Gallup, NM

Gallup, NM has always been a place we would stop on our way to somewhere or just pass by. We had been driving a few days and felt that we needed a day off and take a hike or bike ride. After looking on the internet and finding the Quaking Aspen Trail in the Zuni Mountains and High Desert Trail System, we decided to check it out.

We rode 8 miles and the trails were in good shape even with the recent rain

 

 

 

When we arrived at the trailhead we ran into Alvin Whitechair, the district ranger. He was waiting for the local 4th graders to arrive and learn about  the Zuni Mountains and taking care of them. He was very knowledgeable and taught us about the area which was quite interesting.

The ranger noticed a tarantula running by. He was smaller than those in Colorado. 

 

 

We took our GPS since we didn't have a printed map but found out that every intersection had a map like this.

 

 

 

Most of the time, all we heard was our tires on the ground and the wind in the trees. The slick rock wasn't so slick and bounced my head around a bit.

 

There is an initiative to increase the mountain biking and hiking trails in this area. Hopefully, they won't tell anyone. It was so peaceful and the only other person we saw was a lady arriving when we were leaving.

 

The trails have been managed very well and mitigated nicely for water and rain.

After a little investigation on the area, we won't be passing by anymore without seeing what else we can find. I hope to spend some time in Red Rock Park or Ramah next time.

A monument to Fort Wingate Calvary

 

  The United States established Fort Fauntleroy on the site of modern Fort Wingate in 1860, as part of a campaign against the region’s Navajo population. The Civil War disrupted the campaign, and Fort Fauntleroy’s troops quickly deployed away from New Mexico.  Fort Fauntleroy served briefly as a mail station before being abandoned 1865.

 

 

Lake of the Ozarks and Ha HA Tonka State Park in Misouri

It was a tough day of towing the trailer due to the cement roads that were so rippled that our heads were bouncing off the seat and a windy day with 35 mph wind gusts that made us look like bobble heads and it was only 200 miles. We made it to Madison, had a tornado warning and without improving weather in the near future, we decided to head onward to our next destination.

We did try some cheeses and liked the portabella and chives in white cheddar quite well.

 

Osage Beach at Lake of the Ozarks State Park is great with huge spaces. Now that the kids are all back in school and not many people around, our campground had the host and us this morning.

Hiking in the evening along Lake Ozark

Almost got hit in the head with all of the falling acorns. I wonder if the squirrels wager on how many people they can hit.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Beautiful natural springs

Castle on the hill overlooking the lake after it burned down.

View from the castle

Limestone formations throughout the area

Natural bridge.

Turtles all around catching some rays.

One of many caves in the limestone inhabited by bats.

 

It is a long drive to Arizona and any suggestions about places to see on the way are appreciated. We will be driving thru Oklahoma on the turnpike and then the panhandle of TX. I am trying to psych myself up for that.

 

 

 

Cave Point and Whitefish State Park

 Couldn't help but take a lot of pictures of Lake Michigan and rock. The wind was blowing quite a bit on this side of the peninsula which made for some dramatic crashing waves. The water was many colors of blue.

A couple of nights ago while watching the sunset, a couple overheard us talking and suggested that we visit these two places. We always appreciate good suggestions and this was one.

The sound of the waves against the rocks were quite loud.

For the past 5 weeks, we have had spotty phone and internet service along with occasional TV. While in Fish Creek, we would go down to the beach concession area and get some pretty good internet. It was nice to sit along the beach watching the boats, kayaks and people while checking emails.

Door County has a land trust that is purchasing properties to keep as parks. There are a suprising number of properties for sale here.

 



Whitefish State Park is a large white sand dune with very fine sand similar to Cancun and few people on the beach.

Not many people here except, as the locals say, Newlyweds and early to beds. I have heard it said "almost deads" but prefer early to beds myself.

There are many ship wrecks in the great lakes and parts on one are on exhibit in the state park.

We enjoy looking at the dairy farms and apple orchards as we ride our bikes or drive. Mike grew up helping his grandmother in Vermont on a dairy farm. The farms are kept very tidy around here. There is very little traffic except the occasional womp, womp of the tractor or combine

After our bike ride today, we stopped by the bakery to pick up the bread we had ordered. The owner of the place was beside herself that she had sold it to someone else. She insisted that we take a loaf of day old bread at no charge. We were a little sad but thought the loaf was pretty darn good. She wouldn't let us pay for it, so we picked out a couple of other things to pay for. What can I say?

After a 23 mile bike ride thru the countryside and another bee sting, we thought about how they say (whoever "they" are), "Leave them wanting more." We would have to say that Door County has definitely done that for us. Now, we head down the road to explore in Madison, WI,