Taos was a beautiful stopover but once again it’s time to hit the dusty road. Made a quick visit to the Ace hardware and picked up supplies for my tank heater project then pointed my nose south and west towards the Turquoise Trail. Long views of the Taos Valley stretched out on the starboard side of the RV showing the deep gorge that the Rio Grande runs through.

Soon the road dropped into the gorge and for a number of miles the highway paralleled the river. I pulled over onto the numerous scenic stops to take in the grand vista. Stunning drive.

After passing through Española, my route bypassed Santa Fe turning west onto the 599 then 14, the Turquoise Trail. Lots of piñon and juniper forest dotted with cute little towns.

Mid afternoon found me pulling into the driveway at Turquoise Trails campground. They are backed up onto the Cibola national forest. I got in a little rest then took off on a five mile hike into the woods when things cooled down a bit.

The pine scent filled my lungs as I wandered along the many well marked out trails. Rain clouds were threatening but never quite delivered. I only saw two other people, a mountain biker and a dog walker. Got in some pretty views, quiet time and enjoyable exercise after hours in the driver seat.