August 8/9: Cibola/McGaffey Campground

                                                    This place was simply magical

"Real" camping--off the grid in every way. 

Cibola is a very nice National Forest in New Mexico. It has no hookups, but has trash dumpsters and well-maintained, modern-type outhouses.

Of course, Roger had already downloaded the NYT, but I was still able to coax him away from his iPad enough to get in a nice walk and photo shoot in.

This is a truly, beautiful place. It's first come, first served and there was only one other camper in a tent on the other side of the McGaffey section where we were. It's an honor system where you just put your money in an envelope and slip it in the night drop. You drive around to pick your own secluded site.

Very high elevation at nearly 8000 feet, so not as hot as much of the country. Good thing, bc they do not allow generators (fire hazard) and that's the only thing we can't do when boondocking.

The air was thinner, but so clear that my LA lungs were much happier after being here.

There was a storm coming and we could see it for miles before it finally hit after dinner when we were ready for bed.

The rain on the roof helped us fall asleep. From the looks of the clouds, we expected it to be more fierce but was not scary at all. The huge meadow that was our major view changed every time we looked at it.

Stanley Marsh the IV learned that he loves camping--especially at places like this. Breathtaking views everywhere we looked.

      

                      Gorgeous wildflowers all over. 

It even smelled wonderful.

The view from the galley window was breathtaking! Especially at sunrise when we regretfully had to leave to continue our trek home.

We will definitely be back here again.