Las Cruces

Where we camped

We stayed at the Las Cruces KOA (Journey). We had an amazing site that overlooked the city. We enjoyed a fire, used the dog bath, borrowed a sled, and donated to KOA Care Camp. I believe we will visit Las Cruces again in a few weeks. I am excited to stay at the KOA again.

White Sands National Park

The Sand

The sand is not really sand, well, sure it’s sand by definition, however the make up is not like Quartz sand we are used to. The sand is derived from Gypsum, it’s soft and cool to the touch. Although the region is a desert, the water table is close to the surface, allowing the gypsum sand to bind and form dunes. The Dunes flow across the landscape following the wind and the water.

The Landscape

The dunes and surrounding mountains allow for a myriad of colors at sunrise and sunset. I am not sure I can see all the colors, but I was able to see light and dark Blue, Orange, and some Purple.

Hikes

The hiking was considerably more fun then I expected. Honestly, I was dreading walking on the dunes(yuck sand). I however was excited that the dogs were allowed to hike with us. Hiking the dunes with Minny and DooWee was fun. We were able to spot many animal tracks including a Kit Fox. The gypsum sand was an experience I never had and was genuinely fun to traverse.

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park

Nice loop hike along the basin/rio grande river.

The Dogs

Both dogs got baths. The KOA had a dog bath, both dogs are clean.

Minny

Minny, immediately after getting a bath threw herself onto the ground and rolled around on the gravel. Donna was appalled with her behavior

Doowee

Doowee doesn’t enjoy a bath, however he deals with it, his coping mechanism is to be stoic. Doowee

Food and Drink

Donna has been spending time using Reddit, using local subs to find about food and other activities. We quickly identified a few places we wanted to try.

Coffee

Picacho Coffee Roaster I thought this coffee spot was good, by far the best coffee and espresso I had in Las Cruces. I would come here again.

We went to a few other places, nothing worth discussing or commenting on as they went from bad to worse.

Beer and Spirits

Spotted Dog Brewery I had a sampling of beer here, it was ok. I also had some BBQ sliders which tasted good. The patio is noisy and clearly they have a motocycle gang/colors problem as signage everywhere said you would not be served if you were displaying any motorcycle club affiliation.

Dry point Distillers The cocktails here are excellent. I highly suggest you go. Craft and care was taken with every drink. Donna had an amaretto sour which made her very happy and had her questioning the bartender on how to improve her cocktail skills at home.

Ice Box Brewing I tried the Green chile blonde. Green chile was tasty, however I am convinced I don’t like chile in my beer.

Food

Breakfast

OMPC-The Shed The shed was super yummy. Been a while since Donna has enjoyed a poached egg out. Additionally her egg came with a green chili hollandaise and crab. I was jealous and happy.

Dinner

Andele Restaurant
Donna and I both enjoyed dinner here. Good family dinner spot with inexpensive yummy food Valley Pizza
Yum. Would get pizza here again. Delivery cost $1 and they brought it directly to our campsite.

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Las Cruces Gallery