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@ El Morro National Monument, New Mexico
Vlad begins his journey through New Mexico!
El Morro National Monument, New Mexico
El Morro is one of New Mexico's smaller national monuments, hidden away in forested, high-elevation, little-traveled land towards the northwest of the state, between Grants and Ramah. Some of the surroundings are volcanic, including nearby El Malpais National Monument on the far side of the continental divide, and other parts are featureless grassy plains, but El Morro is centered on a conspicuous, vertical-sided mesa of light-colored sandstone at the base of which sits a deep pool that provides a reliable, year-round source of drinking water and so has long been a focal point for cross country travelers in this otherwise rather arid and desolate country. Over 2,000 drawings, signatures, and messages have been inscribed in the soft sandstone cliffs (known as Inscription Rock) beside the pool, from three distinct periods - Ancestral Puebloans of up to 1,000 years ago, Spanish conquistadors from 1605 to around 1800, and American settlers after this time. A paved, half-mile trail leads to the inscriptions, many of which are crisp and easily legible due to varying degrees of preservation, and links with a longer loop along the mesa top, passing the ruins of an ancient pueblo, while giving fine, elevated views over the forested landscape. Although all can be seen in just a couple of hours, El Morro is an unusual and evocative place, well worth a detour to visit.

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@ Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Blue And Gold Egg
The first painted eggs came from Mesopotamia, and because eggs were forbidden food during Lent, people painted eggs while Lent was being observed—after Lent, they would eat the eggs on Easter Day.

Beautifully decorated eggs “pysanka” are associated with Ukraine, and the oldest painted egg that was unearthed in northern Ukraine is dated to the end of the 17th century.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is famous for its scenic cone-shaped formations, composed of pumice, ash, and tuff deposits from volcanic eruptions. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located approximately 40 miles (64 km) southwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico, near Cochiti Pueblo. Kasha-Katuwe means "white cliffs" in the Pueblo language Keresan. The Monument includes a National Recreational Trail for hiking only. There are two segments that provide opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, geologic observation, and plant identification. Both segments of the trail begin at the designated Monument parking area. The Cave Loop Trail is 1.2 miles long and rated as easy. The more difficult Canyon Trail is a 1.5-mile, one-way trek into a narrow, "slot" canyon with a steep (630-ft) climb to the mesa top for excellent views of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, Sandia mountains, and the Rio Grande Valley. The Veterans Memorial Trail is a 1-mile long loop trail, rated as very easy and is wheelchair accessible. Which trail will you pick?

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@ Urraca Mesa, New Mexico
New Mexico is home to the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. Every October, over 500 hot air balloons — and tens of thousands of balloon aficionados — gather for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which began in 1972 and has grown every year since. One reason pilots love to fly Albuquerque is because of the Box — a set of predictable wind patterns that set in as autumn creeps towards winter over the Rio Grande. The Box allows balloons to fly north at low elevations and then cruise back south at higher elevations. It’s quite a sight.
Urraca Mesa, New Mexico
On the Philmont Scout Ranch, Colfax County, in northern New Mexico, this mesa rises 2,619m (8,594 feet) into the air. This mesa has more lightning strikes than anywhere else in New Mexico. On the mesa, compasses don’t always work, due perhaps to the large number of magnetic lodestones in the areas. Strange happenings and mysterious encounters, the Urraca Mesa has plenty of these, though it is on private land, so you will not be able to experience this for yourself.

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@ Desert Window, New Mexico
"Name the states surrounding New Mexico, Vlad!" challenged Shadow.
Vlad mused whilst finishing a Reese's Peanut Butter bar. "Well, Colorado in the north, Oklahoma and Texas in the east and Arizona in the west. Might one add Utah as well?"
"You might, but it's a very tiny corner of Utah! New Mexico's northwest corner touches Arizona, Utah and Colorado, creating the only spot where four states meet," confirmed Shadow.
Desert Window, New Mexico
From fall through spring in New Mexico, you have plenty of days to enjoy the fresh air, so open your windows and admire the desert breeze.

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@ Apache Plume Flowers, New Mexico
“Oh hello, Vlad!” cried Tilly. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Scandinavia this time last year? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
”It certainly is!” declared Vlad. “Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot. It’ll be a great souvenir of our time here!”
Apache Plume Flowers, New Mexico
This tough local native plant starts off with small white flowers resembling single rose blossoms in the spring. The blooms are followed by attractive fluffy white plumes that persist throughout the fall. These tall, showy plants are often covered in white flowers and white plumes at the same time! Use it in the hottest, driest, and most inhospitable places around boulders, rock gardens, and behind dry stone walls. Apache plume flowers are a three-season beautiful addition to any desert garden.

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@ Apache Plume Bloom, New Mexico
"What staple in New Mexican cuisine is the state's speciality, Vlad?"
"Something spicy, I'm guessing, Thinair!"
"Yup--the chile pepper. It was first grown centuries ago by indigenous cultures here, and has evolved into many varieties and used in many ways, from burritos to enchiladas."
Apache Plume Bloom, New Mexico
While Apache Plume continually produces pretty, fragrant, snow-white flowers from May through October, its wow factor comes from the pink, feathery, seed tassels that practically cover the shrub from fall to winter. the semi-evergreen Apache Plume is drought tolerant, making it the perfect plant for New Mexico's gardens.

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@ Rain Barrels, Santa Fe, New Mexico
"Name the states surrounding New Mexico, Vlad!" challenged Orchid.
Vlad mused whilst finishing a Reese's Peanut Butter bar. "Well, Colorado in the north, Oklahoma and Texas in the east and Arizona in the west. Might one add Utah as well?"
"You might, but it's a very tiny corner of Utah! New Mexico's northwest corner touches Arizona, Utah and Colorado, creating the only spot where four states meet," confirmed Orchid.
Rain Barrels, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, is renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture. Founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, it has at its heart the traditional Plaza. These old rain barrels decorate the plaza, giving it the "old west" charm. The surrounding historic district’s crooked streets wind past adobe landmarks including the Palace of the Governors, now home to the New Mexico History Museum.

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@ Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, New Mexico
"It says here that there are over 169 active volcanoes in the United States that scientists consider active. Most of these are located in Alaska, Hawaii and throughout the west—oh, do come out from under your seat, merlin!"
"I think I'll stay here, thank you all the same," said merlin in a muffled voice.
"They have very advanced warning systems, you know! They wouldn't let us go anywhere unsafe," responded Vlad.
Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, New Mexico
The Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness is located in northwestern New Mexico and is a badland area of rolling water-carved clay hills. The area is rich in fossils and has little vegetation to conceal geological formations. It is a landscape of sandstone caprocks and scenic olive-colored hills. Water in this area is scarce and there are no trails; however, the area is scenic and contains soft colors rarely seen elsewhere.

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@ La Cueva Rocks, Las Cruces, New Mexico
"What staple in New Mexican cuisine is the state's speciality, Vlad?"
"Something spicy, I'm guessing, Cheeks!"
"Yup--the chile pepper. It was first grown centuries ago by indigenous cultures here, and has evolved into many varieties and used in many ways, from burritos to enchiladas."
La Cueva Rocks, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Experience the unique La Cueva Rocks at Dripping Springs Natural Area. The Organ Mountains of Las Cruces, NM can be enjoyed up close at this nature center for a small per-vehicle fee. Families with youngsters can see waterfalls, historic ruins, and a prehistoric cave. Experienced rock climbers will enjoy the arduous 4000 ft. climb to the top of "The Needle."

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@ New Mexico Sunset
New Mexico is home to the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. Every October, over 500 hot air balloons — and tens of thousands of balloon aficionados — gather for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which began in 1972 and has grown every year since. One reason pilots love to fly Albuquerque is because of the Box — a set of predictable wind patterns that set in as autumn creeps towards winter over the Rio Grande. The Box allows balloons to fly north at low elevations and then cruise back south at higher elevations. It’s quite a sight.
New Mexico Sunset
The New Mexico sun will soon be behind the mountains, bringing with it an unparalleled view of the clear night sky. The song, New Mexico, by Mitch McVicker, characterizes the expansive beauty found here.

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@ Showy Goldeneye, New Mexico
About three-quarters of New Mexico’s roads are unpaved. New Mexico is the nation’s fifth-largest state. Such a vast area is difficult, not to say very expensive, to cover with paved roads. Are all that many paved roads necessary in any case? The gravel and rutted earth paths and tracks make this the perfect place for solitary backcountry exploration of an endless list of ideal spots!
Showy Goldeneye, New Mexico
The showy goldeneye wildflower is in the sunflower family and is abundant throughout the west.

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@ Diamondback Rattlesnake, New Mexico
“Oh hello, Vlad!” cried Doctor Hoo. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Scandinavia this time last year? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
”It certainly is!” declared Vlad. “Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot. It’ll be a great souvenir of our time here!”
Diamondback Rattlesnake, New Mexico
"There's a snake in my boot." That's something all New Mexico residents take seriously. Before they put their boots on they look inside to make sure that a snake hasn't curled up in there to find a cool spot to sleep.

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@ Saddle Up Your Horses, New Mexico
About three-quarters of New Mexico’s roads are unpaved. New Mexico is the nation’s fifth-largest state. Such a vast area is difficult, not to say very expensive, to cover with paved roads. Are all that many paved roads necessary in any case? The gravel and rutted earth paths and tracks make this the perfect place for solitary backcountry exploration of an endless list of ideal spots!
Saddle Up Your Horses, New Mexico
Saddle up your horses, we've got a trail to blaze through the wild blue yonder of New Mexico. This will be the best and greatest adventure!

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@ Cool New Mexico Evening
"Interesting one here, Escargot," remarked Vlad. "What item of clothing is it a crime to wear when dancing in New Mexico?"
Escargot pondered. "Well, it's a crime to wear double denim. What else? Flared jeans? Kitten heels? Ugg boots? Velvet tracksuits?"
"The answer is the sombrero!"
Cool New Mexico Evening
The sun is setting and the day is drawing to a close, bringing relief from the hot desert sun. New Mexico's weather in summer is hot and dry and the winters are short. The skies are clear nearly year-round.

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@ Eagle at Sunset, New Mexico
Oh look ... you won a Frontier pet!
Eagle at Sunset, New Mexico
A lone eagle rests on a branch, admiring the golden New Mexico sunset.

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@ Cactus Flower, New Mexico
About three-quarters of New Mexico’s roads are unpaved. New Mexico is the nation’s fifth-largest state. Such a vast area is difficult, not to say very expensive, to cover with paved roads. Are all that many paved roads necessary in any case? The gravel and rutted earth paths and tracks make this the perfect place for solitary backcountry exploration of an endless list of ideal spots!
Cactus Flower, New Mexico
How often a cactus blooms depends on the cactus. Most cacti bloom between one and ten years, but some take up 50 years before they flower!

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@ Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico
“Oh hello, Vlad!” cried MooDonna. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Scandinavia this time last year? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
”It certainly is!” declared Vlad. “Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot. It’ll be a great souvenir of our time here!”
Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico
Located between Doña Ana and Otero County, the White Sands National Monument is found in the northern part of the Chihuahuan Desert—the largest desert in North America, most of which is in Mexico. The White Sands has fossilized footprints, and it is a missile testing range, testing the world's first atomic bomb in 1945.

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@ Southwestern Fence Lizard, New Mexico
“Oh hello, Vlad!” cried Marley. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Scandinavia this time last year? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
”It certainly is!” declared Vlad. “Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot. It’ll be a great souvenir of our time here!”
Southwestern Fence Lizard, New Mexico
This southwestern fence lizard is also known as the White Sands prairie lizard or the White Sands swift. It is native to the Chihuahuan Desert.

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@ Horses at Sunset, New Mexico
"Interesting one here, Abby," remarked Vlad. "What item of clothing is it a crime to wear when dancing in New Mexico?"
Abby pondered. "Well, it's a crime to wear double denim. What else? Flared jeans? Kitten heels? Ugg boots? Velvet tracksuits?"
"The answer is the sombrero!"
Horses at Sunset, New Mexico
A lone rancher takes in the beauty of a New Mexico sunset, enthralled by the silhouettes of wild horses grazing nearby.

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@ Herd of Wild Horses, New Mexico
About three-quarters of New Mexico’s roads are unpaved. New Mexico is the nation’s fifth-largest state. Such a vast area is difficult, not to say very expensive, to cover with paved roads. Are all that many paved roads necessary in any case? The gravel and rutted earth paths and tracks make this the perfect place for solitary backcountry exploration of an endless list of ideal spots!
Herd of Wild Horses, New Mexico
Running free throughout ten western states, this herd of wild horses calls New Mexico home. The Bureau of Land Management manages and protects these herds across 26.9 million acres of public lands. Most living today are descendants of animals that were released or escaped from explorers, ranchers, miners, US Cavalry, and Native Americans.

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@ Wagon Wheel, New Mexico
"Interesting one here, Midnight," remarked Vlad. "What item of clothing is it a crime to wear when dancing in New Mexico?"
Midnight pondered. "Well, it's a crime to wear double denim. What else? Flared jeans? Kitten heels? Ugg boots? Velvet tracksuits?"
"The answer is the sombrero!"
Wagon Wheel, New Mexico
If the wheel could talk, I'm sure it would have quite the tale to tell. Were there other families that were traveling with them seeking a better life? A visit to a nearby museum may give you a peek into the lives of the early New Mexico settlers.

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@ New Mexico Ranch Sign
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a top tourist destination in New Mexico with extraordinary caves in which dwell between 200,000 to 500,000 Brazilian free-tailed bats. At sunset, visitors gather to watch one of the most spectacular displays of nature the park is known for: the emerging of the bats to feed.
New Mexico Ranch Sign
This weathered ranch sign has seen its share of sandstorms, as it borders the White Sands National Park, near Alamogordo, New Mexico.

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@ Unlucky Horseshoe, New Mexico
"Name the states surrounding New Mexico, Vlad!" challenged Choose a name.
Vlad mused whilst finishing a Reese's Peanut Butter bar. "Well, Colorado in the north, Oklahoma and Texas in the east and Arizona in the west. Might one add Utah as well?"
"You might, but it's a very tiny corner of Utah! New Mexico's northwest corner touches Arizona, Utah and Colorado, creating the only spot where four states meet," confirmed Choose a name.
Unlucky Horseshoe, New Mexico
Somepet needs to tell the owners of this horseshoe to turn it so the shoe's opening is on the top; otherwise, their luck is going to run out!

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@ White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico
About three-quarters of New Mexico’s roads are unpaved. New Mexico is the nation’s fifth-largest state. Such a vast area is difficult, not to say very expensive, to cover with paved roads. Are all that many paved roads necessary in any case? The gravel and rutted earth paths and tracks make this the perfect place for solitary backcountry exploration of an endless list of ideal spots!
White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico
On March 30, 1982, the shuttle Columbia landed on Northrup Strip at White Sands, which is the only shuttle to ever land there. They attempted to land the shuttle there on March 29th but were unable to because of high winds and low visibility stirring up sandstorm-like conditions.

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@ White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Vlad has now completed his journey through New Mexico! As he prepares to go home, he receives a wonderful gift!
Old Red Caboose And Road Runner
Hurry, grab my wing, and up we go. Whew! You made it. I usually prefer to run everywhere, but my friend—the coyote—wanted me to lend a wing with this train run today. It feels odd sitting in this here old caboose. It looks right good though; we recently gave it a lick of red paint to spruce it up. So, where are you going? Are you just sightseeing? There is an old ghost town along the way; do you mean to stop off there? Have you travelled by train before? Sorry for all the questions. I am usually running too fast to stop and spin a yarn.

White Sands National Park, New Mexico
White Sands National Park is completely surrounded by the White Sands Missile Range. It covers 145,762 acres in the Tularosa Basin, including a 275 square-mile field of white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals. On March 30, 1982, the shuttle Columbia landed on Northrup Strip at White Sands, which is the only shuttle to ever land there.
Vlad has enjoyed his journey through New Mexico, but it is time to go home now! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also enjoy a journey through the American Frontier!