Bosque del Apache, NM 2/7/17

February 7, 2017

40 degrees this morning and clear skies.  After a bit of breakfast, we bid farewell to Tom and Sue and head out of town.  We've decided to head toward Bosque del Apache National Wildlife  Refuge near Socorro, New Mexico.  We exit Arizona on I-10, Greg driving and Beth doing some computer work. We get gas and head north at Deming, through Hatch - the Chili Capital of New Mexico.  We have eaten here a few times, but pass today, settling for PB&J on the road.

Sparky's in Hatch, famous for green chili cheeseburgers

Basque del Apache is well known for migratory birds and we are not disappointed. After checking in at the HDQ, we drive their wildlife loop, stopping here and there for short walks.  Many ducks on the water, lots of sandhill cranes, snow geese and Canada geese.  Most of these have been here since October but will be gone in a few weeks.

A great deal of corn is planted in this area, alternating years with alfalfa to retain soil nitrogen. There is also some millet and other grains.  The water, mainly from the nearby Rio Grande river, is also managed.

We also spot a skunk, a few javelina and some deer.  Plus this bird which I think may be a juvenile bald eagle - we know there are eagles here.  ??

 Beautiful day in the 60's.  The rangers at the Visitor's Center give us a handout which identifies some nearby areas for dry camping (no facilities) and we opt to go up the road about 9 miles to San Antonio (NM) and some BLM (Bureau of Land Management) property. They generally allow camping and generally have no facilities, which is fine with us.  We've got the whole area to ourselves.

 We have to close the overhead vent because of strong winds, but otherwise have a quiet evening.  Soup and fruit for dinner and we do some reading.  Greg is reading a Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects, while Beth is reading a novel called Ordinary Grace.  Quiet, cool night with cloudy skies obscuring all but a few starts.