Sumner Lake S.P. NM

 Because the drive from Las Vegas, NM to Fort Sumner was only about an hour, guess who did all the driving? This girl, that’s who! Considering we had to dump and get propane and groceries, I even got to do some fancy drivin’ in some tight places. It was also the first time I drove Essie without TBG in the passenger seat nagging guiding me before we got Hond hooked up. The roads into Sumner Lake S.P. were narrow, but fortunately there was almost zero other traffic to scare me, and I even backed this moho into her (very spacious) spot.

A view of the lake for the first few days.

Our last few stays, and the one that will follow this, have been relatively low-key and devoid of the big dirt-chasing we like to do. This series of state parks we’ve visited over the last month all center around their lakes and water activities, as you would expect to be popular in a hot, southwestern state. We benefit from them not being busy at this time of year, but we also sacrifice some outdoor recreation options. This is why we keep our outdoor activity portfolio diversified.

This park has several, unconnected, recreation areas all around the lake. On our first full day, we took a ~12 mile bike ride to check them all out.

The spillway as seen from the end of the road in one of the picnic areas along the Pecos River.

 

In the mornings, we watched the buzzards warming up on the hill across the way.

Cooling my feet after a run.

With time getting shorter until we need to be up at Gila for the summer, we spent time getting the satellite TV receiver working and scheduling dental and eye appointments so we’ll be all set to “go remote.”

The weather finally warmed up enough for my little ‘yak to come out of hibernation, and my goal was to paddle out to and around the island.

Those two bare trees mark the island.

The “back side” of the island was the prettiest part, and I considered taking out on the rocks to climb up and wave at TBG back on the mainland.

I didn’t, and I regret that now.

I encouraged TBG to take a spin.

He’s gonna need a bigger boat.

Our second-to-last day was a hot one, but we suited up for another long bike ride anyhow, with the intent of jumping in the water afterwards to cool off. To that end, I wore my swimsuit on the ride, and TBG was tasked with making sure my back was well-covered with sunscreen. I’m still a little itchy from the mild sunburn.

A big windstorm kept us inside on our last full day, so we got caught up with more computer stuff and watched some of our new satellite TV which, unlike the OATV antenna, isn’t bothered by wind.

 

 

As I write this, I am at Bottomless Lakes S.P., our last NM park for a few weeks. I hope to get our time here blogged before we leave (ha!) because I’m pretty sure we’ll be off the grid until mid-May. Don’t let that stop you from commenting, my faithful readers! We bloggers live for comments/questions, to know that folks are reading and enjoying our ramblings, and I promise to respond to each and every one of you when I am back to civilization no matter on which media avenue you write.

I hope you’re all having adventures of your own, great and small, in the meantime!

COMMENTS

Lowe's Travels Wow, I’m impressed! But how did your short legs reached the pedal or the breaks? Oh wait you are a couple inches taller than I. That’s my excuse of not driving Betsy, too short to reach the pedals and to scared to even turn the steering wheel.
Comments? Well, only those who comments become your friends, so you better be careful what you wished for or you might have a gazillion friends.

Chasing Dirt Adjustable pedals! (Plus a little pillow behind my back) I think you might still be too short even if Betsy had adjustable pedals, since I need them all the way out with the seat all the way forward! And, too late now — comments or no comments, you’re officially my friend! 🙂

kathiefischer Congrats on driving the big girl and backing her up! That’s huge! It’s looking a bit too hot for hiking but all the beautiful water around seems to make up for it. Opie would love swimming in all that!

How long will you two be in NM? We’ll be there through a fair bit of May and possibly through some of June if you’re still there and nearby, we’d love to hook up!

Chasing Dirt We will be in the Alamogordo area April 28-May 11, Deming May 12-16, then up to Gila Cliff Dwellings for the rest of the summer. Does any of that line up? We’d love to see you!

kathiefischer Ack! We’re going in the wrong direction. We’re going to be in Albuquerque for most of May, then heading north to Santa Fe after that. Nuts.

Chasing Dirt Oh, shoot, that would’ve been fun (and games!)

Laurel I am SO impressed at your driving skills and your willingness/courage/determination to tackle driving and maneuvering your big rig! I know I need to start pulling our trailer. Sigh.
Just like you guys, we “diversify our activity portfolio.” It’s great to have biking and kayaking as options when the hiking is nonexistent or less than inspiring, plus it makes our adventures way more fun. TBG might need a tad bit bigger kayak, LOL!

I echo Laura’s comment on commenting. I don’t think most people understand how much time and energy it takes to create a blog post, and what a gift it is to all of those who are reading. Even though the pay is so good (LOL!!) it’s the comments that inspire us to keep blogging. So keep on blogging and entertaining us, my friend!

Chasing Dirt Thinking about driving is always much worse than actually doing it. You just need to get behind the wheel and give it a shot! Yes, TBG definitely needs his own kayak. That was even my little life jacket he squeezed into so he didn’t have o trudge back and get his. Thank you for being a faithful reader, great commenter, and bestest pal!

chapter3travels Oh, blog comments…. aren’t they the best? And yet, most people don’t leave them. Is it weird if I silently yell at my computer when I see people visiting an article and not commenting? Or worse yet, emailing me about the article?? Don’t email me!! Comment, dammit! Come on people, throw us a bone!! I guess I can’t complain. Before I had my blog, I read all kinds of stuff and never commented. The point is, people need to understand that we bloggers live for this shit and start acting accordingly. Jeez.

Anyway, I’m super impressed with your driving… from not driving at all to going solo, maneuvering around a grocery store parking lot, and backing into a space is amazing. You’re crushing it!! 

Chasing Dirt Yasssss, comments!!! I get a lot of mine on other social media, which is great, but my little blog comment number always looks a bit pathetic.

Oh, the little grocery store lot maneuver was a thing of beauty, especially after the Coca-Cola semi pulled in, further thwarting our escape. I know your motoring skillz have been getting honed as well. Brava, Sister-Driver!