A Most Welcome Spring Break

It took forever to decide what we were doing, but finally determined to just go to Elephant Butte for a little break. We really wanted to make it a chance to see some family, but no matter how we tried we just couldn't make it work. Mary Lynn Pack was willing to take care of Grandma, and we didn't want to over burden her.

It was a bit of work to get the travel trailer ready for it's first outing of the season. We had cleaned it out pretty thoroughly last fall. Dad had to de-winterize which took a while. We did forget a few things usually kept in the trailer, but we had simple meals planned and not anyplace dress-up to go so it wasn't too bad.

We had a really good time. It was restful and refreshing--just what a spring break should be.

We left on Tuesday morning after we got Grandma off to the Sr. Center. We weren't traveling far, so we didn't have to hurry and we got to our camp sight fairly early. (It was right next to a man who had out bird feeders to attract birds) It was so nice to set up in the light and have time to make supper when we weren't too tired. Because Aaron wasn't too far away he got to come and join us for our evening meal and we talked and talked, and watched a movie Angela had been saving for the event.

Wednesday after a leisurely breakfast we drove to Percha Dam and Angela and I started the bird watching more seriously. We were excited to see several birds we hadn't seen before. We drove around to see Caballo Dam and ate our picnic lunch, watching more birds, and checking out several good camping spots in case we wanted to change places.

Thursday morning we moved the trailer to the Percha Dam campground. It was a great place for birdwatching and that way we, Angela and I, could go out early and Dad could sleep in (much more enjoyable for him than bird watching).

Unfortunately one of the things I forgot was my camera, and then I just couldn't remember to use the one on my phone. So, there won't be much in the line of pictures. Hopefully Angela will post with some of her pictures.

Aaron had a change of plans due to a part that didn't come for his work at the exact right time and joined us again that day. We drove around including back to Elephant butte to really see the lake. We were trying to see the two types of pelicans that were on the lake at that time--white inland and some of the Brown ocean type, but we were too late in the day. Lots and lots of Western grebe on the lake and that was fun. We even met Allen Brown, another of Cousin Carols brothers, saw a fun little museum, and lots of pretty places that need farther exploring.

After some bird watching Friday morning, we took our time returning home, and all in all it was a wonderful time. When we arrived home. Grandma was really happy to see us, but not once, complained of us leaving her. That is a real testament to how well she likes the Packs, and Mary Lynn's good care.

We were all ready to enjoy conference the next two days and that concluded our spring break on a very high note!

Just few of the birds we had not seen before, thanks to the Cornell bird websight.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide

A great place to look up birds and hear their songs.

Vermilion Flycatcher

Phainopepla

Pyrrhuloxia