Thursday, November 9th
Left Larry and Leslies, I 17 south to Camp Verde (left around 10am). Headed east on 260 through a bunch of little towns. Then cut north on 61 over little Colorado river and continued east. Hwy renamed 53 when in New Mexico. Was going to go to blue water state park but decided to go to El Morro National monument. Small campground, almost full. We were authorized by rangers to stay handicap site which I kind of am still handicapped. Dinner was bruschetta and green beans. Early bed. COLD.
Friday November 10th
Woke up at the national monument. Banana breakfast then off to the monument. I did the ½ mile walk to the pool at the base of the rock and we saw the inscription rock. Did it all on crutches. Armpits got sore. Then headed east on 53 to I-40. Exited off this on Coors rd and went north to stop at Triple AAA office. Joined via the app and picked up maps. Discovered no more campgrounds in guides, bought two woodalls which are worthless so a bummer. Back on to I-25 north, through Sante Fe then took High Scenic HWY to Taos which meant…285 to 503 to 76 and then a tiny bit on 75 then north on 518. Getting late so we stopped in Carson National forest and pulled off Picuris road to camp
From Website a scenic loop: Please allow some extra time to enjoy this unique scenic byway and its tiny villages along the way. Route: From Taos Plaza, Hwy. 68 south to Ranchos de Taos; Hwy. 518 east; Hwy. 75 west to Peñasco; Hwy. 76 south to Trampas, Truchas, Cordova and Chimayó; Hwy. 68 south to Santa Fe; Hwy. 68 north to Española and Taos.