Now onto On Da Road with Dakota and Tilly.
So, where are we heading ? Fredericksburg, Texas.
Where the Alfa Roadrunner Spring Rally will be held. So, our first leg was from Yuma, Az. to Casa Grande, Az. With a 2 night stop over with some of our very close friends. Unfortunately, we could not see everyone. But, the ones we were able to visit, time spent with them was amazing.
So, Karen, Will this first leg is devoted to you.
Pat and Kathleen, the results of the first leg is devoted to your journey in Oregon. - Now we know how you did it.
We headed out, and were on the road by 8am. Heading east on I-10, on our way. Our first fuel stop was Jay’s Travel Center in San Simon, Az.
But wait, there’s more, just as we were leaving, we remember we needed to make a phone call.
Our Destination, Pancho Villa State Park in Columbus, NM.
Pancho Villa St Pk link
As we were making our turn onto NM 9, we spied a photo op.
The highway's western terminus is at NM 80 north of Rodeo, in the San Simon Valley close to the border with Arizona. The route then climbs through Antelope Pass, a gap in the Peloncillo Mountains, into the Animas Valley where it intersects with NM 338 in the town of Animas. A few miles east of Animas, the road again climbs and crosses the Continental Divide the first of three times, then intersects with NM 113 (which goes northbound to I-10). Continuing east, the road crosses the Continental Divide twice in less than 2 miles (3 km), then descends to the Hachita Valley. In Hachita, the road intersects first with NM 146 (which goes northbound to I-10), then with NM 81 (which goes south to Antelope Wells, and into Mexico). From Hachita, NM 9 continues ESE, then generally East to Columbus, where it intersects with NM 11 (which goes north to Deming and south to Puerto Palomas). East of Columbus, NM 9 stays within 3 miles (4.8 km) of the Mexican border. NM 9 officially ends at the Dona Ana County line, but the road continues as Dona Ana County Road A003 to the Pete Domenici Highway (NM 136) just west of El Paso. (Thanks to Wikipedia Link NM State_Road_9 )
We continue our journey along NM 9 with a few photo op, which we have to stop:
Traveling speed limit (55), slowing down for all the curves. Some had signs for 30mph, which we complied with. But along the way we encounter a small problem.
When we arrived in Columbus, checked in and were walking back to the MH, Susan commented, Oh you disconnected the truck.
Me, no I did not. OOPS, a very BIG OOPS. The truck was missing. And I mean really missing, how do you misplace a 5000 lbs truck, which was attached to a 40 Ft motorhome.
Well it wasn’t easy. So, a search was on.
As Susan went back inside, I called 911, routed to the Sheriff dispatcher. Provided necessary info, and as happenstance a deputy just happen to be very close. I mean VERY close, as I saw him heading west on NM 9, lights blazing and Speed turned up on High.
Mile Marker 67, definity will be in our mind for a very long time:
After all was said and done, we arrived back home, Dakota and Tilly, fed and walked, we enjoyed a bottle wine. Rejoice in a Blessed journey and a very safe one, as we realized this could have happened on Interstate - 10. With the possibility of a fatetally, if this had happen there.
Oh, you want to know about the Truck? After cutting the bob-wire away, removing the tow bar, moving the bikes, etc.
All it took was a good jump start on the battery to get her started and back on the road.
So, for now, 2 vehicles, 2 drivers on Da Road to Fredericksburg, Tx.
Remember to always check your rearview camera.
Oh and a very special thanks to one Sheriff Deputy, Clark Smith of Lordsburg. Clark, a big thanks from the Prichard's for your help and hard work.
Safe and Blessed travels
Dale, Susan, Dakota and Tilly
