NEW MEXICO trip
Oct. 12-19 2023
PART 6
We left off at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A tiny sliver of what appears to be NM 7 can be seen at center.
A nighttime view descending NM 7.
I think this is looking down at NM 7.
We took US 82 west from Artesia, N.M. Remember the Artesian Water Saver? It was a toilet.
US 82 again.
Continuing on US 82. Cool, man, cool.
US 82 continues to be the order of the day.
US 82 spirals through Lincoln National Forest.
US 82 is graced by this schnazzy diagram.
Warning of a sharp curve.
"WATCH FOR SNOW PLOWS." I'm watching for 'em!
An old map says US 82 was once NM 83. Around Cloudcroft, it follows James Canyon, Bailey Canyon, and Fresnal Canyon.
I don't know what this footbridge is for.
Whaddya know! It's a tunnel!
This view greets us as we exit the tunnel.
US 82 will soon follow Dry Canyon.
Of some note here is the distant background. That would have to be at White Sands Missile Range. This was the site of the first nuclear bomb test. This huge military installation is the size of Rhode Island and Delaware together and was formed from ranchers' land that was taken by eminent domain.
US 82 continues to wind along.
US 82 yet again!
I think this is US 82 in La Luz. Those would likely be the San Andres Mountains in the background, with the White Sands in front of them.
US 70 in Alamogordo. The road occasionally closes so the government can play with its nukes at White Sands.
US 70 again.
US 70 plows past this installation like a high school student crushing department store customers with a revolving door.
The San Andres Mountains still loom in the background.