Chama, New Mexico - May 22 - 29

The next leg of our journey took us through some of the most beautiful scenery we've ever seen! We took the short trip from Durango to Chama with a couple we'd met in Durango - Mike and Florence - formerly from Massachusetts and now full-time motorhomers like us.

In Chama we had our most spectacular camping spot so far - right on the banks of the Rio Chama! I'm sure we won't often be so lucky! We did some fishing along the river and enjoyed walking through the woods and checking out the wildlife. Saw deer and some new birds to add to our life list. There were lots of hummingbirds in the area, so we bought a couple of feeders in town and the little dive bombers kept us amused throughout our visit. A couple of nights we sat by the fire, sipped our wine and watched the stars come out - what a life!

Our daughter Jennifer Miller worked in this area a few years ago doing consulting with the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, so we followed up on a few of her dining suggestions. One day we drove about 20 miles to Dulce, NM for lunch and tried the Jicarilla taco at the Best Western Hotel and Casino. Somewhat different than a Navajo taco, but delicious just the same. (Also dropped about $20.oo in the slots. . ) We also stoppped at the little taco stand in Chama for lunch one day and took a picture to send along to our restaurant critic!

Our biggest adventure in Chama was our trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. We were lucky enough to get tickets for the first day of the season. We'd taken the famous Durango-Silverton train some years ago, but we both agreed that this trip is more spectacular. After an hour bus ride to Antonito, CO, we spent the rest of the day on the return trip by train. Our seats were in the parlour car, but we could step out onto the open air viewing platform whenever we chose. That allowed for great views, but also meant smoke and soot when the wind blew the right way. We went over mountain passes, looked down steep cliffs, and crossed trestles that were over a 120 years old! The scenery was amazing. We stopped at one of the old train stations for lunch. We agreed that this was one experience we might want to do again - maybe in the fall when all the aspen are turning colors.

We were sorry to leave Chama - it was a beautiful, relaxing week next to the river. The hummingbirds were sorry to see us go as well. One little guy actually buzzed into the coach looking for his missing feeder! We gently shooed him out and went on our way. Next stop - Buena Vista, CO - in the center of the state. Check back for pictures later. .