NM, AZ, NV, OR

Stops in New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon - October 3-19, 2025

Friday Oct 3 - just a 3hr trip to Pueblo for the night (with motel problems)

Saturday Oct 4 - Headed to Bandelier NM for a hike but the Federal gov't shutdown closed it. We did find a cool waterfall (Jemez Falls) for a nice hike on our way to Bernalilla, NM (BTW this is the easiest place to go to the Alburqueque Balloon Fiesta. However, don't stay at Motel 6 or Super 8! Left the motel about 530p which was fine). So, once in and settled (after changing rooms - more troubles) we when to Balloon Fiesta Park for the activities.

Sunday Oct 5 - Up at 415a to go the Balloon Fiesta fun. Rented one (took turns) electric scooter. Great idea! Back to room to pack up the car by 930a. Headed to Farmington, NM for the night via a couple of impromptu stops.

Monday Oct 6 - An extreme day (for us)! Drive to Ah-Shi-Sle-Pa Wilderness area and a 3mi hike to Alien Throne/Valley of Dreams. Fantastic and arduous. On the way to Holbrook we tried to find a Non-Fed Painted Desert (Fed instalations closed) but it was in somebody's back yard (didn't go in).

Tuesday Oct 7 - Again as the Fed NPS units are closed up we stopped at a series of small towns on Historic Route 66 and a labyrinth in Henderson, NV before spending a couple of nights at the Stratosphere.

Wednesday Oct 8 - Drove out to "Temple of Goddess and Spiritualily" and labyrinth, lunch at Macaroni Grill and drive up and down the strip before "The Wizard of Oz" at The Sphere (wonderful!).

Thursday Oct 9 - North out of Las Vegas we drive through areas we spent time in the spring and stopped at a favorite - Gemfield, NV - and Diana breaks her ankle in a fall! We continue to Fernley, NV with Diana in great pain, thinking/hoping it was just a sprain. RICE treatment but...

Friday Oct 10 - The pain continues and swelling begins so off to a VA Hospital Emergency Room in Reno, NV. After 6hr of Xrays and waiting a fibula fracture is found and elevation begins for a long while.

Saturday Oct 11 - We meet from friend, Shallon, for a fancy brunch and head to St. Helens, OR for the night.

Sunday Oct 12 - A day of visiing with Diana's sister, Teresa

Monday Oct 13 - Drive to Bend, OR and a visit with friend Mark and then the Riverhouse Hotel getting ready for the Western Planners Conference this week.