A WEEK OF "4's"

47th Wedding Anniversary

Almost 4 mile hike

4th of July

  

July 1...Vannie and Dave's Anniversary...They decided to check out the Valle Vidal Road (pronounced VA-yay vee-DAL).  They had heard great things about it, and they had REALLY been wanting to see an elk.  Everyone said this was the place to go.  To get there, they went north on Hwy. 522 to Costilla.  Had a delicious breakfast burrito at the gas station, then down the road to Valle Vidal.  This area is called the Yellowstone of the Southwest because of its large crop of wildlife and beautiful open meadows.  It began in 1841 when it was included in the 2 million acre Beaubien-Miranda Land Grant from Mexico.  This is the largest land grant in American history.

Check out this fly fisherman.  V said they were everywhere.  The area had been closed from Spring to June 30 for elk calving.  July 1 was the first day these fishermen could get in the streams, so they were out in force. Dave was looking hard for an elk.  Vannie had the camera ready.   

Wow...what scenery!  But where's the elks?

V and D have the camera poised!

 

According to Dave, this area is owned by Ted Turner. Yep, the one and only, Ted.  Supposedly about 16 miles of road goes through his property, but he is kind enough to allow it.  V and D said they were all eyes trying to see Mr. Turner in person, but, alas, it didn't happen.  And while we are on the subject of not seeing someone/something, no elks, bears, coyotes, deer, rabbits ever crossed Vannie and Dave's path.  Bummer!  They did see a few cows and one prairie dog, and, of course, some birds.

 

The road came out at Cimarron (about 26 miles).  Looks like some ice cream was in order.  Vannie said there were boy scouts all over Cimarron.  The big boy scout ranch, Philmont, is close by.  Dave said that those are boy scout badges on the wall behind them.

Another hike...all most 4 miles...Dang, they just keep at it!

This one is near the Wild River's Area (Rio Grande and Red River meet).

Chiflo Trail...Vannie said it was supposed to be "easy", but it was very steep, and when you go down in the canyon, you have to some back up.  So it was not so "easy"...

...but fun!

Feet in the Rio Grande...Ahhhhh

...Beautiful

 

Now...for the 4th of July!

Barry the maintenance man at the Caribel Condos owns this old 1962 GMC truck.

V and D said "let's decorate"!  We all know "decorate" is their middle name.

Red River has a great 4th parade, so this was the official "float" for the Caribel.

Barry drove, and V and D sat in the back with a few kids and threw candy to the crowds.

This was a task they were very familiar with...living in Lafayette for 40 years (Mardi Gras Parades).

 

...lining up!

...working the crowds!

V said that they didn't know the jargon..."Throw Me Something, Mister."

 

As for me, I'm still enjoying my spot in Questa at the Gonzales RV. 

 It is so nice a cool and shady.  It is mostly quiet.  There is a big 5th wheel next door.  His owner does like to play music kind of late.  Dave just turns on his trusty noise machine, and we all sleep like babies.