Fourth of July Campground, NM, Broken Window, Back to Our Original Boondocking Spot

After spending an extra night getting the flat tire fixed, we decided to try and find a new boondocking spot.  Al was in charge of researching spots this time.  He found a couple to try and so we off we went.  We passed by a Forest Service office so decided to stop in and ask for their suggestions.  We talked to a real nice lady ranger who made some suggestions.  She told us we could leave the trailer in their parking lot and check out the spots before trying to pull the trailer along some questionable roads.  Off we went and didn’t like any of the spots nearby.  When we returned, she suggested a campground about 30 miles away that was $7 a night with no hookups.  We took her suggestion and off we went. 

The drive to the campground after the 30 miles of a two-lane road ended up being about 8 more miles down a gravel road with puddles from the rain a few nights before.  As we’re driving down the road there is nothing but trees but eventually we see a Sysco truck coming the opposite direction so there must be something down there that has food service so we keep driving.  Finally, we arrive at the Fourth of July campground and there is no one else there.  It’s completely empty!  We drive around checking out the spots and realize that there isn’t one big enough to fit our RV.  There was one spot at the entrance that would hold the camp host so we pulled in that spot and spent the night. 

We didn’t get a good feeling for this site so we kept the trailer connected to the truck and planned to leave early the next morning and that’s exactly what we did.  We drove the 8 miles back out the gravel road and back to the paved road. 

In New Mexico, there is land that was granted to individuals or groups by the Spanish or Mexicans that I don’t understand but it contains some sketchy people we’re told.  Apparently, they can do whatever they please on their land and the police don’t even go there.  This really is the wild west!

More info if interested:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_grants_in_New_Mexico

When we arrived at the Fourth of July campground, we noticed that our truck shell window was shattered.  We didn't hear it happen.  We thought it might have been from driving on the road but the more we think about it and talk to other people, someone could have been unhappy with us driving near their property and hit our truck with a BB gun or something similar.  That thought is scary but luckily it was only the window and not us!

Don't worry Ira & Frank, we're getting it fixed!

After that bad experience, we decided to go back to our previous boondocking spot and felt much better when we arrived and found it empty.

Al relaxing back in his happy place hammock!

View of the sky from my lawn chair!

After talking with a lady in the campground just below our free camp spot, we went to Harbor Freight and purchased 100 watt solar panels to recharge our battery so we don't need to run the generator (so much).  The trees in this spot made for a challenge but they are working pretty good.

 During the days wee continued with our hiking and trash pick up.  Here was our view from the ridge nearby.

Our first hot air balloon basket sighting!  The Fiesta is getting close!

Sunset over Ponderosa, NM

We ended up staying in that spot for 7 nights without hookups with no problems!