Coop's Drive for 2010, your input please

[Coop]

I am planning my drive for 2010, if my schedule allows and I should know by late Oct this year, this will happen early June of 2010.

Now, your input again on the places to see. The poll will let you vote on more than one place and will show your name, so that I know who voted with those I know want to go.

Those that went last year will get first chance to go next year and then Members. I will try to keep this to 15 - 20 car.
I plan to start this trip on a Monday and end on a Friday. Hope to have things to visit on Sunday, if you get there early.
Again, the plans could change, this is just the planning stage for me. I have a plan started, but want your input.

I plan on there being a small fee, and have shirts made up and like last year, to have a trailer (maybe 2) to have spare tires and cold waters.
My goal is make this as good of a trip as my last one. You will be responsible for Hotels (i will find the hotels and try to work out a deal), Food, gas, etc

Some of the places I am looking at are;
Canyon De Chelly (http://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/canyon_de_chelly/national_monument.html) ruin in AZ, everyone really like this stop.
Very Large Array (http://www.vla.nrao.edu/) just for Sean
White Sands (http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/white_sands/national_monument.html)
Would you like to see Carlsbad (the Cavernes) (http://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm) or Roswell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roswell,_New_Mexico)
Gila National Park (http://www.nps.gov/gicl/index.htm) just outside of Silver City, NM. This will be a stop, because of a very good road NM152
underground mining museum in Creede, CO (http://museumtrail.org/creedeundergroundminingmuseum.asp) Along CO149
El Malpais National Monument (http://www.nps.gov/elma/index.htm) Grants, NM
El Morro National Monument (http://www.nps.gov/elmo/index.htm) Grants, NM
Acoma Pueblo (http://sccc.acomaskycity.org/) Grants, NM
Aztec Ruins (http://www.nps.gov/azru/index.htm) Aztec, NM
Pikes Peak (http://www.pikespeakcolorado.com/) CO
Bandelier National Park (http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/bandelier/national_monument.html) NM to get to Bandelier National Park we get to drive on this route NM State Road 4 (http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/nm4.html)

And some roads
The Million Dollar Highway (http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/co_us550.html)
CO highway 149 (http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/co149.html) for the Texans, this is where the Rio Grande starts
Start in Taos, NM and go west (http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/nm_us64.html)
NM 152 (http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/nm152.html) This road will be in the trip, great road. My neck hurt after driving it :LOL:

Ok time for some feedback.
Please vote on a start place, but it might end up as the place we finish
Again, early next June 2010, looking for some input from you.

[notoriousbim01]

Keep me posted we are looking for a road trip to do but since we are so new to this it would be great to be with an experienced group.

[Ulrich]

Unless Roswell is on the way, I wouldn't specifically drive there. The UFO museum is nice, but you're pretty much done with it (and the rest of the town) after an hour. So driving a couple of hours to get there just for that would not be worth it.

[speedracer]

Blue car in front.

[Rocketman]

Unless Roswell is on the way, I wouldn't specifically drive there. The UFO museum is nice, but you're pretty much done with it (and the rest of the town) after an hour. So driving a couple of hours to get there just for that would not be worth it.I'm thinking Roswell would be a stop, not a destination. Elizabeth and I almost went there on our way back last year.

Thanks for planning this early Coop! I would like to see them all, but I realize that's not possible. Some other points of interest to consider:

Sky Pueblo
Los Alamos/Jemez Mtns/Bandelier State Park and Ruins
Royal Gorge
Pikes Peak

Maybe start in Pueblo or Trinidad?

[Coop]

I'm thinking Roswell would be a stop, not a destination. Elizabeth and I almost went there on our way back last year.

Thanks for planning this early Coop! I would like to see them all, but I realize that's not possible. Some other points of interest to consider:

Sky Pueblo
Los Alamos/Jemez Mtns/Bandelier State Park and Ruins
Royal Gorge
Pikes Peak

Maybe start in Pueblo or Trinidad?

Thanks

Sky Pueblo = Acoma Pueblo

[Rocketman]

Thanks

Sky Pueblo = Acoma PuebloShoudla clicked the link...:o

[Coop]

Bandelier National Park & Pikes Peak added

[4U2NV]

Start wherever it works best. I plan on driving down to Houston and starting there :D

I would like to see Carlsbad, but not too interested in Roswell.

[gomarlins3]

Voted.

[Rocketman]

Blue car in front.Red car in back. :p

[Rocketman]

Bruce, can you add my votes for Pikes Peak and Bandelier?

thx

[tlcs2k]

Just a FYI Pikes Peak is not paved all the way yet, so about half the mountain is still dirt.

[Coop]

Just a FYI Pikes Peak is not paved all the way yet, so about half the mountain is still dirt.

That would be something we will have to talk about

[LibitsS2K]

Voted...will we be spending any time in Santa Fe this trip?

[Coop]

Voted...will we be spending any time in Santa Fe this trip?

No, not planning on Santa Fe. It is a place that would be very hard to get around with 15-20 cars, and it was also the place that was low on the last trip.

[LibitsS2K]

No, not planning on Santa Fe. It is a place that would be very hard to get around with 15-20 cars, and it was also the place that was low on the last trip.


That's okay. I'm sure it's going to be another awesome trip! We're really looking forward to it, we've already started our vacation fund...

[speedracer]

How about more time in AZ so we can see more red rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Coop]

I should also say that some places do not work out with other places or roads, they just don't flow together and would be a extra day

[speedracer]

I reviewed the choices and and voted. We had a nice range of activities last time and would to do some of the same and also a few new things. It seems like compared to last time we are going deeper into Colorado. It also seems we are going more south into NM. By removing Taos and Santafe from the trip and reducing the days it will be hard to fit it all in and also keep the nice relaxed pace we had last time.

[Coop]

John, to fit it all in and to keep a nice pace most of the time, not all of the spots in the poll will be in the drive. Like it will be impossible to start in Taos and still do the Million Dollar Highway, and get down to Silver City, I really want to do NM152, but I could do that on my own. So if everyone wants to go to Carlsbad, then the starting in Taos will work out.

I will take what people have voted on and try to make a nice trip out of it and hit as many places as I can. I still want the pace to be 4-5 hours driving and 4-5 hours in stops (getting out of the car).

With this said, if you want to change you vote, let me know here

[4U2NV]

I really want to do NM152. :vtec1:

[Coop]

I really want to do NM152. :vtec1:

Jason if no one else wants to do, you and I might make a side trip just for this road.

[speedracer]

If you remember last time, I was dead set on doing the million dollar highway. We did it and I am sure you remember that most of it was under construction, there was a ton of traffic we poked along all day and were stopped for at least an hour waiting on construction.

To say the least I was frustrated! I still enjoyed the views and parts of the drive but it was not nearly as good as I had anticipated. So, If its between this and 152 then I vote for 152.

[edison_GTI]

I let you guys decide where we're going, we'll just tag along now that we have the car for the drive :)

[thereur]

This looks good! Looking forward to the details.

[thereur]

R_W posted National Geo's best drives. Saw this one....

http://forums.s2kca.com/showthread.php?t=31891

[hobbit]

Red car in back. :p

So where does the Black Beauty go then?

[Coop]

So where does the Black Beauty go then?

Up front with the other best car, the CR's :LOL:

[thereur]

What part of NM152 is most scenic? I looked at it a little in Google maps and it sure looks nice!

Frank

[Coop]

What part of NM152 is most scenic? I looked at it a little in Google maps and it sure looks nice!

Frank

For driveing, it is the western part, just east of Silver City. Here is where you are going through the mountain and the switch backs show some good scenery, then you drop down into the forest area.

[Greek Boy]

Hey Coop --

Greek Boy from Detroit -- We did the National Parks Tour this summer with Jason, Melinda, and Ulrich, and it was spectacular. We just formed a Great Lakes Michigan Chapter and had our first event this past weekend.

We are very interested in the New Mexico tour next summer. I can't really vote on what to see/where to go b/c I don't really know the region very well. Hopefully a lot of other folks who didn't go last year would be able to attend in 2010.

Please keep us in mind -- and let us know the details as they take shape. Thanks!

George "Greek Boy"
& Co-Pilot Wees


I am planning my drive for 2010, if my schedule allows and I should know by late Oct this year, this will happen early June of 2010.

Now, your input again on the places to see. The poll will let you vote on more than one place and will show your name, so that I know who voted with those I know want to go.

Those that went last year will get first chance to go next year and then Members. I will try to keep this to 15 - 20 car.
I plan to start this trip on a Monday and end on a Friday. Hope to have things to visit on Sunday, if you get there early.
Again, the plans could change, this is just the planning stage for me. I have a plan started, but want your input.

I plan on there being a small fee, and have shirts made up and like last year, to have a trailer (maybe 2) to have spare tires and cold waters.
My goal is make this as good of a trip as my last one. You will be responsible for Hotels (i will find the hotels and try to work out a deal), Food, gas, etc

Some of the places I am looking at are;
Canyon De Chelly (http://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/canyon_de_chelly/national_monument.html) ruin in AZ, everyone really like this stop.
Very Large Array (http://www.vla.nrao.edu/) just for Sean
White Sands (http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/white_sands/national_monument.html)
Would you like to see Carlsbad (the Cavernes) (http://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm) or Roswell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roswell,_New_Mexico)
Gila National Park (http://www.nps.gov/gicl/index.htm) just outside of Silver City, NM. This will be a stop, because of a very good road NM152
underground mining museum in Creede, CO (http://museumtrail.org/creedeundergroundminingmuseum.asp) Along CO149
El Malpais National Monument (http://www.nps.gov/elma/index.htm) Grants, NM
El Morro National Monument (http://www.nps.gov/elmo/index.htm) Grants, NM
Acoma Pueblo (http://sccc.acomaskycity.org/) Grants, NM
Aztec Ruins (http://www.nps.gov/azru/index.htm) Aztec, NM
Pikes Peak (http://www.pikespeakcolorado.com/) CO
Bandelier National Park (http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/bandelier/national_monument.html) NM to get to Bandelier National Park we get to drive on this route NM State Road 4 (http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/nm4.html)

And some roads
The Million Dollar Highway (http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/co_us550.html)
CO highway 149 (http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/co149.html) for the Texans, this is where the Rio Grande starts
Start in Taos, NM and go west (http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/nm_us64.html)
NM 152 (http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/nm152.html) This road will be in the trip, great road. My neck hurt after driving it :LOL:

Ok time for some feedback.
Please vote on a start place, but it might end up as the place we finish
Again, early next June 2010, looking for some input from you.

[Coop]

Hey Coop --

Greek Boy from Detroit -- We did the National Parks Tour this summer with Jason, Melinda, and Ulrich, and it was spectacular. We just formed a Great Lakes Michigan Chapter and had our first event this past weekend.

We are very interested in the New Mexico tour next summer. I can't really vote on what to see/where to go b/c I don't really know the region very well. Hopefully a lot of other folks who didn't go last year would be able to attend in 2010.

Please keep us in mind -- and let us know the details as they take shape. Thanks!

George "Greek Boy"
& Co-Pilot Wees


not a problem, if you look at the links I have you might get an better idea about the places and roads.

I will have the date, around the end of Oct and will be posting more information later

[s2kbobby]

Hey George!
Rachel and I just may see you on this trip. We had such a ball on the National Parks Tour that Coop's drive sounds like a lot of fun too.

Bobby

[Ulrich]

I really should go back into marketing. :)

[speedracer]

Could you put these on a map so we can see them?????

[Coop]

Could you put these on a map so we can see them?????

OK John

Day 1 options
as far as I can tell, only one will work.

"Million Dollar Highway" (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Gunnison,+CO&daddr=Cortez,+CO&geocode=&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=33.261657,-107.435303&sspn=2.507797,4.691162&ie=UTF8&z=8)

or

A drive along the Rio Grande & underground mining museum in Creede, CO (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Gunnison,+CO&daddr=37.848833,-106.931305+to:Cortez,+CO&geocode=&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=10&via=1&sll=37.755516,-106.567383&sspn=0.616714,1.172791&ie=UTF8&ll=38.075123,-106.990356&spn=1.228092,2.345581&z=9 )

or

Bandelier National Park (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Trinity+Dr&daddr=Unknown+road+to:36.873029,-106.583862+to:CO-17%2FUS-285%2FWest+Ave&geocode=FaZ_IwIdJuup-Q%3BFYI2IgIdHjmq-Q%3B%3BFaKnOwIdiHiw-Q&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=1&mrsp=2&sz=9&via=2&sll=37.103384,-106.309204&sspn=1.196021,2.345581&ie=UTF8&ll=36.782892,-106.105957&spn=1.201062,2.345581&z=9)

or

Bandelier National Park & Aztec Ruins (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Trinity+Dr&daddr=Unknown+road+to:US-84+to:36.826875,-107.994232+to:Browning+Pkwy%2FNM-516&geocode=FaZ_IwIdJuup-Q%3BFYI2IgIdHjmq-Q%3BFToYLgIdeMmm-Q%3B%3BFZx8MAId7oCN-Q&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=1&mrsp=3&sz=10&via=2,3&sll=36.644182,-108.16864&sspn=0.625861,1.172791&ie=UTF8&z=10)

[Coop]

right now this is what I am thinking
Day 1
A drive along the Rio Grande & underground mining museum in Creede, CO (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Gunnison,+CO&daddr=37.848833,-106.931305+to:Cortez,+CO&geocode=&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=10&via=1&sll=37.755516,-106.567383&sspn=0.616714,1.172791&ie=UTF8&ll=38.075123,-106.990356&spn=1.228092,2.345581&z=9 )

Day 2
Four Corners (if people want to stop) & Canyon De Chelly (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=E+Main+St&daddr=US-191+to:36.244273,-109.162903+to:AZ-264%2FIndian+Rte-12&geocode=FbD5MAId_LON-Q%3BFdy7KQIdWJF3-Q%3B%3BFTwfIAId3Jt_-Q&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=9&via=1,2&sll=36.084621,-109.324951&sspn=1.211915,2.345581&ie=UTF8&z=9)

Day 3
El Malpais National Monument & El Morro National Monument & Acoma Pueblo (Sky Pueblo) (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=AZ-264%2FIndian+Rte-12&daddr=NM-53+to:34.90156,-107.586021+to:I-40+E&geocode=FTwfIAId3Jt_-Q%3BFdS0FgIdU6qL-Q%3B%3BFbRtGAId1OuR-Q&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=34.880439,-107.581215&sspn=0.079987,0.146599&ie=UTF8&z=13)

Day 4
Very Large Array (which everyone seemed to enjoy last time) (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=I-40+E&daddr=34.300337,-108.226318+to:I-25+S&geocode=FbRtGAId1OuR-Q%3B%3BFWJP_AEdcN2a-Q&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=9&via=1&sll=34.646766,-107.74292&sspn=1.283403,2.345581&ie=UTF8&ll=34.357042,-107.424316&spn=2.575656,4.691162&z=8)

Day 5
NM 152 & Gila National Park (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=33.139851,-107.267761&daddr=National+Monument+Rd%2FNM-15+to:Hwy-180+E%2FFort+Bayard+Hwy%2FUS-180&hl=en&geocode=%3BFZsL-wEdcwaM-Q%3BFWRG9AEdWBiM-Q&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=9&via=1&sll=33.658067,-107.311707&sspn=1.298515,2.345581&ie=UTF8&ll=32.904956,-107.677002&spn=1.309766,2.345581&z=9)

[Coop]

Alternate idea

Day 1
Million Dollar Highway & Aztec Ruins (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Gunnison,+CO&daddr=Farmington,+NM&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=37.26531,-107.666016&sspn=2.386865,4.691162&ie=UTF8&ll=37.749001,-107.418823&spn=2.371454,4.691162&z=8)
or
Drive along the Rio Grande & mining museum in Creede, CO & Aztec Ruins (if time) (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=E+Main+St&daddr=37.788081,-107.133179+to:US-50&geocode=FbQTMQIdruiN-Q%3B%3BFaDVSwIdCryf-Q&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=9&via=1&sll=37.570705,-107.558899&sspn=1.188603,2.345581&ie=UTF8&ll=37.433431,-107.190857&spn=1.19079,2.345581&z=9)

Day 2
El Malpais National Monument & El Morro National Monument and some cool rock formations (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Farmington,+NM&daddr=Indian+Service+Route+7014%2FNM-371+to:35.038149,-108.347855+to:I-40+E&geocode=%3BFQzyJAIdvNWM-Q%3B%3BFTxUGAIdqhqS-Q&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=35.035338,-108.338242&sspn=0.076744,0.146599&ie=UTF8&ll=35.862344,-107.720947&spn=2.4306,4.691162&z=8) or you could visit the Sky Pueblo

Day 3
Very Large Array & Owl Cafe (I hope??) (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=NM-122%2FE+Santa+Fe+Ave&daddr=34.302606,-108.138428+to:I-25+N&geocode=FaIWGAIdJK-S-Q%3B%3BFQDc-QEdum-b-Q&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=8&via=1&sll=34.1209,-107.232056&sspn=2.582889,4.691162&ie=UTF8&z=8)

Day 4
NM152 & Gila National Monument (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=I-25+N&daddr=33.229929,-108.264084+to:Silver+City,+NM&geocode=FQDc-QEdum-b-Q%3B%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=13&via=1&sll=33.214276,-108.242798&sspn=0.081574,0.146599&ie=UTF8&ll=33.084638,-108.099976&spn=1.256476,2.345581&z=9)

Day 5
NM152 (so others can drive it) & White Sands & lunch in Old Mesilla (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Silver+City,+NM&daddr=NM-152+to:32.87036,-105.957642&geocode=%3BFXIX9wEdjqOY-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=8&via=1&sll=32.295259,-107.021942&sspn=2.63728,4.691162&ie=UTF8&z=8)

[Coop]

with keeping this at 5 days, it will be hard to cover every thing in the poll, you have any ideas, let me know

[speedracer]

Thanks,

I will look at it this weekend.

[Ulrich]

Well, I've been to Four Corners, and as far as I am concerned, it's much ado about nothing. Not worth the money to get in, and from what I was reading the other day, it's not even the right location. :rolleyes:

I like the alternate idea with option (b) for Day 1.

[4U2NV]

Well, I've been to Four Corners, and as far as I am concerned, it's much ado about nothing. Not worth the money to get in, and from what I was reading the other day, it's not even the right location. :rolleyes:

I like the alternate idea with option (b) for Day 1.

I agree, Plan B and using the second option for day one looks awesome! :rockon:

[Coop]

Well, I've been to Four Corners, and as far as I am concerned, it's much ado about nothing. Not worth the money to get in, and from what I was reading the other day, it's not even the right location. :rolleyes:

I like the alternate idea with option (b) for Day 1.

this is one of those, that we have to go pass it to get to Canyon De Chelly so if people want to stop, we will.

and it could be possible if night stops are not too far apart, to mix some of the routes above together

[thereur]

We've spent quite a bit of vacation time in CO/NM, but never in an S. It all looks good, Coop. NICE work on the routes! My preference is Alternate Idea, option b also. We'd probably stick around a day or two and go to Carlsbad. Also, would really like to do some photography at White Sands, which might work out.

[Coop]

We've spent quite a bit of vacation time in CO/NM, but never in an S. It all looks good, Coop. NICE work on the routes! My preference is Alternate Idea, option b also. We'd probably stick around a day or two and go to Carlsbad. Also, would really like to do some photography at White Sands, which might work out.

still might try to get Carlsbad into the drive, but it would mean cutting out something else

[thereur]

still might try to get Carlsbad into the drive, but it would mean cutting out something else

We'd probably spend 2 weeks on the road, so we'll have plenty of time. Whichever route it ends up being, I'd like to get some of your expertise about options near the end or the beginning. Thanks!

[Coop]

This shows how a little change will get us to Carlsbad for a visit to the caves and evening bat flight

Day 1 see above or something new, just need finish Day 1 in Cortez or Farmington

Day 2
Four Corners (if people want to stop) & Canyon De Chelly (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=E+Main+St&daddr=US-191+to:36.244273,-109.162903+to:AZ-264%2FIndian+Rte-12&geocode=FbD5MAId_LON-Q%3BFdy7KQIdWJF3-Q%3B%3BFTwfIAId3Jt_-Q&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=9&via=1,2&sll=36.084621,-109.324951&sspn=1.211915,2.345581&ie=UTF8&z=9)

Day 3
Not sure what to see or do (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Window+Rock,+Arizona&daddr=Silver+City,+NM&hl=en&mra=mr&mrcr=0&sll=33.460088,-109.515839&sspn=0.625548,1.172791&ie=UTF8&z=7)

Day 4
Gila National Monument & NM152 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Silver+City,+NM&daddr=33.229785,-108.264427+to:NM-152+to:Las+Cruces,+NM&geocode=%3B%3BFX_z9QEddQiU-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=33.219159,-108.238506&sspn=0.07841,0.146599&ie=UTF8&ll=32.734151,-107.580872&spn=1.26146,2.345581&z=9)

Day 5
White Sands & Carlsbad (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Las+Cruces,+NM&daddr=Rio+Penasco+Rd%2FUS-82+to:32.185783,-104.43243+to:carlsbad,+nm&geocode=%3BFSIi9gEd3KW2-Q%3B%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=32.195661,-104.406853&sspn=0.082511,0.146599&ie=UTF8&ll=32.509762,-105.419312&spn=2.631057,4.691162&z=8)

[Coop]

Something a little different

Day 1
Whites Sands & Lincoln (?)& Smokey The Bears Home & Valley of Fire & Owl Cafe (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Alamogordo,+NM&daddr=33.049537,-105.56488+to:NM-70%2FUS-70+to:Fern+Dr+to:NM-214+to:US-380+to:1st+St%2FUS-380+to:Spring+St&hl=en&geocode=%3B%3BFZ76-wEdMK-z-Q%3BFdSg_AEdWIez-Q%3BFZp0_gEdWE22-Q%3BFX8P_wEdxOi3-Q%3BFRIAAAIdWqy0-Q%3BFaqcBwIdWvKg-Q&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=11&via=1,2,3,4,5,6&sll=33.126626,-105.812759&sspn=0.326623,0.586395&ie=UTF8&z=11)

Day 2
Very Large Array & Acoma (Sky) Pueblo (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Socorro,+NM&daddr=NM-117+to:35.075246,-107.785835+to:Indian+Service+Route+38+to:Grants,+N M&geocode=%3BFQqJEAIdPvWM-Q%3B%3BFcCXFAIdolCW-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=12&via=1,2,3&sll=35.054451,-107.672195&sspn=0.153451,0.293198&ie=UTF8&z=12)

Day 3
El Malpais National Monument & El Morro National Monument & Canyon De Chelly (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Grants,+NM&daddr=NM-53+to:Indian+Rte-64+to:36.155341,-109.562187&geocode=%3BFTS9FgIdpi-L-Q%3BFWrEKQIdrAZ8-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=3&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=36.136766,-109.531288&sspn=0.075695,0.146599&ie=UTF8&ll=35.483038,-108.591614&spn=1.221122,2.345581&z=9) would be a long day

Day 4
transition day (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Indian+Rte-7&daddr=Silver+City,+NM&geocode=FQSvJwId0jl4-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=35.655065,-108.734436&sspn=1.218503,2.345581&ie=UTF8&z=7)

Day 5
NM152 & Gila National Monument (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Silver+City,+NM&daddr=33.229785,-108.264256+to:NM-152+to:Avenida+de+Mesilla&geocode=%3B%3BFXIX9wEdjqOY-Q%3BFSbN7AEdLqSi-Q&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=33.208818,-108.236961&sspn=0.081579,0.146599&ie=UTF8&z=13)

[Coop]

Something completely different, only the southern half of New Mexico

Day 1
Carlsbad and Alamogordo (White Sands night glow) (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Carlsbad,+NM&daddr=Reef+Top+Circle+to:32.858825,-105.602646+to:Alamogordo,+NM&geocode=%3BFX396gEd61jG-Q%3B%3B&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=11&via=1,2&sll=32.844981,-105.487976&sspn=0.314976,0.586395&ie=UTF8&ll=32.844981,-105.487976&spn=0.62995,1.172791&z=10)
or
add in the Sun Spot Observatory (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Carlsbad,+NM&daddr=Cox+Canyon+Hwy%2FNM-130+to:Sunspot+Hwy+to:Corona+Loop+to:Cox+Canyon+Hw y%2FNM-130+to:Alamogordo,+NM&geocode=%3BFeJ79QEduIC0-Q%3BFZKQ9gEdfkmy-Q%3BFSVX9AEdkVSx-Q%3BFark9gEdkHOy-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=mr&mrcr=0&via=1,2,3,4&sll=32.157012,-104.488564&sspn=0.165092,0.293198&ie=UTF8&z=9)
link to the sunspot observatory (http://www.apo.nmsu.edu/)

Day 2
Alamogordo up into Cloudcroft & Smokey the Bear's home then to La Cruces (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Alamogordo,+NM&daddr=33.445193,-105.487976+to:1st+St%2FUS-380+to:NM-244%2FNM+Hwy+244+to:Las+Cruces,+NM&geocode=%3B%3BFTDd_wEd4ue0-Q%3BFdD8-QEd-nGz-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=10&via=1,2,3&sll=33.27888,-105.963135&sspn=0.626852,1.172791&ie=UTF8&ll=33.053565,-105.888977&spn=0.628465,1.172791&z=10)

Day 3
NM152 & Gila National Monument (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Las+Cruces,+NM&daddr=NM-152+to:33.229785,-108.264599+to:Silver+City,+NM&geocode=%3BFdqM9gEdki2X-Q%3B%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=33.198046,-108.233871&sspn=0.078429,0.146599&ie=UTF8&ll=32.821903,-107.844543&spn=1.260217,2.345581&z=9)

Day 4
transition day (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Silver+City,+NM&daddr=NM-117%2FNM-36+to:Grants,+NM&geocode=%3BFfaKDgIdaiuK-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=mr&mrcr=0&via=1&sll=34.078749,-107.618283&sspn=4.96748,9.382324&ie=UTF8&z=7)

Day 5
El Malpais National Monument & El Morro National Monument or Acoma (Sky) Pueblo and the VLA (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Grants,+NM&daddr=35.038289,-108.348198+to:NM-117%2FThe+Narrows+to:NM-117+to:Socorro,+NM&geocode=%3B%3BFUgsFAIdkeiR-Q%3BFWarEAIdzHaN-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=14&via=1,2,3&sll=35.0359,-108.350773&sspn=0.038372,0.073299&ie=UTF8&ll=34.513346,-107.913208&spn=1.235677,2.345581&z=9)


just thinking on paper
an extra half day could help, but not sure

[Coop]

Right now, this is the one that is leading in my book
Day 1
Drive along the Rio Grande & mining museum in Creede, CO & Aztec Ruins (if time) (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=E+Main+St&daddr=37.788081,-107.133179+to:US-50&geocode=FbQTMQIdruiN-Q%3B%3BFaDVSwIdCryf-Q&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=9&via=1&sll=37.570705,-107.558899&sspn=1.188603,2.345581&ie=UTF8&ll=37.433431,-107.190857&spn=1.19079,2.345581&z=9)

Day 2
El Malpais National Monument & El Morro National Monument and some cool rock formations (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Farmington,+NM&daddr=Indian+Service+Route+7014%2FNM-371+to:35.038149,-108.347855+to:I-40+E&geocode=%3BFQzyJAIdvNWM-Q%3B%3BFTxUGAIdqhqS-Q&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=35.035338,-108.338242&sspn=0.076744,0.146599&ie=UTF8&ll=35.862344,-107.720947&spn=2.4306,4.691162&z=8) or you could visit the Sky Pueblo

Day 3
Very Large Array & Owl Cafe (I hope??) (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=NM-122%2FE+Santa+Fe+Ave&daddr=34.302606,-108.138428+to:I-25+N&geocode=FaIWGAIdJK-S-Q%3B%3BFQDc-QEdum-b-Q&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=8&via=1&sll=34.1209,-107.232056&sspn=2.582889,4.691162&ie=UTF8&z=8)

Day 4
NM152 & Gila National Monument (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=I-25+N&daddr=33.229929,-108.264084+to:Silver+City,+NM&geocode=FQDc-QEdum-b-Q%3B%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=13&via=1&sll=33.214276,-108.242798&sspn=0.081574,0.146599&ie=UTF8&ll=33.084638,-108.099976&spn=1.256476,2.345581&z=9)

Day 5
NM152 (so others can drive it) & White Sands & lunch in Old Mesilla (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Silver+City,+NM&daddr=NM-152+to:32.87036,-105.957642&geocode=%3BFXIX9wEdjqOY-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=8&via=1&sll=32.295259,-107.021942&sspn=2.63728,4.691162&ie=UTF8&z=8)

[Ulrich]

Something I saw in tomorrow's paper...

Enchanting day trips in New Mexico
By MELISSA WARD AGUILAR Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle
Sept. 2, 2009, 12:24PM

If you're in the Albuquerque, N.M., area and ready to explore, here are two don't-miss day trips:

1 The Acoma Sky City Pueblo and Haak'u Museum

Nine families live year-round in the ancient Acoma Pueblo on top of the 367-foot sandstone mesa. Those members have religious responsibilities to the pueblo, said tour guide Michelle Lowden. The “Antelope Clan” is the group of elders who must approve any new construction or renovation at the pueblo. The 430,000-acre reservation includes three other villages where most pueblo members live; they have amenities such as air-conditioning, plumbing and schools where their native language is taught.

The dwellings on the old pueblo have three floors, with the doorway on the second level. “That was their way of defense,” Lowden said. If danger approached, they could just pull in the ladder. Homes are owned by the women of the pueblo and are passed down to the youngest daughter.

The pueblo's San Esteban del Rey Mission was completed in 1640. The church's huge beams had to be hand-carried 40 miles across the desert and up the steep foot-hole stairway to the mesa top. Beautiful paintings and primitive carvings mark this historic site. About 80 percent of the pueblo members practice both Catholicism and their tribal religion, Lowden said.

At the Haak'u Museum, The Matriarchs, an exhibit of the works of Acoma potters, is lovely and enlightening.


2 Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Nature's whimsy is on display at this park 55 miles north of Albuquerque. Located on the Cochiti Pueblo, the three-mile hiking trail is home to some of the most magical rock formations in the Southwest.

Volcanoes that erupted more than 6 million years ago blanketed the area with pumice, ash and tuff sediment 1,000 feet deep. Explosions from the nearby Jemez volcanic field planted rock boulders on top of the ash. As the softer sediment wore away, the resulting rock formations that dot the canyon look like tepees with boulders placed precariously on top. Some of these “hoodoos” have lost their protective caprocks.

The trail winds through a canyon so narrow in places that two people can't squeeze through at once. It opens onto an amphitheater filled with a cluster of whimsical tent rocks. They look like a band of aliens who have landed in the junipers and manzanita bushes. But the colors saturate the scene. Canyon walls of soft shades of pink and gray contrast with the dark evergreen foliage and the ever-changing sky.

The kids on the trail must have thought they were at an amusement park. They played in the sand, scampered over boulders and played hide and seek in the narrow canyon's crevices.

You can take the Cave Loop shortcut back to the trailhead, but you would miss the spectacular vista from the mesa at the end of Canyon Trail. It's worth the climb. The year-round park closes at 6 p.m., so get there early enough to spend time surveying the Rio Grande Valley and the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez and Sandia mountain ranges. We stayed so long soaking in that panoramic view that we had to run down the path and through the canyon to make it out by closing time.
Source: Houston Chronicle (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl//6598898.html)

[Coop]

Something I saw in tomorrow's paper...


Source: Houston Chronicle (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl//6598898.html)

The second half may not be too bad, except that we have to start in Albuquerque or Santa Fe and I was trying to keep from that with a large group.

I think people will enjoy the area around Grants

[speedracer]

The maps have helped me look at the trip as a whole. Compared to last time, I know we have less time on the drive. I like the current version, it seems to have some great roads. My wife enjoyed the mountain drives and the change from mountains to desert every other day or so. You may consider adding at least one day in the mountains, It seems like the southern NM only track would add the mouuntains around cloudcroft. If we are not going to do Mountains in Colorado why not jus skip the whole North thing and just enjoy S NM.

[Coop]

John, adding the extra day or 1/2 day would be on the front side, so we would start Sunday at noon -1:00 pm

so you like the southern half of New Mexico drive (post #50)

[Coop]

added to post #50 a new idea for Day 1
remember, nothing is in stone yet
to see the Carlsbad Caverns, you will need to do it on you own Sunday.
Monday we would leave from Carlsbad to Alamogordo with a stop at the Sun Spot Observatory (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Carlsbad,+NM&daddr=Cox+Canyon+Hwy%2FNM-130+to:Sunspot+Hwy+to:Corona+Loop+to:Cox+Canyon+Hw y%2FNM-130+to:Alamogordo,+NM&geocode=%3BFeJ79QEduIC0-Q%3BFZKQ9gEdfkmy-Q%3BFSVX9AEdkVSx-Q%3BFark9gEdkHOy-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=mr&mrcr=0&via=1,2,3,4&sll=32.157012,-104.488564&sspn=0.165092,0.293198&ie=UTF8&z=9)
link to the sunspot observatory (http://www.apo.nmsu.edu/) and White Sands Overlook (might be 2 of them)

[Coop]

found this

http://www.silvercity.org/dest_catwalk.shtml

[MsS2000]

ooooo.... that looks cool!

[001s2k]

Well as a deep subject. I have to study the routes more. I would say at first look, the first option with either of the starting route would seem to be ok. I like the idea of Mtns and flat lands trade off, although I am partial to the mtns. I do plan on going right now and am looking forward to it.

[Coop]

here are the top ones as I see it, all equal as of now

Day 1
Drive along the Rio Grande & mining museum in Creede, CO & Aztec Ruins (if time) (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=E+Main+St&daddr=37.788081,-107.133179+to:US-50&geocode=FbQTMQIdruiN-Q%3B%3BFaDVSwIdCryf-Q&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=9&via=1&sll=37.570705,-107.558899&sspn=1.188603,2.345581&ie=UTF8&ll=37.433431,-107.190857&spn=1.19079,2.345581&z=9)

Day 2
El Malpais National Monument & El Morro National Monument and some cool rock formations (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Farmington,+NM&daddr=Indian+Service+Route+7014%2FNM-371+to:35.038149,-108.347855+to:I-40+E&geocode=%3BFQzyJAIdvNWM-Q%3B%3BFTxUGAIdqhqS-Q&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=35.035338,-108.338242&sspn=0.076744,0.146599&ie=UTF8&ll=35.862344,-107.720947&spn=2.4306,4.691162&z=8) or you could visit the Sky Pueblo

Day 3
transition day, stops at La Ventana Natural Sandstone Arch & Pahoehoe Lava at El Malpais National Monument & Pahoehoe Lava at El Malpais National Monument & Luna Lake (Arizona) & the cat walk (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=I-40+E&daddr=34.1848097,-109.0075565+to:Silver+City,+NM&hl=en&geocode=FTxUGAIdqhqS-Q%3BFWmeCQIdPK2A-SmHK3O1e28mhzEQjltjkOsYEw%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=7&sll=35.110922,-108.446045&sspn=3.36099,5.449219&safe=on&ie=UTF8&z=7&via=1)

Day 4
NM152 & Gila National Monument (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Silver+City,+NM&daddr=33.229785,-108.264256+to:NM-152+to:Avenida+de+Mesilla&geocode=%3B%3BFXIX9wEdjqOY-Q%3BFSbN7AEdLqSi-Q&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=33.208818,-108.236961&sspn=0.081579,0.146599&ie=UTF8&z=13)

Day 5
White Sand & Sun Spot Observatory & maybe a drive up to Inn of the Mountain Gods or Smokey the Bear's home (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Las+Cruces,+NM&daddr=32.821326,-106.272812+to:US-82+to:Corona+Loop+to:Cox+Canyon+Hwy%2FNM-130+to:Alamogordo,+NM&geocode=%3B%3BFc7o9gEdlm2y-Q%3BFahX9AEdzGSx-Q%3BFW-q9gEdpnWy-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=11&via=1,2,3,4&sll=32.748013,-106.235046&sspn=0.277204,0.44014&safe=on&ie=UTF8&z=11)

next one
Day 1
Carlsbad and Alamogordo (White Sands night glow) (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Carlsbad,+NM&daddr=Reef+Top+Circle+to:32.858825,-105.602646+to:Alamogordo,+NM&geocode=%3BFX396gEd61jG-Q%3B%3B&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=11&via=1,2&sll=32.844981,-105.487976&sspn=0.314976,0.586395&ie=UTF8&ll=32.844981,-105.487976&spn=0.62995,1.172791&z=10)
or
add in the Sun Spot Observatory (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Carlsbad,+NM&daddr=Cox+Canyon+Hwy%2FNM-130+to:Sunspot+Hwy+to:Corona+Loop+to:Cox+Canyon+Hw y%2FNM-130+to:Alamogordo,+NM&geocode=%3BFeJ79QEduIC0-Q%3BFZKQ9gEdfkmy-Q%3BFSVX9AEdkVSx-Q%3BFark9gEdkHOy-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=mr&mrcr=0&via=1,2,3,4&sll=32.157012,-104.488564&sspn=0.165092,0.293198&ie=UTF8&z=9)
link to the sunspot observatory (http://www.apo.nmsu.edu/)

Day 2
Alamogordo up into Cloudcroft & Smokey the Bear's home then to La Cruces (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Alamogordo,+NM&daddr=33.445193,-105.487976+to:1st+St%2FUS-380+to:NM-244%2FNM+Hwy+244+to:Las+Cruces,+NM&geocode=%3B%3BFTDd_wEd4ue0-Q%3BFdD8-QEd-nGz-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=10&via=1,2,3&sll=33.27888,-105.963135&sspn=0.626852,1.172791&ie=UTF8&ll=33.053565,-105.888977&spn=0.628465,1.172791&z=10)

Day 3
NM152 & Gila National Monument (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Las+Cruces,+NM&daddr=NM-152+to:33.229785,-108.264599+to:Silver+City,+NM&geocode=%3BFdqM9gEdki2X-Q%3B%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=33.198046,-108.233871&sspn=0.078429,0.146599&ie=UTF8&ll=32.821903,-107.844543&spn=1.260217,2.345581&z=9)

Day 4
transition day, stops at La Ventana Natural Sandstone Arch & Pahoehoe Lava at El Malpais National Monument & Pahoehoe Lava at El Malpais National Monument & Luna Lake (Arizona) & the cat walk (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Silver+City,+NM&daddr=NM-117%2FNM-36+to:Grants,+NM&geocode=%3BFfaKDgIdaiuK-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=mr&mrcr=0&via=1&sll=34.078749,-107.618283&sspn=4.96748,9.382324&ie=UTF8&z=7)

Day 5
El Malpais National Monument & El Morro National Monument or Acoma (Sky) Pueblo and the VLA (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Grants,+NM&daddr=35.038289,-108.348198+to:NM-117%2FThe+Narrows+to:NM-117+to:Socorro,+NM&geocode=%3B%3BFUgsFAIdkeiR-Q%3BFWarEAIdzHaN-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=14&via=1,2,3&sll=35.0359,-108.350773&sspn=0.038372,0.073299&ie=UTF8&ll=34.513346,-107.913208&spn=1.235677,2.345581&z=9)

and last
Day 1
Whites Sands & Lincoln (?)& Smokey The Bears Home & Valley of Fire & Owl Cafe (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Alamogordo,+NM&daddr=33.049537,-105.56488+to:NM-70%2FUS-70+to:Fern+Dr+to:NM-214+to:US-380+to:1st+St%2FUS-380+to:Spring+St&hl=en&geocode=%3B%3BFZ76-wEdMK-z-Q%3BFdSg_AEdWIez-Q%3BFZp0_gEdWE22-Q%3BFX8P_wEdxOi3-Q%3BFRIAAAIdWqy0-Q%3BFaqcBwIdWvKg-Q&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=11&via=1,2,3,4,5,6&sll=33.126626,-105.812759&sspn=0.326623,0.586395&ie=UTF8&z=11)

Day 2
Very Large Array & Acoma (Sky) Pueblo (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Socorro,+NM&daddr=NM-117+to:35.075246,-107.785835+to:Indian+Service+Route+38+to:Grants,+N M&geocode=%3BFQqJEAIdPvWM-Q%3B%3BFcCXFAIdolCW-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=12&via=1,2,3&sll=35.054451,-107.672195&sspn=0.153451,0.293198&ie=UTF8&z=12)

Day 3
El Malpais National Monument & El Morro National Monument & Canyon De Chelly (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Grants,+NM&daddr=NM-53+to:Indian+Rte-64+to:36.155341,-109.562187&geocode=%3BFTS9FgIdpi-L-Q%3BFWrEKQIdrAZ8-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=3&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=36.136766,-109.531288&sspn=0.075695,0.146599&ie=UTF8&ll=35.483038,-108.591614&spn=1.221122,2.345581&z=9) would be a long day

Day 4
transition day stops at La Ventana Natural Sandstone Arch & Pahoehoe Lava at El Malpais National Monument & Pahoehoe Lava at El Malpais National Monument & Luna Lake (Arizona) & the cat walk (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Indian+Rte-7&daddr=Silver+City,+NM&geocode=FQSvJwId0jl4-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=35.655065,-108.734436&sspn=1.218503,2.345581&ie=UTF8&z=7)

Day 5
NM152 & Gila National Monument (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Silver+City,+NM&daddr=33.229785,-108.264256+to:NM-152+to:Avenida+de+Mesilla&geocode=%3B%3BFXIX9wEdjqOY-Q%3BFSbN7AEdLqSi-Q&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=33.208818,-108.236961&sspn=0.081579,0.146599&ie=UTF8&z=13)

one more
Day 1
Drive along the Rio Grande & mining museum in Creede, CO & Aztec Ruins (if time) (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=E+Main+St&daddr=37.788081,-107.133179+to:US-50&geocode=FbQTMQIdruiN-Q%3B%3BFaDVSwIdCryf-Q&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=9&via=1&sll=37.570705,-107.558899&sspn=1.188603,2.345581&ie=UTF8&ll=37.433431,-107.190857&spn=1.19079,2.345581&z=9)

Day 2
El Malpais National Monument & El Morro National Monument and some cool rock formations (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Farmington,+NM&daddr=Indian+Service+Route+7014%2FNM-371+to:35.038149,-108.347855+to:I-40+E&geocode=%3BFQzyJAIdvNWM-Q%3B%3BFTxUGAIdqhqS-Q&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=35.035338,-108.338242&sspn=0.076744,0.146599&ie=UTF8&ll=35.862344,-107.720947&spn=2.4306,4.691162&z=8) or you could visit the Sky Pueblo

Day 3
Very Large Array & Owl Cafe (I hope??) (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=NM-122%2FE+Santa+Fe+Ave&daddr=34.302606,-108.138428+to:I-25+N&geocode=FaIWGAIdJK-S-Q%3B%3BFQDc-QEdum-b-Q&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=8&via=1&sll=34.1209,-107.232056&sspn=2.582889,4.691162&ie=UTF8&z=8)

Day 4
NM152 & Gila National Monument (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=I-25+N&daddr=33.229929,-108.264084+to:Silver+City,+NM&geocode=FQDc-QEdum-b-Q%3B%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=13&via=1&sll=33.214276,-108.242798&sspn=0.081574,0.146599&ie=UTF8&ll=33.084638,-108.099976&spn=1.256476,2.345581&z=9)

Day 5
NM152 (so others can drive it) & White Sands & lunch in Old Mesilla (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Silver+City,+NM&daddr=NM-152+to:32.87036,-105.957642&geocode=%3BFXIX9wEdjqOY-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=8&via=1&sll=32.295259,-107.021942&sspn=2.63728,4.691162&ie=UTF8&z=8)

they all very a little, there are a couple of places missed, like The Million Dollar Highway and Cayon de Chillie, but the routes could be change a little to visit those places, let me know what you think?

[Ulrich]

My preference would be #1, followed by #3.

Definitely.

[Coop]

My preference would be #1, followed by #3.

Definitely.

Thanks for the input,

maybe I need to start a new poll?

[speedracer]

I think as I have review this thread , its the combination of stops and roads that seems to work together. Even then, its hard to see the whole trip together.

So, maps and stops or just keep going with this one.

[4U2NV]

All are very good. I am game for any of the options.

[speedracer]

What is the theme. We nee a mission statement!

[R_W]

I suggest a western theme. Or a surfer theme. Mardi Gras is over done...

[speedracer]

1) Deserts and Mountains
2) Space men
3) Rio Grande start to finish.

[R_W]

http://www.exstudio.superhost.pl/cichonski/images/auta/s2000k1.jpg + http://www.solarnavigator.net/aviation_and_space_travel/aviation_space_images/astronaut_free_flight_above_earth.jpg = WIN!!!!!!!!

[R_W]

Sean (rocketman) would enjoy it!

[R_W]

Better yet... just for you, speed... a 60's / hippy theme! :D

[R_W]

http://masonhellcat.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/hippy203.jpg I have no idea who that guy is, but the pic is silly, none-the-less.

[speedracer]

Thanks,

I think we could start at http://www.galenfrysinger.com/new_mexico_goddard.htm

Then on to:

http://www.roswellufomuseum.com/

Then for a little stargazing:

http://www.as.utexas.edu/mcdonald/mcdonald.html

Then on to:


http://www.vla.nrao.edu/

Then at the mid point:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucZKCrMvqu4

Ok so, Area 51 is a long way so we should just do Hwy 151.

[speedracer]

http://masonhellcat.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/hippy203.jpg I have no idea who that guy is, but the pic is silly, none-the-less.

Looks like me.

So sad.

:popcorn:

[R_W]

Looks like me.

So sad.

:popcorn:

Honestly John, (and please don't take offense to this, I don't mean it in a negative way, I'm not sure if you like the guy or not, its strictly a resemblence in appearance), I always thought you looked a bit like Dennis Miller. :rockon:

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Az2ZEBPDhYANbM:http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/photos/uncategorized/miller.jpg

[speedracer]

What about this:
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm842241792/nm0000126

[R_W]

Combine the two, and bingo!

[Coop]

What is the theme. We nee a mission statement!

to get this back on track

"Enchantmant Drive II"

now which route do you like?

[R_W]

to get this back on track

"Enchantmant Drive II"

now which route do you like?

I'll be voting later tonight. I have to knock some chores out and enjoy my day off first.

[R_W]

Hmmmmmmmmm
After looking it over, it appears we could:
Day 1) start in Alamogordo to Socorro (group 3, map 1)
Day 2) Then take 25 South to T or C and cut west to Silver City (group 3, map 5)
Thats the start I've come up with. More to come. I'm also basing this roads that would be an all out BLAST to drive, not so much on touristy attractions. =X

[speedracer]

Roads and stops are both important.

[Coop]

Roads and stops are both important.

very very true

[thereur]

Roads and stops are both important.

Definitely! I think drivers come for 60% roads and 40% sights, and riders 30% roads and 70% sights. :)

[Coop]

found this

http://www.silvercity.org/dest_catwalk.shtml

and you can take a nice dip in the water
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/5991016

[Coop]

Here are some pictures I took while looking at planning this
Start of NM152 & a long Nm152, before it got twisty
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5174.jpg
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5175.jpg
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5176.jpg
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5177.jpg
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5178.jpg
Over looking the Gila wilderness
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5183.jpg
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5185.jpg
50 miles north of Silver City, just north of the Cat Walk, Wolfs had just crossed the road
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5196.jpg
some history
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5197.jpg
just south of Grants
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5204.jpg
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5231.jpg
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5234.jpg
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5235.jpg
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5218.jpg
yes we have some straight roads too
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5240.jpg
North of Grants
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5246.jpg
outside of Pagosa Springs
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5252.jpg
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5265.jpg
this is the Rio Grande valley
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5260.jpg
the Rio Grande
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv158/coops2kcr/pre%202010%20drive/DSC_5264.jpg

[speedracer]

I am ready to go,

[R_W]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh nice! I love it! :D I cant wait!

[R_W]

I'll keep my eyes open for other roads in the vicinity of cloudcroft tomorrow

[takeshi]

We detoured to hit NM152 on the way to S2K Days and it was definitely worth it!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2591/3965077014_b24a9b5d56.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/3964306835_ac435a0ab5.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3067/3965062460_2c9d82e836.jpg

[Ulrich]

So... Have the dates for this drive been finalized, yet?

I just got permission to carry 10 days of vacation time into next year since I can't take the time off this year (still got 21 days left, with barely 40 working days remaining in 2009?), but with clear instructions not to let this happen again -- I need to plan my 2010 vacation time early! ;)

[Coop]

So... Have the dates for this drive been finalized, yet?

I just got permission to carry 10 days of vacation time into next year since I can't take the time off this year (still got 21 days left, with barely 40 working days remaining in 2009?), but with clear instructions not to let this happen again -- I need to plan my 2010 vacation time early! ;)

still waiting on the FAA & Union to come to an agreement on how our leave and work shifts will go next year. Normally we start the first weekend in Oct, and because of the new contract, we are now hoping for the next week to the first of Nov

[Coop]

I have run into a small problem at work

we have just started bidding days off and vacation. So far the month of June is taken by other members of crew. BUT, in round 2 or 3 if a week is not taken, I can bid it.

Other choices are to do this in May, which I know means a few more people will not be able to go, or if something happen to our July vacation, replace it with this.

I will keep this up to date as my vacation bidding continues

[4U2NV]

Thanks for the update. While my job sucks, I do have flexibility on my vacation so I can make this work fro whatever dates you make it.

I am looking forward to this trip!

[speedracer]

Good luck with the bid.

May can be done,

Please consider spring break also .

[Coop]

I just put in for spot leave on June 6-13, just in case.

[Coop]

Good luck with the bid.

May can be done,

Please consider spring break also .

when is spring break for you ?

[speedracer]

when is spring break for you ?

March 15-19.

COuld add in a ski day at ski apache.

[Ulrich]

March 15-19.
That would be right in the middle of the annual first budget revision at work, which would make it difficult for me. All of May and up to the middle of June would be ideal from my perspective.

[4U2NV]

March would suck for us northerners. The car usually does not come out of hibernation until the middle of April.

[Coop]

That early in March would be bad for going through the mountains also, plus that will fill up very fast at work, because of spring brake.

[speedracer]

Ok Ok. Back to May/June.

[s2kbobby]

May/June works for me. Retired now after 36 years in Communications so practically any date would do.

Does anyone know the most scenic route from Winnipeg Canada to this event. Winnipeg is right in the middle of Canada just above North Dakota. We are willing to do a bit of driving, perhaps through scenic parts of Wyoming and Colorado.

Ulrich, which way did you travel to Billings for the National Parks Tour?? I know time was a factor but you must have considered the scenery on the way.

Bob

[billy bob]

Just make sure there is one stay over in Alamogordo....

[Coop]

Ok the bidding is moving right along, problem is the guy in front of me took the last Sunday in May - June, but in our next round, should be this week I hope, I can then bid where other people on my crew have bid. Let hope for the May 23 - May 29, which should give most people 3 days to get home.

[Coop]

here is the drive dates

This thread is closed, new poll on new thread

http://forums.s2kca.com/showthread.php?t=33243