We hadn't been out camping for a couple of months. So we wanted to get back into practice: Thus, a week at South Monticello Campground on Elephant Butte Lake (about 70 miles north of Las Cruces on the Rio Grande River.)

Scenes from around our campsite

 

We also did a day trip up into the Gila National Forest. There were serious wildfires there in 2025, so we were concerned about how much damage we might find. The Ponderosa Pine forest was badly scorched, but very few big trees were killed - mostly the underbrush was cleared. 

The forest seemed healthy and beautiful to us. 

Then, we also spent a day in Truth or Consequences, NM.

Visiting the Charles Motel and Spa.

And visiting the Geronimo Museum.

We just returned from a 1,600 mile road trip to Houston and back. This was not a camping trip.

We visited MD Anderson Cancer Center for a second opinion on Michael's medical condition. It was a very positive experience. The conclusion was that the diagnosis and treatment over the last two years by the medical professionals at the University of New Mexico is consistent with the best practices at MD Anderson.

So, we will continue with active surveillance in Albuquerque. We are moving forward with plans for a camping road trip to the Pacific Northwest, Western Canada, and Alaska. Thank you all for your support, particularly over the last few years. Here are a few photos that we took over the last week.

Yogi at a truck stop in El Paso

West Texas

Scenes along the Guadalupe River in Kerrville

Reflection in river

Cormorant roost at sunset

Lunch at Niko Nikos in Houston -

with Baklava-Cherry Cheesecake 

and a triple chocolate brownie

MD Anderson Cancer Center

In the Courtyard

And in the lobby

Sunrise near Columbus, TX - 

on our way back home.

South Llano River State Park, Junction, TX

Black-crested Titmouse

Texas Squirrel

Bewick's Wren

Female Northern Cardinal

Spotted Towhee

Male Northern Cardinal

American Goldfinch

Orange-crowned Warbler

Another Female Cardinal

Nine-Banded Armadillo