Carl Henning

Having concluded our visit to Fort Stockton with lunch… Peanut Buster Parfait at Dairy Queen (there is no shortage of Dairy Queens in Texas), we decided where to go next. Having picked up a brochure at the Fort Stockton visitor center for The Caverns of Sonora, that became our destination.

When there’s a sign that says “Museum” I’m always intrigued. Having frequently passed a sign on I10 near Fort Stockton that says “Annie Griggs Museum” I finally decided it was time. When we finished touring we decided on our next destination, the Caverns of Sonora.

Don’t visit the White Sands Missile Museum because it’s closed on this Monday, a holiday (President’s Day). Maybe some other time. Instead we followed a Mission Trail south of El Paso. Of the three missions, one was closed on Mondays. one was open, and one was open but the adjacent museum was closed on Mondays. So the misses multiplied.

Things to do in and around Las Cruces, NM. Visit Dripping Springs in the new Organ National Monument, White Sands National Monument, and the New Mexico Space History Museum. Don’t visit the White Springs Missile Museum because it’s closed on Sundays.

A visit to Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Kind of a walk in the (not) woods. Pretty plants, scenery, and birds. Even, a tree.

Early Saturday morning we headed to the Phoenix Balloon Festival ($10 to park and $15 to enter). They promised at least 25 balloon ascensions and a tethered balloon rode. They did not disappoint. If you want to see some gentle…