Yesterday we traveled a little under 200 miles from Holbrook, Arizona to Acoma, New Mexico. The skies were sunny and it was a great day for travel. I fueled up before leaving Holbrook but not before having an encounter with an inconsiderate driver. I was about five seconds into making a perfectly legal 'right on red' into the gas station when some dip s#*t in a car in the opposing left turn lane got his green arrow. I guess he figured that gave him immediate right of way and he laid on his horn and cut me off mid-turn. I had to hit the brakes and give way to avoid a collision but I answered his anemic beep with a long, deafening blast on the air horns. He was right under my driver's side mirror at the time so I'm sure it triggered a little butt pucker.
It's the little things in life...
The coach has air horns & a regular sounding horn.
Why is this even an option?
I don't get it.
It was a beautiful drive along I-40!
Crossing the Arizona - New Mexico border
Our destination for the day was the RV park at Sky City Casino & Hotel in Acoma, NM. I was a little worried about the potential quality of this RV park as the advertised nightly rate was $18. As it turned out, my concerns were unfounded. It's one of the nicest, cleanest facilities we've stayed at thus far...AND...
The nightly rate isn't $18!
IT'S $15!!
I mean.... c'mon!
New Mexico is such a beautiful part of the country. It always strikes me how each State has it's own unique character. The landscape changed almost immediately as we crossed the New Mexico State line.
As guests of the RV park, we have access to the hotel facilities. I considered working out at their fitness center but I'm just getting over (finally!) the cold/flu I've been battling for the past three plus weeks. That, and the elevation convinced me to wait another day or two before resuming my exercise routine.
So... as for today's disappointment.
The main reason we chose this spot at which to spend a couple of nights was to see the Acoma Pueblo, a fascinating National Historic Landmark. You should absolutely take the time to check out THIS LINK and the highlighted one above to learn more about this incredible city in the sky.
Suzanne finished her work around noon and we drove the ten or so miles out to the pueblo, only to find it was closed! Apparently at this time of the year it's only open to the public on weekends. Beginning March 24 it will be open seven days a week. Bad timing!
Enchanted Mesa - on the way to Acoma Pueblo
There was, however, a very friendly group of Acoma tribal members waiting for us in the parking lot across from the visitors center- one of whom gave us a wonderful verbal history of his people. Others of the natives had tables set up displaying their incredible artwork. And they took credit cards! We couldn't resist buying some of their pieces (gifts for the kids?) and had a great time talking with these very warm and friendly people whose ancestors have been living atop this mesa for some eight hundred plus years!
After waving goodbye, we continued along the loop that would eventually take us, full circle, back to Sky City Casino & Hotel (& RV Park).
On the way, we climbed switchbacks a few hundred feet to the top of a mesa overlooking the vast valley below. You can see Acoma Mesa in the distance at the end of this short video clip...
Suzanne bought a bauble from another native selling her artwork/jewelry at the top of the mesa - then sat for a moment to contemplate the universe...
All things considered, it was a good day - despite not being able to visit the Acoma Pueblo.
We'll be back!
Time to get ready to walk down to the casino for dinner.
Thanks for checking out the blog!
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