Pecan Harvest/Cell Tower Tree

We passed several pecan orchards on our way to Alamogordo, New Mexico. The harvesters have circulating brushes that sweep up the pecans on the ground and create small dust clouds that are visible from a distance. A quick Google search told us the NM is the number one state for growing pecans; double number two Texas.

A cell tower in Riodoso is the most unique one we have seen – they added branches to it like a fake Christmas tree!

McGinns Pistachio Farm

This is the home of the largest pistachio (statue out front) and free samples of their home-grown pistachios. We stopped here last time we were in the area, and were happy to stop again. This time, the winds were normal and the air was not filled with red dust. They have some unique flavors, and our favorite was Margarita. The line for pistachio ice cream was quite long.

Luminaries and S’mores

We are spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the KOA in Alamogordo, NM. We remembered it was a nice stay when we came for White Sands National Park. As I made my reservations over the phone, our host was so excited that we were coming. She said they had set up over 900 luminaries around the park and would serve s’mores to make a festive Christmas Eve. It was nice weather to be outside on December 24.