd love to be here for the harvest--I'd like to see the process. On the River side of the road, the levee rose and obscured the view of the water. But in time, we came to the Morganza Spillway--you may have heard of this flat, wide area of land. When the City of New Orleans is threatened by flood waters up river the gates are opened, this land is flooded and the area in the Delta is spared the flood. The pictures don't truly give the narrowness of the road across the gateway that we drove. On the driver's side, the huge individual gates that are raised, the oncoming traffic and on my side, so close I swear I could have touched it, a freight train going in the opposite direction. Talk about tight and scary!! Oh, yeah, the roadway is on a very OLD stone bridge--don't know if it is crumbling but would not be surprised. For now the fields are recovering from the last days of deluge but I would not want to live in Morganza with just a levee protecting me from the floods allowed just over them to fill those low lying fields. Soon we passed through New Roads and shortly before us rose the Bridge across the Mississippi to St Francisville. Went to Grandmother's Buttons where we were treated like royalty by not one salesgirl, but two and the store's sales manager. Debbie and Treva but I forget the other girl's name, though she has waited on me many times--will find it when I look at the receipt. I had a list of what I was interested in buying and also had a budget, as I always do. So, I bought nothing I wasn't prepared to buy--still, I was laughing when I left--ohhhhh, look what I've done! LOL Barb, who doesn't get here often went a bit more wild. Headed over to the Audubon Café but we'd spent so much time visiting with the GB girls that we missed lunch--they are only open for breakfast and lunch. So we drove north into Mississippi and Natchez and had dinner at Ruby Tuesday's. Then across the river once more to stay on the Riverfront at one of my favorite hotels. There was a Riverboat tied up at Natchez Under the Hill on the other side--but it was gone by this morning. The GB ladies said there was a Riverboat due tomorrow at St Francisville--bet it was the one. Some day I'm going to cruise this river. There was a light breeze and 65 degrees. We walked along the water for a bit, but I didn't have my camera so couldn't take a picture of the black cat and her adorable baby kittens. Barb wanted to bring one home. LOL It felt like spring --what a lovely evening. Returned to our room to watch the water and the changing evening light. Also to admire our purchases--mine basically pieces to complete sets of which I already have a part. Barb bought a necklace that I've been planning on getting for Christmas, the blue and brown double strand necklace. It is called Ziva and I already have a bracelet that goes with it. Still going to get it--doesn't bother me to have something that someone else has. Just figure their taste is as good as mine--lol Then we noticed the full moon and the haze around it, as well as a sort of second moon. There were moon dogs, too but I couldn't really get a good shot. Also took a couple of shots of barges and tugs going by but this time I didn't do as well as in the past catching them. I was disappointed that the bridges were not illuminated the way they have been in the past. Only the lamps above the road beds and some red lights on a few high points were lit. Usually the whole outline of both bridges are outlined in white lights which are put out after midnight. Perhaps they are saving energy. Woke up around 6 and glanced out the window from my bed as I was turning over. Could not believe the beauty of the sunrise. Just had to get out of bed and take pictures. The window is visible from all parts of the room, including from the bed, even when lying down! It is like a living painting--just so beautiful. #7996 was taken from my bed--gorgeous. I was about to go back to sleep when I became aware of a large dark mass drifting by--barges, 16 of them, two by two, pushed by a single tug. As it got by the window, another across the river, came into view moving in the same direction. I glanced over to the wall and saw that the bridge was reflected in the mirror!!! All had turned silvery opal and Natchez Under the Hill continued to sleep. The Riverboat gone sometime in the night. Then the cute little Bettye M. quietly glided by and I left for breakfast. By 945, we were packed and ready to go--I took a couple of shots of the lobby and poof, we were gone. There is a National Park called the Natchez Trace Parkway. It runs about 445 miles from Natchez to Nashville through the country. The speed limit is 50 and no commercial vehicles are allowed. It runs somewhat northeast through Mississippi, cuts over a corner of Alabama and then continues through Tennessee. We went halfway, to Tupelo, with a stop in French Camp for a delicious BLT and sweet tea. Met a veterinarian who moved here with his wife about 11 years ago from Canajoharie, New York. He was very thrilled to chat with someone from the old area. Nice man. Says he doesn't miss winter. Cold mornings turn into days in the 60's and there are no bugs here. He said the locals shut everything down the day before snow or ice is to arrive and even with big four wheel drive trucks refuse to drive until the snow is gone. LOL There were a couple of strange sights -- a black vehicle with all kinds of flashing lights but no insignia nor an official plate. A car pulled over with a driver slouched down in it but no evidence of any law enforcement official. The door ajar on the black car. Several miles later, again with door ajar, a rangers car with lights flashing--an old blue car pulled over in front of it. All four doors wide open. Not a soul around either car. Oh, well, two of life's mysteries, I guess. In the meantime, by the time we got to Tupelo, we began to see some fall foliage! Green all the way north until then and not much has turned even then. Now, we are headed to Bowling Green tomorrow. Someone says there is a Nor' Easter predicted for the week-end--not a good sign. Let us hope things hold off til we get safely home. What is this nutsy weather all about?? Did someone forget it is Fall?? Well, not going to worry about it--we can only go as fast as we can go. Would hate getting hung up but it has happened before--we'll manage. Until next time, stay safe, warm and happy. BarbZig and KatZag

Two Large Strides and GoodBye Texas

Hello to Zig Zags from Alexandria,Louisiana!! Well, the sunset in Big Spring was glorious but for some reason both Barb and I had a terrible time sleeping. I finally bit the bullet and got up at 5:30, found my clothes, glasses, phone and USA Today puzzle in the dark and went down to the breakfast room. Got a cup of coffee. Called Bill and had a nice quiet chat. Then around 6, breakfast was set up but I did my puzzles first. Various workmen came in one by one to have breakfast before heading out to work. Each said good morning to me and each other. Very polite and friendly. Then as I was getting a Danish one of them said, oh, you don't work here--I'm so sorry. I looked at him questioningly--apparently he'd asked me where the syrup was, I was so zombie-like that I hadn't heard him. He explained that to me and apologized again--I assured him, it was fine and we were both lucky that I didn't work there--lol After I finished eating, I went back to the room and grabbed a bunch more puzzles I'd saved and went back and completed three pages of them. Checked my email on the motel computer and the time and then went and woke Barb up. Changed into fresh clothes and washed up and then kept her company as she ate--I didn't want any more coffee--I'd had three cups!! We were both exhausted but having made the reservation we had to move on to Waco. Got on the road by 9:08 at 50 degrees and sunny. Started out with buttermilk skies. Thank goodness we had excellent weather for the 298.5 mile drive. I told Barb I had to take a nap along the way, since I simply could not stay awake. As a result there aren't many pictures of the trip. I had written down the route numbers for Barb, in case I wasn't awake when we had to change roads. We drove southeast to Sterling City and then east toward Brownwood-Early. This is a route Bill and I have taken quite often. As a matter of fact, we stay in Brownwood and eat at Prima Pasta right next to the hotel. I slept for about an hour after leaving Sterling City and, though awake by the time we went through Early, I wasn't in the mood to take pictures--my nose was running, my eyes were running and I couldn't stop yawning but eventually the body pulled itself together and I felt more or less normal. The skies now had mare's tails clouds, replacing the buttermilk. After passing through Gatesfield we saw the flooded fields from the torrential rains that have been drowning the area for days. At last we arrived in Waco. The room had a different arrangement than any Choice hotel I've ever stayed in but it actually was quite comfortable and we each had a window and space to move. As you can see, though she slept a bit more than I had, Barb was quite ready to collapse and watch TV. The last 50 miles were painful, it was obvious she was tired and having a difficult time driving the last bit of the day. I kept praying she'd manage to stay awake til we got to the motel and that it would be easy to find. My prayers were answered. We arrived safely at 3 and, since our room wasn't quite ready, relaxed with coffee in the breakfast room. Ate in and watched PBS since it was Sunday night. I've read The Woman in White so am anxious to see how well they adapt it. The movies made from the novel have been horrible and in no way attached to the book other than the name. Not sure I'm liking the turn Poldark is taking--they should have finished it as they did the original, in stead of extending the original books with modern additions that are now turning a family drama into a soap opera. Barb started to doze before WW ended and I put out my light at 10pm. Slept right through until 630 am, fell back to sleep and got up at 8. We had wanted to wait and see the weather report before making tonight's reservation in Alexandria, La since it was a 319 mile drive. Both ends seemed clear of any rain and looked as though it would be cloudy rather than full sun. It was a go. Met a nice Texas couple at breakfast who chatted about their children--four of whom live in NYC in various places and one of whom lives in Lafayette, La. They move to the warmest part of Texas as the weather changes during the winter--lol I guess that's one way of handling a colder SOUTHERN winter--lol We got on the way around 10 am, both of us in much better condition than yesterday, we slept so well. We even took a couple of Farm Roads making the trip 10miles shorter. Flo was the funniest town--next door to the fire station was the water department and it was open. Before both buildings an empty road and across the road a herd of Brahmin bulls--some very curious, others totally indifferent to our presence. There was certainly no evidence of the population being protected. We sure aren't in the desert anymore, nor even on the prairie--the hill country is pretty much behind us, too and we passed through the piney woods of East Texas--the Big Thicket. Not only are we in the Central Time Zone we are also in the South, not the West or Southwest. It seems so strange how quickly the topography changes. Bet it wasn't like that for the Pioneers!! Rt 7 goes across Texas almost to the Louisiana Border and we picked it up just west of Crockett, which has some pretty impressive homes on the east side of town. Since Bill and I have been in this area the roads around Lufkin are finally finished and we were able to totally avoid the heart of town as well as the chaos of the college section. East of town we start to see the big rivers that are typical of the East Texas area--indeed of the Eastern part of the US. Starts in the Midwest that huge rivers flow. One of them, though it is dammed here to form Sabine Lake, is the Sabine which is the boundary between Texas and Louisiana. The causeway across the reservoir is almost 2 miles long and the coast of both sides and along their lengths is covered with recreation areas. Many is a town with several buildings that caught my eye--the French latticework wrought iron gallery in one, the Alamo Spanish look of another and the Mission appearance of St John's Catholic Church. In Robeline the buildings were somewhat smaller but still pretty though decaying. Came upon an accident and though the young girls involved seemed okay their car did not. At Natchitoches, the oldest town of the Louisiana Purchase, we got on an Interstate for the first time in days and headed south to Alexandria. Troopers out and pulling over non-Louisianes--even though the speed limit is 75!! Soon, we were at our Comfort Inn, where we ordered Pizza from Pizza Hut and washed it down with Pepsi--soda is something I rarely drink, but it tasted good and cold tonight. Arrived at 351 after driving 309.3 miles. The temperature only got to 66 degrees today, noticeably colder than yesterday's 72. Tomorrow is an easy day--St Francisville for Grandmother's Buttons and then on to Natchez and across the Mississippi again to stay in Vidalia. Soon we will be on the Trace and it will truly feel as though we are close to home once more. So, I have to do some more computer work and then get ready for TV and bed. Will be in touch again soon--take care, BarbZig and KatZag

Leaving New Mexico and Entering Texas

Good Afternoon from Big Spring, Texas, ZigZags! Left our beautiful hotel in Roswell and headed East out of town past Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge. Barb asked if I wanted to take one more spin through to see the birds but decided the road was long and we weren't sure what awaited us in Texas. There have been torrential rains there and a great deal of flooding--fortunately, though we saw much standing water in the fields and along the roads, we didn't encounter any flooded roads or precipitation. East New Mexico is not what most people envision when they think of New Mexico. It is flat prairie for a long way and then it is very smelly from the petroleum taken from the depths of the Permian Basin that extends into West Texas and is a source of a great deal of oil etc. There is even a stretch of dunes called the Mescalero Sands. I love the juxtaposition of steer gathered around an oil rig. I also love the entrance gates to many ranches--they are really works of art. It is also quite nice that the power company places platforms at intervals along the lines so that raptors can make their nests--there are no trees for birds' nests. A favorite town of mine is Tatum, New Mexico about 8 miles from the Texas border. All the street signs, most of the business signs and the government building signs are made of decorative metal. There are two metal works in town--Poor Boy's Metal Art and Westcraft Metals--but neither is ever open and when checking the internet they appear to be construction companies--beyond me. https://www.bing.com/search?q=metal+art+in+tatum+new+mexico&src=IE-TopResult&FORM=IETR02&conversationid=&pc=EUPP_ As we approached Bronco and the State line we enjoyed watching the acrobatics of a spraying aircraft. And then we were in Texas and on our way to Big Spring, through LaMesa which stretches out along a large mesa ( we'd also gone through Plains, the origins of its name I leave to your imagination, since not much was used in the choice.) Lots of fields of unharvested and very wet cotton, sorghum, sunflowers, maybe peanuts. Around Brownfield there was a cloud that looked, to me, like a huge flying angel with her arms outstretched above us. My imagination may have been stimulated by the huge cross and replica of Christ's grave with the rolled back stone that was at the entrance to town. We passed a large thoroughbred horse ranch that had a row of Burma Shave-like blue signs, ipo red, with the names of all their famous horses--didn't recognize any names. As we reached the outskirts of Big Spring we passed through a huge oil field. Talk about candles in the wind--flames as far as the eye can see burning off the gases from oil drilling. It must be beautiful at night. Now, we are in our lovely room getting ready to eat. BTW, Amy, I did stick with The House at the Edge of Night. Though not reading as much as usual I am making headway and like the book very much. The little girl has just found the man with the gun washed ashore. Oh, oh, is Maria-Grazia going to meet her future??? lol On a final note, the emails to the family taking care of Damian are bouncing back in the last two days as an email account that does not exist. The FB page is down and they aren't answering the phone or texts. A bit worrisome. Will have to talk to Bill about the situation. They have cashed all of Barb's checks and had Bill get them more food for Damian awhile back. Strange. Oh, well, can't do much from here. Hope all is well. Talk to you all from Wacky Waco tomorrow--did 222.8 miles today and hope to do 296.6 tomorrow. Hope the weather holds --we are in the Central Time Zone now--having entered Texas --so only one hour difference from home!! Signing off , Barbzig and KatZag

Over the Range Through Riudoso to Roswell, NewMexico

Hi Gang, Yesterday in Alamogordo was a day of heavy rain, thunder and lightening which was fine since we just wanted to veg a bit and enjoy a meal at Johnny Carinos. But, that meant that the White Sands would have been slick and messy so for, I think, the first time ever I didn't go to them whilst in Alamogordo! Still today was made in heaven. Beautiful blue skies with stunning white clouds and no snow on the Mountain from Tularosa through Ruidoso--where that actor with the three names one of which is Harris, grew up. We also drove through the large, forested Mescalero Apache Reservation which is simply beautiful. At Apache Summit we were at 7591 feet and at the clearing we looked up at the cloud covered Sierra Blanca which is over 10,000 feet. Her snow covered head was well hidden by the clouds but even so she is stunning and impressive. As we started descending into the Ruidoso River Valley we passed a convoy of road brushes, staggered in place and clearing the loose gravel from the road that is being repaved. A sheriff fore and aft! Then it was farther down into the Hondo River Valley of cultivated fields and ranches. Soon we arrived in Roswell, which is a pretty town but I just hate all the tacky other worldly kitsch that the town insists on playing up. We continued right through the Main drag intersection and headed out to Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge. Bill and I always go out to drive the loop, which is much smaller than the Bosque. The Refuge is also much more open with no trees to speak of and it is much smaller but it is a quiet spot to see birds nonetheless. Today there were a huge flock of Sandhill cranes with many more arriving as well as a good representation of snow geese. The males were dancing up a storm among the Cranes. The geese put on a nice display of rising, swirling and relanding for us. Saw a lovely little green heron fishing. A few birds that looked like white pelicans but too far away to be sure. There were a couple of whooping cranes, too, I think as well as some long billed,long legged white birds I should know but can't think of right now. Barb and I made sandwiches and had some olives and melon salad for lunch as we sat at a high observation overlook. Lots of bugs here--flies but also huge wasps--so we sat with the car running and the A/C on since the temp reached 70 degrees and there was no shade. Spent about two hours there before coming to our hotel. Sat in the lovely dining room and had coffee and cookies before settling in for the evening. Finished the olives and our leftover spagettini from Johnny Carino's for dinner and are now reading and sort of watching TV. Long drive tomorrow--only 150 today but we are headed to Big Spring Texas and that is over 200. Want to get through Texas into Louisiana so we can feel that we are on the way home. Depends how tired I am tomorrow whether I'll write but will probably send pix. West Texas isn't my favorite part but it is interesting. Until then, night all, Barbzig and Katzag

Gallup,Socorro and Alamogordo , New Mexico

Hello ZZ's, When I left you Barb was returned from the hospital and resting I believe. We had been unable to go to Perry Null's much to both of our disappointments. Since Socorro was only a 197 mile jaunt we decided we had plenty of time to go there before leaving Gallup. Arrived almost at opening and Barb went on a shopping spree. I, on the other hand, knew exactly what I was looking for and so asked for Rocky upon arrival. Rocky is the young woman who handles Perry's online sales and eBay sales. I have sat with her in the back room several years in a row asking to see things I've seen on the website and purchasing Christmas gifts for Barb, Betsy and myself. We are old friends as are Karen--she who is off to Morocco --and Angel. I gave Rocky the bracelet I'd knocked a stone out of on one of the first days of the trip getting my suitcase out of the car. Fortunately, I had the stone and she said since that was the case and the bracelet is from Perry's there will no charge for repair. I also had her get me some samples of coral stone to make another string to wrap around my Navajo pearls for yet another look. ( If you look back at my picture with Roger in Ca you'll see the pearls with the turquoise strand wrapped around them.) Then, arranging for both things to be sent when ready, it was off to the pin/pendant case. Karen has worn her pearls with a pin suspended from them--the pin has a shepard's hook and so simply latches over the strand. Well, I couldn't decide among all the beauties but finally chose--actually, picked this one immediately--a Christmas tree, a horned toad and a salamander. I'm wearing the horned toad in the picture in the Bosque with my gray Irish sweater--don't want to imply that it has been very cold the last few days, but it has been. While Barb was still shopping I chatted with Angel and one of the other fellows who remembered looking at our home on Google Earth last winter with Bill. He pulled it up again for the others to see and they are all overwhelmed by the jungle of trees we have in Vt. They think I live in the wilderness--they are amazed that we have deer and bear and foxes etc on our front lawn. It is funny. One of the fellow's daughters is getting ready for College--they looked at the Dartmouth Campus and think it is beautiful but it is far too expensive for them--told them to join the boat. Well,after two hours of socializing and shopping we were off East on I-40 once more. As we passed Grants and Mount Taylor, another of the Native's four corners of their world, we could see its snow covered summit. Also the blown off top that showed it was the ancient source of the lava flows through which we passed once more. Lots of volcanic activity out West. Also, as we passed McCarthy's I found the lovely church that is the same color of the surrounding bluffs--I don't always manage to pick it out. And then, at Laguna, the large white church above the little hamlet. I love that the town before is Casa Blanco but there is no white house THERE that I can see!! Around Acoma the overpasses have greetings and farewells in the Native Language but I know not what they say exactly--so maybe they aren't welcomes at all--lol This is my winter home so at last I know my way around. Took a cutoff across State Road 6 to Los Lunas, bypassing Albuquerque totally and got on I-25 South to Socorro. Went right by Sunrise Bluffs in Belen and the home of Gloria and Bud. They are on their way home from South Padre Island, having cut their vacation short because of rain and cold. But, they would not be home for two more days and we didn't have the time to spare to wait to visit, especially with Barb not 100%.The Manzanitas were a bit hazy and as we entered Socorro we had drizzle with a little snowflake mixed in here and there. Off in the distance was the hazy loaf like mountain with the " M " for Mining that is the landmark of Socorro. There is a Mining and Engineering Tech school here. It is always amazing to us to see bicycles and pedestrians on the Interstates out here. BUT, in fairness, in some places there are absolutely no alternative routes and that is the case in this valley. When we checked in to our motel--the clerk but the no vacancy sign up immediately-- I asked why all the motels were booked up. Apparently there was a big First Responders training session at the College. We brought our stuff into the room and wasted no time heading south through Luis Lopez to San Antonio and thence to the Bosque--about 30 miles away. I love both of these agricultural villages along the almost dry Rio Grande. The little San Jose Church in Luis Lopez and the now fenced off, deserted Church in San Antonio with the rose window that has been missing for several years now. Someday, I'm going to have to spend some time at the Owl and find out the history of these places. https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=san+antonio+new+mexico&id=E2F9AC02A7D2D257EAF288B00881A4406354FB83&FORM=IARRTH Here is a link that shows the Church as I first saw it with its rose window in place and how it has deteriorated through the years. I will make another small album of pictures of The Owl and its food in a bit. As we approached the Bosque I got very excited--this is one of the winter habitats of the Sand Hill Crane --they begin to arrive in late October and leave mid-January. I have only seen a few of them on our first trip because Bill won't travel in Fall. On the first trip though we left right after New Years and managed to arrive before they all left. Of course, when we arrive in March they and the Snow Geese are all gone and headed north and only a few Canada geese remain. It doesn't matter a lot though because this place is so beautiful and we always make two visits, one of which is at sunrise, and there are always ducks and deer and all kinds of other wildlife to see. We never spend less than two hours just driving slowly and relaxing. This year, however, the cranes are here and so are the snow geese. There are only a few so far--the fields have been drained to accommodate the thousands that will be here by the time the Crane Festival occurs in November. There is a whole book on the events that take place here and, according to Gloria it is a mob scene of tourists from all over the world who come to see these birds in such great number. The fly-in and the fly-out is apparently quite chaotic with people. This little town must hop! For now, there were a few more people but not many than when we come in March and that is fine. Right at the entrance near the culvert there is always a Great Blue Heron and today was no different--he seemed ready to fly but I spoke quietly to him and he stayed. Does he recognize my voice? Is he the same one? Is he a she? Don't know, don't care--just love that the heron is always there to greet me. For those of you who are interested there are several articles on this page about the cranes--basically, the adults have red crown patches and the immature birds do not.https://www.bing.com/search?q=sandhill+crane&src=IE-TopResult&FORM=IETR02&conversationid=&pc=EUPP_ Another creature that we often see in this area is Pepe le Peu and this one did not like my attention and stopped at the edge of the grasses and lifted its tail at me--did not spray but certainly made it clear that I should just move on and let it return to its feeding. I was surprised that much of what is flooded in Feb-Mar for Canada geese and various species of duck is all drained to provide open fields for the tens of thousands of cranes on their way. It is fascinating to see the birds in flight as they constantly change places in the flock and the overall impression is of undulating waves of intertwining motion up and down, over and under and yet so incredibly synchronized. They arrive to land in groups of six or four --breaking off into pairs and landing in totally matching strokes of the wings with one landing first and then the other coming down behind--in the meantime, as they land in pairs the other four are circling waiting for their turn to land as a pair. Over and over again we saw this arrival and landing pattern. We eventually came to a cove in which the snow geese had congregated--they stay in water rather than in the fields. I loved the scene of a line of ducks swimming into the cove, a large bird bouncing around on the shore and the geese bundled up tightly together in the lee of the grasses to stay out of the wind. The next little pond had one lone heron who was hunched into himself as it had begun to rain heavily. Poor baby looked drenched. Then as we watched a pair of immature cranes landed among the ducks on the other side of the water. In comparison to the rest of the birds they looked so huge and ungainly, though they are truly graceful in flight. As we continued along the north loop I noticed a deer in the woods beside me--a young fawn and as we moved a bit farther to the closed road on our right we saw that it was with its mother and a sibling, who continued to the other side. The little one came racing behind to catch up and then they were gone! Next, at the curve in the road we saw a turkey flying to the grasses beneath a tree and lo and behold there was a flock of them--another and then another flew in--but catching birds in flight is something I do with pure luck--they are so fast. Still we stopped and they crossed the road before us--one of them kept moving closer to the car with one eye on us and one on the flock. Even after they were all across and into the woods he lingered moving closer and then away--obviously, the bodyguard. Off on the faraway hills we could see cars and trucks traveling north and south along I 25--looking, again, like little toys. Toward the exit we came to the area that had burned after we returned home last year--a significant destruction of habitat. Af the end we came to the flight deck --this field is always empty or flooded when we are here--today it was filled with the sounds of cranes, particularly one deep voiced fellow who did not seem to like our presence. After several more minutes of standing in the cold wind watching them get ready for night time and watching others arrive we decided to head into San Antonio and the Owl Café for Bacon Cheese Burgers and merlot to warm up. Then it was back in the dark to our lovely suite and TV and sleep. Got up the next morning and decided we had time to revisit the Bosque before heading over the valley and hills to Corrozozo and down the Valley of Fire to Alamogordo. We arrived around 1030 and left about 130. As you can see, each day brings new experiences at the Bosque. My heron was NOT at his normal place and I knew he must be off fishing a different hole this morning. Yesterday, we had bypassed a road that is normally closed in winter so today we headed that way. There was a very strong odor of skunk and it lasted a long distance down the road. I have heard that the javelinas have a strong odor though I've never experienced it and since I knew this is an area where they hang out I wondered if the odor was theirs rather than skunk. Around a bend we came upon a buzzard feeding on some road kill--he was pretty far in the distance but we stopped so as not to disturb him. I thought I discerned tell-tale black and white on the carcass but couldn't be sure. He was agitated by our presence and ate and backed off, turned away from us and then began trying to drag his prize across the road. Soon, another buzzard arrived and the first one walked off across the road. The newcomer looked the body over and then he too walked across the road. Then they came back but flew off together in the opposite direction. As we drove by I took a shot of the odiferous mess--disgusting Barb completely and off we went, figuring they came back for their delicious breakfast once we had departed. A little farther along the road we came to the Heron. Handsome as ever and happy to pose for me. Less skittish today, assuming it is the same bird--lol A little farther along, another who in my eyes looked older and more mature. He graciously struck several different poses to our delight. Of course, he was fishing for breakfast and really, once he saw we were just some more of those strange creatures who make funny clicking sounds and pose no danger, just went on about his business. Looking up the side roads is a must and this morning we were startled by the crossing of one by a female javelina--with two tiny babies the size of puppies--closely followed by the male, whose picture I was fast enough to catch before he, too, was gone in a flash. As we reached the pool of the drenched heron, there he was looking much chipper today. The snow geese were all clustered and had heads tucked in repose. Several cars were there with many of us taking photos. All of a sudden with a rush they were all gone--circling the pool madly and squawking loudly. Have no idea what spooked them--another car had just arrived and people got out--but there were several of us there already. I couldn't see an eagle or hawk or wild cat but who knows--something definitely agitated them AND they definitely seemed to want to return to the water. Barb and I watched for a little while and then decided to at least make the crowd of humans a bit smaller and left the tripods with 6 ft lens toting others in the middle of the road where they'd set up. Ignoring their dirty looks indicating their distain for us and our little $200 point and shoot camera, we departed. Driving along, Barb stopped abruptly and I said what's up--she said, a snake and it is very much alive. So I handed her my camera. Unfortunately, the snake continued on its way and went under the car! Now we were in a quandary--where was he? In front of the tires or behind. We could not move until we knew. The car behind us, passed by in a cloud of dust so no asking him. Finally, Barb decided to step out and look. I hoped he wasn't going to stay under the warm car for long. But then, I saw him coming out on my side. We waited until he was clear and then went on our merry way, just as he did, vigorously sniffing with his tongue all the way into the woods. LOL Just beautiful. ( After we finished our tour we stopped at the visitors' center to ask what he was--used several reference books and couldn't find him. Then one of the administrators came out of the office. The volunteer introduced her as their favorite ranger--which she said she was not, that she was an administrator--lol BUT, she said, I know someone who knows what that snake is and she returned to the office bringing a very handsome ranger type fellow behind her who took one look at my picture and said "It's a common king snake." He got the page and when he saw I was interested enough to read the info, he added that it is a favorite among snake collectors because it is docile and has a pleasant personality. It is also rare in the refuge!!! Though it does range from Los Lunas south. Wow, a real discovery!!) http://www.nmherpsociety.org/reptiles/snakes/lampropeltisgetulasplendida/image04.html and http://www.nmherpsociety.org/reptiles/snakes/lampropeltisgetulasplendida/index.html We returned to the flight deck for one last look at the cranes. I am wearing my heavy Irish sweater because it was cold though warmer than the day before.I am also wearing the horned toad pin from Perry Null. Out behind us you can see the field of cranes in the distance. At the entrance/exit were three deer. We thought they would cross the road, but two more were off to the right and the last deer ran off to join them--they had stopped and were looking at us. Eventually, the other two loped off to the grasses at the right and once more wild creatures, five of them, disappeared from sight and it was as though they had never been there. And so, after a chat at the visitors' center we were on the road once more--heading east past Trinity site to Carrizozo. But first, I sang, I hear a train acomin' and Barb sang, it's comin' round the bend--and there it was right on the edge of San Antonio. We covered 75 miles of emptiness of sand hills and plains to the mountain ridge that leads to Santa Rosa or Lincoln depending how you go, but we, after touring 12th St, turned south through Tularosa to Alamogordo. Down the Valley of Fire to where the lava flows reach the White Sands. https://www.carrizozochamber.org/historic-12th-street First stop--Eagle Ranch--a NEW Heart of the Desert sign--put up in May and, according to the salesgirl, excitedly, the heart lights up at night. Prettier than the big pistachio at McGinn's next door--lol Picked up some nuts to send Betsy, some cookies and a couple of stocking stuffers. Bill and I still have some nuts left from winter. Then it was on to Lowe's to replenish our food and drink supply and then to the motel. I said I was doing NOTHING but eat and read and sleep until today. We are spending a second night here. It is 2 and I'm not dressed yet. It is pouring outside and I had to map out our trip through Texas to St Francisville and Natchez and the Trace to Nashville. Also had to do the blog and pix, make a reservation in Roswell tomorrow night and will soon figure out finances. Then shower and wash my hair, dress and eventually go to Johnny Carino's for dinner. Had texted Bets last night to see if she wanted any refills for her Alamogordo groceries but she said she was fine--the nuts and baby lentils I picked up for her would be good until March. Sooo, ZZ's the story is caught up yet again.I'll send a small album of misc pix in a few minutes. Oh, yes, I forgot, San Antonio is the site of the first hotel ever established by Conrad Hilton. He grew up here and used to rent rooms in his parents' house to people passing through. Eventually, he built a small hotel which burned down but the mahogany bar was rescued and is now in the Owl Café where Barb and I sat the other night and ate our burgers. The Owl calls them the greatest in the world---I don't know about that but it is mighty good and I'd go out of my way for it. Up the road the Buckhorn says it is rated #7 in the country for its burgers--I think by the Food Network. Well, what would you choose--#7 or the greatest?? I cannot count how many greatest, best, world famous burgers I've eaten in how many world famous restaurants, cafes and bars but oh, well, they are famous to me--lol Off I go, we are having an incredible thunder storm right now. Later, BarbZig and KatZag gallup,Socorro

Fom Bakersfield Ca to Gallup New Mexico in Several Days

Hello ZigZags, Today started out very strangely indeed. First of all, I've been having trouble sleeping more than a couple of hours a night and, having a roommate, I cannot turn on a light and read until drowsy. Nor can I go outside in my nightclothes. Barb has been complaining about a headache for several days but, since she says she gets them often and they eventually go away, except for feeling sad for her discomfit, I haven't been unduly concerned. Last night, she, too, couldn't sleep, so at 230 or so we sat watching TV with the light on. I eventually went to sleep at around 4 and awoke at 630ish. She wasn't in her bed but I thought she was in the bathroom and went back to sleep. Woke again around 730 and she wasn't in bed or the bathroom but I figured she was having breakfast and went back to sleep. Woke up at 8, got dressed, and called down to the desk to ask if she were in the dining room. The desk clerk said Barb told her to tell me that she took an ambulance to the hospital! No note, the TV still on, her purse gone. I went down and rented the room for tonight again and called Bill. What to do? The hospital is not far but I didn't want to drive in a snow squall and traffic, plus the hospital is a big place and wasn't sure if she was still there or on her way back. Called her cell and it kept going to voice mail. Finally texted her--by this time it was almost 930. She told me to stay put--she was being released. At 12 15 she showed up here. They said it was vertigo and her blood pressure was through the roof. Did a CT scan--today's version of listening to your heart with a stethoscope--always a CT scan no matter the symptoms. They said nothing about the headache nor did they give her anything for it. Take it easy, keep to a schedule and eat normally. She's been sleeping since she got back--so I called Perry Null and told Karen we probably wouldn't be seeing her this trip after all. She was headed out at 2--she and her husband are off to Morocco for two weeks. On top of all that the temp is 42 degrees and the sun has just appeared at 235pm I have a reservation in Socorro tomorrow night but don't know if we'll make it or not. Sigh. But, it seems she's okay to go so hopefully, we'll be on our way again soon. When last I wrote we were in Bakersfield California. We left there at 915 in 62 degree weather and for half the drive had decent weather. We took 58 East and passed through the usual oil fields, fruit/nut trees etc but looming ahead of us were pretty high mountains and it seemed as though we were aimed right for them. Indeed we were and for many miles we rose higher and higher into them and moved alongside the railroad, whose cars looked like toy trains going through tunnels in the adjacent mountainsides. As we climbed the clouds began to thicken and darken and the winds grew stronger. Luckily, though this went on and on with the road snaking every which way, there was never any real drop-offs to contend with. Eventually, we arrived in Mohave and as its name implies we found ourselves on the floor of the Mohave Desert. For as high and rugged the mountains had been the desert is flat, flat, flat. Off in the distance, with no signs to name them, we saw the boneyard of old planes that John had told us about. Tails of airlines we never heard of--sitting there to be sold cheaply or to be used for parts. A strange site those tails like colorful sails billowing on a sea of sand. Lots of wind farms here on the desert just as in the huge pass near Tehachapi--I really loved that one--different configurations of grouped pinwheels and different sizes, too. All trying to catch whatever breeze from whichever direction might go up, down or across that system of folds and crevices. On a clear day you lose all sense of distance out here in the West. A plane takes off and you watch it rising and banking and flying away. It remains in sight forever and there is no way to tell how far away it is. Nor, where it took off from. After about three hours of driving we arrived at Barstow and the beginning of I40 which goes all the way to Wilmington NC and if you don't believe me, the first sign posted once you enter the freeway, as they call it here, announces that it is 2554 miles to Wilmington, NC. It is the third longest interstate highway in the US behind I 80 and I 90. From Barstow to Oklahoma City, it either parallels or replaces old Rte 66 and for that reason has many places that play up the association with that Mother Road. Many of the places are falling apart old curio shops or signs for motels and/ or restaurants that have long since rotted away. Yet, if you grew up with stories of Dad going out to California in the 20's and sometimes traveling on dirt tracks of those that went before rather than a marked highway with pavement, the imagination puts you with him as you gaze at these things and wonder if he saw them or passed by this same way. I cannot describe the changing topography along the length of I 40 any better than Wikipedia, although I had found a more poetic description the other night. Nevertheless, we followed it for its length in California, Arizona ( except for a digression yesterday through the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert) and New Mexico to Gallup. We will probably pick it up again a bit in Texas and Louisiana but it is too soon to tell. Here is the link to the Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_40 The long miles to Kingman continue through high desert country with lower mountains off in the distance both north and south. One of my favorite cacti--the cholla began to appear as we drew within a 100 miles of our destination. My favorite also appeared--the occatilla but was not in its lovely red flowered bloom at this time of year. There were some Joshua Trees back near Needles, too but it was more or less at Needles that we left California behind and entered Arizona. There is no daylight savings time here so though in the Mountain Time Zone the time difference between here and home is three hours not two. Also around Needles the Colorado River and its lovely bridge made a brief appearance. It is not difficult when looking at the mountains around it to determine how Needles came by its name. Along we came to Area 66. I don't remember any Roswell like activities in this part of the country so I googled it and here is the answer to What is that thing and What is Area 66?https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/area-66 It is eye-catching. As were the clouds that looked like toddlers that had done a face-plant and were crawling toward each other AND the hill that looked like a face. At last, after 6 hours and 343.1 miles we arrived in Kingman, Az and a sunny 76 degrees. After checking in we headed to the Dam Bar for steaks and drinks. Happy to see Bill's Vermont plate has joined the collection. Said howdy to John and enjoyed dinner before heading back to watch TV and rest up. The next morning we asked for late checkout so we could do some errands downtown before leaving. Went to the PO where Barb got soaked running from car to door to get some priority boxes to send some stuff home. I waited in the car for a break in the downpour--still got wet but not soaked. The roads were running with muddy water and cars were sending up bow waves that would make an ocean liner proud. Torrential. Got back and packed up the boxes but decided to get out of town since we had many miles to go once more. This time to Winslow Az. So off we went at 1035. To say the ceiling was low is a true understatement--I think we were above the ceiling most of the way if not right smack dab in the middle of it. I 40 climbs steadily from Kingman to Flagstaff and reaches its highest point in the US just West of it at over 7000 feet. I think the pictures paint the conditions in which we drove quite well. At one point of partial clearing there was a mountain that looked to us like a young girl with streaming hair lying on the floor at the foot of the rest of the range. For those of you familiar with the area, let me tell you, we NEVER laid eyes on the San Franciscans--they were totally obscured as was the road and all around us. We drove totally blind past them--let us just say the Gods were furious and sent a maelstrom at us to make their point. Yet , by Winona, though still wet, we could see once more. We took the quick detour for Barb to see the Meteor Crater. No tours outside today because of all the lightening hits. As we returned to I-40 I looked back toward Flagstaff sure the SF's would be visible--nope. For those of you not familiar with the area, the San Franciscan Mountains mark one of the four corners of Native American sacred ground and they are visible in all direstions for miles and they are always snow capped. Not this time. About 14 miles from Winslow the traffic was backed up as far as we could see. Bored I took pictures of whatever caught my eye. We were bumper to bumper moving at about 5 miles an hour for about 22 minutes and covered about four miles. A truck headed West, I think but not sure, went off in the median--could have been going East and jack-knifed. Anyway, there was a tow truck and another truck removing the wrecked truck's cargo and a pretty beat up cab. No ambulance or driver--I imagine already headed to a hospital. Scary. But trains kept right on chugging by. Got to Winslow ( after 224 miles and 6 hours; ordered pizza in) and had a room that must have been invaded by aliens. Couldn't get the Wifi to work, the A/C made a huge racket but cooled nothing off, the refrig set at the highest setting melted our ice packs, the TV turned off every 5-10 minutes and then didn't want to come back on again, the alarm clock kept blinking and we couldn't figure out how to set it so unplugged it. Total disaster. When we were checking out the lady in front of me complained that her TV came on at 5 am!! and they couldn't use the pool because the heater didn't work. She left a list of complaints and so did I. But I went a step farther, I mentioned my status as a Diamond Elite and that I would be voicing my displeasure to corporate and Travelocity and family and friends and requested a full refund. When I called Bill that afternoon he said the guy from the Winslow Quality called to apologize for our stay and was refunding the full amount. We, of course, would receive no points for the stay either--harrumph! I got an email to confirm the refund. Next morning we went downtown for Barb to Stand on the Corner, then took off for Gallup. Got off the Interstate and took the 22 mile loop through the two National Parks which we've both visited before so didn't really stop very often. Met the couple from California with the '64 Pontiac GTO. Chatted about the car and the Skyline Blue color and the red striped tires made especially for those cars. Also talked about our respective travel experiences. Were told to watch for the red '67 GTO from Canada, which we did see in passing--they were driving west in the park as we drove past them to the east. Then it was back to I 40 and something we hadn't seen in awhile--torrential rain all the way into New Mexico--but stopped as we crossed the line. I played peek-a-boo with a rainbow that just couldn't decide whether to form or not. I also we terribly intimidated by the huge pink underbellied cloud directly above us that seemed to come lower and lower as we drove. Longer day time wise--7 hours--but shorter distance--only 152 miles. Went down to Applebees where we sat at the bar--the only women among Native men. Don't think the Native barmaid approved but the men seemed fine--we chatted together and only said a few things to the gentlemen on either side who were really quite nice--travels with one and sports with the two on the other side. Just in passing not long conversations. She got a good tip even though she was not particularly friendly. LOL And then, our ordeal commenced. I made reservations in Socorro tomorrow night--we'll see what we shall see. Until then, that's all from the road for now. Barbzig and Katzag