Cochiti Lake, New Mexico

October 3-6, 2011

Pleasantly surprised! That describes our feelings about our new campground- Cochiti Lake COE, which is located 30 miles north of Albuquerque. We were prepared for it to be somewhat ugly, but it is really pretty- in its own way. It is a dry landscape, dotted with sagebrush and juniper and the lake doesn't compare to many, but the distant hills/mountains and the cloud dotted sky, all together, make for some very nice views. Also, the campground has to be one of the best laid out designs we've encountered, especially for longer rigs.

View from top of Buffalo Grove loop

View of Cochiti Lake from Ringtail Cat Loop

October 4, 2011

Today's weather didn't promise to be the best, but we decided to go ahead and visit Santa Fe. We walked around the area surrounding the square and saw many interesting buildings, parks, people and shops. There was so much to see, that it was a little overwhelming.  Did I mention that George isn't really into shopping?? 

We also walked over to see the New Mexico State Capitol, which is on our "to do" list- seeing as many state capitols as possible. It didn't seem as grand as many capitols.  We're not sure that we even saw the front of it. (Hmmm... maybe that's why it seemed a little plain.

We enjoyed lunch at the Bobcat Bite. That was probably the largest burger I have ever been served- 10 ozs! It was served covered with green chiles and cheese- yummy!!!

Just a pair of ...  (Just kidding!!)

George @ Cathedral Park

George at New Mexico State Capitol

October 5, 2011

On Wednesday, we checked out Tent Rocks National Monument, which is located only a few miles from our campground. The hoodoos (rock formations that look like spires) or tent rocks were formed about 7 million years ago, when around twenty volcanoes erupted repeatedly.

The stormy clouds made a wonderful backdrop for the rocks.   Luckily, it didn't rain and the clouds kept it fairly cool.  We enjoyed the hike and didn't see any rattlesnakes! (Signs were posted everywhere to warn about rattlesnakes.  George thinks the signs are just to keep people on the trails!)