We are back from such an amazing time driving to New Mexico. This trip was full of firsts in the family, including that it was the fist time we have taken a big camping trip with Elliot. He is now old enough (4 years) that we can spend long days driving and he can handle it, which is so liberating for Chris and I. Road trips are something we love to do so much and really have not been able to do since having Elliot.
We spent the first night at some cute rustic cabins in Balmorhea State park, which has a huge natural spring. It was Elliot's first time off a diving board or as he referred to it as the "the big jumping thing". It was hard to believe that Texas could have such clear and blue water (see below). The second night we camped at Guadalupe National Park, which was incredible. The landscape was so unique (there were maple trees in the middle of the desert) and breathtaking. I definitely felt all of my thirty-something years sleeping on the hard ground, but it was worth it. Then we drove up to Ruidoso. We rented a tiny wood cabin. We did the whole tourist thing and visited some museums, Funtrackers and enjoyed great local cuisuine. And of course, we did some nice hiking in the mountains.
I have all the credit to my incredible (really) husband for planning everything, which took a couple days alone. I also want to say to all of you out there who love road trips and do not have a GPS system yet, go get one! Chris gave me one for my birthday and I don't know how I ever survived before without it.
The cabins at Balmorhea State Park.
Do you think Elliot likes to play it up for the camera? Don't mind the campers hair.
Camping in Gaudalupe National Park.
Town of Lincoln.
Advice to parents taking their first really long road trip with little ones...take plenty of chocolate milk and cookie breaks.
My amazing little hiker, prepared with pole and bear whistle.
