Leaving the Junebug campground I turned east instead of west. I had planned on going east. Ha. Ended up going down into Cimarron Canyon. I was astounded. I was not expecting this 2 lane road next to a river with such towering canyon walls.
And there were several NM State Park Campgrounds in the canyon. Yummy!
The campground was full of interesting neighbors (a bronco rider, a pre teen angler who hooked his thumb, a German bird watcher, a Mexican surgeon who was not married to the woman he was with but she was the mother of his four children, and three intensely fun young men).
The bathroom was ’50’s functional.
There was a mule deer across from me. Every afternoon she was wandering about, eating. 
I was running out of food, so after two weeks it was time to move on. And surprises happened along the way. What joy! Stay tuned.
Truck Camper Hints 
I love your blog and visit often. So sorry not to comment (aside from one about silver to preserve butter at room temperature) but I don’t have much to contribute.
I’m 4.5 years out from early retirement with a very reduced pension and your blog has dispelled my fears about going early and being able to have a decent quality of life. There are probably a few of us introverts out there who derive great pleasure from knowing that someone (who likes to read:) is living the good life.
If you do decide to pack in the blog, please take my thanks and best wishes with you.
LikeLike
Close your blog? Oh Dear, I just found your site two days ago and have read every post! Early retirement begins January 1st, and I will be living on $571 per month. I have discovered many enjoyable blogs about the nomad lifestyle, but most consider $1,500 per month ‘frugal living’. You are a rare breed, a beacon for so many who live far, far below the poverty level. Thank you for all the time you spend putting this blog together. Besides, I’m fascinated by your reading list–from the Gita to Mary Daly; we have similar interests.
LikeLike
It is possible and enjoyable to travel with such a tight budget. What I found was that the game of balancing the budget was a daily reward. I got to pat myself on the back while eating Ritz crackers and peanut butter on the banks of a clear stream. Joy! You can do it. Just stick to your budget and have fun.Thanks for the encouragement to keep up with the blog. I needed that!
LikeLike
Hi Mas: there are many blogs out there but none enjoy the style and insight yours does. Your approach to life is inspiring and your ‘art of living’ contains lessons I am learning from. Thanks for your contribution and I want to express a hope you will continue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Fred. I guess I just needed some encouragement.
LikeLike
I so look forward to your posts. I hope you are doing well and that things continue to fall in place.
LikeLike
I just freaking love your style! Thanks for sharing the adventure.
LikeLike
Mickie, thank you for your comment. I was just about to close the blog when your comment came. It gave me impetus to continue. Thanks again!
LikeLike
You’ve got a joie de vivre that is infectious, if you don’t mind taking the time to share your pics and story, I’d sure enjoy reading about it!
LikeLike
Nice to hear from you again.
I’m Just back from 2 weeks in the road, a lot of it in free campsites just found while roaming down back roads, woods roads and gravel roads. Oart if it spent in a gorgeous Canyon by the Ashnola River.
Sounds like you have had a great summer! Keep on truckin.
LikeLike
Sounds like you had a good time. I had to look up the Ashnola River. Very lovely area. I had a great summer, too!
LikeLike
Enjoy reading your adventure. When you left Junebug, which way did you turn to get down into the canyon? Did the campgrounds in the canyon have names that I can look up? Thanks.
LikeLike
Hi Todd! Glad you are enjoying the journey! I turned right leaving the campground. Then drove through Red River. The turn I meant to take would have taken me back towards Taos and my favorite NM State campground, Coyote Creek. Instead I turned left onto rte 64 and went into Cimmaron Canyon. There is a map here http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/documents/CCPARKMAPv2.pdf. You can get reservations here: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/cimarroncanyonstatepark.html. I ended up at the Maverick Campground and found a comfy spot.
LikeLike
The Maverick Campground at Gravel Lakes. Got it. Just laying in information for my Spring road trip. Thanks a lot and luck with your trip.
LikeLike
So glad to hear things went so well. I had looked forward to this post for some time. Life is full of pleasant surprises. It is impossible not to be inspired by the diversity and energy of youth. Seems you have enjoyed good relationships. With anxious anticipation I will await your next blog. How does one camp for two weeks without travelling to the grocery store? Interesting.
LikeLike
Fred I eat very poorly. Ritz crackers with canned spam and honey mustard. Canned beans for breakfast. I have found that I have to remind myself to eat …. too much fun discovering where I am. Too many things to do (curtains, solar set up, showering). I have been food centric for most of my life and this truck camper eating has been a big surprise. I can usually go 3 weeks without grocery shopping. Without refrigeration its easy!
LikeLike
I saw someone on You Tube (Enigmatic Nomad) fashion a cooler out of a Walmart Tub and some packaging material–worked great.
LikeLike
Beautiful!!
LikeLike
Yes, and part of the beauty seemed to be the surprise at finding it.
LikeLike