Not only are there no services, but there are also nearly no inhabitants. Most structures along the route (and there aren’t many) appear to have been abandoned quite some time ago. It was only about 20 miles out from El Paso, that we began to see some residential unit density and roadside mailboxes. In the afternoon, based on a recommendation from the campground host, we headed out to the town of Mesilla, where we visited a number of interesting shops, and observed some of the building’s unique architecture.
Claudette’s Two Cents.
As Bernard said above, the road was long and isolated. A shocker was a sign that said “Slow Down! School Zone!” There’s a school in this area? Where are the houses? The kids? I like isolation, but that’s a bit much.
As we approached El Paso, we noticed the smog over the city. I had no idea how big El Paso was, how industrialized (at least coming in from the East) and militarized. We saw many military bases as we drove through El Paso to get to Las Cruces.
As we’re getting closer to our campground, we noticed a lot more homeless people, living in tents in vacant parking lots. The campground also has razor wire all around the perimeter of its property. Should we be concerns or glad? I decided to focus on being glad that it has security measures.
My philosophy is “What you focus on, you create.” Therefore I focus on us enjoying ourselves, trusting where we decide to camp (knowing that Bernard researches every single place we go by reading the comments and reviews of our stops) and making the most of our time on this earth. Life is short. Eat dessert first. 🙂
And while visiting La Mesilla, that’s what we did. We tried some local wines (New Mexico produces wine? I had no idea) and dark chocolate with pistachios and pecans. YUMMMY!
Fun fact – did you know that New Mexico grows pistachios (thirds after California and Arizona) and pecans?