Day 6: Carlsbad to Albuquerque

This morning we had our first try at breaking camp and completely repacking the van. It took longer than expected, but went fairly smoothly. We turned north out of the campground, and our first stop was Roswell and the International UFO Research Center and Museum. Cheesy and touristy, but fun. The souvenirs were especially amusing. Afterward we went to the world's only UFO-themed McDonalds and ate ice cream cones next to Ronald McDonald in a space suit.

We then found our way to Albuquerque and our KOA campsite just off old Route 66. Putting tents up in daylight and without a storm brewing, proved less stressful. As the sun was beginning to descend, we went upward on the world's longest tramway to the top of Sandia Peak. We saw a magnificent sun set and watched as Albuquerque's night lights came on. Our plan was to go to Garduno's Mexican restaurant, but the nearest branch was permanently closed and by the time we got to another branch it was closed for the night. Eventually we found a 24-hour Mexican restaurant called Federico's. It was good food, fast, filling and inexpensive. We finally got back to our tents about midnight.