As we entered New Mexico, we were surprised to come across so many stockyards filled with cattle. Train tracks run along these stockyards, so obviously the cattle are headed elsewhere. We also saw LOTS of pecan orchards. Clearly irrigation is required in this arid area, and we wondered how much sense it makes to grow them here. We did buy some samples of the pecans at a local market, and they were tasty. We didn't try any of the cattle, so can't comment on them.....however, come to think of it, we did run across Rudy's BBQ right before crossing the state line into New Mexico and the brisket was excellent. Hmmmm.
The RV park where we stayed was comfortable, at least on an end-site like we were. We were glad to see that they don't use excessive irrigation to try and maintain much vegetation around the park. We again encountered a lot of high winds, often gusting 50-60 mph. Luckily, we weren't traveling on the worst of the high-wind days. The dry, dusty climate did begin to play havoc with our sinuses at this point.
Our sightseeing forays included White Sands Missile Range, White Sands National Monument, and Space Port America.
White Sands Missile Range has a museum and missile park open for the public to visit. Many examples of missiles are on display there, including Patriot (Scud Buster), Pershing, Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and the list goes on and on.
White Sands National Monument is impressive. A large area of white sand dunes in the middle of a gray/brown desert seems misplaced.
Space Port America is under construction outside Truth or Consequences, NM, about 75 miles north of Las Cruces. The only public access to the construction site is on a bus tour, which we took. Interestingly, there were 2 French gentlemen on the same tour. They work for a French magazine, and were assigned to research civilian space travel in the US. The site for the space port was chosen because of its altitude (about 1 mile above sea level), and its proximity to White Sands Missile Range (limits competing air traffic). Richard Branson is a partner in the venture, and has a space craft currently being tested which will launch from there. Some crafts will launch straight up, others will utilize a runway. There is a waiting list of almost 500 citizens who have already paid $200,000 each for the privilege of taking a ride on these crafts. The ride will consist of traveling up 100 kilometers which is near the edge of space, and then immediately returning back to earth. Upon returning back to terra firma, the passengers will be taken to a room where they can clean up from the effects of the trip (if you get my drift), whether self-inflicted or shared from fellow passengers. Does this sound like it's worth $200,000? We have not signed up. And even if our enrollment were a possibility (without completely jeopardizing our retirement plans), SheM says she's not going. HeM says that if he goes, she would have to go, too. Hmmm. Good thing it's not on our list of possibilities. The following pictures show the terminal from the back and the front, and the building that will serve as the control center. It all has a space ship architectural look. We enjoyed the tour, but (in our opinion, anyway) the driver was much too optimistic about the economic viability of this venture any time soon. But what do we know?
We had intended to make a short trip northwest of Las Cruces to visit Silver City and some huge copper mines near there. We ran out of time/energy this time. Maybe on our next trip through this area. Next stop was Tucson, Arizona.
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