Last Few Days of Enchantment – Lake Heron, NM
We’re nearing the end of our time here in New Mexico. What started off as a potential 2-week trip with the idea that “we’ll just make a couple of stops” turned into a tremendous 2-month exploration of a fascinating and diverse place. I’m not exaggerating when I say that New Mexico has blown us away. It’s a hidden gem and seems so under-visited that you can easily find remote and relaxing spots almost everywhere. We’ve camped without reservations and without a fixed timeframe, a luxury we don’t always have with a “beast” our size.
At the beginning of our time here, I sat overlooking the sunset at Brantley Lake and declared myself ready to be enchanted. There’s no doubt the travel gods heard me and gave us a better ride than we could ever have imagined.
We’ve got a few more days in the very quaint and cute area of Chama in North-Central New Mexico before we go. Yet again we’re next to a gorgeous lake (Heron Lake) and have established ourselves firmly as the only nutters who are actually walking and swimming in it. You can’t blame the Cuban-boy -> if anything Mr.Florida man should be shunning these chilly waters. Then again perhaps the Danish girl is rubbing off on him, or pooch is getting really good at goading him on, or it’s just the magic of New Mexico bathing his soul.
There’s no doubt the enchantment of this place has weaved its way into our hearts. New Mexico has made its mark and we’ll most definitely have to come back for more.
You two find the coolest places. We do agree…we loved New Mexico. Speaking of enchantment. Did you ever climb Enchanted Rock in Texas Hill Country? WOW…is that beautiful.
Marsha,
No we haven’t done that one yet!! Will have to add it to the list of things to do.
We might well go back into TX next year so making a list of
fun things to see there.
Nina
Wow you two have had a great trip.
We have not spent time in NM but will keep your blog to find the good spots.
How has your solar been keeping up?
Don’t hesitate to drop a line and let me know how it’s working out.
Marv
Precision RV
Marvin,
Cheers for checking in! The solar has been working great!
No problems at all. If we’ve got sun it cranks beautifully and
keeps up even if we’re on the internet/TV all day.
Very happy with it.
Nina
Sweet spot. I love the idea of camping alongside a lake or stream. We have it nearby right now (Dixie National Forest), but it’s really comfortable out. But a few days ago in Zion’s 100+ degree weather, it would have been awesome. Enjoy yourselves!
Lovely! Can’t believe it’s hitting 100 already in Zion, but I remember
it got very hot very fast at the lower elevations when we were in Utah last year.
Looking forward to all your pics on your blog of the area!
Nina
I’m so glad you found Chama, Nina!! I stayed there for about 10 days and discovered so many great places. Did you find the Upcountry restaurant in town? I was there in May so it was cool enough to let Jack wait in the car while I treated myself–unfortunately, restaurants tend to be lonely places for me so I don’t go often, but the food was good. Jack swam in Lake Heron just as Polly did and the elk preserve is a great place to hike–don’t leave before you go (it’s only a couple of blocks from town), and do take the ride up to Antonito CO. It is so worth the drive. It has been so exciting for me to know you’re seeing the same things I saw and experienced in NM. Thank you for the pleasure of taking me along through your wonderful blogs–brings back so many great memories. Enchanted State is a good name for New Mexico. Where to next?
Thanks so much for all the tips! Actually I think it was
an earlier comment you made on the blog that got us
thinking about stopping in Chama. So, really appreaciate
the idea!
Next we’re into CO…and then onto ID. Should be fun!
Nina
I’ve noticed that y’all like to set up near water. A calm lake or gently flowing creek can be so relaxing. I’m surprised that you don’t have kayaks yet. I know it may be hard to take the dog with you, but it opens up life at a whole different level. Give it some thought. Safe travels.
Syl
Syl, You know we’ve thought about Kayak’s alot, but we always
think about the trouble of carrying them around.
These past 2 months we’ve been next to lakes almost constantly,
and Kayaks would have been perfect,
but the next couple we’ll probably be more in the mountains.
Maybe one day we’ll get some. Inflatable is probably
the way to go on the road. It’s a great idea!
Nina
Getting a pair of kayaks definitely would be fun! And in Austin we saw a ton of kayakers with dogs in the boat, so that wouldn’t need to be a deal-breaker. 🙂
Where are you heading off to next?
Yeah, we’ve seen people do it with pooch and would
probably try that out. Polly is a bit nervous, but will
usually do whatever we do with a bit of encouragement.
Next is CO and then ID…can’t wait!
Nina
It’s after 2 a.m., and it popped into my head as I was trying to go to sleep-“High Country” was the name of the restaurant in Chama. Now I can go to sleep. I knew Upcountry didn’t sound right (It’s a book I read).
Glad you guys enjoyed your stay in NM. We feel in love with the state when we moved here a few years ago. Now being fulltimers, we can explore even more of it.
We’ve certainly fallen in love with it too! So happy we’ve gotten to see it.
Have to come back & explore the NW (Chaco etc.) and some more of the West.
Nina
It has been great following your travels here & I can’t wait to see the state!
We are planning to be in NM the end of Oct-Nov, any ideas on a 2-3 week itinerary? I think we’ll be coming in from the north.
Oh wonderful! That should be a PERFECT time to be here.
If you can make the Baloon Festival in Albuqueque
then I would plan your itinerary around that.
It’s supposed to be just fabulous!
So, maybe take one stop in the North.
I would do either
– Enchanted Circle somewhere -> you can see Taos, Rio Grande, Wild Rivers, Enchanted Circle
OR/
– NW to see Chaco Canyon (we’ve not done this yet)
Then do the baloon festival in Albuqueque and then decide on one southerly stop…either
– West to stay in Datil Well and see the Very Large Array and Pie Town
OR/
– SW to see City of Rocks & Gila Cliff Dwellings
OR/
– SE to see White Sands and the surrounding mountain area
Any of those stops would be wonderful!
Nina
Oh, I forgot to say that if you DO decide to hit the baloon festival then I’d advise to book your stay for that event. You can do the rest of NM without reservations, but the baloon festival is a really popular attraction and sites get booked out early. Can’t wait to read about the trip on your blog!
Nina
Thanks for all the tips! Just looked up the dates & think we will move up our NM trip to Oct so we can start there after CO…
You guys did a great job reporting on New Mexico. Next time we travel that way, I’ll review your trip. Thanks.
Very happy you enjoyed the write-up!
Nina
We travel with a small Zodiac inflatable boat/motor in the basement. Its wonderful to just blow it up with either the gen. or a 12 volt job hooked to the toad and off we go. We travel with three dogs, so each one gets their “turn” to go along – life jacket included of course!
We’re taking off for at least a year starting in April so I really enjoy reading your adventures. We, too, like to be by ourselves, near water, and with a full basement!
Sue