The Great Lizard Caper

May 9-10, 2018
Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Elephant Butte, New Mexico

It seemed like it took forever to get ready to leave Casa Grande this year.  One thing after another kept needing our attention.

One of the more exciting things was our lizard adventure.  Dave & I were working in garage one day and since it was very hot, Dave had the door between the garage and the house opened to let a some air conditioned air into the garage.  Out of the corner of my eye I saw a lizard climb the steps and run into the house.  This was not a cute little gecko, but a big bad lizard!  The thought of a lizard locked up in our house while we were gone for 6 months was not pleasant.  It kept running under furniture and while we turned one piece of furniture over, it ran to another.  It was quite a scene.  The lizard was winning but he eventually met his demise.  I just hope he didn't invite a friend that we didn't see.

On our way across New Mexico, we naturally made a quick stop in Pie Town.  We picked up a pear ginger almond cranberry pie and were quickly on the road again on our way to see the Very Large Array (VLA).  There are 27 active antenna dishes (each 82 feet across) receiving radio signals from outer space.  The dishes are spread out around the valley.  Computers combine the signals from each of the dishes giving the VLA the effect of a 22 mile diameter telescope.  I was disappointed to not find ET anywhere.

We are currently in New Mexico at a place we have gone by many times but have never actually stayed here.  Lakes are scarce in this part of the country so this place is especially popular with boaters.  














This has to be the steepest and longest boat ramp I have ever seen.  It might just be easier to unhitch the boat at the top of the hill and let it roll down to the water by itself.














Cute sand sculpture of mother elephant and two baby elephants.