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Eating at Salt Lick Barbecue, A Taste of Real Texas Barbecue – Day 114

Now that we are in central Texas, it is time to try out some Texas Barbecue!

As many of you know, we are huge fans of both cooking and eating. And whenever we are in a new region, we try out the local cuisine.

Although, on a rare occasion, the results are less than preferable. For instance when we ordered lunch in Chinatown while we were in San Fransisco.

However, the majority of the time we have fallen in love with the food that we have tried.

texas barbecue
Texas is known for low and slow cooked barbecue over a wood-fire. And smoking brisket is a must!

And we already knew that we would be drooling over authentic Texas Barbecue before we would even take our first bite!

What is Texas Barbecue?

But first we must take a minute to explain what we mean when we use the term Texas Barbecue.

Texas is known for smoking their meat using a slow and low, wood-burning technique. And depending where you are in Texas, you will see it being done using a dry rub or sauce.

But no matter where you are at in Texas, you can guarantee that brisket will be on the menu!

The Salt Lick Smoker…
texas barbecue pit
Inside Salt Lick you can see the hustle and bustle behind the art and science of smoking the meat over a wood fire pit.

And that was exactly what we were looking for when we arrived at Salt Lick Barbecue in Driftwood, Texas today.

As soon as we pulled in the parking lot, we knew that we had made the right choice.

The parking lot was packed and there were guests all around the outdoor entertainment area.

We approached the check in booth and were told that it would be over an hour before we would most likely be seated.

food trays
As we waited for our table, we became hungry looking at all the delicious food passing by us.

No problem! There was plenty of space to walk around and plenty of things to do while we waited.

From the musician playing at the outdoor pavilion to a bocce ball court, there was something for everyone to pass the time.

So we ordered a drink at the adjacent Salt Lick Cellars and began to walk around.

While we were marveling at the food menu, our mouths began to water as we watched and smelled the trays and trays of delicious Texas Barbecue pass by us.

outdoor waiting area
While you wait for your table you can sit outside and listen to a musician or play some bocce ball.

Lucky for us, our buzzer went off. And with less than a 30 minute wait we were being escorted to the dining room.

Our Salt Lick Barbecue Dinner

We were sat at a large table with long benches on either side. We imagined that in the peak of the season, you are most likely sat with others in a family-style seating arrangement.

And because we had already had a chance to look at the menu and see the food that was being served to others, we knew right away what we were going to order.

Both of us wanted brisket. It is a must if you are eating Texas Barbecue.

family seating
The majority of the dining area is set up as family style seating.

However, we wanted to try a couple of other things as well. So we also ordered pork ribs and smoked chicken.

If you think that is a lot of food, it is! Plus it comes with a side of coleslaw, mac and cheese, and baked beans. Oh, and don’t forget the bread, smoked jalapenos, onions and pickles that are complementary as well!

To say that we ate like a King and Queen is an understatement! And it wasn’t until the end of the meal that we realized that we didn’t even try the homemade barbecue sauce!

our texas barbecue dinner
Brisket, pork ribs, chicken and more! An authentic Texas barbecue dinner!

The meat had so much flavor, that we didn’t even give it a second thought.

For us, our first taste of Texas barbecue did not disappoint!

Although we walked out of there feeling full and satisfied, we couldn’t help but talk about trying other barbecue meals when we are in North Carolina, Memphis and Kansas City.

And we are both curious on which one that we will enjoy the most! I am betting on all of them!

HAPPY TRAVELING! Jim and Mary

CURRENT TRIP STATUS TO DATE:

  • Day 114 of 365
  • States : 15/50
  • National Parks / Monuments : 18
  • Stayed In : San Marcos, TX
  • Miles Driven : 74.5
  • Total Trip Miles To Date : 12,910.0
  • Total Gallons Used : 935.51
  • Biking Miles : 0.0
  • Biking Miles To Date : 152.8
  • Hiking Miles : 3.7
  • Hiking Miles To Date : 267.4

About Our Living Simple Tour

On September 9th, 2019, we set out in our NuCamp T@B 400 Teardrop Camper to travel to every state. You can check out all of our dates here : Dates for the States

Follow along by signing up for our twice weekly email updates at the bottom of the page. You can also follow us on Facebook : Live Simple Tour Facebook and Instagram : Live Simple Now Instagram Page.

The State Sticker Map – Tracking Our Journey Across The U.S. – Day 113

One activity that always brings a smile to our day is when we get to add a new sticker to the state sticker map on the camper!

Before the trip began, we installed a blank map of the U.S. on the back of our T@B400 teardrop camper. And with each new state we visit, the map gets filled in with a corresponding sticker from that state.

The state map is actually a tradition for quite a few campers out on the road. It serves both as a badge of honor, and a living record of the places visited far and wide.

State sticker maps like this one are popular with a lot of campers. Placed on the outside of camper, they are a great way to show your traveling past!

In fact, one of the first things we do whenever we see another camper is look to see if they have a map. It’s fun to see where they have been. Or even more, which states they still need to complete their map. See : State Sticker Map Affiliate link

The Rules For Our State Sticker Map

Early on, we established two rules for our map for just how and when a sticker can be placed.

For starters, a sticker can’t go on unless we spend a night in the state. For us, simply driving through doesn’t count.

state sticker map progress
The map as it stands today for us on December 30th, 2019

So although we traveled through Indiana, Illinois, Missouri & Iowa to get to the start of our trip in Nebraksa – only Missouri received a sticker since we had to spend the night there. ( And yes, we will still spend an entire week there next summer as well as part of the trip:)

The second rule covers putting it on. We both have to be present – and we alternate who is the lucky one to put it on. No sneaking out in the morning to take all the glory. 🙂

The State Sticker Map Progress

Our map has come a long way since leaving Ohio on September 9th. At that point, it contained just one sticker.

That first sticker was from our week long stay in the Buckeye state at nuCamp’s UCamp week long event in Sugarcreek, Ohio. (Which by the way is one incredible event!)

the truck in the redwoods
Our little map has spent the night with us now for a grand total of 17 states.

But slowly and surely, our state sticker map is filling up. And today, on Day 113, there are now a grand total of 17 stickers on the map. The latest of which is Texas, which by the way, covered a great deal of real-estate!

In fact, geographically, with the size of the western states we have now been through, the map is nearly half full. But it will certainly take some time to get those final 33 states filled in.

our trip across America
How the map looked back on the morning of September 9th, 2019

The goal of course is to have all 50 filled in on the state sticker map when the trip concludes on September 8th with our return to the farm.

Exactly 365 days from when we first left. (See : Dates For The States)

Here’s to 2020 and the wonderful experiences it will bring! Happy Traveling! – Jim and Mary

CURRENT TRIP STATUS TO DATE:

  • Day 113 of 365
  • States : 15/50
  • National Parks / Monuments : 17
  • Stayed In : San Marcos, TX
  • Miles Driven : 355.4
  • Total Trip Miles To Date : 12,835.5
  • Total Gallons Used : 930.10
  • Biking Miles : 0.0
  • Biking Miles To Date : 152.8
  • Hiking Miles : 0.0
  • Hiking Miles To Date : 263.7

About Our Living Simple Tour

On September 9th, 2019, we set out in our NuCamp T@B 400 Teardrop Camper to travel to every state. You can check out all of our dates here : Dates for the States

You can follow along by signing up for our twice weekly email updates at the bottom of the page. You can also follow us on Facebook : Live Simple Tour Facebook and Instagram : Live Simple Now Instagram Page.

An El Paso Memorial In Honor Of 22 Victims, Day 112

Today we had the chance to stop and pay our respects at the newest El Paso Memorial.

Although, this memorial is not like most monuments that you have ever visited. Unlike most monuments, it is not located at a national park or national historical site.

In fact, this one is located in the front parking lot of an El Paso Walmart. It sits at the same site of a mass shooting that occurred on August 3, 2019.

The store recently reopened to the public just over a month ago and a memorial was built to honor the 22 individual who lost their lives.

However the actual structure itself doesn’t sit at the entrance or inside the Walmart building. The enclosed memorial that is constantly guarded sits in the front parking lot closest to the highway.

The Walmart El Paso Memorial

The memorial, called the “Grand Candela,” is built with 22 individual perforated aluminum arcs grouped together. Once lit, the lights shine upward through the 30 foot candle and represents unity among all people.

El Paso Memorial
Although we didn’t get to see the El Paso Memorial at Walmart lit up at night, it definitely was an impressive and humbling place to visit.

At the front entrance of the memorial is a plaque that is mounted on a bench. It is written in both English and Spanish and in part reads…

“Dedicated to the people of El Paso, may this memorial stand as a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives on Aug. 3, 2019, be a beacon of hope for the survivors, and a lasting reminder to all of the enduring strength, resiliency and love that unites El Paso.”

The Memorial Plaque

El Paso Memorial plaque
The plague is written in both English and Spanish to help unite everyone who reads it.

As we stood at the memorial reading the plaque, we stood alongside other visitors. And each family was from various ethnicities and spoke different languages.

But everyone was there for the same reason. No matter where they came from and no matter what language that they spoke, we were all united as we were standing there in front of the El Paso Memorial.

Just like it always should be, in every aspect of life.

el paso strong
The banner still hangs above the newly opened store that reads #ELPASOSTRONG

We walked away from the memorial with heavy hearts. We ached for all those who had died and the families that were left behind due to a senseless act of hatred.

Then we took a minute, sitting outside of the memorial to reflect on the benefits of traveling the country and interacting with people from all walks of life.

As Mark Twain said: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

And we couldn’t have said it any better.

Happy Traveling – Jim and Mary

CURRENT TRIP STATUS TO DATE:

  • Day 112 of 365
  • States : 15/50
  • National Parks / Monuments : 17
  • Stayed In : Fort Stockton, TX
  • Miles Driven : 227.5
  • Total Trip Miles To Date : 12,480.1
  • Total Gallons Used : 897.84
  • Biking Miles : 0.0
  • Biking Miles To Date : 152.8
  • Hiking Miles : 0.5
  • Hiking Miles To Date : 263.7

About Our Living Simple Tour

On September 9th, 2019, we set out in our NuCamp T@B 400 Teardrop Camper to travel to every state. You can check out all of our dates here : Dates for the States

Follow along by signing up for our twice weekly email updates at the bottom of the page. You can also follow us on Facebook : Live Simple Tour Facebook and Instagram : Live Simple Now Instagram Page.

Out Of The West Texas Town Of El Paso – A Visit To Rosa’s Cantina! Day 111

Much as with every city we visit, there seems to always be a song associated with the area – and that is certainly the case with El Paso, Texas.

Long before we ever reached the town, I was belting out the lyrics at will to the famous 1950’s era “El Paso” song from Marty Robbins. I even had the catchy tune stuck in Mary’s head as well.

Marty Robbins song “El Paso” was a huge hit in the late 1950’s.

So much so, that she decided to look up the history of the song. And it ended up leading to one fantastic morning in El Paso, Texas.

The History Of The El Paso Song

The classic ballad is based on a young gunfighter and his ill-fated love for a Mexican girl named Felina. And the entire story unfolds at Rosa’s Cantina in El Paso, Texas.

Which, up until Mary’s historical search, I thought was simply a fictional place made up entirely for the song. But oh was I ever wrong!

Rosa’s Cantina is still going strong after all of these years!

It seems that singer songwriter Marty Robbins passed through El Paso quite often in his day. And when doing so, would stop occasionally at none other than Rosa’s Cantina.

Marty apparently loved the El Paso city name, and thought it sounded quite romantic. He also thought it would make for a great song title someday.

And so it was in 1957, as he drove to Phoenix for the holidays, the lyrics came to him. And the classic country hit of “El Paso” – and the fame of Rosa’s Cantina were born.

A Visit To Rosa’s

Perhaps the most amazing part of this story for us is that Rosa’s Cantina is still in business!

Marty Robbins - El Paso Texas
The walls in Rosa’s Cantina are filled with memorabilia from Mary Robbins and his famous El Paso song.

So, of course we had to go to the place that inspired it all!

The walls of Rosa’s are lined with memorabilia about Marty, the song, and other country stars as well.

But there we were, having an amazing lunch at the bar and taking it all in.

Hearing us talk about the song, the bartender casually walked over to the juke box, pushed a button, and brought the song to life in the very place it originated.

Yosemite National Park
It’s not just the big sites that make this trip wonderful, it is all of the little stops along the way like our time at Rosa’s Cantina in El Paso.

It was the perfect ending to another cool little side-trip excursion.

Seeing Yellowstone National Park, the Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Rushmore have all been incredible highlights of the trip. But it will always be the off-the-path, crazy little stories like today that we will remember forever!

It was certainly a great start to our first of two weeks in Texas. Happy Singing & Traveling – Jim and Mary

CURRENT TRIP STATUS TO DATE:

  • Day 111 of 365
  • States : 15/50
  • National Parks / Monuments : 17
  • Stayed In : El Paso, Texas
  • Miles Driven : 57
  • Total Trip Miles To Date : 12,252.6
  • Total Gallons Used : 887.86
  • Biking Miles : 0.0
  • Biking Miles To Date : 152.8
  • Hiking Miles : 0.0
  • Hiking Miles To Date : 263.2

About Our Living Simple Tour

On September 9th, 2019, we set out in our NuCamp T@B 400 Teardrop Camper to travel to every state. You can check out all of our dates here : Dates for the States

You can follow along by signing up for our twice weekly email updates at the bottom of the page. You can also follow us on Facebook : Live Simple Tour Facebook and Instagram : Live Simple Now Instagram Page.

A Not So Quick Trip Into Mexico From El Paso, TX – Day 110

No trip to El Paso, Texas would be complete without a quick trip into Mexico.

Well, at least that is what we thought when we crossed the border into Texas earlier today.

El Paso is located on the western edge of Texas, just minutes from Juarez, Mexico.

Neither of us had been to Mexico before. And because we made it across the Canadian border while we were on our whale watching trip in Washington, we decided that we had to make a trip into Mexico as well.

The Border of Mexico
As we were crossing over one of The Bridges of America, we noticed the wall that separated the two countries, and the dry Rio Grande river bed.

So after we dropped our camper off at our location for the night, we decided to make a quick trip across the border.

A Trip Into Mexico

Before leaving, we made sure we had our passports. Then we jumped in the truck and made the drive to the border.

Within about 15 minutes we were crossing over one of the four bridges that connect Texas and Mexico. As we crossed over The Bridges of America we could see the Rio Grande River bed and the wall that divides the two countries.

On the other side of the bridge was the Mexican border patrol. We had our passports in hand, ready to show the officer.

trip into Mexico
After we were into Mexico, we realized that it wasn’t going to be a quick trip at all.

However, after going through an automated license scanner, we were just waved into the streets of Mexico. No stopping, no questions, and no passport checks.

However, within seconds of driving into Mexico, we knew that this wouldn’t be a quick trip at all!

On the other side of the street, was the longest line of cars that I had ever seen, waiting to enter into the United States.

mexico hospital
As we sat and waited we noticed a Mexican hospital on the side street.

What we had planned to be a quick, 20 minute trip in and out of Mexico was surely not going to happen.

The Streets of Mexico

We decided that we would immediately turn around and get in line to head back to El Paso.

The problem was, that the traffic heading back to the U.S.A. was at least 3 miles long.

As soon as we passed the last car in line, we turned around. We took a deep breath and began the waiting process.

trip into mexico
Not only did you have people walking around trying to sell you things, you had full vendor carts in the middle of traffic.

We laughed as we realized that what we thought was going to be a quick trip into Mexico was going to be anything but.

Taking in the Views

So we decided to sit back, relax and take in the views. The first thing that we noticed was the tremendous amount of medical and dental facilities.

There were dental offices everywhere! In fact, in one tiny strip mall there were 3 dental offices side by side.

Then off on a side street we noticed a hospital. And it wasn’t anything like we are used to in the United States.

gorditas stand
You can even buy freshly made Gorditas if you are hungry while you wait to cross the border.

But the most interesting sights that we saw were the vendors that were on the streets.

And by on the streets, I mean, they either walked or were stationed in between the 3 lanes of traffic.

There were people trying to make money washing windshields. And there were several people walking between the lanes of cars selling flash drives, DVD’s, sunglasses, cigarettes and more.

Then in the middle of the lanes of traffic there were vendor booths selling food and drinks.

Mexico exit
We were never so happy to see the Mexico exit toll booth at the border.

From prepackaged foods to cooking Gorditas right in the middle of the street, we saw it all!

To say the least, our trip into Mexico was quite interesting. And after a 3 hour excursion, we were finally, and happily back in the United States!

Happy Traveling – Jim and Mary

CURRENT TRIP STATUS TO DATE:

  • Day 110 of 365
  • States : 15/50
  • National Parks / Monuments : 17
  • Stayed In : El Paso, Texas
  • Miles Driven : 93.8
  • Total Trip Miles To Date : 12,195.6
  • Total Gallons Used : 883.74
  • Biking Miles : 0.0
  • Biking Miles To Date : 152.8
  • Hiking Miles : 0.0
  • Hiking Miles To Date : 263.2

About Our Living Simple Tour

On September 9th, 2019, we set out in our NuCamp T@B 400 Teardrop Camper to travel to every state. You can check out all of our dates here : Dates for the States

Follow along by signing up for our twice weekly email updates at the bottom of the page. You can also follow us on Facebook : Live Simple Tour Facebook and Instagram : Live Simple Now Instagram Page.

Chile Peppers & New Mexico – Two Beautiful Friends! Day 109

It doesn’t take long to figure out how much the state of New Mexico loves chile peppers.

In fact, you find that out the minute you drive across the state line and see the red and green peppers on the state welcome sign! But it goes much, much deeper than a simple state sign.

New Mexico is the only state of 50 with an official state question: “Red or Green?”

chile peppers on New Mexico state sign
The state sign of New Mexico pays homage to the beloved pepper.

Chile peppers proudly adorn New Mexico’s license plates. And, are the official state vegetable as well. That one is a bit funny considering peppers are technically a fruit. But nonetheless, it certainly shows how much New Mexicans adore the taste of their amazing peppers!

And, it just so happens, we have always loved peppers as well. In fact, so much that we usually grow about 20 types at our little farm every year. Even going as far as making them into hanging baskets! (See : Our Most Unique Hanging Basket Plant Ever)

chile pepper ristras in New Mexico
Everywhere you go in New Mexico, it is easy to see their love of Chile peppers!

Hot, sweet, mild, big or small, we simply love them. So it has made this week in New Mexico a little extra special for sure.

A Drive Through Hatch, New Mexico

One of our “must-do” activities this week was to visit Hatch, New Mexico. The little community of Hatch is home to the world-famous Hatch Chile pepper.

So famous in fact, that every Labor Day weekend, this usually lightly populated town celebrates with a massive celebration of the pepper’s harvest. (One that someday we will definitely be coming back for!)

hatch new mexico
Hatch Chile Peppers are world-renowned for their flavor and spice!

As it goes, a Hatch Chile Pepper can only be Hatch Chile pepper if it’s grown in the Hatch Valley. Much like Champagne is to France, or Kentucky Bourbon is to Kentucky.

And we both can attest after trying them in everything from chili to salsa, whatever is in the soil here in Hatch grows incredible peppers!

For The Love Of Chile Peppers

All week, we have both been awestruck by the beauty of the chile ristras you find all over New Mexico.

Chile ristras hanging to dry.

These beautifully constructed masses of hanging peppers are simply stunning to behold.

The chile peppers are most often of course hung to dry to use for cooking or spices. But here in New Mexico, they are used everywhere as decorations. And along with it, said to bring good health and luck as well.

New Mexico’s Beauty

Our trip wouldn’t have been complete without a visit and picture with the World’s Largest Chile Pepper in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

One thing is for sure about New Mexico, there has been plenty to do and see. And it will definitely be a state we return to enjoy again someday!

But for now, it is time to head to Texas!

Happy Traveling – Jim and Mary

CURRENT TRIP STATUS TO DATE:

  • Day 109 of 365
  • States : 14 / 50
  • National Parks / Monuments : 17
  • Stayed In : Las Cruces, New Mexico
  • Miles Driven : 10.8
  • Total Trip Miles To Date : 12,101.8
  • Total Gallons Used : 877.11
  • Biking Miles : 10.3
  • Biking Miles To Date : 152.8
  • Hiking Miles : 0
  • Hiking Miles To Date : 263.2

Experiencing New Christmas Traditions – Tamales and Posole, Day 108

Today we had the pleasure of experiencing new Christmas traditions with a classic, New Mexico Christmas dinner.

This is the first Christmas that both of us have spent away from home. Even when we lived in different towns, we have always celebrated Christmas and Christmas dinner with our families.

And each year, the same, traditional meal would be served. There would always be ham, potatoes, cooked vegetables and pie on the table.

Of course, each year as the family grew, there would be various additions brought to dinner.

luminaries new Christmas traditions
Just about every town in New Mexico has luminaries that line the streets on Christmas Eve.

From chicken and noodles to corn casserole, there was something for everyone to enjoy!

But this year we had the pleasure of experiencing new traditions when we had Christmas dinner in New Mexico.

New Christmas Traditions – Tamales and Posole

After being able to cook our traditional surf and turf Christmas Eve meal, we were both ready to head out and have something local for Christmas dinner.

tamales new christmas traditions
A week or two before Christmas, many New Mexico families have a tamale making party.

But what we found was completely different than a Christmas meal served in the Midwest.

The few restaurants that were open were serving a limited menu. And once we looked closer at the items on the menu, we were shocked.

There was not one restaurant serving ham or even turkey. But there were plenty serving tamales and posole.

masa on corn husks
The first layer in a tamale starts with masa spread on the husk.

So we decided that since we were away from home that we would partake in an authentic New Mexico Christmas dinner.

Christmas Tamales

As we began to speak to the locals, we learned that it is a huge tradition to make tamales with the family a week or two before Christmas.

Just like when you have others over to bake Christmas cookies, there is usually an assembly line when preparing Christmas tamales.

tamale new christmas traditions
Once all of the tamales are made, they are stored until Christmas day when dinner will be served.

Everyone has a specific job until all of the tamales are wrapped. Then on Christmas day, everyone gets together to enjoy the steamed tamales.

But the New Mexico Christmas tradition doesn’t stop there! Every special holiday often includes Posole.

Red Posole

Posole is a mix between a soup and stew and is traditionally served on Christmas using red chiles.

red posole
Red Posole is often served on Christmas day as well. It is a delicious soup/stew that is filled with tons of flavor.

Although there are many variations of Posole, it is typically made with pork, hominy and garlic.

And we had the pleasure of being served Red Posole (Rojo Pozole) on Christmas Day.

The flavors of this soup/stew is absolutely incredible! It was so comforting and warming to the body that I think that this recipe will become a new family favorite when we return back home!

And we have also made the decision to make tamales and posole new Christmas traditions for us in the future as well!

chile pepper wreath
There are dried Chile Pepper Ristras everywhere in New Mexico. But for Christmas, you will find Ristra wreaths as well!

And of course, a dried chile pepper wreath might become our new Christmas decoration of choice – because they are so beautiful!

Here is to experiencing local cuisine wherever you may travel!

Happy Traveling – Jim and Mary

CURRENT TRIP STATUS TO DATE:

  • Day 108 of 365
  • States : 14 / 50
  • National Parks / Monuments : 17
  • Stayed In : Las Cruces, New Mexico
  • Miles Driven : 247.5
  • Total Trip Miles To Date : 12,091.9
  • Total Gallons Used : 876.22
  • Biking Miles : 0.0
  • Biking Miles To Date : 142.5
  • Hiking Miles : 3.6
  • Hiking Miles To Date : 263.2

About Our Living Simple Tour

On September 9th, 2019, we set out in our NuCamp T@B 400 Teardrop Camper to travel to every state. You can check out all of our dates here : Dates for the States

Follow along by signing up for our twice weekly email updates at the bottom of the page. You can also follow us on Facebook : Live Simple Tour Facebook and Instagram : Live Simple Now Instagram Page.

The Christmas Eve Dinner Tradition Continues – Even On The Road!

I can’t exactly remember how it started, but a long time ago we began a Christmas Eve tradition of preparing and enjoying a special dinner together at home.

The menu has always been the same. A little surf and turf, along with a glass of our favorite wine.

And then we always ended the evening with a slow drive around to take in all of the holiday lights and displays. (See : Christmas at The Farm)

Christmas Eve Dinner Tradition
Although we far from our home and farm this Christmas Eve, we continued on with our Christmas Eve dinner tradition.

For us, it was a way to step back from the hustle, bustle and craziness of the holiday season. No more shopping or decorating. And no more rushing to attend Christmas parties or events.

Just a chance to cook together, and enjoy the Christmas season with a shared meal. Something not even the “best” Christmas gift could ever compare to.

Our annual homemade surf & turf dinner has always been something we both look forward to every Christmas Eve.

So today, although a few thousand miles from home and certainly missing family, friends and the many holiday traditions we are accustomed to, we decided to keep the tradition alive and strong. In a way, to give us a little taste of home.

Making Christmas Dinner In Albuquerque – A Tradition Continues

We were fortunate enough to find a local Albuquerque hotel with a full kitchen. And then we went to work shopping for and then preparing our usual Christmas Eve meal.

Albuquerque is known for their holiday lights and traditions. Including the Old Town Albuquerque luminary lighting on Christmas Eve, which were unfortunately hampered this year by a rain event.

I cannot tell you how much fun we had with it all.

And to keep the entire tradition in tact, we ended the evening with a wonderful drive around Albuquerque to take in all of the holiday lights.

It is for sure one amazing city. In fact, New Mexico has simply overwhelmed us this week with it’s unbelievable beauty. Here is to keeping your traditions alive and well too.

Merry Christmas to all, and Happy Traveling! – Mary and Jim

CURRENT TRIP STATUS TO DATE:

  • Day 107 of 365
  • States : 14 / 50
  • National Parks / Monuments : 17
  • Stayed In : Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Miles Driven : 256.3
  • Total Trip Miles To Date : 11844.4
  • Total Gallons Used : 864.55
  • Biking Miles : 0.0
  • Biking Miles To Date : 142.5
  • Hiking Miles : 0.0
  • Hiking Miles To Date : 259.6

About Our Living Simple Tour

On September 9th, 2019, we set out in our NuCamp T@B 400 Teardrop Camper to travel to every state. You can check out all of our dates here : Dates for the States

You can follow along by signing up for our twice weekly email updates at the bottom of the page. You can also follow us on Facebook : Live Simple Tour Facebook and Instagram : Live Simple Now Instagram Page.

White Sands National Monument – A True Wonder of The World, Day 106

Update December 2019: White Sands National Monument has now been declared a National Park

Today, on a pure whim, we traveled about 50 miles northeast of Las Cruces, NM to visit White Sands National Monument.

One of the advantages of traveling the country by car is being able to visit all of the national parks and monuments along the way.

And although we haven’t been able to hit all of them, we certainly try to visit as many as we can.

white sands national monument
The entrance sign to the White Sands National Monument.

So when we learned that the White Sands National Monument was within an hour driving distance from our campground, we jumped at the chance to go and visit.

However, we had no idea what we were about to see.

We have learned that national monuments, aren’t always buildings, structures, or statues. In fact, designating an area as a national monument sometimes is done to preserve historical land.

hiking in the dunes
We were able to get out and hike on a sand trail over and around the sand dunes.

And this is exactly the case with the White Sands area in the Tularosa Basin.

The 275 square miles of white sand dunes is composed of gypsum crystals. And this gypsum dune field is the largest of its kind found anywhere on Earth.

And today, not only did we get to drive through the area, we also were able to get out and walk on the dunes.

White Sands National Monument

When we arrived to the visitor’s center we were shocked at how many people where there to visit.

visitors at white sands national monument
In the common areas, there were tons of visitors. And some that even brought their sleds with them!

But when we thought about it being the weekend before Christmas, we realized that many people were probably passing through the area.

We drove to the admission gate, showed our National Parks Pass, and began to make the 8 mile loops around the dunes.

However, within a couple of miles, we were out out of the truck and hiking the dunes.

The white sand was super fine and cold to the touch. As long as you were walking on compacted areas, it was an easy hike.

driving through white sands national monument
After about 4 miles into the loop drive, the pavement ended and we were driving on nothing but compacted sand.

But there were several areas of thick, loose sand that required you to use extra effort to hike to the top of the dunes.

Although it was a little strenuous, we made it to the top of several dunes. And in the distance, we could see several other visitors carrying disc sleds to the top of the hills.

As we began to scan the area, you could find both children and adults sledding down the sand hills.

sledding
We enjoyed watching both the sledding and the climbing of the dunes by fellow visitors.

It truly was an amazing sight to see! And although it looked tempting, we decided to just watch the others rather than participate ourselves.

Although we found the sledding fun to watch, it was the climb back up to the top of the dunes that truly made us laugh.

Have You Heard Of White Sands?

And for those wondering why the term White Sands sounds familiar, the National Monument is within 20 miles of the Missile Test Launch Site and the back up Space Shuttle Landing site.

safety sign
We found the safety sign s posted throughout the drive interesting….

In fact, the Boeing Starliner, which launched this past Friday in an effort to deliver supplies to the International Space Station, aborted it’s mission within 48 hours of taking off. And it landed just hours before our arrival to New Mexico at the White Sands Missile Range on Sunday.

Unfortunately we weren’t able to view the landing, but it was truly impressive driving by the top secret fields on our way to White Sands National Monument.

You never know what you are going to see while on the road!

Happy Traveling – Jim and Mary

CURRENT TRIP STATUS TO DATE:

  • Day 106 of 365
  • States : 14 / 50
  • National Parks / Monuments : 17
  • Stayed In : Las Cruces, New Mexico
  • Miles Driven : 129.3
  • Total Trip Miles To Date : 11,588.1
  • Total Gallons Used : 845.84
  • Biking Miles : 0.0
  • Biking Miles To Date : 142.5
  • Hiking Miles : 2.4
  • Hiking Miles To Date : 259.6

About Our Living Simple Tour

On September 9th, 2019, we set out in our NuCamp T@B 400 Teardrop Camper to travel to every state. You can check out all of our dates here : Dates for the States

Follow along by signing up for our twice weekly email updates at the bottom of the page. You can also follow us on Facebook : Live Simple Tour Facebook and Instagram : Live Simple Now Instagram Page.

Hello New Mexico! Exploring The Beauty Of Las Cruces & Historic Mesilla – Day 105

Our first day into New Mexico certainly didn’t disappoint, especially when it came to taking in the beauty of both Las Cruces & historic Mesilla!

New Mexico has been one state that we have really been looking forward to from the very start of our journey.

beauty of las cruces
There is incredible beauty and architecture all over New Mexico, including the Basilica San Albino Catholic Church in Mesilla

For one, neither of us had ever stepped foot into the state before today. But even more, we have both always been fascinated by southwestern culture, architecture, and cuisine.

And we certainly experienced all of that on just our first day into the Land of Enchantment.

The Beauty of New Mexico : Las Cruces & Historic Mesilla

Las Cruces

Our base for the next few days is the incredibly scenic town of Las Cruces. As we often do, we look for an area to camp where we can spend a few days branching out for sightseeing day trips.

Las Cruces is the perfect base for us in New Mexico. It is easily within reach of day trips to Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Roswell.

And Las Cruces is the perfect city for just that purpose! This picturesque town sits on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, and is within easy day trips to Albuquerque, Roswell, Santa Fe and El Paso.

It’s much easier on us to have a set campsite for a few days, and then take just the truck out for the day. And at the end of the day, we arrive back to the comforts of our teardrop camper to relax.

the beauty of Las Cruces
There is beauty all around in Las Cruces, from the desert landscape, to the cities and towns.

It has been an incredibly wonderful formula that has worked for making this trip so enjoyable!

And, lucky for us this week, I don’t think we could have picked a better campground, or a better city to host us throughout the Christmas holidays.

All around, this area is completely decked out for the Christmas season, and Christmas in New Mexico has been a beautiful sight to behold.

A trip to Historic Mesilla

Just a few miles down from our campsite sits the historic town of Mesilla. Many of our friends and followers had told us to be sure to visit, and were they ever right!

It is like going back in time to explore the old west.

Billy the Kid was tried and sentenced to hang in the Mesilla courthouse.

A century and a half ago, Mesilla was a major stop for travelers between San Antonio and San Diego. It was a true 1800’s western border town, and many of the historic buildings still remain.

The town has had it’s share of fame. In fact, Billy the Kid once stood trial for murder here. And, the Butterfield Stagecoach, which was the precursor to the Pony Express, ran right through town.

the beauty of las cruces
In addition to all of the historic building, the historic town of Mesilla has so many quaint little restaurants, shops and more.

It was so neat to walk through the streets and be able to take it all in.

And to finish what turned out to be a perfect day – we ended with an incredibly authentic and delicious mexican dinner at Andales. We definitely need to hike tomorrow!

Happy Traveling – Jim and Mary!

Trip Stats To Date

  • Day 105 of 365
  • States : 14 / 50
  • National Parks / Monuments : 16
  • Stayed In : Las Cruces, New Mexico
  • Miles Driven : 277.4
  • Total Trip Miles To Date : 11,458.8
  • Total Gallons Used : 836.40
  • Biking Miles : 0.0
  • Biking Miles To Date : 142.5
  • Hiking Miles : 2.5
  • Hiking Miles To Date : 257.2

About Our Living Simple Tour

On September 9th, 2019, we set out in our NuCamp T@B 400 Teardrop Camper to travel to every state. You can check out all of our dates here : Dates for the States

You can follow along by signing up for our twice weekly email updates at the bottom of the page. You can also follow us on Facebook : Live Simple Tour Facebook and Instagram : Live Simple Now Instagram Page.