Where is Jack, Day 49

Well, a bit of an attitude adjustment occurred this morning. No more pity party.

Nancy has been so comfortable on other nights and has slept so soundly that she thought the little heater wasn't coming on. Wrong. She didn't put it out last night and she woke up before dawn shivering. She quickly bundled me up (uh, Nancy I have fur), and I enjoyed it. She turned the thermostat up so she could thaw out and figured while she was waiting she'd try the internet. It is up!  Whoo Hoo.

We've already been for a walk and to our "secret" ball playing field. If they know about it, they haven't said anything, but it's always just Nancy and me, there.

We haven't decided what we're going to do with the rest of our day. Nancy thinks she'll read for a while, and then we'll take another ride up toward Antonito. Maybe even all the way. She doesn't know, yet. There was a grocery store there so maybe a pretty 120 mile drive is just what we need.

Nancy spoke to Susie and Aunt Judy this morning. She saw on Facebook that Michael and Keely ran a race to celebrate the homecoming of a Peachtree City Soldier. We saw a very little VFW building in the town we drove to, yesterday-Tierra Amarilla.

This picture is for Deb. This horse was laying down just like the horse on the Enchanted Loop--see, he wasn't dead.

Nancy wonders if there's any kind of recognition ceremony there. If not, we remember and are indebted to all of our service men and women. There aren't words to thank them. John wrote a very nice letter to our adopted Soldier, Jonathan, on behalf of our family.

I know pictures have been scarce, but we are still enjoying the scenery.

Thought I'd take advantage of the free internet to start a post. Will get back later.

When Nancy went to the laundry the other day, there was an interesting looking road that she thought she'd investigate before leaving. She almost forgot about it until talking to Ms. Beverly this morning. Turns out there's an Elk Preserve not five miles from here and it's at the end of that road. We had the place all to ourselves. I had a blast-plenty of room to run (of course I keep my eye on Nancy). I found three streams to get wet and muddy in--so much fun.

Oh, Look, more water under this bridge!

Look at all this space-I can go anywhere I want!

Can You Believe This? I had so much fun, Nancy said she's taking me back, tomorrow.

Oops, I shouldn't have sniffed that!

What's on the other side of the rocks? On the hike up, a guys gotta do what a guys gotta do. Nancy had no pink bags! Oh, no! Well, she marked the spot with a stick and said we'd have to hike back up after we got them from the truck. Then, she found a dog leash near the stones, but under a bench, with two black bags tied to it. She borrowed a bag for on the way back, and tied the leash to a post in case someone came back looking for it. After attending to business, she reached in her pocket and she had a pink bag, afterall.

We didn't see any elk--they're up further in the mountains. When we stopped at the little blacksmith shop, the guy told Nancy where to go at dusk to see the herd. Maybe we'll go tonight. She took SO MANY pictures, it will take her a while to sort them out and decide which ones she should post. Nancy picked up a couple of hooks for the boys' cabins.

Interesting Shop/Interesting Guy.

Oh, Rich would have loved playing ball up here with me. I liked it when he threw the ball because he could throw it higher. Then, again, I was just a pup, then.

The people down the way invited Nancy over with two couples for watermelon, tonight. All the people here put salt on their watermelon. Some even put salt AND pepper. They invited me, too, but Nancy thought it might be better if I took a nap in the trailer. She just got back. I behaved myself. Tonight, she remembered to put the heater on.

Where is Jack, Day 48

Today, I decided I'd chew one of the bones that Susie bought me. I guess that means I’m bored. Nancy took the best part away from me and threw it in the trash. When I came in I took it out of the trash, but she took it away, again. She says it’s too slippery and I might choke.

Nancy found two potato recipes for the crock pot, but the local supermarket didn’t have half the ingredients so she decided to drive 25 miles to the nearest town. No market there. Oh, well chips and dip, it will be.

Someone cut in front of her and the camera went flying—crack! We were sure it was broken, but it wasn’t.

Nancy took her shower very early this morning, but she said it was freezing. It’s 72 degrees, now, with a beautiful breeze.  People aren’t as friendly as Nancy remembers—she and Rich used to meet couples in RV parks all the time. Not so, here.

John, Nancy’s been meaning to tell you that if you have designs on a car from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, and you don’t mind some body rot, New Mexico is the place to get one.

Nancy finally watched “Constant Gardener” last night.  We’ve both become bored. When we used to travel with Rich we were always busy and they were such good company for one another. They really didn’t need anyone else. So many of the people who stay here are “Friends of the Railroad” so they all know each other.

Nancy says nothing seems quite as beautiful or interesting to her, as everything once did. I guess that’s natural. She’s not sorry she’s making the trip, but it’s very different. It’s probably this campground. It’s full, now, no internet and only three TV channels; one without sound. We’ve done all the drives we can do unless we go to Durango, so Nancy thinks we’ll just leave early and go there. So, she dug down into her stash of movies to get us through the weekend. She’s reading a book, too, “Queen of the Road”, but her eyes get tired. Pantless called earlier—it was good to hear from her.

We were supposed to stay here until Friday, the 4th, but now we’re thinking we’ll leave Tuesday or Wednesday. Nancy has to get in touch with bj. When she originally thought she could camp with bj, she thought Susie was coming out on the 5th and leaving on the 10th--she misunderstood. That would have worked out fine. bj had one week she couldn't make it, so Nancy has to go back in her email and see what week that is. Since she works, we might have to just fit in a cup of coffee--unless we only stay at Aunt Dorothy's a couple of days. We'll have to see how it works out. Maybe, Nancy and Aunt Dorothy could go over to see bj--Aunt Dorothy might enjoy that.

Where is Jack, Day 47

Nancy’s beginning to think that she signed up to stay here for too long. She has the itch to go—but the holiday is upon us.

Nancy watched the Hornby Island Eagles this morning (Lisa told her about them). It was scary because the mother ws screaming and the baby didn’t look like it was moving.

She checked back later and either the Mother or the Father were feeding the chick, so everything is okay.

There’s something in the air that’s making Nancy cough and sneeze. She cleaned the trailer from top to bottom this morning. She’s very glad she brought along a vacuum and the swifter. I look like a sticker bush—these things drop off the trees and they stick to me, then I go inside and they drop all over the place, including bed! Oh, the humility…oh, no, she’s going to take a picture.

We laid around most of the day except for a couple of walks in the park. It was warm this morning, but it’s turning out to be a cool breezy day.

This morning, Miss Beverly, Boomer’s human, asked Nancy if Boomer and I could meet since I’m so docile. Nancy said, yes, but it would be better in a neutral place so we met in the road. Boomer seemed nice enough in the beginning—you know, we did what all dog’s do—sniffed and smelled. His tail was wagging so I thought he liked me, but then in a flash things went south. Nancy and Ms. Beverly pulled us away, quickly and Nancy got between us. I think Miss Beverly had tied the long end of Boomer's leash to a tree and held the short leash just in case. There's no way she could hold him because he's bigger than she is! He didn’t bite me, but he was scary. I don’t think he’s been around many other dogs, but I don’t know why he decided to get nasty. Nancy said, “All dogs can’t be as nice as you.” She feels lucky to have me. Boomer must be in big trouble because he hasn’t been out all day-at least I haven't seen him. Ms. Beverly told Nancy that Boomer doesn't like big dogs. Maybe he's afraid they'll hurt her so he is protecting her.  Any way, he's still my friend.

Nancy noticed that the lady next door was spinning yarn. What a coincidence, one of our best friends, Gail, took spinning up not long, ago. If Gail hadn’t explained it on her blog and on the phone, Nancy would have thought the lady was spinning steel wool. Gail said she had a Louette Spinning Wheel, so Nancy went over to talk to Jill a little while ago and it turns out that she has an S10 Louette, the same as Gail! She doesn’t quilt like Gail does, though.  Nancy called Gail to tell her about Jill spinning and Gail said she has the S10 Louette, as well. What a coincidence, huh? While on the phone with Gail, John called. Everybody is okay at their house—Lisa’s off for the summer (Yeah!) and the girls are all busy doing their thing, Nancy was telling him about the Eagles and Lisa said that her sister Kathy had called and said when she watched, she couldn’t see the baby chick. We’ll have to check back later.

We had to come inside because it started to thunder out. It looks like it’s coming our way so Nancy had to go out and put the chairs away. When Nancy got back in, the wind started to blow. It's too bad because we were going to take a "sunset" ride to see if we could get some good pictures. Maybe it will clear up by then.

Where is Jack, Day 46

Another beautiful day! Nancy's going to look on the map to see if we can explore something nearby. We watched a movie last night--Downloaded "It's Complicated" from Amazon. Enjoyable movie.


I can't remember if I told you, yesterday, but Nancy got so hungry that she just had to forego the Lean Cuisine and get a good, filling meal at High Country. It was good.


Well, we were trying to decide what to do with our day, today. Nancy decided we'd pack a lunch and walk up to the train station (there's a little picnic area). It was a nice walk. Up to the town, Nancy let me stop and smell everything on the way there. On the way back, though, we got some exercise--no fooling around.


We found this sign on our way-

In case you can't read it, it says, "1881 Log Bunkhouse Oldest

Building on Railroad

1924 Coal Tipple 70 ft. High

Holds 60 Ton, Fast Empty

The Only Wood Tipple Left

1907 Water Tank Holds

50,000 Gal. Unique Style

With Two Waterspounts

…2006"

The people who volunteer come here every summer and work all summer keeping the railroad up and improving the town.

When we walked back into the campground, a few people came running out and said, "You're coming on Monday, right?" Nancy was kind of taken back and said, "It's mostly couples, isn't it?" They said, "Nah, c'mon and have some fun."

So, when we got back to the trailer, we headed out to get something to bring with us. Nancy's doing what's simple and easy--the old Sour Cream Dip with Potato Chips trick. She thought of doing something more elaborate--but it was a fleeting thought. Then, Susan called and suggested her 7 Bean Dip which is delicious and it was tempting to make, but it's a pain in the neck in the trailer. She may decide over the weekend to go ahead and do it if she has the recipe.

So, all and all, we had a quiet day. It's a little on the warm side, today and it's overcast. They predicted thunderstorms, so we'll see. It was breezy a little while, ago, but it's very still, now. Nancy puts the chairs in the truck at night, but coming through town we saw a couple of rain drops on the windshield so it might be a bood idea to get them in early.

It seems like a long time ago since we were sitting on the Mississippi, ducking tornadoes in Arkansas, or watching the wind pick two wheels of the trailer up in Amarillo. This has been a quiet, restful stay.

One thing I've been meaning to mention is the hundreds of humming birds that are here. Today, it looked like one was going to land on Nancy's ear, instead he hovered looking into her ear. The other day we saw two golden orioles. They are the color of marigolds-just beautiful. Nancy googled hummingbirds of New Mexico, and it seems this state has more species than most. What amazes us is that they are so unafraid to come so close.

Where is Jack, Day 45?

It looks like another beautiful day. I had a nightmare last night--I don't remember what it was about, but Nancy woke me. I was standing in the middle of the floor crying. I think I thought I was lost.

I have a new friend. His name is Boomer. He is BIG. He's a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Great Pyrenees. He is very handsome. People think I'm big, but Boomer is as tall as the picnic tables. He likes Nancy, but his human, Beverly, says he doesn't like men. Nancy said she's going to take a picture of him, today, for my blog. She gave him one of my gigantic bones that I haven't been chewing. He's lovin' it.

Okay, Nancy, c'mon back over here. He's handsome but you don't have to make such a BIG fuss over him.

We went and got the laundry done, today, so that's a big load off Nancy's mind. She also spent hours routing the trip from here to Las Vegas, trying to figure out how she could stop at the north rim on the way. She thinks she's got it figured out. One of the other campers came over, and he put his stamp of approval on her route. She found out that the skywalk is on the west rim. That works out well because Nancy will be coming the northern route past the canyon.

It's been a lazy day. Nancy's going to take me for a walk in a little while.

We're back.  The nice man stopped by, again, to tell Nancy about the Memorial Day BBQ telling her to make sure she goes. I don't think she's going to unless she can bring me. I told her to go ahead, but you know how she is.

Where is Jack, Day 43?

We awoke this morning and it was crisp and cold. Nancy donned her Heidi hat and we went for a walk. We came back and she went up to the showers. Though it's cool out, the sun is strong and bright so I wanted to stay outside. Nancy joined me after doing a little housework, with her book in hand. She's reading another Patterson. She put the iPod player on and we mostly listened to Jimmy Buffet and James Taylor. It's very pleasant here. The guy that stopped Nancy at the gate the other day came by with some of the other men who are working on the grounds and they were kidding her about where her hair went. Then, along came the train and we waved and watched them. The men come by to see me whenever they are in the area. When the man stopped her about the tag that's supposed to be on her mirror, she forgot that there was a gate down. It's below her line of vision in the truck so she nicked it with a tire. No damage done, though she offered to pay if there was. They always tell her how much they like me, and how every dog should be as well behaved as I am. (snicker)

There most likely will be no pictures, today. I think the only place Nancy plans to go is to the grocery store--not enough laundry, yet. Well, I was wrong. We did go to the grocery store, but we really laid around most of the day. I like to people watch, too, and the men are always doing something around here.

While we were on one of our walks, Nancy said she's still fascinated with how pretty the dandelions are. Strange how we  do everything we can to eliminate them back east. If we left them alone, I think they're prettier than most lawns.

When we went into town, Nancy decided to take a picture of Vera's. There was a time when Nancy didn't like ANY Mexican food. She remembers Rich laughing because she ordered fried fish (which was awful) and he said, "Who orders fried fish in a Mexican restaurant?" Nancy swears that he used to time his driving to hit Vera's either for lunch or for dinner. He was funny.

I may have told you this before, but someone, here, was telling Nancy that Vera passed away a year or two ago, the children wanted nothing to do with the restaurant, so the building is being neglected. The building out back is already collapsing.

Tomorrow, we'll definitely go to Pagosa Springs to see if we can get a memory foam pad for this table bed. Aunt Judy thought that was very funny for some reason.

Sometimes we miss people, but we talk to one another all the time and keep each other company. Then, there are books--I can't read, but I don't mind sleeping a good deal of the afternoon if we're just hanging around--that's what dogs do, you know. There really isn't TV, but Nancy has  a gazillion DVDs even after weeding out half of them. We watched "Lovely Bones" the other night and morning. We watched "Precious" one night--too violent. Strange that Oprah recommended it. Nancy says she thinks she saw "The Constant Gardener" but she doesn't remember so we'll probably watch that, tonight. She still gets mad about leaving the one at Walmarts in Amarillo.

Well, I'm going to go see if I can tear her away from "Jimmy" long enough to go for a walk, and maybe if I'm lucky, I'll even get to play a little ball.

Well, I got lucky!! I'm really staying in shape with all the excercise I'm getting this trip. Susie is going to bring me NEW BALLS!!! I will be so glad to see her. It won't be long, now.

Where is Jack, Day 41

This will be a short blog day. Nancy and I didn't sleep very well last night. She was wrestless, up late, and back up for the day at 3 a.m. I think, aside from not taking Tylenol PM, she had the fridge and the furnace on her mind.

She decided that even though the men said a faulty new fuse was very highly unlikely, it meant that it was vaguely possible. What could she lose. So she got the flashlight out, Tweezers and another brand new fuse and replaced it, not really expecting it to work. I was so  happy when I saw the light on the fridge go on, and  when she saw it go on she did the happy dance and was hugging and kissing me saying, "We did it, we did it!" Well, darn, I hate to disappoint her, but I was laying right here on this bed all the time, but if she wants to make me her hero, that's okay.

We had to go up to the post office. About that time, the train with about 150 people, someone said, arrived back in the station. So, the celebration was on. Nancy decided to have lunch in the village as it was cool enough to leave the windows and fan on for me--I was tired and wanted to sleep. She had a hamburger at the Foster. When she first walked in, she could tell by the floor that she was in an old building. Unfortunately, the very plain restaurant had redone the floors in Pergo. What a shame, unless the others were too far gone to be salvaged.

Nancy was going to read a book, but she's so tired that a nap sounds better.  Maybe later on she'll take some more pictures of the river. We took a long walk before dawn this morning, and on the way back the sun was starting to shine on the river--a part we hadn't seen before.

On the way back into the campground, the guy that tried to help Nancy last night came out and asked her if she'd gotten hold of anyone to fix the fridge and furnace. When she told him she had fixed it with a new fuse, he asked her, "Do you have the pink pass that's supposed to go on your mirror? That way we won't have to stop you every time you come in." Nancy told him it must have fallen and she lost it so she'd get a new one. Heck, if he doesn't recognize the white hair and the big blue truck with American flags on it, I'll buy him a pair of glasses, myself!

Okay, so we napped, and got up feeling better. Nancy took me to the back of the campground and played ball so I got some exercise. It felt good. Since all the food had spoiled, and we didn't have anything in the house for Nancy to eat, we found a restaurant just south of the main part of Chama. The food was good, but it was all older couples, and so Nancy had a few weak moments. Then, on the way back, we saw Vera's, a restaurant that Rich used to time his trips by--he loved to eat there. Vera died a few years, ago, and the kids didn't want any part of the restaurant so it's falling to disrepair. It was a very nice, large restaurant. Sad.

After dinner, Nancy decided to go north past the campground and the scenery was BREATHTAKING. She took her camera out, but it wasn't working. She's charging the battery, tonight, hoping that's all it is.  She wants to go back up there--it follows the railroad tracks, but the valleys and mountains are incredible. We stopped, for a while, to watch three cowboys rounding up cattle. It was very interesting. The scenery rivaled that in "Brokeback Mountain". We're going back. We're also taking a ride to Pagosa Springs one day this week, and maybe even Durango though that's quite a drive. The San Juan's have always been Nancy and Rich's favorite mountains--we wish Rich could have seen the part of them that we saw, today. Well, again, sorry no pictures. If the camera is working, we'll make up for it, tomorrow. If the camera doesn't work, we're heading to Pagosa Springs. G'nite all.

Where is Jack, Day 40?

We woke up pretty early this morning, and watched the rest of the movie that we started last night. Then, Nancy got on the Internet and found out that Michael and Keely are going to meet us in Portland!!  They arrive at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 17th and leave Thursday night! We are very excited. It looks like they will be staying with my cousin, Rob, for a couple of days. Uncle Paul had mentioned at one time that he wanted to see us in Portland, too, so it may be like old home week.


Nancy just said she's going to get up and eat, get dressed, and then we're going for a walk. The birds are chirping away. It looks like a beautiful day--no wind, yet. Just as we stepped out, we heard the train whistle-not a very good picture, but a historic one since it turned out to be opening ceremony, tomorrow.

We took a long walk through the park this morning. We wondered how many of Rich’s and Lizzie’s footsteps we’ve walked in. How we wish they were here. We remembered the dandelions.  For some reason, Chama is full of dandelions-fields of them.

They reminded Nancy of something she had read and never forgotten.

Hurrah for Dandelions

It occurs to me

that the official, honest-to-goddess

woman-bearing flower is most likely the dandelion, one fantastic creation what got piss poor press, and has yet to recover full flower status.

Howsomever and nonetheless, it goes on going on (to the chagrin of many)

painting grass with sunshine, making tea, salad, chains, wine and carrying wishes on the wind.

What else but a woman,

(or one dumb dandelion)

could withstand chemical warfare,

decapitation, widespread denigration,

being yanked out by its roots and other decidedly unfriendly acts-

not to mention the piss poor press-

and go right on blooming her fool head off?

--Copyright 1986 by JG Masters

Then, we walked to the village.  My how it has changed. It has sidewalks, now, and interesting little shops and cute little restaurants and cafes. Rich and Nancy said, when they were here, if it were closer they’d buy property because they thought it would be quite a place some day.  They weren’t sure whether that was good or bad.  They liked the "unimproved Chama", but they were sure that their secret place would not remain a secret for very long. They were right. At least they are not spoiling the charm with the expansion.
Colorful Victorian Style Bed and Bath

A Litte Chama History

Little Church Right in the Middle of Town

Part of the "Old" Chama

This gallery looked interesting, but Nancy's hip was bothering her so she'll go in another time. She said she thinks she's falling apart between her hip, back, neck, and the altitude!

Princess, Wilson, and Deb will get a kick out of this. Princess trimmed Nancy's hair while she was sitting on a picnic table in Taos.

Interesting Sign-You can click on pictures to enlarge.

Interesting Store. Nancy bought a book for $3.00

Caboose-Nancy's going to wait until the activity is over before spending a lot of time with the camera in the train yard. 

Train Station-Where the Opening Ceremony will be held

This is the train that you can barely see in the first picture, returning late this afternoon to the train station when we went back.

Just a picture of a steam engine in the yard.

When we were walking past the railroad yard (Nancy didn’t bring her camera), suddenly from way down the hill, someone called, “HEY, JACK!  TELL NANCY TO BRING YOU DOWN HERE.”

We were startled, we looked at each other, and then Nancy yelled back, “Who are you?”

The voice yelled, “I’M JACK’S NEIGHBOR!”  Nancy yelled back, “Who?” We were both totally confused at that point.

“BOB,” came the voice.  We all laughed and went down to the railroad tracks. Memories of childhood flooded Nancy’s brain.  The smell of the steam engines.  Judy, you’re younger, but you would remember.

It seems there’s a whole group of men and women who are “friends” of the Cumbres and Toltec. They say it’s a beautiful ride—much prettier than the Silverton ride. If the ride over was any indication of the places it passes, we could believe it.

Nancy’s going back with her camera, later. This is where the pictures probably should have gone, but I'm too tired to move them.

Nancy cleaned the camper, swiffered the floor and everything. Then she sat out and read for a while and asked me if I'd like to stay another week.  I love this place.  Of course I would.  She went down to the office. When she left I forgot myself and I barked. She came back really fast and I figured, "Ut oh, I'm really in for it." She held my snout and said, "No Bark." I HATE when she does that.  Then she put me inside the trailer until she got back which was only about 5 minutes. So, this is home for a while. She put her big patio mat out to try to keep the floors somewhat clean, and it sort of makes an outside living room. The chair is dry so she'll read for a good part of the afternoon. She said she'd take me with her to town, but leave me in the truck with the air conditioning on while she takes pictures. That's a fair deal. It's hard to hold my leash and take pictures at the same time. I'm a reasonable guy.

The train went by a little while ago. We weren't sure where it was going to come from because there are tracks on either side of the park. Nancy can't run as fast as she used to and I can't take pictures, so she'll have to wait for another day to get some good shots. Now, we'll know when we hear the whistle. Wow, are the pictures really in the wrong place!


We went into town.  Nancy left me in the truck with the air conditioning on. People kept saying how windy it was--they don't know what wind is around here. Anyway, Nancy scoped out some of the shops, but her hip was bothering her so she didn't stay too long. We went to get gas. Nancy had bought some fudge and it was delicious unlike the fudge in Angel Fire. I'll post some pictures in a few minutes, but Nancy heard from John, today. Lisa couldn't get on the blog, but then she could. I'm so glad someone is reading it. Coincidentally, when John called, Nancy was answering an email from Martha and Jim. Martha wasn't able to get on the blog either. Nancy explained how in an email back to her.


Last, but not least, the fridge is on the blink. Nancy's not sure, yet, whether it's just the indicator lights or the fridge, itself.  Tomorrow will tell when we wake up.


I thought that was last, but we found out, today, that tomorrow is the official opening of the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad. We couldn't figure out why so many people were around. The train we saw pass this morning must have been a trial run or just for VIPs. Well, I have to get off.  Nancy wants to post some pictures.

Where is Jack, Day 39?

Words can't describe the ride from Taos to Chama. Spectacular is close. On the road we took, we only saw some motorcyclists, in a group, at a rest stop and at the most three cars in three hours. It was only a 68 minute drive according to the GPS, but we stopped often to enjoy the views and lunch. We felt as though we were on top of the world. The air was so crisp and clear, and Nancy let me out to play in the snow. She couldn't take pictures because she was slipping and sliding--so was I. What fun. It was in the 40s and 50s, but it felt like 70.

Nancy was able to take some pictures since there didn't seem to be anyone else around. They just can't do it justice, however.
Aspens and snow:

I'm ready to play. First we have to eat.

Little Ranch Along the Way-Lucky Soul

Just enjoying my walk.

Not So Little Ranch Along the Way

Fishing for Princess, Wilson, and Deb

Snow for Me to Play In AND for Nancy to throw a snow ball at me. That was a surprise!

Birth of a River?

Valley Below. Couldn't get a good picture.

The RV Park is just as we remembered. Beautiful and the Chama River runs through it. There's more a feel of Colorado woods--no more Pinion Pine. The birds are incredible with their song. I wish you could all hear them, they're incredible.

The people at check in were so nice. They offered to take care of me if Nancy wanted to go on the railroad. I'm lounging on my blanket soaking it all in. Nancy is laughing because her whole bottom is wet. The chair was left out in the rain last night and she thought it was dry. It was like sponge just waiting for her behind.

Well, Nancy left me outside to listen to the birds while she went and took a shower. I didn't make any noise because I never want to leave this place. When Nancy came back, I introduced her to my new friend and neighbor, Bob. He really likes me. He and his wife live in Arizona and come to this park for 5 months every year. He's a very nice man as are all the men and ladies we've met. Everyone has offered their help if Nancy needs it. I think that's very nice.

We have taken several walks all around the park. Nancy took a lot of picture, but said she will only post a few here because it takes so long.

This bridge is not far from us. The river is not running as fast as it was the last time we were here, but Nancy said she thinks it was earlier in May.

I don't think you could live in Chama and not be a railroad buff. There's things like this all around the park. We can walk to town and to the railroad station or I think it's more of a place to maintain the engines.

The owners love dogs so they have a lot of dog walks. This is the one that's closest to us.

The owner must buy old buildings.

I have a thing for water and so does Nancy so we take a lot of pictures of it. I'm always disappointed when it's not moving in the picture!

Great to have a river running right through the campground. Bob told me that there are raccoons so I best not sleep outside. Nancy said, "Not to worry, he sleeps with me." Geez, does she have to embarrass me like that?

Not only that, there's railroad tracks--real ones--running through, too!

And a real train! I think someone got carried away. That's an old school bus that looks like the engine!

Here's our campsite.

And another water tower!

I think we're going to really enjoy this campground. Nancy thought about taking a ride up to Durango, but it's further away than she remembered and would be an all day LONG trip. If we go when we leave, here, we'll be going in the opposite direction from what we planned. We'll see as the week goes by. Right now, I'm just enjoying all the birds and squirrels and the beautiful weather--no wind!! No sand!!

We'll walk to the village, tomorrow, and see what there is to see. Right now, it's time to just relax, and Nancy's hungry so she's going to eat.

We went for a long walk after Nancy ate. She just checked the weather--it's going to be windy, tomorrow.  I don't care, I'm lovin' it, anyway. It's good that we had such a good day to drive.

Susie called to see how we are. A while back, she bought a beautiful (Big) purse. While she was standing in the mall waiting for a friend and talking to Nancy, she said people thought she was shop lifting. She said it loud enough for the two "plain clothesman" to hear and they disappeared. Too funny. It's almost dark and the birds are still chirping.