Google Tag Manager icon New Mexico: Heading Home Skip to main content

Featured

The Cruise--Details

I didn't include more details in the prior "The Cruise" post for two reasons. 1)  I didn't think anyone would be interested; and 2)  This trip didn't include much of the normal topics:  good beer, good coffee or John-style travel. But there are details, which may be useful to some people contemplating how such a trip is put together. On the first day of the trip, we drove three hours to pick up my mother in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  At 85, she isn't comfortable driving for long distances and hadn't flown for many years. We then drove 3 1/2 more hours to Chicago, where we checked into the Wyndham, where you can get a room that includes the cost of parking for up to 12 days.   We were up early on the hotel shuttle to O'Hare, where we then boarded the a non-stop American Airlines flight to New Orleans. Here, we checked into a Hampton Inn near the port.  My mother was pretty tired, so Julia and I went out for a Cajun dinner and live music.   Rememberi...
3 comments
Read more
Labels

New Mexico: Heading Home

 From Feb/March 2022:

We had high but unrealistic expectations for Las Cruces.  It checked off a lot of boxes for us on paper.  In my travels, I've often found that hidden gems are frequently discovered without any expectations.

Boston Hill Open Space
 

That was the case for Silver City, New Mexico.  It wasn't exactly on the way home to Wisconsin.  It was out of the way, but something about this place in the high country called out to us, and we listened.  

We arrived too early to check into our hotel, so we spent some time hiking the Boston Hill Open Space, which overlooks the town.  It was the last day of February, but temperatures were moderate, especially compared to back home.  

Like Bisbee, Silver City is a historic mining town, as evidenced by all of the holes in the ground at the Boston Hill Open Space.  A little after noon, we were able to get into our pet-friendly hotel room.

 

During the afternoon, we checked out the downtown streets, having a tasty beer at the Little Toad Creek Brewery.  Later, we walked Big Ditch Park.  This area used to be Main Street before the floods of 1895 and 1903.

 


 

Eventually, walking northwest from downtown, we found ourselves at the small Western New Mexico University.  Unlike New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, this university seemed well-integrated into its host city.

 

The hotel desk clerk recommended the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House in Pinos Altos for dinner.  Opened in the 1860's and at 7000' elevation, we had a leisurely meal at the Buckhorn, sitting in front of the wood-burning fireplace and soaking in the atmosphere.


 


Silver City was a very interesting town, and we would like to come back for a longer visit someday soon.

Labels:

Comments

MFH said…
I've not checked prices in Silver in a number of years, but I noted Lou, Al Christenson's friend (Rolling Steel Tent), bought land in nearby Mimbres. You've never indicated an interest in building, but modular homes have come a long way and it might be something to kick around.
August 14, 2022 at 8:11 AM
John said…
I agree that modular homes have come a long way. We did build a prior home, and Julia did not enjoy the process of making choices or having choices made for her. :-)

I'm not sure what route we are going to go. There's a lot to kick around, but spending more time in Silver City and the national forests in the area will be on the "to do" list.
August 14, 2022 at 9:15 AM
Post a Comment

Popular Posts