On April 4, we caravaned from San Antonio, New Mexico to Roswell with the DeLands and the Halls. Elaine insisted we have one of their walkie-talkies in our rig and they actually worked out fine - not a lot of chit-chat, but opportunity to point out sights and answer questions along the way.
We met up with our FMCA chapter friends at the Roswell Elks Lodge RV park courtesy of one of our members, Doug Henderson, who was very instrumental in getting the RV park built. We were able to gather under the yellow pavilion for visits in spite of the New Mexico spring breezes.
As we have found with most of our visits to what seem to be "unspectacular" communities, there is always more do and see than we expect. Roswell, was no exception. We toured the New Mexico Military Institute (co-ed, high school thru 2nd year of college) called "Nemi" by the locals (NMMI). We were impressed with the education provided, the loyalty of the students, graduation rates and the accomplishments of past students.
And who would have expected a tour of an aircraft painting company to be interesting? Our group learned about aircraft painting as well as the aircraft business while being entertained by Jim Burgess, General Manager of Dean Baldwin Painting. Jim shared information about their business while giving an up-close and personal tour of the stripping, sanding and final painting of the planes. A just painted Boeing business jet was awaiting flight clearance to go on its next step - interior design and finishing, which would include - among many other exotic frills - a hot tub. This plane was a contract from Russia - Club 17 (similar to Playboy Club). Now who do you imagine in Russia has that kind of money?!!
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Heritage Walkway, Artesia, New Mexico |
We also drove 40 miles south to Artesia, New Mexico to see the many beautiful sculptures. http://www.artesiamainstreet.com/accomplishments.php
This is oil and natural gas country and the business people of the area have been very generous. The high school football stadium seats 6000, has sky boxes and artificial turf and a packed house for games.
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