Another Day Towards Tucson

"The heart of man plans his way,

    but the Lord establishes his steps."

Proverbs 16:9 

We left Fort Stockton early enough but made the mistake of stopping at a Denny's for breakfast. We know better but we were lazy and didn't want to take the time to make something. One full hour and upset stomachs later we were back on the road. I swear this has been the nightmare food service trip. I can't even describe the total lack of competent service at a meal that should be the easiest meal of the day. We had to beg for coffee, the grits were cold and it took 45 minutes to get our food. 

As we drove out of the RV park, we found that the GPS had decided that New Mexico was not a part of the United States. No matter what we did we could not get it to see any cities in the state we were driving in. We pulled out the old faithful map and off we went. Ultimately we used my phone GPS as we got closer to the Carlsbad KOA where we were planning to stay the night. 

This campground is by perfectly situated for visiting the Carlsbad Caverns, Roswell, and Alamogordo. There are so many state parks in the area that we would need a month to visit them all. We made our notes for future visits since we only had one day here. The staff at the campground are super friendly and knowledgeable with plenty of tips about the area. They also have a full kitchen for dinner with delivery right to your camper. Also they have a dog park which has turned out to be a blessing since silly dog and crazy dog do not like having to do their business on gravel or in the desert. They prefer grass....spoiled as they are. 

We decided to do the touristy thing and go to Roswell to see the UFO Museum. 

Let's just say that it is the cheesiest thing we have ever visited but it was on our bucket list so we can now say we went. Lots of plastic little green men and every business uses aliens as a kitchy advertising gimmick. 

Luckily the trip was saved by a drive over to the airplane "boneyard" at the old Walker Air Force Base. Having a pilot in the family makes these finds so much more interesting. Apparently they have junkyards for airplanes. Even 747's. Who knew? We didn't get to go to the Walker Aviation Museum but we added that to the future list. There is quite a bit of history here even if most of it does revolve around aliens.

On the way back from Roswell we drove through Artesia, NM which looks like just another dusty oil town. But stop and look around and you will find some fantastic statues which tell the story of the old west, Artesia, and the oil boom. There is a walking tour through the downtown area which will take you through the history of the area. There is a lot more to this little town than meets the eye. 

Proof of that is the little gem we found a mile before the KOA coming from Roswell. Balzano Winery bottles Spirit Of Seven Rivers wines and has opened a winery/restaurant on Hwy 285. We initially stopped for a wine tasting but found that they served meals on the weekends. I had an antipasta plate with exquisite hard cheeses and salamis along with greek olives and an assortment of crackers. Sweetheart had a panini filled with delicate slices of tender roast beef. It came with a wonderful greek salad with just the right bite to the dressing. Oh and the best part? The wine tasting is free!!! (They also have a Facebook page!)

We ended the night with another round of stargazing. I just am in awe at the power and beauty of God's hand in the Heavens. It calls to mind the verse from Psalms "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?" (8:3-4)

So we end another day, tired but excited to see what tomorrow brings.

Thanks for being along for the journey,

Blessings,

©2014MichelleWelch, team member of Breath Of Life Women's Ministries and Single Matters Magazine
photography by Michelle Welch, all rights reserved
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.