Mimbres Valley NM

The Mimbres Valley is beautiful!  Right now we have golden cottonwood trees and willows along the Mimbres River. Or what is left of it thanks to the severe drought conditions in this area.  The word "Mimbres" means willows.  Willows must dig deep to find moisture for their survival because they seem to be surviving a the cottonwoods are dying. Maybe such a thing happened here years ago, when the Mimbres culture disappeared over 1,000 years ago leaving behind their beautiful black and white pottery. This pottery was discovered as their burial sites were ravaged and destroyed for the prized painted bowls.

http://www.ancestral.com/cultures/north_america/mimbres.html


This link will help you to understand the people who used to live in this area.

 Mimbres Valley is surrounded by beautiful mountains and impossible blue skies!

The cottonwood trees down by the Mimbres River are dressing up for autumn!

The Mimbres Valley is now populated by many large ranches, small hippie communes, organic gardens and a diverse variety of cultures, mostly Hispanic families that have lived here for many generations.

One day, Steve Benson pulled up on his propane run 1957 450 International tractor to get a fill up!  We sell propane here and it was a huge surprise to see this antique tractor come in!

We saw a lot of the local folks at the Harvest Festival 2 weeks ago!

Chuck bought the bracelet she is holding!

This lady is tending the booth for her husband who actually makes this fused glass, John Reeves. This was a great Harvest Festival with a variety of arts, crafts, organic garden offerings, story tellings and local honey!

 Wildfires are always a threat! This one started up early one morning a few weeks ago right across from us in San Lorenzo. Fortunately, there was no wind and a fast response from the volunteer fire department and the fire was quickly put out!

ADOBE!

Adobe is the most beautiful and sensual building material and it is abundant all over the southwest. Adobe defines all that exists here. Each adobe builder has his own way of expressing beauty with his fences, his homes, his gates.

 Adobe reaches for the distant mountains, adding beauty to the landscape.  The adobe in these photographs come from a local restaurant, The Mimbres Cafe.

The use of Yucca stalks make decorative bars in the "windows". Out here, what grows in the landscape is much used.  With all the willows growing here, I am surprised there are not more basket weavers!

This courtyard, holds an unexpected surprise.
A Koi pond!

Cloth, hung from the handhewn beams, protects outside diners from the intensity of the sun.

This gate and arch are purely decorative, not functional but soooo beautiful.

The adobe bricks used are huge! These were left over after the restaurant was built!That is my hand on a brick about 12"x12"x3" !!!

CHILIES

 Chilies are a big part of the southwest food!  Nearby Hatch NM grows the best and people flock here to stock up on their supply of chilies. We have found when encountering the choice of Hot, Medium or Mild in most Mexican Restaurants.... there is no Mild! But green chili sauce seems to be the milder choice. Red is always hot in New Mexico!

 

I had to share this street sign! Only in the town of Mimbres would you see a street named Turn Here Road!

For more interesting history on this wonderful corner of the world, check out these links:

http://mimbrenos.com/History.htm

http://mimbrenos.com/Assets/images/SlideshowPics/Album/CatholicChurchLg_JPG.html





 Harris Site Archaeological Field School, Mimbres Valley, New Mexico


Mogollon Bowl (Mimbres Valley, New Mexico)

www.firstpeople.us



We are enjoying our time here, exploring new roads and new cultures.  This is one of the easiest workamping jobs we have had so far. It is wonderful working 3 days and being off for 4 days. If any of you reader out there are interested in workamping, it is only a 3 month gig, something that appeals to us!
You can contact:
 Mountain Spirits RV Park
HC68 BOX 2539
Mimbres NM 88049

One word to the wise.... you are 20+ miles from the nearest loaf of bread or gallon of milk!

Or veterinarian! We have to find one tomorrow for Radar! He is so roly poly that he rolled off the bed landing on his back and now he hurts! We are giving him baby asprin until vet visit tomorrow.

This area is very beautiful but also isolated. You are also 20+ miles from the amazing Gila Cliff Dwellings, Gila Hot Springs and Faywood Hot Springs, and City of Rocks State Park. Silver City is the closest place to shop although we do have a gas station within 2 miles and an airport next door! We like it here!  We are located on Highway 35 also known as Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway!

Hope you enjoyed visiting this corner of New Mexico.

Happy Trails from the MotherShip and her Crew,
Chuck and Geri and our HoundHerd Scotty, Radar and DoogieBowser.