Little Apache Trailhead

Figuring in to the equation that we do not have two days off of work together very often, we elected to go camping in Cloudcroft for Memorial weekend, leaving Saturday after I got off work.

Hottie manning the fire

Spencer was my hero and packed just about everything for us while I was working, so we could leave immediately after I got off. Picking me up in my Camry, we were on our way by 6:15pm.

My Camry did not even wait until we were out of town before protesting yet another road trip. It switched on it's check engine light and forced us to turn around to get it check out. Something is apparently wrong with the catalytic converter. Not letting it damper our plans, we drove back to the apartment and moved our paraphernalia over to his Corolla and took off (after he replaced the bulb in his headlight).

Hot chocolate in the mornings

Reading to me

We made it to the campground around 10:30pm. We set up our tent and went straight to bed.

We had a late-for-camping start to the next day. It was not only deserved, but needed. It was enjoyable cooking our meals over the fire during our stay. Hot chocolate, banana boats, corn on the cob, and barbecued chicken are some of the edibles that make camping memorable. We went on a hike, played card games, read a book together and had deep and light-hearted discussions.

Cloudcroft is a beautiful area in the mountains (with elevation over 8,500), with mixed pine and aspen trees. It was definitely worth the trip.

On our hike

Next Sunday, however, we very much look forward to not going anywhere.

Thank you to those who have died defending our country! We would not have the freedom to host barbecues, go camping or experience all of the freedom we have without your sacrifice.

I would also like to thank my incredible hubby who, upon arriving home, did the dishes, folded and put away all the laundry. I do not deserve this man! The way he works for our family and serves unselfishly every day amazes me.

Hiking

Kaley & Spencer Barrow - Established 2014

Gooey goodness!

Banana boats

Handsome husband!

Fantastic weekend!

With both of us working full time and different schedules, Sundays have become our only uninterrupted time together. We have been trying to make the most of them.

Two weekends ago, we met Spencer's parents in Arizona and saw Hoover Dam. It was a nice visit, and an impressive work of engineering. We love visiting with family!

On the way back, the car decided we haven't had enough trouble and started smoking. Popping up the hood, it was clear that the coolant had emptied itself on to the engine. We made a phone call to Triple A and had them tow us a few towns farther, to a shop that happened to be open Sundays (lucky for us). After a few hours, we were on our way again, getting in later than planned again, but safe.

Last Sunday we drove about an hour west to Ruidoso to climb out of the 100 degree weather and be among the trees and mountains we so miss.  It was beautiful. After some backtracking through the town, we finally found the road to take us to Grindstone Lake. We hiked 7 miles around the lake, happy to be spending time outdoors. Although it reminded us of California, the over-sized bugs, wind, and other contributing factors gave it it's own uniqueness.

We stopped for dinner on the way home, and were accosted by the waiter. He stood above our table and talked about himself at least half of the time we were in the diner. Not only was it awkward to have him standing there staring at us, but we felt as if we could not start on our meal until he decided he had sufficiently explained his life story and left us in peace. Maybe that is how he was taught to work for a tip.


This weekend we both have Sunday and Monday off for Memorial Day! We are considering camping past Riodoso, as we have heard it is beautiful and full of aspen trees (our favorite). But we are also tempted to finally just take a weekend to relax and finish setting up the apartment. Either way, I will keep you posted. Have a great weekend everyone - we miss you!

Crepes. Because there has to be a picture of food. I have been enjoying cooking for my hard-working husband.

After flying back from the Bahamas, we took the next day to pack up the trailer and say goodbye to family. The next morning we hit the road at 4:30AM, stopping a little over halfway in Flagstaff, AZ around 6:30pm. It was our first time staying at a KOA campground together. In the freezing wind we pitched our tent, blew up our mattress and zipped up our king-size sleeping bag.

Scalloped potatoes, chicken, and salad

BLT Pizza

Airport band

Buffet

Straw Market

Queen's Staircase

Fort Fincastle

Paradise

New York

Lady Liberty