On to Abilene...

Well... We survived the night. Actually had a beautiful night with little precipitation, even though the forecast projected 1-2in of snow for Alamogordo, NM. It must be mentioned that Annie's spicy chili, a pack of tortillas, a block of sharp cheddar, one avocado, one red bell pepper, some Gatorade for hydration and vodka for warmth make a killer meal for two. However, the after effects do not easily dissipate in our trusty marmot tent... Campers advised!

The corolla was due for a oil change so we woke early and headed for the quick lube. A nice family run establishment, the car was ready in about 15 minutes and the long-haired, leather-faced mechanic who inquired about our journey also filled us in on old Oliver Lee. The state park where we camped pays homage to this man by dedicating a beautiful and well kept state park that butts up against the sacred Sacramento mountains in Lincoln national park. Apparently Mr. Lee was a rancher who stole horses and other animals from townspeople and ran the lands by brute force. Not unlike the way American history glorifies other crooks and criminals of the old west.

Driving through Lincoln, we witnessed breathtaking views of red mountain striae. With mountain walls of prehistoric limestone and gypsum (formed only underwater) deep canyon walls make it an extraordinary archeological site... Some of the earliest remnants of corn were found in excavated sites along with sandals, baskets and stone tools dating back from 6000 to 500 BC. This place looks similar to where the ancient Dogon and Tellum peoples inhabited the Bandiagara Escarpment in Mali. We are reminded of that 4 day journey across a but if the African wild and feel proud and excited.

The land appears expansive out here and the people few. It's nice to be out of the city and we remember how nice it is, how comforting to be able to breath deep.

Just outside Artesia, NM the land is dotted with some sort of drilling apparatuses. The look similar to the oil drillers slong the 33 between Ventura and Ojai. There is a large refinery called Navajo just outside of the small town whose name refers to some of the purest water available on earth. There are potash mines here po tash meaning plant ash, which are minerals found in the rock that can be extracted and refined into potassium rich fertilizers--one of the largest industries in the world with multibillion dollar annual revenues. The smell around the refinery is choking. I wonder about the proximity to the town and possible contamination of Artesia's drinking water supply. There must be cleaner ways to feed the world.

Driving is going smooth. Juli is a rocksteady all-weather driver.

On to Ailene, should be there before 6 pm.