We left Roswell and headed to Alamogordo, NM. You can see the bright white sands of the White Sands Missile Range from about 20 miles away on Hwy 70.

The window is super dirty after this drive - we encountered both high winds and snow(!) on this short drive day! Pretty sure this was our first time towing through snow. In front of us are our friends @rollingbayou

You all know how much I (Kate) love all the public art in cities we travel to. Over the past (almost) three years of full time RV travel, we have seen a LOT of murals . This one in Roswell, NM really struck me. Not only are the colors eye-catching, it shows a lot about the town, the history of the area, and even the state in just in one long wall. New Mexico in general is known for its space history.

Our week in Roswell, NM was interesting in more ways than just seeing aliens! While there, we encountered severe dust storms (possibly a Haboob!) We took some photos from the RV during one of the storms, including looking straight at the sun. Kate had to wipe down surfaces three times that week to attempt to keep up with the dust coming in the RV. If you find yourself in the southwest during dust storm season, be careful!

While in Roswell, you have to check out the UFO museum ! Part of it is super hokey (that’s the part we took photos in, of course), but there is a fantastic story of the crash landing and ensuing government coverup. There is also corroborating stories and evidence that those who believe that aliens really visited us could be correct!

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexico’s freedom from Spain, but rather to celebrate a victory over the French in the Battle of Pueblita in 1862. Celebrations are actually MORE popular in America than they are in Mexico, and the day now symbolizes Mexican-American culture in the US.

It’s Star Wars day! What better way to celebrate than going to an alien themed McDonald’s for breakfast? It was super hokey, but fun, nonetheless! Steve begrudgingly took a photo with his new alien friend and I scoped out the nicely done mural next to the drive thru!

May the Fourth be with you!

After leaving Carlsbad, we’re headed to Roswell, NM! Roswell is just up the road about 70 miles north of Carlsbad. Yes, we are interested to see all the stories about aliens! You may never have guessed it, but science fiction is one of the things that Steve and I both love.

On one of our last days in Carlsbad, we went to the neighboring town of Artesia. Artesia has been hard at work the last few years working to bring more visitors to the area - you can tell by all the newly installed artwork around town and that various parts are being fixed up very nicely.

Went to see this amazing new mural by artbyfish showing the Carlsbad Caverns, and came upon a strongman competition called King of the Cave. What a cool thing to happen upon! We watched the competition for a few minutes and were super impressed with everyone’s dedication and hard work! These competitors are amazing!