Silver City, New Mexico

On May 31, 2018May 30, 2018 By LToddIn New Mexico, Photography, RV Travel, States, Travel2 Comments

We left the Texas Hill Country on March 14, 2018, the 45th day of our 2018 Winter Tour, headed west toward Silver City, New Mexico. With no reservations, our mantra for the day turned into, “Where oh where will we stop?”

Crossing West Texas

Windmills and oil derricks dotted the miles and miles of groomed cotton fields along Interstate 20. In the larger towns, like Midland and Odessa, energy-related businesses lined the highway with “Now Hiring” banners hung from their walls. Many of the roadside billboards also advertised for energy jobs, claiming their company was the best place for employees. Pickup trucks filled the parking lots we passed, not a Tesla, BMW, or Volkswagen in sight. We had never seen pop-up RV parks. Tucked in behind or beside commercial buildings trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes filled the spaces behind temporary fencing and lighting towers. Need a job? Head for West Texas and join the modern-day gold rush with your pickup truck and RV.

We continued on to Pecos, Texas, finding a spot at Tra-Park RV. Then we had another one-night stay at the Las Cruces KOA before arriving at the Silver City KOA in New Mexico for four nights. Visiting the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument was our goal during our stay.

Silver City Gateway Bridge Crosses The Big Ditch

Silver City, New Mexico

First, a little bit about Silver City that occupies land once used as an Apache campsite. Spaniards also mined copper nearby and archeological evidence indicates the Membres Mogollon Indians lived in the area between 200 and 1140-50 AD.

Near the Visitor Center is a 1870s Style Log Cabin Gifted to the City by Director Ron Howard. A Set Piece from the Movie “The Missing,” the Cabin is Placed at the Location Where Billy the Kid (AKA Henry McCarty and William H. Bonney) Lived from 1873 – 1875.

Founded in 1870 after prospectors discovered silver ore deposits at Chloride Flat, the city is now home to Western New Mexico University and two mining operations that generate approximately $73 million in wages.

One of the main features of the town is the Big Ditch. After twenty-five years of population growth, the loss of trees to construction and plant life to cattle grazing caused rainfall to rush through the downtown area destroying most of the businesses in its path during a major flood on July 21, 1895.

Impressive Greek Inspired Architecture for the Town Offices

The solution was a ditch 55-feet lower than the original main street. Residents and visitors can enjoy the tree-lined walking paths at Big Ditch Park.

Silver City boasts a vibrant arts district in the downtown area with musicians and artists, newly renovated Silco Theater, and the Southwest Festival of the Written Word.

Silco Theater Built in 1912. Renovated and re-opened on February 26, 2016, as Community Movie House

Copper Quail Gallery Dressed in a Southwest Adobe Style

As usual, the historic buildings had me raising my camera to capture the colorful buildings, detail architecture, and murals.

The Murray Hotel Chooses an Art Deco Theme

Diane’s Restaurant, Parlor, Bakery, and Deli

We enjoyed wandering around the town of Silver City and wouldn’t mind visiting there again. The March weather was comfortable, the people friendly, and best of all it wasn’t very crowded. Although I’m sure at times during the year visitors flock to the area.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is only 45 miles from Silver City, but it took us 2 hours. New Mexico Highway 15 (NM-15) twists and turns to the right and then to the left with hairpins that prevent driving more than 30 or 40 mph in many places. A long stretch of the road was narrow with no centerline and many blind curves making the way even slower. Be prepared for oncoming traffic. Some drivers cutting corners on those blind curves almost caused an accident. The road travels from desert to mountain pines increasing and decreasing in elevation until arriving at about 5,700 to 6,000 feet, the same elevation as where it began.

At the end of the road are a small visitor center, restrooms, and docents and rangers on hand to answer questions and direct visitors to the 1-mile loop trail to the dwellings. The well-maintained rustic trail skirted the Gila River and made me feel like I was walking in the footsteps of the people who built and lived in the dwellings.

Visitor Center and Parking Lot with Bridge to the Trail

At the first view of the dwellings, I wondered what it was like seeing home after a long day working in the fields. Images of pottery filled with water, grain, berries, and other foodstuffs and baskets holding blankets and clothing popped up. Also, fresh baked bread or tortillas and the aroma of vegetables and meat stewing over smoldering coals. I could almost see two little boys running up and down the path in a game of chase.

Cave One Depicts Storage Areas, Hearth, Ash Pit, and Cooking Support

Through dendrochronology, (the study of tree ring growth patterns) archeologists dated the timbers used as headers in construction to the 1280s AD.

About 80% of the Structure is Original. Others are Recreations.

I felt honored to have the opportunity to climb up and roam around the dwellings where the Mogollon Indians lived so many millenniums ago. The docents inside explained the different rooms and the prevailing or differing opinions of how they were used, creating an impression of life in the village.

Evidence in Subterranean Rooms Suggest Their Use as Either Residences or Kivas

The person in the middle of the photo gives a perspective of the cave’s size

A Climb Down the Ladder is Included in Tour

On our way back to Silver City, we took NM-35, then US-180 back to our RV site. This made our excursion a loop around the Gila National Forest allowing us to see more of the terrain. This route adds 23 miles to the odometer, but the road is less windy and wider with a centerline the whole way. Perfect conditions that reduce the risk of a motion sickness flare up.

I’m so glad we were able to finally make it to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Now we are planning a trip to Colorado during the summer to see the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.

Safe Travels

Abilene, Texas

On May 24, 2018May 23, 2018 By LToddIn Photography, RV Travel, States, Texas, Travel2 Comments

We had originally planned on only one night in Abilene but decided to spend an extra day exploring. After paring our list of 10 adventures down to three, we started off by driving south 15 miles to the Buffalo Gap Historic Village, stopped at the Abilene State Park for a picnic lunch, and finished up the day at the 12th Armored ‘Hellcats’ Division Memorial Museum.

Buffalo Gap Historic Village

Buffalo Gap Historic Village, a stop within the Texas Forts Trail Region, contains a grouping of 15 structures that depict life from the 1800s to the 1920s. The village began taking shape when Ernie Wilson purchased the original 1879 Taylor County Courthouse in 1956 to display his collection of artifacts and called it the “Ernie Wilson Museum of the Wild West.”

1879 Brick Courthouse and Knight-Sayles Cabin

After adding other structures to the property over several decades, a couple of ownership changes, and a new name, Taylor County took ownership of the village grounds, buildings, and artifacts in February 2017, and the Taylor County History Center was formed to operate the museum and continue its mission.

Entrance to the 1879 Taylor County Courthouse and Jail

The 1879 Taylor County Courthouse and Jail, opened in March 1880, to serve as the county seat of Taylor County. The brick construction includes cannonballs between the bricks to increase stability. Once Abilene became the county seat, the county sold the courthouse to a private party who turned it into a two-story home.

The Hill House is one of the first structures we entered on our tour through the decades. Tom Hill, Abilene’s first marshal at the age of 27, built the house in 1882 for $400. He and his wife Mollie lived there with their two children.

It seems there is a dispute about the details surrounding Hill’s death. Abilenescene.com describes a scuffle with an intoxicated saloon owner that caused the accidental shooting of Hill’s foot. They also report that Hill’s daughter told them he died of lockjaw a day later after the amputation of his big toe. An article in the Abilene Reporter-News on 08 April 1956 says Hill died in 1886 of gangrene after he was accidentally shot in the foot while on a hunting trip.

Caution: Slanted Wall May Cause Dizziness

The village conducts ghost tours in October and the Hill House is reported to generate the most paranormal activity.

Knight-Sayles Cabin – Wilson reconstructed the cabin in 1964. James Malcolm Callaway Knight and his wife Susannah built the original cabin in 1875 where Lake Abilene is today. They raised six of their fifteen children in the cabin, cooking on an open fire outdoors. The fireplace and stove were used for warming the cabin.

Construction Details of the Knight-Sayles Cabin

Buffalo Gap Post Office – built in 1950 by postmaster Charlie McDonald in his front yard when the postal service required post offices to be located in a freestanding building.

First Free-Standing Buffalo Gap Post Office

Inside First Free-Standing Buffalo Gap Post Office

Postal Boxes in First Free-Standing Buffalo Gap Post Office

Clyde Train Depot, built in Clyde, Texas, cost $40,000 in 1905. The train shortened travel to another town from months to days. The ticket and waiting room portion of the original depot is in one location on the property while the baggage compartment portion is now the general store where the tour begins.

Ticket Counter Inside the Clyde Train Depot

Segregated Waiting Rooms Inside the Clyde Train Depot

Cottonwood Flat School, originally located in Scurry County, cost $900 in 1930. Grades one through seven attended the school, while older students transferred to the high school in Snyder. After 1938, its use as a school terminated and the community used it to hold office elections and events. Moved to the cemetery for funerals in the 1950s, the building found its way to the village when it was donated in January 1989.

Cottonwood Flat Two Room School Building

Buffalo Gap Chapel The Nazarene Church, built in 1906, is the oldest church in Taylor County that is still used today. After bees used the back wall as their home, parishioners named it The Sweet Church.

Stain Glass Window Inside the Buffalo Gap Chapel

Besides the Bourn Texaco Service Station (originally constructed in Winters), other buildings include a doctor’s office, barbershop, a wagon barn filled with historic vehicles, a bank, print shop, an art gallery, and a blacksmith shop.

With picnic tables, restrooms and a playground for children available, visitors have plenty to see and do as they experience life through the decades at Buffalo Gap Historic Village.

Abilene State Park

Having emerged from the 1920s to present day, we headed to the Abilene State Park to find a nice picnic spot. The 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps project includes a stone water tower and a swimming pool complex. Under a shady tree with a view of the complex was a great place to eat our lunch.

Civilian Conservation Corp Swimming Pool Complex

With shore and boat ramp access to Lake Abilene, anglers can fish for catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie. Campers can find space for their tents or RVs and during the summer, visitors can splash around in the pool.

Detail of Brick Construction on the Civilian Conservation Corp Swimming Pool Complex

12th Armored Division Memorial Museum

The 12th Armored ‘Hellcats’ Division Memorial Museum, located at 1289 N. 2nd Street in Abilene, includes World War II artifacts, photos, weapons, uniforms, vehicles, dioramas, and a Holocaust memorial.

Much of the museum honors the soldiers attached to the 12th Armored ‘Hellcats’ Division who trained at Camp Barkeley, Texas, which was located 11 miles from Abilene. Construction on the training installation began in December 1940 and completed seven months later. Approximately 840 German prisoners of war were held at the location during 1944 and 1945. The base was then closed and the land reverted to the original landowners.

One of the Armored Vehicles at the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum

Jeeps are but One Type of Vehicle at the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum

Track Road Wheels Waiting for Restoration

One of the Exhibits at the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum

Field Office Tent and Radio Operator Exhibit

One of the Model Depictions of a WW II Battle

We enjoyed our day exploring the outskirts of Abilene and the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum in town. If we ever make our way through Abilene again, we’ll stay awhile, maybe find a spot at the State Park, scout around the historic buildings in town, and stop in at a restaurant or two. I’m sure we can find enough to keep us busy for a couple of days, or three, or four.

Safe Travels

The Space between Waco and Abilene, Texas

On May 17, 2018May 11, 2018 By LToddIn RV Travel, States, Texas, Travel2 Comments

The Space between Waco and Abilene, Texas

A gothic building rose out of the landscape as we headed northwest from Waco to Abilene on Highway 6. Was it someone’s mansion? A government building? Or the façade of a movie set? We had to investigate.

Bosque County Courthouse

We wound our way through the streets of Meridian, Texas, to the building’s location. It wasn’t hard. No other buildings were close to its height. The downtown area was quiet and offered plenty of parking on Monday, March 12, 2018.

Not satisfied with clicking one photo of the building and moving on, I had to walk around the structure to catch its image from as many sides as possible given the position of the sun.

Oh, and I couldn’t forget to pick up the detail in the clocktower.

Now, we had to see the inside. We entered the Bosque County Courthouse from a back door expecting to see bailiffs staffing a security checkpoint complete with a scanning machine, the usual protocol for government buildings since 9/11.

Creeping along the dark hallway was like entering the early 1900s. The ceiling towered above us, wainscot the color of chocolate milk covered the lower part of the walls, pumpkin-colored paint on the upper portion. An ornate iron staircase loomed ahead. We turned a corner and finally arrived at a desk in the middle of the first floor.

“May I help you?” the bailiff asked. After explaining what we were doing there, the uniformed man proceeded to tell us the history of the building, told us to go see the courtroom upstairs, and gave us a little tour downstairs.

I commented on the security difference from what we were used to seeing. He pointed to the four monitors at his desk where he watches people coming and going. He had seen us enter the back door. “It’s usually pretty quiet around here, not like in the larger counties,” he said.

The town of Meridian has a population of less than 1,500 and less than 20,000 people call the agricultural county home.

Bosque County would be a great place to get away from congestion and crowds. Visitors can roam around the little country towns exploring museums, galleries, and historic buildings, or enjoy the fishing and other water activities at the Bosque or Brazos rivers, or Lake Whitney.

Building Facts

Source: The Texas Historic Commission

Designed by Ft. Worth architect J.J. Kane
Oldest Texas courthouse building in continuous use
Three-story limestone in the Victorian Gothic Revival style
Two major renovations:
- The 1934 WPA project replaced the entire roof structure with a flat concrete roof. The clock tower was removed replaced with a single clock face, and steel windows replaced the wood ones. Within the forty years after the WPA project, additional work had lowered ceilings to hide mechanical and electrical installations.
- The rededication of the building on September 22, 2007, showcased the 2005-2007 restoration, which included reconstruction of the original clock tower and the four corner roof turrets, replacement of windows and doors with historic wood reproductions, restoring the ceilings to their original height in the courtroom, halls, and public spaces, and the reconstruction of wood wainscot paneling.

Dublin, Texas

It’s always serendipitous when we find a town with the same name as one in California. It turned out that our stomachs were growling when we arrived at the city limits of Dublin, Texas. We live near Dublin, California. Finding a spot to park posed no problem. The library was closed on Mondays.

The W.M. Wright Historical Park across the street provided a place to take a walk after lunch.

William T. Miller Gristmill Originally Built in 1882

Rear of Gristmill Originally Powered by Steam then Converted by Crude Oil Engine

Grass Always Tastes Better on the Other Side of the Fence

Spring break must have cleared most everyone out of town. There wasn’t much activity in the business district during the hour we were there.

Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum and Dublin Historical Museum

I wish we hadn’t been anxious to continue on to the RV park in Abilene. It would have been nice to visit the Dublin Bottling Works that has been in business since 1891. They still bottle sodas made with pure cane sugar. No high fructose corn syrup for them. Poking around in the three museums—Ben Hogan (the golfer), Dublin Historical, and Dublin Rodeo Heritage—also would have been interesting.

RV Trouble

We arrived in Abilene around 4:00 p.m. and commenced our set up routine. After Jon had hooked up the sewer, water, and electricity, it was time to extend the living area slide. I heard a whirring sound, but the slide did not move. Uh-oh!

The good folks in the Whistle Stop RV Park office gave me a card for Young’s RV and Trailer Repair. Jon called at about 4:50 p.m. Yes, Rick could come out in about an hour. “Tomorrow morning would be okay.” “No, I’ll be there,” Rick said. Fortunately, it was a quick fix. A bolt had wiggled loose, which prevented the gear from engaging. Rick found the bolt, put it back in with some bailing wire so it wouldn’t back out again, and we had a freshly lubed and working slide. Thanks go out to Young’s RV and Trailer Repair in Abilene, Texas, for the best service ever. Find them on Facebook at Young’s RV Repair.

Next up we visit Buffalo Gap Historic Village, Abilene State Park, and the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum.

Safe Travels

Waco, Texas Part III

On May 10, 2018May 9, 2018 By LToddIn Photography, States, Texas, TravelLeave a comment

This is the continuation and final post of our stay in Waco, Texas, during March 2018.

George W. Bush Presidential Center

George W. Bush Presidential Museum and Library

An hour and a half drive from Waco brought us to the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. At the Southern Methodist University, the Center houses the 43rd president’s library and museum, the George W. Bush Policy Institute, and the G. W. Bush Foundation offices on a 23-acre site of the Southern Methodist University near Dallas.

Included in the 23 acres is a 15- acre park and gardens that are open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. The park consists of native prairie grasses, seasonal wildflowers, and native habitats for butterflies, birds, and other species. Had we not been anxious to beat the commuter rush, we would have spent time wandering around the park.

Quote from George W. Bush’s Inaugural Address

One of the first exhibits visitors encounter inside the building is the 360-degree, 20-foot-tall high definition video wall in Freedom Hall. The video blends art, history, and entertainment through a variety of scenes that morph from one to the other. Some people might get dizzy from looking up at the videos too long. Railings to hang on to are not available like they had at Disneyland’s America the Beautiful theater in Tomorrow Land.

While gazing up at the video I noticed this geometric wood paneled skylight.

Skylight inside George W. Bush Library and Museum

The first stop, once we entered the museum, was the introductory video in the theater that was already in process. We decided to go back later to view it and continued along the path. We walked around a corner and in the middle of a circular area two twisted steel beams—remnants from the twin towers—rose from the floor and held in place by cables attached to the ceiling. A half circle of monitors ran film clips of planes flying into the towers, explosions and fire, the collapse of the towers, people running through the debris that fell, news reporters trying to make sense of what was happening.

All the emotions I felt the morning of September 11, 2001, while I watched the events unfold on my television came flooding back. For weeks after that date, nothing else mattered to me except being close to my family. Work became insignificant and had no meaning. Tears welled up anytime I saw a flag hanging from an overpass, posted to the sides of houses, or flying from the back of a fire truck. My heart still ached for the men, women, and children that died and for the family and friends left behind without their mothers, fathers, sisters, or brothers. I averted my eyes the best I could and headed for other exhibits.

Displays on George Bush’s significant legislation turned out to be less threatening to my mental state. No Child Left Behind, the passage of Medicare Part D, Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act reminded me of all the good Bush did during his presidency. While Tax relief and the Iraq war made me long for the surplus Bill Clinton handed Bush before his inauguration and which blossomed out of control by the end of his two terms.

In Pursuit of Liberty and Hope for All Humanity

After peeking in at the full-size replica of the oval office and the exhibit featuring Laura Bush, Jon and I returned to watch the video. What was the first image plastered on the screen? The horrible event of 9/11. With no escape, I let my emotions wash over me until the film switched to other topics.

One of the Exhibits in the Laura Bush Section of the Museum

We took a break and ate lunch at Café 43 (named for the 43rd President) where they offered a wide selection of soups and salads, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts. Then we visited the First Ladies: Style of Influence exhibit running from March 1 to October 1, 2018. Each of the country’s first ladies was featured with photos and biographies.

I zeroed in on the Lou Hoover display because of her connection to the Girl Scouts, a group I participated in for a number of years as a young girl. She helped Juliette Gordon Low establish the national organization and served in many capacities between 1917 and 1929. Her duties even included troop leader in both Washington D.C. and Palo Alto, California, the locations of both of her residences.

Lou Hoover Active in Girl Scouts Organization

Early scouts had more to do besides taking cookie orders and delivering them. They even had to bake them. I wonder if they earned a badge for demonstrating their baking and selling skills. Edith Wilson became the first first lady to serve as the honorary president of the Girl Scouts in 1917, and each first lady since has been invited to serve in that capacity.

How Many Boxes of Cookies Would You Like?

Waco, Texas Wrap Up

And now it’s time to conclude our time in Waco, Texas. We kept busy while there and look forward to returning someday. It will be fun to see what new renovations the city will undergo in this down-home western town that treasures its history, where people are friendly, and restaurants are plentiful.

Speaking of restaurants, we had the pleasure of visiting three while in Waco. At Buzzard Billy’s, I enjoyed the red beans and rice while Jon dug into his andouille sausage. The food was tasty, but the best part was the view of the Brazos River and suspension bridge from our table.

Buzzard Billy’s Restaurant

Inside Buzzard Billy’s

View of Suspension Bridge from Buzzard Billy’s

We also ate Bon Mi sandwiches at The Clay Pot, a Vietnamese restaurant on Franklin Avenue in downtown and Taqueria El Mexicano Grill served up good Mexican food for lunch.

In case I didn’t include enough photos, here are a few of the buildings in downtown that are representative of the architecture in the historic district.