Abiquiu, New Mexico

One can see why so many painters like Abuquiu. The colors of the rock outcroppings and the geological events that caused them are many. At one time the area was under a salt water sea and at other times saw volcanic action. We were told there was camping here, but not tent camping, as the campground has no toilets. The only Inn - the Abiquiu Inn is very expensive and it was full. There is a pizza joint and bar on the corner of Rts 554 & 84 and also a gas station & market further west on Rt. 84. No one could tell us anywhere close to camp, so we drove 22 miles from there toward Albuquerque to the town of Espanola to find a room. It was extremley hot and the AC was broken and since Mike was leaving in 2 days, the riders decided to take a break.
BETH writes - 57 miles today so that meant mostly downhill - Yippi!!! Today we went from 10,000ft and a Spruce Aspen forest to almost 6000ft with Junipers and tree like Cactus. This is the lowest I have been since Montana! New Mexico finally looked like New Mexico! We went through many small villages today with their adobe homes and Pitbulls. Yes, we had a run-in with a Pitbull and I thought for sure I was going to lose my right calf. The dog was timing my pedal spins waiting for his chance. I moved left and Mike came in and used the panniers to deflect the attention of the dog until he decided he had enough. The next idea was the bear spray, but that would surely do damage to the dog and then we may have had a angry owner with a gun. I have never before in my life been afraid of a dog. The last 17 miles today was on a paved downhill to the town of Abiquiu. Unfortunately, it was not easy. We had a head wind and had to pedal hard going down hill. When we reached the town there was no where to stay - the very expensive Inn was full and no camping near by. We were hot, tired, dirty and I was definitely grumpy! We decided to take Tuesday and Wednesday to be tourists. Mike flies out on Thursday and Mom and I will return to Abiquiu for my last 15 days of riding. Only 15 day and 600 miles - wow does that seem close!
JAN writes - Today I drove about the first 22 miles on the same dirt road the bikers were on. It was really slow going, but we passed through some lovely high altitude meadows. I watched a flock of Red Crossbills - a species of bird I had never seen before. They were collecting gravel on the road for their digestion. Amazing they can eat at all with those funky bills! The frustrating part of the day was that in spite of what was advertised on Beth's route info, there was no place to stay in Abiguiu. I searched for motel, campground or B&B with no luck. When Beth and Mike arrived they had not only ridden 57+ miles, but had fought a headwind in the 95 degree weather. They were bushed and extremely crabby! We decided that since they were ahead of schedule, we would leave they area and go toward Albuquerque where Mike is flying out of in 2 days. We found a cheap motel in Espanola - the last room in the place, had wonderful showers, and learned that the AC didn't work in the room. It was a hot uncomfortable night!