I had every intention of writing more throughout the day yesterday, but my head is still on a consistent throb today. I’m still slimy and generally gross, but I’m trying my best to keep my energy going as the kids need me.
We left our campsite shortly after noon. It’s a great time for driving as the kids are likely to sleep. It’s exactly what happened on our stretch. The road out of the woods was very bumpy but not very long and soon we cruised along Route 66 through Edgewood and Moriarty. I was listening to Shakey Graves’ “Built to Roam” and it put me in a wonderful zen mode to drive all the way to Santa Rosa where we pulled straight into the Park in the center of town. I really needed a rest. The boys played at the Park with Daniel until I felt somewhat competent to go out and play along.
After the park, we drove to the Loves at the edge of town and had dinner at the Carls Jr. Then went to bed pretty early.
This morning, after wake up with Jelly tortillas and juice, we headed to the car museum where the boys went crazy running through the rows of cars. It’s really a nice little exhibit, especially looking at the memorabilia stacked along the walls. I was dancing and singing along to their ’50s hits. I would’ve really like to buy one of their sweet dresses, but besides being only XL and 3XL, they were $60 a pop and not the best material either.
Our next stop was the Blue Hole. A natural spring, 60 ft in diameter but 81ft deep. A very beautiful Azur color. We watched people in groups go into it in Wet suits to practice their scuba diving. I would love to jump into it to go swimming, considering the water temp is 60* it’s not that much cooler than outside temps, but they ask that everybody be capable of swimming on their own and no floaties allowed, so my kids are still excluded. Better for my head to stay out, I bet.
Just while sitting here, two separate people took pictures and donated. So far today: income: $15. spent: $10 for the car museum. Sounds like I’m ahead of the curb. minimally.
Once Chikkie comes back we’ll be heading for about an hours drive to Tucumcari. There are playgrounds and a dinosaur museum. Atreyu will absolutely love it. just a town away from there or so is San Jon which is supposedly somewhat abandoned. There’s the playground with overnighting capability.
How do I find my over night spots? There’s this website called “freecampsites.net” I frequent. Anything that’s national forrest will have some free spots to nap at. Besides Walmarts, Denny’s and Cracker Barrels let you camp discreetly for a night, too. If all is lost, go to the local laundromat and ask the locals. They will always know of a secret hide-away spot where law enforcement is very unlikely to bother you. I remember having a hastle when we first hit the road trying to find a spot to sleep, but honestly, park along side a road, as long as you’re keeping yourself safe, and not bothering anybody, nobody will bother you. If a cop does pull up to harass you, maintain innocence and tell them you were resting to remain safe on the road. You just fell asleep in your bed alongside the road instead of at the wheel on the road.
Loving you!
Matilda the Bugus 