Great MisAdventures on the Road 2011

Spring Migration

March 20 through April 3, 2011

Rockhound State Park ~ Deming, NM

March 20 through March 26

We elected to leave the heat of the Sonoran Desert and venture east to New Mexico. First stop is Rockhound State Park in Deming, one of our favorite places to camp. The view of the Florida Mountains directly south is amazing, especially at sunrise. This is our view from the dining table. (also David's first attempt at stiching seven photos together)

There is a large museum here, The Deming Luna Mimbres Museum. Housed in a large building, this museum has some of everything. We spent time looking at the doll room getting ideas for JoEllen's crafting, enjoyed browsing antique glassware and furniture, relived the cowboy culture of the southwest, and gawked at the amazing display of Mimbres Indian pottery.

Mimbres Pottery

The pottery collection contains artifacts dated between 950 A.D. to 1250 A.D. Native people, now known as the Mimbres Indians, lived along the nearby Mimbres River in small villages. Some Historians believe they left the valley because their population had outgrown their resources and went to Mexico to join the Casas Grandes culture. Since they did not have written language, scientists and scholars have learned about them through their artifacts and village sites. The geometric and animal patterns painted onto the pottery is wonderful to view, and no doubt worth lots of $$$'s.

A short drive east on Interstate 10 brings us to Las Cruces. This is the location of COAS Books, a used bookstore we frequent whenever possible. We browse and purchase many books this visit, and unload already read books in trade. A quick trip to Sam's Club then an early dinner at La Posta de Mesilla, one of our favorite Mexican Food eateries.

Many colorful birds greet us in the lobby, and chile rellanos await our dining pleasure. This restaurant is located in a building built before the Gadsden Purchase, and was once a stop on the Butterfield Stage. The dining areas are located in separate rooms; we dine in the Lava Room once more this visit.