Something adventurous ....

For the adventurers...
How about a hike up to the peak of the mountain that started it all... Sierra Blanca.
At 11,973 feet it's an impressive sight rising out of the desert below and creating the wonderful mountain communities we all enjoy.

I want to plan a day hike to the top of at least Look Out peak and possibly up to the peak of Sierra Blanca if there is interest.

Along this hike you come across the head waters of the Rio Ruidoso (Noisy Water river).  The head waters are located at the site called Ice Spring.  From there it is a short distance up to Look Out.  If you do make it to the summit of Sierra Blanca this site will afford you a 360º panoramic view.  You will be able to see White Sands National Monument in the desert below as well as the Trinity Site off in the NW.  On clear days you can see portions of the Malpais Lava Flow and some say all the way to Roswell.


If you want to read about hiking to the summit you can read about it here.
If there is interest, I will look into getting permission from the Mescalero Apaches as the summit lies in their reservation.

Outter Space in Alamogordo

While in Alamogordo, NM you can take in the New Mexico Museum of Space History.  Another great destination for all ages!

This facility is nestled up against the base of the Sacramento Mountain Range on the edge of Alamogordo.

The Museum also has an IMAX movie theater.  Currently they are showing a Hubble experience movie and an Undersea movie- check back to their website closer to the reunion for additional information.

White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument is just past Alamogordo to the south west.

 It's a beautiful place and really a natural work of art... It get's pretty toasty out there in the afternoon so you are best to make this your first stop in the day and then work your way back across Alamogordo toward the cool mountain air of Ruidoso.

 For kids (and adults too!) it's a great place for some sand surfing!   And of course great photo opportunities.  I have seen some beautiful sunset photos that were taken there~

Here's a view of White Sands from space... notice the mountain range to the far right?  Ruidoso is just up to the NW where you can see some snow on the mountains.
The black river/lake looking streak above and between the two is another area I will highlight in a future post.  It is the Malpais Lava Flow aka. Valley of Fires.

Pistachio Lovers...

One of the sites you can visit when you come to the reunion this summer is the The Heart of the Desert Pistachios company down in Alamogordo, NM. Alamo is just a short hour drive down the mountains through indian terretory into the desert floor.


They also have a variety of New Mexico wines the offer.



This stop will make a great stop on a day trip!

Tourism Tips

I decided to post some occasional blog posts on spots you might want to visit or know more about between now and the reunion weekend.

Watch the blog for posts to begin today!