Mammoth Takes to the Bats, Day 6

Sunday 16 July

Today's agenda was a scenic drive to Guadalupe Mountains National Monument. Pretty awesome views from the highway rest areas--

 

Molly came with us, so we didn't go in the visitor center. Turns out we might as well have taken turns and went in--the only other thing I'd hoped to do in the park were to drive the roads back to the campgrounds and the few historical sites.  But no--they were closed due to fire danger.  Most of the hiking trails were, too. We did at least check out the Pine Springs Campground--no hookups and sites too short for us. I'd thought that before, from the reservations web page, but we confirmed it by driving through. 

But it sure was cool to see!

Not much else to say for the day, so I'll sneak in my camping review. 

Review Brantley Lake State Park site 14

An almost perfect state park.
This park has almost everything one might want in a state park, and then some. It's in the desert, though--remember that when planning a trip. Mid-July, when we came, was probably not the best time.

There is a loop of reservable sites (you can sign up for them at the entrance) and one of first-come sites. Neither was even half full, but note that it was an awfully undesirable time of year for camping (July). There were no park staff at the gate and I didn't see any the whole time we were there; the campground host site was occupied, but the host kept inside (or busy) the whole time. But we had no need for staff--everything was perfect.

Our electricity, 50-amp, worked fine and so did our water hookup. No sewer, although there were about three sites with sewer near the front of the camping area. The dump station was easy to access and convenient on the way out. The camp surfaces were pea gravel and everything was perfectly clean; dumpsters and trash cans all over; only a little litter scattered here and around.

But the bath house! I've never see such a gorgeous bath house! Our RV has a shower  but it was nowhere near as nice as the bath house showers. Nozzles with hoses--unlimited water, hot or cold--no "button" to push, just a normal circular knob. And very, very clean! If I were finding fault all I could say is that my shower curtain was torn a little bit at the edge. (big deal, right?)  I'd camp here in summer again just for the showers.

For the nature lover, there are birds (quail, black-throated sparrow, nighthawk, mockingbirds, doves...) and lots of lizards (tiny, big, and pretty). Snakes and scorpions too, plus jack rabbits and rock squirrels and no doubt all those others that hunt those things.

things to do: go to the Living Desert Zoo--it's a lovely little zoo and botanical garden, with a pleasant guy who walked around to answer all our questions.
Roque Burritos and Restaurant had a decent breakfast: good spicy salsa, good scrambled eggs with nopales, potatoes and refried beans. The single flour tortilla they brought with the Huevos a la Mexicanos was a little dry, not soft and fluffy like you expect in New Mexico. Plus there was only one. Decent coffee; they didn't offer to refill it but then it was a slow morning and I could easily have asked if I'd needed more. Would definitely try again for breakfast or lunch; it's not open for dinner.