261st (4th) FTX -Las Cruces Hike/Harvest Host Rio Grande Winery
Recently joined Harvest Host for a year. With the new rig and how easy it is to just get in and leave, if even for 1 night, Harvest Host just might make that easier. This weekend was our first time using the service – Rio Grande Winery. No relation to our Airstream Rio Grande.
But first we wanted to get a hike in. It has been a while since we’ve gone to Dripping Springs so that was our first choice. Wrong move. BLM was celebrating 80 years and picked that place for its Jubilee. Vendors. Live bands. Food truck. Guided tours. No parking in the park. Had to park at the Farm and Ranch Museum down the road and catch a bus service into the park. We were welcomed to do that. NO thanks.
We did notice this other trailhead on the way that seemed to offer some parking. Turned around and headed back to investigate. Score. Sierra Vista Trailhead with dispersed camping and some designated pull-throughs. Perfect. We parked and hiked 5.5 miles. From there we headed into Old Mesilla, found a parking spot in the square and walked around there.
By 4PM we were parked in the gravel parking area designated for Harvest Host. Purchased our gratuitous bottle of wine (Cabernet Sauvignon) and ordered dinner. I had a pepperoni/shroom pizza while Carol enjoyed pasta Alfredo.
Dinner was followed by the season one finale of A 3 Body Problem. Our second watch in prep for the upcoming season 2. Shower. Finally, our nightly game of Cribbage (I won).