5/16/12 Wining in The Land of Enchantment

Who doesn't like to start the morning off with a wine tasting?  Quite a number of wineries in the Albuquerque area but we choose the Gruet tasting house just north of town.  We tasted some really delicious wines and after purchasing a couple Chardonnays and a half bottle of a sparking rose (and joining their mail order club - what a consumer I am!), we jumped on I-25 traveling south out of Albuquerque.  We turned east on Hwy 380 at San Antonio and stopped for lunch - The Buckhorn or The Owl Bar?  We chose the Owl Bar and ate delicious green chili burgers.  If you're a fan of those tasteless green chilis you get in a can, you've not tasted them.  New Mexico is king of the green chilis.  Also searched for two geocaches in San Antonio - one of which we found fairly easily; the other we gave up on as we're respectful of this countryside and totally afraid of snakes!

West of Carrizozo, and as we approached the mountains, we came upon this stark land that looked like charcoal for miles around.  A sign directed us to the Valley of Fires National Recreation Area where we pulled over and got some information from the friendly ranger.  Approximately 2,000 years ago, the Earth opened in this area - 44 miles long and 10 miles wide - and the lava erupted from the fissures.  When it cooled, it created the most fascinating landscape.  We walked the 3/4 mile nature trail and enjoyed the uniqueness of the area.  Great stop.

Valley of Fires Nature Walk

Valley of Fires Nature Walk

We pulled in to Historic Lincoln NM, and it's as I remember it 31 years ago when I traveled here with my fiance (Gullotto) and friends Jeff and Randy to visit their frat brother Matt and bride Becky.  Lincoln oozes history with the Lincoln County War and the infamous Billy the Kid, and because it's an historic area, nothing has changed.  There is no gas station, grocery store, Starbucks, nothing we're used to in a 21st century town.  Just fascinating old buildings, approximately 40 residents (our dear friend Becky is one), museums, and the Wortley Hotel.  Becky and daughters, Alena and Alexa, were waiting on the porch for us and waved at us as we slowly drove by.  What a treat to see her again and meet her beautiful girls.  And we were also entertained by the newest member of the family, an 8 week old puppy who is too cute for words.

Can I bite your feet???

Becky was hosting a Wine Party that evening and we were joined by her friends Ginger, Elaine, and Susan.  Lovely women all and we enjoyed ourselves very much.  Nothing like starting the day off with Gruet wine and ending it with Gruet wine.  


Have you heard of Miller's moths?  They've attacked Lincoln like the plague, and Alena spent the night whacking them.  


We have the lovely guest suite with a ridiculously comfortable bed, antiques, and complete peace and quiet.  Which is what Lincoln and Becky's home is all about.  This canyon is truly enchanting.


Happy Trails, S