The relocation from Carlsbad, NM to Alamogordo, New Mexico had a direct route on US-82W that was a two-lane with steep 6-7% grade mountain passes and with many sharp curves. It was only 127 miles but had many warnings for heavy vehicles. I try to research each move to make sure there are no low overpasses, hairpin turns, or otherwise impassable routes pulling the 41 foot 5th wheel trailer. The research told me to find another route.
The Relocation
Instead, I selected the longer route at 174 miles that was four-lane and had a longer, less steep descent into Alamogordo. The route was US Hwy 380 to US 70 out of Roswell. It had about one mile of 4-5% followed by five miles of 3-4% grades. After that was another ten miles of gradual grades. Much better.
The mountains are sure beautiful, but also can be a challenge driving the big rig. This longer route turned out to be just fine. It was twisty and had many slow turns, but all the descents were very manageable by dropping the Ford F-350’s 6-speed transmission down into 4th gear and by using the engine compression brake. I rarely had to apply the brakes.
Alamogordo
Our last location, Carlsbad NM, was fine, but lacked having many local things to do. The cave and hike were both great. The other days provided some nice downtime to relax. On the other hand, Alamogordo seems to be packed with things to see and do.
We have developed a lengthy list of things to do here at Alamogordo/White Sands. So much so that we cancelled all but two days at our next weekly stop in Albuquerque. Having also now heard from many people that Albuqueue has a very high crime rate and best to avoid altogether. It seems there are gang wars in this sanctuary city. No thanks. We’ll just stop to rest and refuel then be back on the road to Santa Fe.
Arriving in Alamogordo on Saturday, Pat found a great little PCA Presbyterian Church for us to attend on Sunday. One of the assistant pastors delivered a very sound sermon and we met a few new people.
After church, we stopped at the Lowes Signature Market to pick up a few things. This supermarket was a test a couple of years ago to plant a high end grocery store in a small New Mexico town. It seemed to be going well. Some of the features are a full bar with a 24 tap of craft beers and 12 different wines. Many guys were waiting for their wives. What an idea! Plus a very nice coffee shop. Plus a huge wine section that would rival any store. The whole store is carpeted and well lit. A great concept.
I also found a local fitness center that would accept my Silver Sneakers membership. Silver Sneakers is a fitness benefit from my Medicare Supplement policy from United Healthcare. There are thousands of fitness centers across the country that participate. I just check in and have free access to their facility. There are some advantages to getting old, I guess. I’m trying to continue a decent exercise program after our winter at Llano Grande that had a great fitness center.
Cloudcroft, NM
On Monday, 4/29, we drove up to the mountaintop village of Cloudcroft with a population is 674. Despite being located in an otherwise arid region, its extremely high elevation at 8,600 feet makes it one of the highest villages (with year round population) in the U.S. And allowing for a relatively mild summer that makes it a popular tourist attraction.
It was 86 degrees when we left Alamogordo (4,200 feet) and it was 62 at Cloudcroft (8,600 feet). Cool enough for a long sleeve shirt.
The village looks like something right out of the old west. Their main focus is as a tourist destination with winter skiing and summer shopping plus a brewery.
We packed a lunch and found a great little hike along the old railroad line that had vistas to enjoy. The railroad to the wooded mountain top area was built to enable the logging industry. Pine forests appear about 3/4 of the way up the 18 mile drive from Alamogordo. Down below the tree line is mostly brush, sand and gravel. It’s the desert.
That’s all for now. More from this New Mexico location soon. Hit the subscribe button and leave a comment if you wish. Take care and God Bless.
Love the pictures
Thanks Tom!
Looks like a great place. It’s out of our normal path to get to Colorado. Yet, now that we have more time and not a need to rush anymore…. might be a great side trip when traveling that way. Thanks for sharing. The pictures are great.
Robert
Yes, New Mexico will definitely grow on you.