Albuquerque

After much discussion about the route we would take to Albuquerque, we decided to take Route 550 from Bloomfield to Bernalillo, New Mexico.  Then we would get on I-25 to I-40 and our KOA.  It turned out to be a great choice because that route was not only scenic but also four lanes all the way.

We were very pleased to wake up this morning with sunshine and a few clouds.  We haven't had that in several days.

We pulled out of Cottonwood Campground about 8:00 a.m. and drove over he washboard road of two miles one final time.  The campground was nice but the road into it overpowers any positive about the campground.  We would never camp here again.

The scenery was very pretty.  The road was four-lanes but it was over rolling hills.  The motorhome would make it to the top and head down only to go up gain.  It was sort of like a small roller coaster.  The hills weren't enormous so it didn't strain the engine too badly.

We did not know it, but this part of New Mexico is a big producer of either oil or natural gas.  We saw oil wells everywhere and lots of storage tanks for whatever they are pumping out of the ground.

It was only 200 miles from Cottonwood Campground so we made it to Albuquerque by noon.  Check-in time was 1:00 so we decided to fill the motorhome gas tank to kill some time.  There was a Flying J a few exits away from the KOA exit and it had an RV lane (which we love) so we filled up and then went to the KOA.  I was a little nervous about this KOA because a fellow camper at Monument Valley had told me horrible things about its location.  She said it was in the heart of the most crime-ridden section of Albuquerque.  However, when we got here, all that negative left my mind because it is very nice.  It is surrounded with a fence and when it gets dark the gates are locked and a guard posted.  I think the KOA owners have taken all the precautions they can to make us the campers safe.  The campground is full and mostly larger motorhomes, fifth-wheels and trailers.  I feel safe and am glad we are camped here.  This is our spot.  It is very nice.

It will be early to bed tonight.  We want to leave this campground no later than 4:30 a.m.  The first balloon activity begins at 6:00 a.m. and we want a parking spot and good place to watch it all.  By 8:00 a.m. all balloon activity is over until 6:00 p.m. so we will come back to the camp and take a nap of two.