Sunday, July 18, 2010

Beached Jet Boat and Diane

At one point on our jet boat trip, the boat was beached so we could hike up the bank and look at some petrified logs and ancient sea creature fossils.


Rocky trails through Canyonlands




The Schafer Trail, which leads from the top of Canyonlands to the Colorado River, at the bottom is primarily over rock, so it's bumpy and slow.

Hey, where did the trail go?


There are places on the Schafer trail where you are not sure if you are on trail or not. We were lucky. If we ever lost the trail, we found it again up ahead. So much fun..........

MOAB ROCK MONSTERS

The trail just brought an unending assortment of views around every corner.


THE TRAIL


This is just a chunk of the 50 mile off-road experience.

Friday, July 9, 2010

The Brehm's on the move as of Eleven July, 2010





Wow! What a wonderful trip from Milan, NM (about 60 miles west of Albuquerque) to Moab UT.



If you are ever in the Gallup, NM area on I-40, and want a wonderful trip, take 491 out of Gallup, through Window Rock and Ship Rock and all the Navajo settlements. Cross the Rio Grande and Colorado Rivers up into Colorado. Watch the geography change, then back into the high deserts of Utah. At Montecello, UT catch 191 north to Moab. The weather was superb, the scenery almost distracting, and good road conditions. We are camped on the banks of the Colorado River, at the Riverside Oasis. We will be taking a jet boat trip down the Colorado into Canyonlands NP, Monday morning. Later, we will take an off road trip from the Canyonlands rim, down to the Colorado River, and back out at the top of Canyonlands. We hope you enjoy the pics, they are a very small sample of all we have taken in just 2 days. Don't miss our near miss with the drug cartel experience on the last portion.........



Love you, miss you, wish you were here with us. Have a wonderful summer, and vaya con dios.........



Louis & Clarkette................

Just a little rock outcropping between Colorado & Utah




Welcome to Colorado


We were just cruisin along, listening to the "Roadhouse" channel on Serius radio, when all of a sudden, we were in Colorado.

On nthe trip between Colorado and Utah

What a funny looking formation. Click on this pic to see what looks like a front door. I don't know the name of this formation, but it has a very dominating pressence along side the highway. It almost looks man made, but no way. Man's not that good!


Welcome to Utah

The trip up 491 was fantastic. We crossed the Rio Grande, the Colorado, and went from New Mexico, through Colorado, and into Utah in a one day trip.


Rio Colorado


Believe it or not, this is the view behind our motorhome. Waking up to this every morning is nothing less than a blessing.

Cowboy Chaps arch

What magnificient scenery. This probably the primo representitive of the park.

An Arches arch in Arches Nat Park


We took a drive up through Arches Nat. Park. The park entrance was just 2 miles from our camp.

Our encore, as we departed New Mexico

OurMike’s Mad Adventure
Let me start this out by saying that Mike is my oldest and best friend. I met him in November of 1963 in the Navy. He was unique from day one, and I guess I must have been too, as we became instant brothers of insane semi-anarchy.
Mike has done everything, but is a fine and honest good patriot. He and Marsha came to Deming, NM from Bisbee AZ., for a pleasant visit. We had a couple of beers and a light lunch at the Adobe Deli. During our highly intelligent and articulate discussions, we determined an unsatisfied need to cross the border into Palomas, Chihuahua Mex. to acquire some international spirits. And so we did, and began our trek back to Deming. About half way, we were required to stop at the standard, usual Border Patrol check. No problem, done this a thousand times. Most times just waved on. Not this time. An extremely vigilant Border Patrol dog was intrigued by the rear of Mike’s macho Prius. We were requested to advance to secondary inspection. Oh crap! What’s going on???
At this point, allow me to regress for a second before I complete the point. Mike was an Operating Engineer for the Alyeska Pipeline Company for 21 years. He retired from there many moons ago, but recent conditions have opened some opportunities for short term temporary employment for some retirees. In the process of applying for one of these positions, he was required to endure a grueling diet and organic system detoxification program which involved a strict diet of non-food groups, an absence of the human consumable goodies, and the addition of some anti-toxin capsules.
Meanwhile, back at the sniffer dog, and the secondary inspection, this highly sensitive canine had, with the engine running, smelled something suspicious through the sealed trunk, through a thermos sealed ice chest, through a zip lock sealed bag next to a half of a cooked turkey, through a med sealed medicine bottle, something wrong? Yes, these were the purifying, toxin removing capsules. The head Border Patrolman, looking at the bottles, requested Mike to surrender samples, which Mike was very happy to do. The very professional and polite Officer Escobar subjected the capsules to an on hand chem. Lab test. The test was done right in front of us, and the officer informed us that if the capsules contained any THC or cocaine or other synthetic drug, that the packet would fizz up and change color. Both packets fizzed up and changed color. One was determined to contain THC, and the other either cocaine or some synthetic drug. Because of his pleasant demeanor, we thought he was kidding with us, at which point he assured us that he didn’t kid about such matters. Holy grass! How did we wind up in this fix? #1- the Officers informed us that we were either real brave, or real dumb to go across the border, and #2- that I bought crappy tequila to boot. We were assured that these officers knew if they were dealing with criminal types or not. And that we were lucky they did, because with the same evidence, if they thought we were suspicious, they would confiscate the car, and send us to prison awaiting further investigation. Thank God I look like such a virgin.
Mike was feeling a little violated by the on-line pharmacy that had sold him these capsules. He had even shared the paperwork received with the capsules, with the Officers. Mike wanted to carry this a step further with the on-line pharmacy, and asked the Officer for a documented report of the findings. The Officer said sure, but he would be required to make a Federal Case of it, in other words, confiscate the pills and the car, and jail us pending further investigation. Mike instantaneously indicated his flexibility on the matter, and rescinded his request for a report.
We returned to our campsite in Deming, had a couple of cold beers and some cheap-ass tequila from Mexico, and got real serious about how this might have turned out.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

What's up with the Brehms, 4 July, 2010



Happy Independence Day to all.....

Well, here we are, our last few days in Deming. Things have been pretty uneventful this week. Finished up a few maintenance items. Temperatures have been a wee bit cooler, high 90's. Had a nice monsoon rain, which left some incredible skies. See attached pics.
In just a few days, we will take off foe Grants New Mexico, a little west of Albuquerque. When we leave there, we will head to Moab, Utah to spend sometime exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Nothing more beautiful than nature.
We wish you all a wonderful Independence Day weekend. Don't forget to give thanks for all the wonderful Freedoms we enjoy, and sometime take for granted.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Love y'all, Ray & Diane.......

Post monsoon sunset.

This picture was taken from the back of our motorhome at Deming New Mexico.

Incredible red sky rainbow

After a thunderstorm that cleared up just at sunset, a beautiful huge rainbow appeared on the red sky. First I've seen. Very impressive.

Somewhere under the rainbow


25% of the full 180 degree rainbow after the storm

Red at night, sailor's delight

After Mother Nature's fire works, the other night, we were left with a beautiful sunset. Just a little on the eerie side.

1992 duct tapemobile

We were returning from Chinatown (Wal-Mart) when low and behold, here was this Car totally wrapped in duct tape, being towed down the road. The duct tape was probably worth more than the car.

Bagged chilis Hatch New Mexico


This is how to buy chilies in New Mexico. Purple sacks are mild chilies, red bags are hot. Have the guy roast them on the spot. Go back to camp and enjoy chili rellenos.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

We are still here as of 27, June 2010



Greetings

And another big ole hairy Howdy from Hades. It has been a little cooler this week here at the Dream Catcher RV Park in Deming NM. Most days 98-99 degrees F. Haven't hardly used the AC at all. Except for the humongous gusts of wind from time to time, the wind has died down some. Thunder storms almost every evening, but just a trace of rain. We are both doing fine. Finished off a couple of projects this week, polished off the upholstered shotgun rack, and refinished the Monaco emblem key rack that friend Glen gave me. It's been a relitively boring week. This week's photos are just some random shots around Deming. We did find a real out of the way, unadvertised deli, steakhouse, and cowboy bar called the "Adobe Deli".
Highly recommend it, but you'll likely never find it on your own. If you ever get to Deming, ask me for directions.
We miss you all, hope all is well with you, and look forward to our next meeting.
Love, Donald & Daisy...................

The old Hotel




Local Carniceria




Menudo restaurant


On Sunday morning, you can't get close to this place. Last Sunday, Father's Day, it was so packed, you had to park in Lordsburg and take a cab.

Adobe Deli


9 miles east of downtown Deming on old highway 10, down a dirt road to what appears to be an old abondoned ranch house resides the wonderful Adobe Deli. Try it you'll like it!

Adobe Deli Dove




Happy Camper


Here's the BLOG editor eating jalapeno poppers and drinking beer at the Adobe Deli.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

What's down with the BREHM'S as of 20, June 010




Happy Fathers Day to all of you. We are still here in Deming, NM, and will probably be here another couple of weeks. Weather remains 3 digits everyday, but the winds have subsided some. Still hot and dry. Saw a coyote chasing a rabbit yesterday, and both were crawling with their tongues hanging out. We went to Hatch, NM this past week. Hatch is the chili capitol of the planet. We have visited several times before, always bought a big ole sack of green chilies and had them roast them for us right there. That was our plan for this visit but our timing was off. No new fresh chilies till Aug. Disappointed, we had lunch, walked around town some and left. Projects for this week were; replace the ice maker tube from the water supply to the ice maker.....Success. And 2, get the rooftop satellite antenna working.......failure, guess I'll have to replace it.
A couple of days ago, I was taking Ross for his walk, and adjacent to the campground, a SWAT action was taking place. I guess some guy from Riudoso with outstanding warrants for felony, a fugitive from justice, was recognized at the Motel 6 across the street (we'll keep the light on for you) and the police were called. Lot's of bullet proof vests, but I didn't hear any shots fired.

For a real nice surprise, our friends Mike and Marsha from Bisbee, AZ. stopped by for a lovely visit and lunch. Well, hope you all are having a wonderful summer, we look forward to our next rendezvous. Love you all, Ray & Diane.............

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Pepper Pot Restaurant, Hatch, NM




Corporate Chili HQ

This is the same little Mexican house we always buy our rosted chilis from. This year, our timing was off.


Ristras of red chilis


Hatch, NM wind chimes

SWAT Van


The boys were prepared. Local Police, Luna County Sherrifs, Border Control, county SWAT Team, ambulances

and a newspaper reporter.

Emergency command and communucations post




The Gathering




Saturday, June 12, 2010

WHAT'S DOWN WITH THE BREHMS as of 13, June, 2010



Greetings and best wishes from Deming

WOW! The wind is blowing so hard, I just saw the maintenance man in his golf cart flying by at an altitude of 7 or 8 feet, SSE at 47 miles an hour. But we love it here. Daytime temps between 98 and 107, humidity about 7%, but we love it here. We wake up in the morning, Apply chap stick to various places, shoot WD-40 in our eyes so we can open them and move them. But we love it here. My shingles have put a slight damper on our activities, but we have managed to get out a few times into the bustling metropolis of Deming. We also visited the local winery, St. Clair, which was very enjoyable and wines were all poured from glass bottles with corks into nice wine glasses. No boxes and plastic cups here.

We also took a 35 mile jaunt south to Columbus, NM and Palomas, Chihuahua, Mex. This is the part of the country that Pancho Villa played head rooster, and everything around was his hen house. So there is a Pancho Villa State Park and campground, and statues everywhere. This is also the neck of the woods where Geronimo was captured and sent to Gitmo. Except for one of every 5 people on the streets carrying rifles, Palomas is a lovely little town, cleaner than most, with the obligatory dental offices, pharmacia's, optomotrists, and cosmetic surgeons.

Hope you are all well, happy, and prosperous with the things that make your lives full. We look forward to seeing you again, and please be prepared to make the best decisons in Nov.

Love, Orville & Wilbur...............

St. Clair Winery, Deming, New Mexico

The St. Clair Winery is a landmark in Deming. It is a lovely place to visit, and taste the local wines, made from local grapes. Very nice reds, whites, and ports. This was our tasting hostess.

Knowlegable, and friendly.

Palomas Border Crossing.




Statue of Pancho Villa and a live Panchita Diane

Shortly after crossing the Border at Columbus/Palomas, stands this bigger than life statue of Pancho Villa in a mounted raiding pose.


Statues of Patton and Pancho Villa

Out on the Plaza, behind the Tienda Rosa, are these statues of General George Patton shaking hands with Pancho Villa.


Lunch at La Tienda Rosa. Palomas, Chichuahua




This is a nice restaurant, bar and Mexican curio shop just a few steps across the border. Very clean, friendly, and the food is good.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

The "Gettin Down Report" as of 6 June, 2010



It's raining! Incredible, the temps got up to 107 today, and now it's raining. Well, we send you greetings from Deming New Mexico. We are at a little over 4300 ft. altitude. High desert. We made a good deal with the Devil, and will be in this furnace till 6/22. After that, who knows? Probably go to Hatch, the chili capitol of the galaxy. Then maybe north on I-25, lots of choices going that way, but due to the humidity, we probably won't go further East.

Except for my shingles, we are doing well. They tell me the shingles will probably clear up by the time we get back to San Diego in Nov. Next week should be fun, wineries to visit, Pancho Villa State Park, Las Palomas, Mex. and much more. Hope all of you are having a wonderful summer, and enjoying good health. Please stay in touch, and if our paths should cross, let's hook up.


Love you all, Lupe Y Pedro..............

1882, Tombstone AZ. The Krautmick gang

"Mad Dog Mike", "Missy Marsha". "Deadeye Diane", & "Roughneck Ray"

Bandstand at Big Nose Kate's



Okay Barry and Janet, listen here. If you can't fix it......... We might be able to help. Let us know.............

Picture on the backbar at Kate's Saloon, Tombstone



This painting resides on the backbar wall at "Big Nose Kate's Saloon in Tombstone. I think it is Sarah Palin's Great grandmother.

"Big Nose Kate's" Saloon, Tombstone AZ

Geriatric Outlaws going into Kate's to drink and start a rumble!!

Infamous BIRD CAGE THEATER, Tonbstone, AZ




Everyone knows about the Birdcage. I think Lincoln was shot here!

"Escapees" RV Park, Deming, NM




"Brehmville" Deming, NM

As you can see, We have the place to ourselves. We don need no stinkin reservations...........

Luna-Mimbres Museum, Deming, NM



Best small town museum we have seen. Ancient Indian(Mimbres) artifacts, old West relics, the birth and growth of a town on the Mexican Border. Town heros, etc.