Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
I always thought the real truth about Roswell was more interesting than the silly x-files fantasy.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Mogul
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Mogul
Road Trip in July: TX-NM-AZ-Route 66-NV-UT-CO-TX (May Add WY-SD-ND-MN-IA-MO-NE-KS-OK)
- Thread starter PetitFrereArmada
- Start date
PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Today drove from Carlsbad to Alamogordo. Halfway into the journey, I get into the Lincoln National Forest. Great hilly and winding road. So steep they have ramps for 18 wheelers if they have any brake failure. It must be common to see them lose her brakes on this hill for they stay on their brakes a lot, even with the help of engine brakes, they still have to be stepping on their brakes because the slope is too steep for them.
Speed limit on this road was 45mph. Then this 18 wheeler was holding like 10 cars, since it was probably doing about 25mph. This guy could not wait any longer and passed at a no passing zone.
The 18 wheelers brakes were smelling so much that it had to use this ramp. I thought it might lose its brakes if it did not stop.
Down the road I stopped at a Old Apple Barn Fudge Factoory. I had a slice of apple pie with ice cream and Elk hot dog. The apple pie was finger licking, the Elk was just ok.
Speed limit on this road was 45mph. Then this 18 wheeler was holding like 10 cars, since it was probably doing about 25mph. This guy could not wait any longer and passed at a no passing zone.
The 18 wheelers brakes were smelling so much that it had to use this ramp. I thought it might lose its brakes if it did not stop.
Down the road I stopped at a Old Apple Barn Fudge Factoory. I had a slice of apple pie with ice cream and Elk hot dog. The apple pie was finger licking, the Elk was just ok.
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PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Next stop McGinn's Pistachioland. Where they grow their own and also grow grapes and make their own wine. I took a tour and it was short and informative. Little did I know that they have 1 male pistachio tree to fertilize 20 female pistachio trees. If I remember well, she said when it is mating season, the male tree blooms and the wind blows or carries the pollens from the male tree and deposits them on the female trees. That is how they get fertilized and bear fruits. I never knew that.
They offer free 4 free samples for wine tasting.
They have the largest pistachio structure in the world.
They offer free 4 free samples for wine tasting.
They have the largest pistachio structure in the world.
PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Museum of Space History
This is the chimp being fitted into his capsule for his voyage. And that is the actual suit he wore for the voyage.
He passed away of natural causes and this is where he was buried. I guess because he was a great part to our space history.
And this is a space shuttle simulator which lets you try your skills at trying to land the shuttle back from a mission in space. So, I jumped into the cockpit. Strapped up and started my descend. I have to get this ship on the ground safe and sound. As soon as you move the joystick, you get control of the shuttle. Well, being a little rustic on the joystick, you could hear Houston calling in and telling me my nose was too high. As I tried to correct it, next thing I knew I was too low and BAM! A crash. Mission control sounds really mad when that happens. Well, after 3 tries, I figured I am better letting someone else fly this shuttle. I was going to radio Houston back, but no radio for me to use. It was fun playing with the simulator.
This is the chimp being fitted into his capsule for his voyage. And that is the actual suit he wore for the voyage.
He passed away of natural causes and this is where he was buried. I guess because he was a great part to our space history.
And this is a space shuttle simulator which lets you try your skills at trying to land the shuttle back from a mission in space. So, I jumped into the cockpit. Strapped up and started my descend. I have to get this ship on the ground safe and sound. As soon as you move the joystick, you get control of the shuttle. Well, being a little rustic on the joystick, you could hear Houston calling in and telling me my nose was too high. As I tried to correct it, next thing I knew I was too low and BAM! A crash. Mission control sounds really mad when that happens. Well, after 3 tries, I figured I am better letting someone else fly this shuttle. I was going to radio Houston back, but no radio for me to use. It was fun playing with the simulator.
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PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Next was the White Sands National Monument.
Very interesting story about its formation. Watched a 17 minutes video in the visitor center and then it was time to hit the trails. Stepped out of the visitor center and was greeted by these swallows who were basically at arms reach, just chirping for their mom and not scared. People being very nice too to just take pictures and not bother them, though I am sure they felt bothered by the tons of flashes from cameras. Well, I thought they couldn't fly until their mom showed up with food and I was shocked to see them all fly off. So I wondered why they did not fly off when they were basically cornered by tourists taking their pictures amazed at how close they were to being touched, but never flying away.
Drove around on the trails, got out and climbed up the dunes and was just marveled by the vast land of white sand. If you have ever been to any white sand beach in Florida, then this is exactly how these feels, but with no beach by it. So that makes it interesting.
Then I joined a group at the usual 7pm sunset tour. The park ranger was very informative and shared a lot with us and when it was all done, it was a perfect photo shoot time and people who were looking forward to it had to zoom to their cars to take picture on the sand dunes with the sun setting.
Very interesting story about its formation. Watched a 17 minutes video in the visitor center and then it was time to hit the trails. Stepped out of the visitor center and was greeted by these swallows who were basically at arms reach, just chirping for their mom and not scared. People being very nice too to just take pictures and not bother them, though I am sure they felt bothered by the tons of flashes from cameras. Well, I thought they couldn't fly until their mom showed up with food and I was shocked to see them all fly off. So I wondered why they did not fly off when they were basically cornered by tourists taking their pictures amazed at how close they were to being touched, but never flying away.
Drove around on the trails, got out and climbed up the dunes and was just marveled by the vast land of white sand. If you have ever been to any white sand beach in Florida, then this is exactly how these feels, but with no beach by it. So that makes it interesting.
Then I joined a group at the usual 7pm sunset tour. The park ranger was very informative and shared a lot with us and when it was all done, it was a perfect photo shoot time and people who were looking forward to it had to zoom to their cars to take picture on the sand dunes with the sun setting.
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Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
Nice pictures. The white sand photos look like snow!
Notice you went by Holloman AFB. Interesting factoid: While it's common for the US to have military bases in other countries, Holloman is a very rare example of the opposite: There has been a permanent German Air Force (Luftwaffe) base at Holloman since at least the early 90's and is still there. German pilots come over to the US to practice low level tactical flying in the empty deserts of the US.
They are scheduled to depart permanently in 2019.
http://www.abqjournal.com/757845/german-air-force-leaving-holloman-afb.html
Notice you went by Holloman AFB. Interesting factoid: While it's common for the US to have military bases in other countries, Holloman is a very rare example of the opposite: There has been a permanent German Air Force (Luftwaffe) base at Holloman since at least the early 90's and is still there. German pilots come over to the US to practice low level tactical flying in the empty deserts of the US.
They are scheduled to depart permanently in 2019.
http://www.abqjournal.com/757845/german-air-force-leaving-holloman-afb.html
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PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
That is very interesting. I never knew that. Well, if they finally leave it will really affect the economy of that little town.
PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
I left Cloudcroft, NM to Albuquerque today. Before I left, I had to spend an extra 3 hours to basically do some other basic attractions just to wait so that the popular bbq joint in town should open.
As a bbq connoisseur, I just had to wait to eat some of this bbq that I had read so much about before visiting the area. It is called Mad Jack's Mountaintop Bbq in Cloudcroft, NM. I showed up about 3 hours before it opened and met the owner who was happy to talk when he found out I visit the bbq cpital of Texas very often. He told me he is from there and asked me to come when they open while he suggested something I could go do to occupy myself before they opened. He cautioned me the line would be long, so I should come in time.
So, I took a drive to the National Solar Observatory. I saw this gigantic telescope. They told me the bulk of it is buried underneath and they are using it to study the sun. I barely understood what he was explaining to me, all I remember well are the lenses I saw that when they get the rays from the sun, they split it to individual colors. A marvel to see.
Then it was time to drive back to the restaurant where I met some couples traveling who were intrigued if I was some kind of person who worked for Infiniti. Well, we talked about many things as the line got longer. Then the restaurant opened and I got some really great tasting bbq. Definitely a hidden gem in that part of the country.
On my drive to Albuquerque, I stopped at the Valley of Fires. It was not spectacular as I thought it would be. So, I just glanced and was on my way.
As a bbq connoisseur, I just had to wait to eat some of this bbq that I had read so much about before visiting the area. It is called Mad Jack's Mountaintop Bbq in Cloudcroft, NM. I showed up about 3 hours before it opened and met the owner who was happy to talk when he found out I visit the bbq cpital of Texas very often. He told me he is from there and asked me to come when they open while he suggested something I could go do to occupy myself before they opened. He cautioned me the line would be long, so I should come in time.
So, I took a drive to the National Solar Observatory. I saw this gigantic telescope. They told me the bulk of it is buried underneath and they are using it to study the sun. I barely understood what he was explaining to me, all I remember well are the lenses I saw that when they get the rays from the sun, they split it to individual colors. A marvel to see.
Then it was time to drive back to the restaurant where I met some couples traveling who were intrigued if I was some kind of person who worked for Infiniti. Well, we talked about many things as the line got longer. Then the restaurant opened and I got some really great tasting bbq. Definitely a hidden gem in that part of the country.
On my drive to Albuquerque, I stopped at the Valley of Fires. It was not spectacular as I thought it would be. So, I just glanced and was on my way.
PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
The owner cutting up some bbq
My plate. Great tasting bbq.
PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Went to Sandria Tram this evening. Very nice views up there. Definitely got that scratched off my bucket list. It was scary up there, but an exciting 15 minutes ride up to about 10,000ft high.
Leaving the visitor's center, going high up. Getting scarier with every ascend
Pic from the top
Leaving the visitor's center, going high up. Getting scarier with every ascend
Pic from the top
PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Took a trip to Santa Fe today. Got to walk around and saw all the old churches and the plaza.
First, the Loretto Chapel with the miraculous stairway. Quite cool to look at and hear the history.
Got to sit in the cockpit of a BlackHawk
First, the Loretto Chapel with the miraculous stairway. Quite cool to look at and hear the history.
Got to sit in the cockpit of a BlackHawk
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PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Today I drove from Albuquerque to Flagstaff, AZ. Great drive and made many stops at some great Route 66 attractions.
Major Route 66 cities and attractions...
Great little town of Gallup. There is a Flea market on every Saturday that I did not know off, but the locals told me. So, I was in luck and for a treat. I stopped by the flea market and it was awesome. I ate fried Indian bread with honey and powdered sugar. Very good. If you have never had fried Indian bread, please, stop by and eat it from the natives, the Navajo Indians. They do it right. Then I went and ate grilled mutton, ribs and sheep intestines wrapped in fat. Soooo fatty but yummy.
Before leaving Gallup, NM, I stopped by this great route 66 hotel that was a favorite hotel to a lot of movie stars back in the days. Please stop at these places if you are on route 66. Stop in Gallup and go back in time. Pictures of all the movie stars who have lived here are on the walls. The hotel looks and feel great inside. Check it out.
Major Route 66 cities and attractions...
Great little town of Gallup. There is a Flea market on every Saturday that I did not know off, but the locals told me. So, I was in luck and for a treat. I stopped by the flea market and it was awesome. I ate fried Indian bread with honey and powdered sugar. Very good. If you have never had fried Indian bread, please, stop by and eat it from the natives, the Navajo Indians. They do it right. Then I went and ate grilled mutton, ribs and sheep intestines wrapped in fat. Soooo fatty but yummy.
Before leaving Gallup, NM, I stopped by this great route 66 hotel that was a favorite hotel to a lot of movie stars back in the days. Please stop at these places if you are on route 66. Stop in Gallup and go back in time. Pictures of all the movie stars who have lived here are on the walls. The hotel looks and feel great inside. Check it out.
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PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
After Gallup, a short 30 minutes drive and I was in Arizona. I stopped at the Petrified Forest National Park. It was nice but did not give me the wow factor. So, I did not stay there long. And for the $20 fee they charge to go in, I would strongly recommend you purchase the annual pass I have that costs $80. As with my pass, I went it for free.
Next stop, Holbrook, AZ. When you are doing route 66 and going back in time, you just have to make this pit stop to look at this beauties at the historic Wigwam Motel.
After Holbrook, the only logical place you know you have to stop is in Winslow so you can go Standin' On The Corner. Please, do not miss this or youhave missed a major route 66 experience.
While taking pics, my car turned into a little attraction as people who took pics when I was there could not resist adding a pic of my truck into their number of pics taken.
Then it was time to find a spot to park so I could go take my own pics standin' on the corner. Some truly cool pics.
After Winslow, you could go past Winona because there is really nothing there. But why go past it when it is mentioned in the route 66 song right after Winslow? So, it was out of respect that I just had to stop at Winona which had really nothing to offer for tourists until I met an attendant at the gas station who said nice truck. I said thanks and asked what cool stuffs does Winona offer to route 66, he said I should follow him into the gas station. There he handed me 2 post cards. One of how Winona looked like in 1958 and how it looked like in 1990. And he handed me a vinyl with the words..." When you're in Arizona, don't forget Winona." And he said that is all they have to offer as part of route 66 experience. It was so cool. I thanked him as I left the gas station, destination: Flagstaff, AZ.
Next stop, Holbrook, AZ. When you are doing route 66 and going back in time, you just have to make this pit stop to look at this beauties at the historic Wigwam Motel.
After Holbrook, the only logical place you know you have to stop is in Winslow so you can go Standin' On The Corner. Please, do not miss this or youhave missed a major route 66 experience.
While taking pics, my car turned into a little attraction as people who took pics when I was there could not resist adding a pic of my truck into their number of pics taken.
Then it was time to find a spot to park so I could go take my own pics standin' on the corner. Some truly cool pics.
After Winslow, you could go past Winona because there is really nothing there. But why go past it when it is mentioned in the route 66 song right after Winslow? So, it was out of respect that I just had to stop at Winona which had really nothing to offer for tourists until I met an attendant at the gas station who said nice truck. I said thanks and asked what cool stuffs does Winona offer to route 66, he said I should follow him into the gas station. There he handed me 2 post cards. One of how Winona looked like in 1958 and how it looked like in 1990. And he handed me a vinyl with the words..." When you're in Arizona, don't forget Winona." And he said that is all they have to offer as part of route 66 experience. It was so cool. I thanked him as I left the gas station, destination: Flagstaff, AZ.
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