Eagle Nest is at about 8,300 feet elevation and was a 5 hour drive from Amarillo, Texas. Along the way we had either diesel fuel contamination with water affecting our fuel filter verses changes in altitude causing the engine to run rough under a load. After purging the fuel filter of possible water it ran better, but will still require a trip to Freightliner in Albuquerque.
Eagle Nest, New Mexico
The drive through Cimarron Canyon State Park along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway was beautiful. We had a reservation in Angel Fire, New Mexico, however, the Governor of New Mexico decided that RV parks should only have a maximum occupancy of 25% because of COVID-19. With over a million full time RVers, I don’t understand where she thinks the full timers are to stay since water, sewer, and electricity are vital for our homes on wheels.
Along the way, there were numerous herds of Pronghorn Antelope. They can reach a speed of 55 mph.
Golden Eagle RV Park, Eagle Nest, New Mexico
We were happy our reservations changed to Golden Eagle RV Park in Eagle Nest. The owners were incredible and filled with interesting information about the area. When not restricted by COVID-19, they have BBQ, live music and wine tasting.
Golden eagles were prevalent in the area. This one was watching the prairie dogs warm themselves on the asphalt.
The Eagle Nest and Cimarron areas have a rich and colorful history. The Apache, Ute, and Anasazi Indians lived here. Later, it became a branch of the Santa Fe Trail. Mining and cattle ranching were prevalent. Kit Carson and Black Jack Ketchum added a colorful flair to the area’s history of violence and gun-play. In Spanish, Cimarron means “wild and unruly”.
Our RV park host suggested taking the remote dirt road to Valle Vidal. It’s a mountain basin in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The area is known for its wildlife including huge herds of elk. Unfortunately, after about 25 miles of dirt road we came across a sign from the Governor of New Mexico stating the area was off limits because of the coronavirus, so we turned around not seeing another person the entire time, perhaps a bit of overkill on the COVID-19 precautions.
Even though we didn’t see elk, we came across mule deer.
They are known for their large ears. Adults grow big. Males can weigh up to 330 lbs.
A red-tailed Hawk was watching the prairie dogs.
So was Jake.
In addition to cattle, there were bison inspiring Sandy to paint.
Taos, New Mexico
We drove to Taos and Red River to explore the mountainous area. The drive was stunning, highlighted by bighorn sheep in Questa.
Red River, New Mexico
It would be nice to one day ski Taos and Red River. The most difficult part of COVID-19 was going past amazing hiking trails, galleries, breweries, wineries, sights, and restaurants hoping one day we will be back.
