Our visit in Las Cruces

Saturday, January 4 - Usually, we just stay one night in Las Cruces and then move on.  Mom and Dad have talked about spending a couple of days this year.  Then, a few days ago, Mom got an email from our friends Florence and John.  They said that they were planning to stay in Las Cruces on January 4 and 5, exactly when we planned to be there!!

Once we got set up at the Elks Lodge, we went to the campground where John and Florence were staying.  It was so good to see them again.  I really like John and Florence!

After they talked for awhile, the sun started to go down and it got chilly outside, so they all decided to go to Chala's Wood Fire Grill in nearby Mesilla.  Mom and Dad went there a few years ago and really enjoyed it.

They all liked the smoker at Chala's Wood Fire Grill

After dinner, they made plans to meet in the morning for a hike and we went home so I could have my kibble.

Sunday, January 5 - They met this morning at the Dripping Springs Natural Area in the Organ Mountains east of Las Cruces.

A perfect day for a hike with John & Florence

First, they came to the ruins of the Van Patten Mountain Camp, a resort from the 1800's

Dad and Florence working to get the best angle for a photo

Mom thought the cactus growing out of the wall was pretty cool

 

Next they found the Dripping Spring.  It's a good name, because all it did was drip.

Then they came to the ruins of the Boyd Sanatorium, built in the early 1900's

After they looked around the Sanatorium, they climbed up the hill and
looked back down over the Sanatorium with Las Cruces  in the distance.

John & Florence enjoying the view

Mom and Dad enjoyed this spot

  

Mom decided to try out the "Food" setting on her new phone/camera.  It focuses on
the center of the photo and blurs the edges.  Do you like it?  I'm not sure.

After their hike, they decided to go to The Spotted Dog Brewery.  They enjoyed some good beer, food, and live music with the conversation.

The musicians at the Spotted Dog

After a fun day, they all said their good-byes.  John and Florence are headed East and we are headed West.

I'll tell you more about our travels next time.

Love,

Doolin