From Moody to Hell to Home

Thought I'd be able to get a quick painting in yesterday morning...

Packed up my things, grabbed a bite to eat and the clouds only darkened. Drizzle. GORGEOUS! But yeah, storm approaching. Since I had to drive back up out of the canyon (Sedona) up to Flagstaff... I opted to start the drive back west.

Farewell to the spectacular Sedona!

And 5.5 hours later... A special kind of hell: Barstow.

What a shock. What is this place?? Outlets. Buses. Masses of shoppers. Hot like hell. Where am I? A pit stop.

I'm heading home. 

Reconnaissance and Tacos

Today has been about exploring.

I drove around the town of Truth or Consequences making note of two Hot Springs I want to visit: Riverbend and Palomas. Can't wait to relax there later.

Then I headed to Elephant Butte the local state park. Umm, GORGEOUS! The sky is that special New Mexico blue, the water this unique whitish turquoise, like sea glass. Add in the buttes with cloud shadows and you have a lot of future paintings!

I drove around to different access points all of which were populated with RVs and tents, maybe 20+ Airstreams and plenty of families having a picnic. 

I found this beautiful bush along the waters edge with sweet, pink flowers. Totally enthralled with these.

Tacos. Yes, I was driving down a road and noticed a covert Taco place. If I hadn't recognized the name from a list of recommended eats back in my cottage I wouldn't have paid any attention to this little oasis.

It does not disappoint. Tacos.... Yum!