The Ranch, Lakewood, New Mexico

I was up at 0700 and I woke Jim an hour later. We had some breakfast and then got busy packing up. That didn't take long and then we headed to the dump station. One of the bad things about state parks is the lack of sewers. We did have the host site and there was a sewer connection but Jim declined to use it for the black tank.

We were on the road by 0945. We took Highway 17 north to Us 285 outside of Pecos. From there it was a straight shot to Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Even this far north in Texas they're pumping oil out of the ground

We stopped for lunch and was back on the road within 30 minutes. Then we crossed into New Mexico and the mountain time zone. We gained an hour.

New Mexico looks like Texas....fewer yuccas but no trees. The drive was easy and we had mostly cloudy skies.

We arrived at The Ranch, an Escapees park just after noon. It's north of Carlsbad in Lakewood. I'm not sure why, but it's located in a cow pasture or range, whatever you want to call it and there's an electric fence to keep them out of the campground. The office is closed from noon to one. But the cleaning lady came out and rang the bell and gave us all hugs. Hugs are an Escapees requirement.

While waiting for the office to open we checked out the clubhouse. Pretty good size with kitchen, library, dining room and rec room. Also took a couple pictures and need to get more.

This cactus is right behind our site

As is this 'cactus'. I think that's what it is.

We set up and relaxed for a bit. We then showered and at 1600 went to happy hour at the clubhouse. We met and talked with a few of the residents then left 15-20 minutes later. All of us were hungry and we wanted to eat! We're in the middle of nowhere....and we had to drive to Artesia, another 20 or so miles up the road.

The four of us decided pizza would be good so we stopped at a Pizza Hut. Cold beer, pizza and good friends. It was a great combination. After dinner we went to Walmart and got some much needed supplies.

Once home we headed for our homes and I turned on Dancing with the Stars. Also changed into my pajamas and continued with the laundry. Put away our purchases and fed Boo.

It's windy and it looks like it will be all night. what else is new? Just like Texas!!! :)


"There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good. ~Edwin Denby"