Smokey and Monjeau

Finally!! A lazy morning to not be in any hurry. We really enjoyed our time to sit and chill out. Nosh on some yummy breakfast at our leisure. Sipping and savoring some fantastic coffee. Sharing some thought provoking conversation. Ahhhh....

Just after lunchtime our family and Mark's family took off on a car-venture. Up the mountain to Capitan was our first destination.

As the story goes, the original Smokey Bear was found in the Capitan Gap fire in the Capitan Mountains back in 1950. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smokey_Bear The little town of Capitan is just that - little. Not much to put them on the map, so Smokey is their draw.

We stopped by the little roadside marker and took full advantage of the tourist spot - pictures and all. Even my brother Mark got in on the action. He still cracks me up!

After the photo op with Smokey, we went over to Ruidoso and went up to Monjeau Lookout. What an amaaazing drive up! 9600+ feet, to be exact! We happily left the 90 degrees at the bottom of the mountain and delighted in the cool, breezy 68 degrees on top. We took the stone steps up to the lookout tower and captured some terrific pictures!

Dinner was all-American - Pizza Hut. Then we headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's to watch the sun set then roast some marshmallows over the campfire. The kids sat round the campfire taking turns telling 'ghost' stories. It was too cute! The half-moon light cast just the right ambiance.

Yet another perfect day. Life is good and I am so thankful!