Albuquerque 

(Part 1 - Our Camp Site)

The original plan for Albuquerque was to stay at the base - Kirtland AFB. The day before we departed Flagstaff Joyce started getting antsy about the fact that we had no reservations there because they did not accept reservations - that, combined with the minimal number of spaces available and no one to call in advance to see if there would be a space available at the time we called. So we made the decision to make a reservation at a commercial RV campground.

Found a place on a google map app and made the call on Friday morning. The gal that answered the phone said that she figured there would be a site available by the time we got there as she had three people leaving that day. I gave her my name to make the reservation, and she said ok. Didn't ask for credit card info as most do, so we left it at that - read "unconfirmed."

When we got on the road, Joyce had an opportunity to look in the KOA book to see if there was anything available near Albuquerque. As it turned out, there was a place located just past the base near I-40. We called and made the reservation, ignoring the other campground. We opted for one of the deluxe sites and paid a little more. It was worth it.

The site was wide, with lots of space, and in addition to the standard picnic table, had a patio set (round table with four chairs), standard fire ring, a chimney type fire ring, and a newish large size propane grill. They even provided us an umbrella for the table, and padded seat cushions.

One of the ways that campgrounds make a little extra is through sales of souvenirs and such. Most KOAs have a somewhat limited selection. This one seemed exceptional - good variety of shirts and caps, and lots of other things. Throughout much of our trip in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas we had seen roadkill armadillos and Joyce had wanted to get a small armadillo souvenir, with no luck. I found an armadillo wine bottle holder in the store and got it for her.

The girls in the gift shop had a good time laughing at the guy that bought the armadillo. Joyce and I had a good time laughing about the armadillo itself.

Saturday morning we were provided free pancake breakfast with sausage, orange juice and coffee. They even had strawberries and whipped cream available. Anne was the breakfast attendant and although she had a warmer full of pancakes already cooked, she cooked us fresh blueberry pancakes. Joyce and I were the only ones in there so we shared our table and conversation with Anne.

The breakfast hours were 8:00 to 10:00 and on Sunday we didn't got over there until after 9:30. As we walked in the door, Anne greeted us like old friends, chuckling, "You're late." I told her, "Yeah, I slept in," and we had another breakfast of blueberry pancakes.

Anne walked by our site on Monday morning as we were getting the motorhome ready to leave and we exchanged goodbyes.

I think there are two KOA campgrounds in Albuquerque, and this one was at the eastern edge of Albuquerque. One of the best campgrounds we have ever stayed at.