Tuesday, April 13th

Yesterday morning, John was feeling better, so since I was going to the post office, John decided to walk with me. He did fine, but I think he got a little tired coming back. That afternoon, we went to the Valley of the Fires Recreational Area, just 3 miles west of Carrizozo. We went into the visitor center and there was Johnson Stearns, a fellow we had met at the Presbyterian Church in Nogal. There were two other men in the center and Johnson couldn't wait to tell them about our walk. I'm not sure if they thought we were brave or stupid. The Valley of the Fires is a lava flow that originated only 1500 to 1000 years ago, which makes it a relatively recent flow. By this time, John wasn't feeling too good, so we went back to the RV park. Before we leave, I would like to walk the nature trail as it takes you into the lava flow itself.

Today, John had a routine doctors appointment in Ruidoso. While he and Ruth were at the doctors office, Carol and I went to the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, NM just outside of Ruidoso. The inn is owned by the Mescalero Apache Indians and is situated on an indian reservation. The view is stunning with Mt. Sierra Blanka in the background. See photos. And, they have everything there, skiing, hunting and fishing, golf, horseback riding, etc. This place would put anything on the Las Vegas strip to shame. Too bad I can't afford it.

Upon returning to Carrizozo, Ruth got a call from the doctor. John's lab results were not good. He either has a hematoma or an abscess. He is scheduled for a CAT scan tomorrow. Please keep John and Ruth in your prayers. Stay tuned .......