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I always get a little nervous as we head across the desert to the mountains of my home. Is it really as beautiful and magical as I remember it be? Will it hold all the wonderment of my youth?

It is so easy to question the beauty of that remarkable little place, when the journey there leads you across what many call the "armpit of America". I mean seriously, have you driven through the La Mesa/Artesia divide lately?

It is amazing to think the scenery can change so drastically from red clay and barren wasteland to crisp blue skies and tall pines in just a matter of 60 miles.

But it does.

And it never seems to disappoint.

Once our car hits Hope, NM, we give our customary nod to the locals and then crack the same joke.

"I HOPE I never live in Hope, NM."

We check the temperature which at this time of year is usually skyrocketing somewhere around 100 degrees and smile. Smile because we know the roller coaster is on the down slope and we get to watch the thermometer dive....dive....dive over the next 50 miles. With our arms hanging out the windows and our hair blowing in the wind, we drive.

More green! More trees! 80 degrees by Duncan. Hills! 75 by Mayhill.

And then, we feel the real cool blast and the trees grow even taller, the grass even greener. The last couple of bends before we enter Cloudcroft are always the most exciting. Passing the ski area and reminiscing on all the years spent on those slopes. Narrowly avoiding a crew of deer darting across the highway....and then,

We are home.

I can smell the rain from this afternoon's downpour. I can smell mom's enchiladas.

Home.

**Details on our adventures in the mountains coming soon!**