That is a true relic! And, blue chip stamps!

Nah..gives the journal character!

Taxes, then nap, then add. Sounds like a solid entry 😁

You are exactly right, as my photos tomorrow will show. Most people stopped at Sparky's and it looked great. However, I was on cooking duty and had to shop. The wind was really getting strong, and I didn't want to fight it with a chili cheeseburger in my stomach. I hope to come back again to explore this area with my wife in our van.

I will see if I can find a salted nut roll. Most of the convenience stores I stopped in, especially in the less populated areas we have been in for quite a while, have very few options without chocolate (which gives me migraines). Paydays area. consistent option. I like white Reese's cups, but they are less common and often sold only in king size.

For our trip the budget is $20 per person per day. That includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is my understanding that we are a little over that, but I'm not sure. The leaders seem to be pretty chill about it. On days of they give us our $20 and we can spend it on an excursion. Sometimes we have gone to a restaurant together and we chip in whatever we spend more than $20. I think the fact that we are all men means that we eat more than a mixed group. At least the leaders have commented that. In general we have had good dinners. Some of the riders are quite good cooks. We will see if I have lost any weight after I get home. I think my waist has shrunken a bit, but losing weight was not a goal for this trip for me.

Cane cholla. Those yellow knobby looking fruits never really get ripe.
https://wnmu.edu/gilaflora/cylindropuntia_imbricata.html

Of the 5 or 6 primrose species in that area, I will guess probably fragrant evening primrose based on what I can find. Great photo!

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/78240/browse_photos?place_id=9

It has been many, many years since I've done a tour with ACA. They must have REALLY increased their food budget. Berries and pecans to go in oatmeal would have been way over budget. Forget ordering a steak at a restaurant, or even eating at a restaurant.

I also don't remember getting meat and cheese sandwiches for lunch. It was always PB&J. Having a variety of food is good for the spirit.

Looks like!

If it is treated properly, there should be NO “aromas”…

Their rivers are quite “sandy” 🙄

Maybe this is why there was no water in the Rio Grande River 😬

Alert - alert! Hatch is the green chili capitol of the world. Sparky's has "the beset green chili burgers in the universe", says a friend of mine. Blair says there will be a line out the door, but you absolutely need to eat there before leaving town. When will you be back again?

side note - have you tried a salted nut roll instead of a Payday? The center in the salted nut roll is more marshmallow/softer, and I think there are more nuts on the outside.

Rush hour traffic? ;)

Key word is “after”.. hopefully!