We're "re-discovering" the area
Trip Start
Aug 25, 2007
1
2
12
Trip End
Sep 03, 2007
Mesilla,
New Mexico,
United States
Monday, August 27, 2007
Passed the pecan trees, couldn't find the chili, saw two wineries. Crossed the river a few times, then crossed the New Mexico Texas Border. Oops, somehow we navigated south and are down in La Union.
Hmm. There is a really neat flea market I'd love to explore, and some old boats for sale further up the road (or down the road depending on when we figure out where we are).
Stopping to ask some locals how to get to Mesilla is drawing blank stares and a few "yep, I heard about that town, but don't quite know where it is." This isn't looking good. We finally decide to keep the Rio Bravo on our right till we see a sign for the Route 10. Finally we're FOUND and it's a short ride to the Mesilla exit
What a welcome to New Mexico sign
. This exit is for the college, but it's a short drive to the little town of Mesilla. The historic buildings are built around the plaza. Smack in the middle of the plaza is a band stand. At the far end is the twin towered San Albino church. The oldest documented brick building in New Mexico is on the west side of the plaza (now a gift shop, of course).
Billy the Kid was tried in the Courthouse, and sentenced to be hung. Across the street from the Courthouse is La Posta, an adobe building that sheltered Kit Carson, General Douglas McArthur and Pancho Villa. We walk around town, then head south on the 4 lane Route 25.
Pecan groves give way to cow farms lining the highway. These are huge farming operations. Our cow pastures have grass, these are dirt and cow droppings. Cows aren't chomping on grass, since there isn't a growing blade in the fenced in barren pastures. Instead a truck drives along the fence and shoots out feed. Car-sized hay bales are stacked everywhere. This is not like the old TV show Green Acres. We took the "sky road" across the Franklin Mountains in search of the tram.
Along the bendy road are shady picnic buildings with views of the valley. The puzzlement is who in Texas built the runaway truck ramps. Instead of pulling the truck off on an upward ramp, the ramps are all downhill. How that will help slow them down is beyond me. There are some nice hiking trails in the mountains, if we only had the time to enjoy them on this trip.
It's on to the Wyler Aerial Tramway for a 2600 foot ride up to the top of the Ranger Peak 5600 feet about sea level
Here's the map
. The views from here are Texas and Mexico. Truly a panoramic moment. But not for those with a fear of heights. A small gift shop is on the pinnacle. Time to head back to the hotel to shower, return the car to the airport and meet up with our group. I'm not one for group tours, but not being bilingual, this seemed the easiest way to travel thru remote regions of Mexico.
Cesar, our tour guide, seems to have a sense of humor so he has my vote of confidence. And hopefully enough patience to put up with me for the week. After a briefing of what to do and especially what not to do we all board the bus and take our first tour... to Los Bandidos de Carlos y Mickeys.
This restaurant is located in an old hacienda. The vintage black and white photographs adorning many of the walls would be worth the trip alone. Add that to the Mexican food and it's a guarantee that you'll return again. Check out the barber shop chairs as you enter the bar. History, atmosphere and a margarita. A near perfect evening.
