Today we start out road trip for real. Amanda, Aaron and John left early to collect a few last minute things they might need at a well publicised sale at REI, a famous American sports/outdoors store. Seems the sale was yesterday, so went for breakfast instead. Packing up the car took a little longer than planned. 4.15 pm and off we go, heading north. Let the adventure begin! A lovely wide highway flanked by spectacular rocky outcrops took us to a cute town calle...

Albuquerque is surrounded by majestic mountains. This morning we drove up to a peak and hiked about 3km across the ridge to a cafe for lunch. Scenery was breathtaking and views of the city and surrounds could be seen stretching out in all directions. The Nuclear Museum in town was the next stop, then home for Margarita happy hour

After a very late start, the guys went off for a day at the shooting range. Amanda hit the shops, more looking than buying. Before the war, New Mexico was one part of Mexico and the influence is still very evident in both architecture and food. Streets are wide and buildings widely spaced. Traditional daube structures are popular, as are the rich earthy colours they're painted with.the whole town is very spread out, with very few buildings over two stories, even...

After leaving Melbourne at midday, we arrived in LA in time for morning tea the same day. Then a few more hours until our flight to Albuquerque NM. Met at the airport by Amanda and Aaron, we did a quick tour of the city on our way back to Aaron's parents, Mike and Mary Lou's home. On the way we just had to check out the local shooting range and have a drink and sample the famous green chilli soup, which was delicious. After a few margaritas and a lovely welcome ...