New Mexico has, so far, had quite a lot to offer a weary traveller. A day off in Roswell, for example, allowed me to learn all sorts of exciting new alien facts. For example, did you know that a mysterious code was discovered on the scraps of space ships that landed in Roswell, or that Mayans were actually the first space travellers? Yeah. Just try to challenge any of this information to the UFO Museum staff and you're in for a world of trouble. I also made such valuable purchases as a bumper sticker that says "Ship Happens" and a t-shirt that says "Trust No One."
We rode out of Roswell today into the Sacramento mountain range. A long, continual ascent occupied our time for the first 80 miles, with the reward of a 15 mile downhill. The mountains themselves were beautiful and the riding was perhaps some of the most enjoyable of the trip so far. We also rode through some memorable places, including Lincoln, NM, where Billy the Kid reigned and famously shot the sheriff (AND the deputy). Also of note was Capitan, NM, the home of Smokey the Bear (Apparently he was originally a real bear. Also, apparently there are bears in New Mexico. Yikes. I'm having enough trouble avoiding rattlesnakes.). Capitan celebrates its heritage by having literally everything in the town Smokey the Bear themed. This includes, but is not limited to, a Smokey the Bear Museum and Gift Shop and Smokey's Restaurant and General Store.
We're heading into a long stretch until we hit Flagstaff -- long days, continual ascents, and desert conditions. Certainly I will reach Arizona with the muscles of a Marine, the reflexes of a jungle cat, and the ability to bite the head off a rattlesnake, Survivorman-style. Wish me luck in this endeavor.
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