Way down in a remote corner of New Mexico, Peggy and I came upon the City of Rocks State Park where nature had carved volcanic rock into a world you might find in science fiction or fantasy.
To date, I have been blogging for close to five years. This is my 475th post. It’s time for a change. It won’t be radical, but my intention is to blog three slightly different posts each week. Intention is the key word here. It may or may not happen. Bloggers understand this. Sometimes life gets in the way— or the next book. (Grin) Blogging three times a week may prove to be too much. But if I do…
Mondays and Wednesdays will continue to focus on travel. Mondays will reflect my standard blogs with an equal mixture of writing and photography. Wednesdays will be more of a photographic essay, heavy on photos. This will enable me to bounce around the world a bit more plus free up some time. Since I have close to 20,000 photos in my photo bank, I don’t expect to run out any time soon.
Fridays will be more along the line of opinion pieces. I intend to write about things I am passionate about, things that concern me. Expect such topics as searching for God in all the wrong places; is technology dumbing down the world; and how 25 cents saved one million lives. I intend to have fun, dabble in a little controversy. I’ll probably get in trouble.
Today is a preview of what you can expect on Wednesdays. Enjoy the rocks.
Peggy and I had just finished backpacking for a week in the Gila Wilderness of southwestern New Mexico and were on our way to Deming via Silver City (Billy the Kid country). It was getting late when we came across a sign that pointed to the City of Rocks State Park. It sounded intriguing, we were tired, and the park had a campground. We turned left— and found ourselves in another world…
Private vehicle and tent camping spaces are spread out around the perimeter of the rocks.
This is an example of one of the campsites hidden among the rocks.
I would describe these rocks as having personality. Each one is unique.
Paths wander throughout the square mile park. Convenient rocks invite hikers, such as Peggy, to sit and enjoy the beauty and solitude.
What to expect when hiking through the rocks.
I felt this fellow might fit in on Easter Island.
Golden grass provides an interesting contrast to the rocks.
Trees also add visual interest in this final photo. If you find yourself in southwest New Mexico, the City of Rocks State Park is definitely worth a detour. NEXT BLOG: It’s back to the beautiful bridges of the Oregon Coast.
Wandering through Time and Place 
What a simply stunning place. Great plans Curt – you’re usually good at keeping up 😉
One of the more unusual I’ve come across in my wanderings, AC. We’ll see on the keeping up. 🙂 –Curt
The photos are wonderful, and your plans ambitious. I suspect that even if you can keep up with posting three times a week, I’ll not be able to comment three times a week. I will keep an eye on the posts, though, and comment on whatever intrigues me particularly.
Given the fact that I’m still working full time, and am feeling pressed to post on my own blog even once a week, I can’t give everyone else all the attention I’d like. But I’ll be lurking around, especially to see you get in trouble with the opinion pieces. 🙂
Three is a lot Linda. I’ve managed it from time to time. Or it may drop off to zero when I get involved in the book. The photo essays will be quickies. Anyway, I always enjoy your comments, and I don’t have a clue on how you write such detailed and well thought-out comments. You will always be welcome whenever you drop by. –Curt
Where did you go in the Gila? I did the West Fork many years ago and it was magical. One of my favorite backpacking trips…
I backpacked into the Gila twice, once with Peggy and once by myself. Both times in incorporated sections of the West Fork. Here’s a blog on my first trip when I spent a few months backpacking various parts of the west. http://wandering-through-time-and-place.me/2011/05/10/a-cow-elk-woos-me/
I can see that camping around these rocks would be safe and solid. Great photos Curt.
Much fun Gerard. Each trail was different. I would imagine in earlier times the Native Americans considered it a sacred site. –Curt
Easter Island is all over these photos. I look forward to all your blogs and to your new program.
Certainly is. Thanks Bruce. I am looking forward to the new approach. –Curt
To have a plan is good, but sometimes you might get confuse…. anyway, looking forward for your new blogging plan… 🙂
I get confused a lot Nin. (Laughing)
What a fabulous place you found! And I look forward to the new format. Especially when you get yourself into trouble 🙂
Alison
Yeah, I suspect it will be right from the beginning. LOL
Sounds like your new approach will be rather interesting. Go get ’em, Curt!!
Maybe I’ll start off with a bang, GP. 🙂
Your photos are breathtaking. I admire your passions and I particularly look forward to Fridays.
Thanks Alice, a lot. I’m a tad nervous about Fridays. 🙂
Isn’t it great, when on the spot travelling decisions turn up unique locations?
– Ginette
Impressive blog stats so far! Good luck with your new plan. Sounds very ambitious; it’s good you have that storehouse of photos on standby. They are always a treat to see.
Ambitious it is. The photo part is easy— the essays are going to be something else. 🙂 –Curt
The City of Rocks State Park appears serene, like a place I would like.
All the best with your new blog direction. I’ll try to catch up. I like the sound of this:
“Fridays will be more along the line of opinion pieces. ….I’ll probably get in trouble.” XD
Big trouble, I imagine. 🙂 –Curt
Congratulations on your 475th post (wow!) and as you approach 5 years! Cheers to many more!
Thanks Timi. (grin) One blog at a time… 🙂 –Curt
I still am trying to figure out how to duplicate some of those rock sculptures in our backyard! I find I easily get lost in rock sculptures…….peaceful.
They would need to be a bit smaller, however. (grin)
I hope the blogging works out the way you want it to. 🙂
I love this place! What fabulous photos, Curt. It is exactly the kind of fabulous local find that curls my toes and feeds my hunger for adventure. Good luck on working out a blogging plan you are comfortable with and continue to be excited about. My plan: just squeeze in some words and photos if I get the chance, even if it takes me three days (of 30 minutes each day) to get that baby posted. Having an actual strategy is a whole new level of commitment and I am impressed.
What a plan! Looking forward to all three types of posts — and something unexpected at any time. I’m also impressed that you have 20,000 photos organized!!! Best wishes for continued success with your blog and your writing. Always wonderful.
Thanks, Rusha. I’ve been having fun with random selection and featuring of photos. Today’s blog will be closer to you home: the Natchez Trace. –Curt