New Mexico

Over the last couple of weeks we have been in Gallup NM, Casa Blanca NM and most recently Conchas Lake NM. We spent some time housekeeping, Sam's Club, laundry, gambling and of course watching NASCAR racing on TV. Interestingly enough we found two places that were $10/14 night, quite a deal considering we probably use that much electricity pulling in the lot! The $10 night was also a casino and even after paying for the three nights and some groceries we still left with more money than it cost us! Gotta love the Native Americans. New Mexico is an interesting state, although if we were brutally honest we would say not particularly inviting or at least the parts we explored. Did have a chance to go through some of Albuquerque, similar to Phoenix, very artsy.

Weirdest sky and one of the prettiest at the same time, looking towards Arizona.

Les just HAD to fly a kite, well 2 kites!

Our final few nights before exiting New Mexico were at Conchas Dam State Park. Water and electric (50 amp) for $14 night, practically had the whole camp to ourselves, only others were two campers with men working in the area and the camp host we never saw.

Nice level spot with covered shelter overlooking Lake Conchas.

Now for the little ones, look on your map and see if you can find Conchas Dam in New Mexico - no help from your parents...find Tucumcari (2cum car e) and move your finger over and up and see if you can find Anna and Elsa overlooking the Lake.

Off we went to Amarillo, Texas, the home of the famous Texan 72 ounce Steak Challenge!  We will eat there, but we will not be participating in the challenge.  We did, however, take a ride through the 2nd largest Canyon in the US (or so we are told), Palo Duro Canyon in Texas.  Very lovely place to tour, sharing a photo of the signature of the Canyon, the Lighthouse.

The "Lighthouse" located in Palo Duro Canyon

Las Vegas Baby!

It is always a fun time when we pass through or stay in Vegas!  Our plan was to come for a few days to enjoy the two NASCAR races and maybe throw a couple of pennies in the machine just for the heck of it.  What we left Vegas with (ok don't get too excited, we did not win big) was a new appreciation for Sunblock and some new friends.  RV folks are so friendly and interesting.  As with our meeting of Tim and Glenda in Phoenix (also race fans), our time with Barb and Gerald from Canada was very enjoyable.  I am posting a photo of the #4 car (coincidentally the race winner) for Barb who happens to be a Kevin Harvick fan!

Thursday night was the Hauler Parade and for those who are unfamiliar, many of the NASCAR Haulers get all dressed up and fancy and parade down the Las Vegas Strip.  It's like the pre-party and we enjoyed the parade from the front of the Venetian.  Of course we had to get there early and of course we had extra time to spare so we threw a few bucks in the machines.

  

And introducing Les & Pat's two favorite drivers....Dale "Junior" Earnhardt and Kyle "Son" Larson.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Even if you are not a race fan you have probably heard the name Richard Petty aka "The King".  Here he is (in his trademark hat) in the drivers/owners lot prior to the race start.

Drivers - Start Your Engines!  Jeff Gordon (24) did have the Pole but had to start at the rear of the field so leading the pack to the Green Flag is Joey Lagano (22)