February 11, 2025

This past week we were in Anthony, Texas just north of El Paso. We managed to get to the Kilbourne Hole twice.The first time we got to the railroad crossing heading back to the Hole and a train was stopped across the intersection. Having done this about 5 years ago we headed down the utility road next to the tracks. We knew if we drove far enough there was another crossing. 10 miles later and 7 miles back we were on the right road to the Hole. We spend several hours circling the crater, having lunch and collecting some peridot rocks. When we headed out we took a chance that the train was gone and luck was on our side. 

Volcanic creator Kilbourne Hole

Centipede shell

Peridot, August Birthstone in its raw form.

 Our second trip was luckier, no train. We again circled the crater but found a nice spot to park. Diane pulled out a chair and her tablet to read a book while I explored the hillside for rocks. We spent almost 2 hours there before heading out. 

Rocky landscape where the peridot stone is found.

 As we got close to the tracks again we decided to head north toward Las Cruces, NM. We are not stopping in Las Cruces on this trip and so wanted a good malt, so we headed to Caleche's Frozen Custard in Las Cruces. It was a good decision even though it added about over 50 miles to the adventure. The only thing you can buy there is hotdogs and custard.

We are currently in Deming, NM and today was a true adventure. Our first stop was at Spring Canyon State Park and a hiking trail up the mountain. We started but did not make it to the top. I just can't hike up a mountain side as I was able to before Covid. We did do 1.5 miles and may go back and try again.

Buddy was happier when we started down the mountain.

Diane and Buddy left me and ventured up he mountain.

Just a beautiful day and view of countryside.

 As we left the area there was a dirt road that I thought would go around the mountain so away we went. It was just before noon when we entered. The road weaved about the mountain and through many washes and over a lot of rocks.

Even the Captain opens a gate from time to time.

 We had to go through several fence gates and some very narrow trails. The Jeep is scratched up  from bottom to top on both sides. Then we saw a sand storm off in the distance that was soon upon us. We could not see the mountain off to the right side of the Jeep. 

Sand storm coming our way.

 Then we got a flat tire which we changed in deep sand and the sand storm. Haven't done that before so it added to the adventure. We looked around for something to put under the jack in the sand and found several flat rocks. The 35 inch tires are heavy and Diane and I had to lift the spare off and lift the bad one back on the spare tire rack. Who wanted those big tires anyway?

We did get the tire switched and headed west trying to get to the highway. As luck would have it, we got within 50 feet of the highway and there was a gate with two locks on. So we turned around and for the next 45 minutes or so we went in circles trying to find a way out; remember we are in a sand storm and at times cannot see where we are.  (I will post some videos on the FB page)

 We waited for a bit until the wind died down so we could see the road, most of our previous tire tracks could not be seen as the sand storm covered them. It took some time but we got to another road which again took us to wire fencing and no exit. We turned around again and looked for another route. 

At times we made our own road trying to find a real one. We eventually made it out but it was 4 hours and 35 minutes playing in the dirt. It was a relief to finally be on the highway heading to our campsite.

We drove through the sand storm on the way to the campground. Had lights and flashers on.

It would clear up then get so bad you almost had to stop as you could not see anything.

 We drove through the sand storm for the next 11 miles and then had to take a detour as the Border Patrol had the road blocked off about 2 miles from the campground. But we made it and laughed about it when we got into the coach.

 PS: went to tire shop today and will have to replace the tire. I just purchased these tires before we left Wisconsin. The cost of an Adventure. Hoping the replacement comes in tomorrow.