Stop 12 of 14
White Rock, NM
March 9, 2026
March 9
Moving day started rough. Jude was upset first thing in the morning, and the day only seemed to get more complicated from there.
Meagan backed over the wheel chocks while positioning the rig. The black tank would not drain properly, and at the dump station the hose did not work either. When the family arrived at the RV spot they had reserved, someone else was already parked in it. After talking with the police and working through getting settled, the electrical cord would not fit the hookup—and the replacement wheel chocks from the hardware store did not work either.
It was one of those days where small problems stacked up one after another. Dinner was mini tacos, and everyone took a walk afterward. That helped more than anything else that day.
March 10
A better morning made all the difference. Mountains showed up outside the windows like a reset button.
Meagan did some work in the morning, and then the family headed to Bandelier National Monument. Walking through the ecotone on the way in felt like stepping between two landscapes—the transition was almost as interesting as the cliff dwellings themselves. They explored several rooms built into the rock and made their way down to Alcove House, climbing the long ladders up into the cave opening. That was easily the high point of the day for everyone.
Back at the camper, dinner was gyros. Afterward they loaded up the bikes and rode over to the skate park in time for sunset.
March 11
Work filled the morning, as it had most days on this leg of the trip. Then everyone headed toward Taos.
Crossing the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge gave the family a long look down at the river far below—stunning enough that the drive itself felt like part of the plan.
Up at Ski Valley, snow was still piled along the edges of the parking areas and the resort had a busy, end-of-season feel. They ate at the Bavarian restaurant and followed lunch with a stop at the Martini Tree Bar.
Back at the camper that evening, Cal made chicken quesadillas for the kids.
March 12
Meagan and Cal got their work in during the morning, and then the family pointed the truck toward Jemez Springs.
The route through Valle Caldera opened up into wide high-country views before they pulled off to hike a short stretch of trail. Spence Springs was the main stop—a chance to soak in the hot springs before turning back.
They dropped off at Caldera on the return, then took the kids to the aquatic center for an hour in the pool. After that, a walk to the nearby grocery store for a few essentials. Dinner was spaghetti with sausage sauce at the camper.
March 13
The last morning near Los Alamos was museum-heavy. The family visited the Manhattan Project National Historical Park and the Bradbury Science Museum, then headed back to the trailer to pack up.
From there it was on the road again—Santa Fe next.