Day 16, April 6, Kingston NM to Arrey NM, 31 miles, 798.7 miles cuml.

The pictures today are of a bridge over the Percha River east of Kingston, with several riders, the house in Hillsboro, the freeway exit sign for T or C and Elephant Butt and the campground at Caballa Riverside state park. Today’s 31 mile ride was the easiest so far and took just over 2 hours. From the B&B in Kingston, I did not have to pedal for 4.84 miles (approximately, but who is counting?...)as it was gradually downhill and there was a tailwind. We went through Hillsboro and I took a picture of a sign for a former house of ill repute. We turned south at Cabello and are staying at Cabello Riverside State Park, a windy dustbowl along the Rio Grande River. Becky and Luke went swimming in the freezing cold brown water. I went along with the grocery shoppers to the nearest store, the Wal-Mart in Truth-or-Consequences, NM. There is no need to revisit that place either. We are out of the mountains and into the dry west, heading to Las Cruces tomorrow after a dinner of canned chili and Macaroni and Cheese, with pumpkin pie for dessert. Yum.


Last night we stayed inthe Black Range B&B in Kingston, NM. Kingston is mostly a ghost town with a few houses left, but had 7,000 people here during its mining heyday. I highly recommend it for all who want a nice stay. We all had beds...were able to watch the NCAA final game for those few who wanted to and who could stay up that late...They are fixing awesome breakfast for us today, a welcome break from fruit loops, cheerios, and instant oatmeal around a cold picnic table.
I even had a door on my bedroom. It would not open for me in the middle of the night as the handle mechanism jammed. Fortunately I had my tent gear with me (pee bottle) so I was able to handle affairs, and in the morning I used my bike tools to remove the door from its hinges and escape. It is dangerous sleeping indoors, so readers please go sleep in your tents tonight.
Off to breakfast and riding....