Amarillo to New Mexico

On the road at 9:00 driving across the panhandle of Texas we were surprised to see ranch access roads right on the expressway. We weren't expecting to see vehicles turning off the road between exits, but that is normal here.

At 10:00 we stopped at the New Mexico Welcome Center, well worth a visit. We picked up a state map, bureau of land management map, and a state park guide, along with some helpful advice from the staff. 

We changed tacks based on the rain and cold predicted at the Grand Canyon and decided to explore the Santa Fe area for a few days.

In New Mexico the landscape started changing from the flat of Texas to having features and we started climbing.

Train watching provided entertainment while driving as large Union Pacific unit trains carrying containers, grain, or autos paralleled the interstate.

 By 3:30 we arrived at Juniper Campground in Bandelier National Monument. My concerns about finding an open campsite were unfounded as more than half the sites were unoccupied. Our first experience camping at a US National Park was great. We drove around the campsite, found an empty site we liked, then returned to this self-service kiosk where we paid $12 and received a tag to put on the campsite.

Once our site was secured we drove to the visitor center and bought an annual national parks pass for $80. We loved the site and ended up staying two nights. The picnic table and fire pit were down a few rock steps from the van parking area. No electric or water, but the restrooms were close by and the neighbors were well spaced. Noticing what we thought was a wi-fi sign, we laughed after walking down the trail to find it was an outdoor amphitheater. We hiked a 5 mile loop trail and only met one other person.  Tomorrow's post will be about the park.