Trip to the Total Eclipse: Connecting the Spots, Aztec to San Antonio

We stayed in Aztec for twelve days: did some chores; visited with family; celebrated Easter; ate at local restaurants; walked the local park. My favorite day was the one where we (I didn't do anything but take photos) burned the irrigation ditch to clear out the old weeds and overhanging plants. We also burned that large piles of downed trees and weeds that have collected since last year.

Excellent conditions, damp but not windy.

Insuring a full, controlled burn.

Water if needed.

Wow. Don't stand too close!

A wide shot for perspective.

Turkey buzzards feasting on the prairie dogs.

A red tailed hawk also wants an easy meal.

We watched our niece's fifth-grade choir concert. It was fun. We then all went out to a local restaurant. Russ and I always try to have at least one meal at Rubia's when we are visiting. In fact, we went back again before we left. There was also another walk for us at Riverside Park, too. We had a quiet Easter, but enjoyed dinner the evening prior with Russ' brother's family in town.

Getting ready to sing.

The whole gang and Rubia's.

It was Taco Tuesday.

The Animas River.

Lots of graffiti under the bridge. Some NSFW.

Sunshine and ducks.

The view from the Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Old cemetery flowers waiting for trash pick-up.

Strawberry mojitos.

Frito pie.

Easter visit with family.

Bjorn wants more play time.

Easter dinner.

Back to Rubia's.

No tacos today. Green chile relleno.

Local beer selection from Tractor Brewing.

We left Aztec and drove south. Our first night away was at Isleta Lakes RV Park in Albuquerque. We met a college friend for dinner at El Modelo Cocina Mexicana and talked for hours back at the trailer. Nostalgia is enjoyable, but after too much, it starts to feel self-indulgent. I-40 east of the city starts with mesas and mountains and ends in plains. I'm usually a bit sad to say goodbye to the mountains of the west. We are staying in Texas tonight, near Brownville at Reddy Vineyards and Winery. It's lovely and quiet. We ordered some wine to be shipped home. It gives me something to look forward to when we stop moving.

The redbud tree before we left.

Last breakfast at home (Russ childhood home).

The road south to Albuquerque.

It's a nice spot for lunch.

El Modelo with a friend.

Blazing sunrise at Isleta Lakes RV Park from the R-Pod window.

Turn left at Albuquerque.

An important spot with no rivals. Clines Corners, NM.

The road to Roswell.

Tree and clouds.

Lots of abandoned structures in this part of New Mexico.

These are the last mountains we will see for weeks.

Tiny yellow flowers everywhere.

A pistaschio farm.

The Texas state line.

Our spot for the night at Reddy Vineyards.

Big Texas sky with rows of grape vines.

The front patio.

We are tucked in for the night, and I for one am tired. More driving is on the agenda for the next two days. We will then be in San Antonio for our eclipse viewing. It doesn't look favorable, though; thunderstorms and clouds are expected on the big day.