by Bob Ackenhausen | Jul 20, 2020 | Footnotes
With the never-ending Corona Virus lurking behind every corner it is difficult to get out. OK, you have done all the hiking trails. They are great but they are getting a little old. You have biked everywhere and even E-biked all over the city but you can’t hike or bike your way from Santa Fe to Masa Verde. An alternative is to go RV.
Why Not Drive?
Why not just drive to Masa Verde? Covid-19 makes that a very reasonable and safe option. However, you cannot drive there and back in one day. That necessitates spending one, two or three nights in a motel. Due to the virus many people are not comfortable with that option. What are people with the need to travel going to do? The solution is go RV!
I Have Never Done an Recreational Vehicle!
Well neither had I. But how are you going to know if you enjoy traveling in a recreational vehicle unless you go RV? We were not going to just go out and buy one so the obvious solution was to rent. Much to my surprise there are numerous sites for RV rental. They are like Airbnb for RVs. Outdoorsy is the site we used. We searched the sites and settled on a recreational vehicle we could both agree on.
What Type of RV Should I Rent?
If you have a wife you will find out that an RV with a toilet and shower is an absolute must. There are very nice trailer recreational vehicles with such amenities but we had nothing to pull it with. With trailers eliminated the next option was the self-contained recreational vehicle you drive. We found a 25-foot class C that had all the amenities we require and was not big to handle. It was time to go RV!
Trip Length, How long?
As this was an experiment to see if we could do a recreational vehicle so we limited the journey to four nights. We plan to keep the driving part of the trip to a minimum but out west that proved impossible. We drove 850 miles in five days. The length of time and distance proved to be just right.
Conclusion.
Chillin by the fire and the river.
Our experiment in going RV was a resounding success! Every site was wonderful. Masa Verde was fascinating. We loved cooking out. The RV was very comfortable. We are sold. We are planning more RV trips and we can’t wait. Go RV!
For more information about our RV adventure click on Santa Fe Footprint.
by Bob Ackenhausen | May 12, 2020 | Footnotes
The group on the Borrego trail
Panic!
Yes! Get out and hike! The COVID panic has utterly destroyed the tourist season here in Santa Fe. The panicky governor and hysterical mayor have shut-down all of the art festivals that make June, July and August in Santa Fe so enjoyable. Never mind that a virus can not survive in the sun and 80+ degrees temperatures. Not satisfied with destroying the art fairs they have closed all the wonderful shops. If you want to go to Home Depot or Lowes, fine. If you where interested in Indian art or the excellent Santa Fe shopping scene, forget about it. So what can you do? Get out and hike!
Are you in Danger?
Now it is true that the virus effects virtually no one under 50. If you are 60+ there is maybe a .5% of catching something. But don’t worry our hospitals have plenty of room! True they are laying off staff but on the .05% chance you need the hospital you will be welcomed with open arms!
The Santa Fe economy
The economy of Santa Fe is based on three main pillars. The art scene, tourism and state government. The government has deliberately destroyed the first two. So, what is a likely tourist supposed to do? Get out and hike!
Hiking trails are open!
There is one activity that the COVID dictators have not been able to crush. It is also one of the best parts about visiting Santa Fe. This activity is hiking the many trails around the city. They have closed the National parks like Bandelier and Tent Rocks but the hiking trails in the surrounding mountains are open.
Were can you hike?
A few days ago, I drove up Hyde Park Road towards the ski area. Cars filled the parking areas at the numerous trail heads along the road. I finally found a space at the Borrego trail head.
Free at last!
It was a beautiful day for hiking. The temperature up in the mountains was about 60. The sun was shining and creating incredible shadows through the trees. Everyone on the trail and in out of our Santa Fe Footprints group observed proper, if in my view unnecessary, distancing. The pure mountain air was invigorating and the exorcise got everyone’s blood pumping.
Don’t be a prisoner!
The lesson is don’t be a prisoner! The mountains and hiking trails of Santa Fe are waiting for you! GET OUT and HIKE !!!!
