I have stumbled onto this video late. I had a obsession with Billy the Kid for over 3 decades, in all my free time I couldn't get enough reading on on him. Finally in 2018 we did a road trip to New Mexico, and I planned a visit to Lincoln. I absolutely loved how it felt there, It felt like going back in time. When I left, something happened within me, my soul felt satisfied with what I found there. The obsession finally left me, while I still enjoy all things Billy the Kid, but that deep longing feeling I had went away. So weird, but always feel like sharing that story. This was a fantastic episode Mark!
Many parts of New Mexico are spectacular, Chris. There are these Sierra Blanca Mountains in the southeast, and the lower mountains of Gila National Forest in the southwest, with the desert of White Sands in between. In northern New Mexico you've got the southern end of the Rockies in the Enchanted Circle area encompassing Taos, Red River, Santa Fe, etc. A little west of there you have the beautiful Valles Caldera near Los Alamos. Then you've got the desert mesas near the Four Corners. There's a ton to explore throughout the state.
WOW!!! So much good stuff in this video! I enjoyed the history lesson about Billy the Kid along with accompanying pictures. Lincoln looked like a great place to check out. Fort Stanton looked well preserved. Eagle Creek Resort looked kind of crowded, but the wild horses and the hiking trails made it look well worth it. Nice drone shot coming over the top of the lookout. Wonderful story of Smokey the Bear. 🥲 Nice work Marc, Ram 👍🏼👍🏽
Your history tours really set your channel apart from all the rest. I'm sure it's gotten easier to tell the stories as the pandemic has subsided and museums have reopened. Love that area of the country.
Thank you Timothy! And yes, it has. Of course, however, not all history is showcased in a museum. There's lots to get out there and see no matter what.
Thank you for sharing this great history on Billy the Kid. There is a book that I have which was published about 10 years ago about the history of the ranching families who lived along the Blue River on the eastern border of Arizona, one particular family recalled that they were frequently visited by Billy after his supposed death.
Thank you Bill! Yep, there's a lot of conjecture about Billy living to a ripe old age. While most of those claims were easily dismissed as plausible, there were two gentlemen whose claims could not be easily discounted. One of them even appeared with a New Mexico governor in the 1940s seeking clemency, but was miffed when the governor merely used the appearance as a publicity stunt, and the man who claimed to have been Billy died a very short time thereafter.
Great video! We just returned from Ruidoso about a week ago, may have been there the same time that you were! Love that area, and we never seem to tire of returning to camp and hike the Sacramento Mountains. Not sure what’s on your west Texas itinerary, but it’s actually our all time favorite place to visit. Hope you’ll enjoy your stay there too! Safe travels.i
I love your video. I grew up in this area and it's a beautiful place and so full of history that everyone knows but no one really understands. From Smoky Bear to Gerobimo. we have some of the best sights like Whire Sands and the Hondo Valley. I am blessed to grow up here. Thank you for visiting.
Love that you are in my old part of the country. Grew up in West Texas and we used to have a cabin up Cedar Creek road in Ruidoso. Spent many fun times exploring the area, skiing Sierra Blanca Ski Area which is now Ski Apache, hiking up Argentina canyon where at the top after an extra 1 hour hike you can see all the way to the Gila National Forest on a clear day, and many other adventures.
You spent time as a kid in some cool places. Thanks for sharing those stories! You'll probably be very familiar with next week's episode from Fort Davis, too.
Always been fascinated by Billy the kids story!It blows my mind the amount of undocumented events before & after.The most infamous character out of the old west & we know little to nothing about him.& What a beautiful RV park, including wild horses to see & touch!!!!Nice video sir...
The Smokey Bear story was really interesting. I have learned more history watch Grand Adventure then I did in high school, plus I get to see some great video footage. I got to say it, I loved the drone footage. I think you should do a Zoe episode. She looks like a wonderful member of your family. I can't wait to see how everything is bigger in Texas for your next episode.
I had no idea about what drove Billy the kid or that so much of Lincoln has been preserved. This is the trip for me. Your videos should be assigned as HW in history class. Love the “wild” horses and how friendly they seemed. And I miss seeing mountains. But my favorite is the story of the real Smokey the Bear ❤️ His own zip code 😅 I have to admit I teared up at the end with the thank you to firefighters Alice
I enjoyed this recounting of history about Billy the Kid, and right where it happened! I can't even imagine how devastating that fire must have been to the people that lived in the area, as well as the wildlife. Once again, you've changed my view of what I thought this State looked like. Pretty amazing! Having driven through Roswell NM on my way to Texas, I didn't see the Sierra Blanca range at all. Thanks Marc!
Very cool, thank you Suzane! Yep, when you were southbound through Roswell the Sierra Blanca would've risen very slowly to your west. Probably almost unnoticeable, really, as the dramatic rise is on their western side above Alamogordo.
I love smokey bear history you told . funny when my granddaughter would travel with us we would pass a smokey bear . so I would say only you could prevent forest fires . and thats all we would hear on road trips
Besides a 'Wild Horse Crossing' sign there should be a 'Do Not Disturb a Resting Cougar' sign. I have seen Cougars walking the streets of Ruidoso and napping in the shade under trees. Another great Video production...👍👍
That, my friend, was an awesome history lesson on Smokey the bear. A popular figure that I can remember way back to probably 6th grade and never knew all of that thanks for the share. >Merton 😎👌👍
I wish more videos were made like this. The narrator says something pertinent and then stops talking while the camera pans out to views of the subject matter. It gives a person time to digest and think about things. Cheers
Great video, as always, Mark. Just passed back through NM on our way home from the Smokies. Had the trip back to our home here near Cochise Stronghold planned for through that area, but decided to make a detour through Holbrook and to Roosevelt Lake for a volunteer work weekend at all old airstrip we worked to reopen on the Tonto near the lake. Now you have me wanting to hear that way!
Thanks Mark! Boy, your home spread is way out there. It's a beautiful area that we first visited around 18 months ago. And very cool about the airstrip near Roosevelt Lake. We traveled through there earlier this year, driving from Payson, AZ to Silver City, NM. Now you've got a spot to put on the itinerary for next time!
Glad you enjoyed it Don, thank you! Those horses are clearly very, very used to being fed by folks in the campground. Up in the forest behind the campground there's ample evidence that they spend a lot of time up there, from manure to bent grasses where they bed down for the night.
Nice episode on Lincoln, Capitan and Ruidoso area, Marc. We will be on our way from Texas to visit close friends that have lived in Lincoln for years. If you're into Western History, Lincoln and surrounding areas are second to none. That Billy was quite a rascal...oh and looking forward to next week when you come to our home state of Texas...
Wow, a great episode Marc! Enjoyed the Billy the Kid material and Smokey Bear story. And I loved seeing Zoe look so spry and happy! Keep up the great work.
Hello Marc! This is really a gem of a video! Super job compiling and narrating this one! Wow….so much history with Mr Billy! And, that observation tower looks really cool. I am really happy they didn’t lose it in that fire! I was just at the Reagan Presidential Library on one of my L.A. trips a few weeks ago. That was really close to being lost too. And, the Smokey the Bear is an awesome anecdote too! Safe travels!
Glad you enjoyed it Alan! Thank you very much. Someday I would like to get to the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, and I remember that fire all too well a few years back.
Marc - I'm a little late checking in because we have been doing a little travelling ourselves. This was very informative, especially about Smokey Bear's life story. And that Mission Church...what a beautiful place for worship and reflection. Safe travels...
My Favorite place to visit North of Alto and South of Airport Road is the Flying J Ranch. It is a Dinner Theater of sorts for young and old alike. They serve authentic chuck wagon food and Perform real country folk music on stage after Dinner.
Oh Good, I love Texas! Enjoyed New Mexico video, very pretty mountains. I have never hear the history of Smokey Bear, Interesting. thanks! Have a wonderful week!
Thank you Joyce, and same to you! We have episodes coming up from Texas including the Davis Mountains, Fredericksburg, Surfside Beach, Port Aransas, New Braunfels and Palo Duro Canyon, so stick with us.
Thx GD for another of your great informative and entertaining video. FWIW drove thru southern NM amd never realized the beautiful Mtns in Northern part of the state definately on my bucket list to visit now. Happy Camping.
Glad you enjoyed it Bill, thanks for watching! These Sierra Blanca Mountains are actually in the southeastern part of the state. The southern end of the Rockies in northern New Mexico (in the Enchanted Circle area surrounding Taos, Santa Fe, etc.) are the big'uns in New Mexico.
That's great to hear, Don, because our operating mantra is to try to bring our viewers along through our lens. It's heartwarming to know that it's working.
Thanks Marc. This was likely my all time favorite episode. Last week's was great but this week's was even better. I loved the anecdotes covering both Billy the Kid and Smokey the Bear. I never heard any of that before. Great stuff... very entertaining. The whole area is a really beautiful section of New Mexico. I noticed that you spent time videoing the mountain forests. Yes, those were great to view. Scattered but numerous fir trees rolling over the hills and mountains. Lovely landscapes. Where are you guys now and where have you been, since leaving this location? Thanks, Gord
Wow Gord, thank you! We loved our time there, and it probably showed through in this video. We're now visiting some friends along the Coastal Bend of Texas, then we're heading up into northern Texas before high-tailing it back to SLC.
Wow Marc this is a great video, it's just so interesting, your narrating just keeps us watching, and the views are amazing, you should start a youtube channel ( lololol), Billy the kid sure made the history books during his short life. The fire tower was pretty cool, looked like a pretty long hike, bet Zoey enjoyed it too. Thanks for sharing your adventures, travel safe, oh the campground looked like a really nice place too.
Glad you enjoyed this one Gary, thank you so very much for such kind words! The stretch of the Crest Trail that we hiked is actually pretty flat as it seems to stick to a certain contour line, and although we did at first show the Monjeau Lookout from the trail, a little secret is that you can actually drive right to it. 😄 Safe travels to you and yours as well.
Hey Marc. Loved the history lesson. Always interested in the history of the old west. Did you ever think of doing something with the Johnson County range war in Wyoming? It is said that incident was the inspiration behind the making of the great western classic, “Shane.”
I was planning the 2023 part of our next trip commencing in Feb 2022. I was trying to decide whether to go to North Dakota. What can I do to decide? I know go to Grand Adventure! The best RV travel source on UA-cam. Thanks again Marc. The Two Tasmanians.
@@GrandAdventure our problem as Australians is making the best use of the US summers. Where we live in Queensland our winter high is 70 and our summer high is 95, so we don't do cold! Or overly hot!
@@leighmcqueeney9848 We understand. The Dakotas are actually typically very temperate in our summer (and very cold in winter). Any part of the US can get a heat wave in summer, but being that far north the Dakotas don't see those very often. The biggest risk up there, especially in the early part of the summer is severe weather with violent thunderstorms, often accompanied by hail and occasionally by a tornado or two.
Marc, you do such a great job producing excellent videos (my wife just said you should have your own tv show). It must take a great deal of time…I assume this is what you refer to when you say work? D&D
It does take a lot of time D&D, but it's a labor of love. It has to be, because once you divide what you make by the number of hours, the hourly rate generated by our channel is a relative pittance although it's enough to pay for campsites and a bit of the gas money. I work a typical 8-5 office job from the RV in addition to the videos, and that's where our primary income comes from. Thank you both for your kind words, that means a lot to us.
Ohh wow, I thought that smokey the bear came from smokey mountains national park considering it is prone to devastating wildfires that are started by humans more often than not. But that was not the only thing I learned today. I learned that my sister’s boyfriend is a splitting image of Billy the Kid outlaw. Now I have a renewed reason to tease the guy as initiation to the “family”.
We would have loved to, Lee, but we're now down along the Gulf Coast of Texas. Keep your eye out on the road, though, for we always enjoy meeting viewers.
Thank you! There's a whole lot behind our relative lack of boondocking this season, which I'll explain. We prefer to boondock, and have set up our new rig well for it. A series of events, however, have unexpectedly conspired to minimize our boondocking this season. One reason we stayed west this season was to try to bank some savings through boondocking. The heat came on early this summer, so we headed to elevation in Colorado to escape and boondock in places like Creede and Leadville. That was successful until the California wildfire smoke rolled in. We headed north, figuring that we'd get above the smoke plume and of course it's cooler up there, right? Not this season. When it exceeds 110ºF in Portland, OR you know that the entire Northwest is blazing hot, which it was. So we looked for hookups to run a/c. However, in 2021 that turned out to be far more problematic than expected, for most campgrounds with hookups were already booked full. A few times we really had to scrounge for a site. We had plans to meet up with friends where we are now along the Gulf Coast of Texas, and because work only allows us to move on weekends, by the time we got to eastern Oregon we knew that we had to start working our way towards Texas to make it there on time. Knowing the difficulty that we had securing sites, and tired of the stress of trying to find an available place to stay, we started planning out ahead instead of primarily winging it as we normally do. That meant making reservations weeks ahead, and once you've committed the money to a reservation you're going to take that spot instead of search for a free boondocking site. And the few times we tried to boondock along the way (for example, when we were on the Mogollon Rim of Arizona) things went awry and dashed even those plans. So expect that we'll be back to more boondocking next season, depending on whether we venture east of the Rockies or not. It's still our preferred mode of RV travel.
Hey Marc. I meant to ask you in the chat yesterday if you had any recommendations for places to camp in Port Aransas from free boondocking to full hookups near or on the beach. We have a 26 foot travel trailer and is boondock capable with generator if needed. Thank you in advance.
Hey there CO! Thanks for coming to the Premiere last night. Homie filled me in on your story, hope that everything works out for you. As for the Port A area there's a bunch of beach boondocking, for several miles southward from the boundary of Port Aransas Beach Park down past Cinnamon Shores. The further north you are in that area the wider the beach is. Rigs are well separated, and the sand is firm enough to support any RV. There are even some HDT/fifth wheel combinations out there this week. We would've stayed there, but for a) the fact that Homie is in this RV park, as are our SLC friends; and b) it's still a bit warm overnight and would thus require more generator time for the a/c than I'd like. We're at Pioneer Beach Resort. Sites are a little close to one another but the place is well manicured, we have decent lawn between sites and a concrete pad/patio. It's an easy walk out onto the beach via their boardwalk, and it's a nice part of the beach that's pretty much nothing but dunes. We've caught a glimpse of the campground at IB Magee Park and that looks to be well situated, with more spacing between sites. Of the RV parks closer to town, not so much. Some of them are packed in like sardines.
@@GrandAdventure Thank you for those great tips!! We will absolutely be able to plan a better trip now. I'm trying to warm my wife up to a future full timing stint (watching yours and others channels) but not a whole lot of progress as of yet. You are no doubt a busy man and I so appreciate the time and wish you and Homie all the best and safe travels. It would be an honor to meet you someday if fate will have it. You never know!!!
@@hfd413 likewise. We've had many chance encounters with viewers, some of which have turned into good friendships. The folks we're meeting up at Palo Duro Canyon next month are a perfect example. Ironically it was Mrs GA who was really pushing me on the whole full-time thing. I resisted as our former travel trailer was a little bit small for full-time living and it wasn't a good four-season choice (ski season back in Utah remains too important to me to give up), but when the wall structure in that trailer failed catastrophically the decision to pick a new rig that was conducive to full-time RV living was a relatively easy one. I didn't need to sell her on the concept, she was selling me. I neglected to mention that there's more beach boondocking within Mustang Island State Park, and further south still you have all 60 miles or so of Padre Island National Seashore: ua-cam.com/video/SqY-UIfQnRQ/v-deo.html Coming up in a few weeks we'll have an episode from Surfside Beach west of Galveston, where there's also some pretty attractive beach boondocking available.
@@GrandAdventure Very interesting insight into your story and even more great guidance. We will be very interested in the Galveston content. That is even closer to our area. Thanks again. You should make a GA guide on best camping spots across the country. I would buy a copy right now! You all have a great weekend!!
Yes saw it was a Toyota but didn't know if it was a half ton or a three quarter ton. We have a Ford F150 4x4 with the 3.0L diesel thinking about towing as I recently retired. I appreciate watching your videos, they are great.
@@joemiles6917 thank you Joe! We're right at our truck's stated capacities, so while we've had no issues towing it's nevertheless not an ideal situation, either. Still, we've pulled this thing all across the Rocky Mountains and the Tundra has performed admirably.
It's our pleasure to have you along Johnny! Although we've been running a bunch of gear/how-to videos the past 5 months while we've been stationary for ski season, we're about to hit the road again for a full spring, summer and fall of travel episodes, so stay tuned!
We never looked into it, but it wouldn't surprise me as the whole Ruidoso area is very popular with Texans seeking cooler summertime elevations. It's the first real elevation you hit heading west from Texas, Oklahoma, etc.
Last part of my research interesting facts about billy kid he orphaned as teen first arrested for stealing clothes from laundry he played prominent role in frontier feud he never robbed train or bank involved in at least nine murders he made famous jail break he has been subject of more than 50 movies his legend grew after his death in television shows. Hollywood films his crimes as outlaw fugitive he stole horses cattle till his arrested in 1880 for killing sheriff Brady buring his gun sold for record his names William bonnes Henry Antrim his wife paulita maxwell his kids adelina luz daughter died at age16 her mother was expecting when billy kid died billy kid was most notorious gunfighters of American west reputed to have killed at least 27 men before begin gunned down thank you for encouraging us to explore learn improve our English language as well stay safe blessed best wishes for you your family friends
GeezLouise, you’re the one pulling out the political turd out of your pocket ruining this man’s thread about NM. Orange anus lost, get over it, didn’t your mama nurse you long enough?
How are you doing master Marc iam very happy to watch your channel to explore unknown places learn new information improve our English as well as foreigners subscribers as always i gathered main points about places you visited briefly here it’s billy kid trail or broken trail is national scenic byway that runs from Lincoln county through captian New Mexico trail was allegedly once used by William h bonnes. Aka billy kid his group during Lincoln county war after trail nicknamed Mexican black bird was prove to be false Bonney along Lincoln county length 135 km time to allow two hours to drive by way there are no fee to drive away billy kid was not hero or villain but victim of circumstances billy kid born 1859 killed in 1881 he killed eight men before he was shot killed at age of 21 he was outlaw legendary he born in Irish neighborhood in newyork he and his brother traveled to Indiana with their mother in 1870 there are group in Wichita Kansas cattle trail 1973 his mother died of lung cancer in silver city he step father brother moved to new Mexico worked as ranchers in 1876 he killed first man group of reservation Apache Indians and killed another man blacksmith in Arizona people called him billy kid he worked as rancher bodyguard for John tunstall
Maurizio, all of our merchandizing is manufactured, fulfilled and shipped by Spring, who also handles the customer service. If their website takes the order, you can do it. And thank you!
WOW, Marc!! You have sent this one out of the park! You have brought history to life. ABSOLUTELY, FANTASTIC!!!
Wow, thanks Gary! We sincerely appreciate that.
I have stumbled onto this video late.
I had a obsession with Billy the Kid for over 3 decades, in all my free time I couldn't get enough reading on on him. Finally in 2018 we did a road trip to New Mexico, and I planned a visit to Lincoln. I absolutely loved how it felt there, It felt like going back in time. When I left, something happened within me, my soul felt satisfied with what I found there. The obsession finally left me, while I still enjoy all things Billy the Kid, but that deep longing feeling I had went away. So weird, but always feel like sharing that story. This was a fantastic episode Mark!
That's such a cool experience to share, NPP! We're also thrilled that you could relate to this episode.
Great Stuff. I never knew the story of Smokey The Bear!!
Thanks K&L! We really didn't either until we got there, so we were on the same sense of discovery as you were in this video.
We didn’t expect New Mexico to look so stunning!
Many parts of New Mexico are spectacular, Chris. There are these Sierra Blanca Mountains in the southeast, and the lower mountains of Gila National Forest in the southwest, with the desert of White Sands in between. In northern New Mexico you've got the southern end of the Rockies in the Enchanted Circle area encompassing Taos, Red River, Santa Fe, etc. A little west of there you have the beautiful Valles Caldera near Los Alamos. Then you've got the desert mesas near the Four Corners. There's a ton to explore throughout the state.
WOW!!!
So much good stuff in this video!
I enjoyed the history lesson about Billy the Kid along with accompanying pictures. Lincoln looked like a great place to check out.
Fort Stanton looked well preserved.
Eagle Creek Resort looked kind of crowded, but the wild horses and the hiking trails made it look well worth it.
Nice drone shot coming over the top of the lookout.
Wonderful story of Smokey the Bear. 🥲
Nice work Marc,
Ram
👍🏼👍🏽
Thanks as always guys! Put that area on your list. Trust me
I’m packed and ready to go….now….no, now
Amazing story on the history of Smokey the Bear. Loved it.
Glad you enjoyed it Shane, thanks for watching!
Great video
Thank you!
Love your videos! Nothing like a good ole history lesson!
Thank you Tom and Lori!
Your history tours really set your channel apart from all the rest. I'm sure it's gotten easier to tell the stories as the pandemic has subsided and museums have reopened. Love that area of the country.
Thank you Timothy! And yes, it has. Of course, however, not all history is showcased in a museum. There's lots to get out there and see no matter what.
Really enjoy this episode. Loved the Smokey Bear story.
Thank you Belinda, we appreciate that!
I am glad you have all of these nice "Before Photos " of Ruidoso before the fires and the following floods.
It's certainly been a rough few years for Ruidoso since this episode was filmed, Dwayne.
Thank you for sharing this great history on Billy the Kid. There is a book that I have which was published about 10 years ago about the history of the ranching families who lived along the Blue River on the eastern border of Arizona, one particular family recalled that they were frequently visited by Billy after his supposed death.
Thank you Bill! Yep, there's a lot of conjecture about Billy living to a ripe old age. While most of those claims were easily dismissed as plausible, there were two gentlemen whose claims could not be easily discounted. One of them even appeared with a New Mexico governor in the 1940s seeking clemency, but was miffed when the governor merely used the appearance as a publicity stunt, and the man who claimed to have been Billy died a very short time thereafter.
You make every destination look so inviting. Video information history insight and tips make GA my favorite !!
And our viewers are our favorites, thanks so much as always J.
Great video! We just returned from Ruidoso about a week ago, may have been there the same time that you were! Love that area, and we never seem to tire of returning to camp and hike the Sacramento Mountains. Not sure what’s on your west Texas itinerary, but it’s actually our all time favorite place to visit. Hope you’ll enjoy your stay there too! Safe travels.i
Thanks Renee! We had a wonderful time in the Ruidoso area, and this Wednesday's new episode will be from Fort Davis, TX.
I love your video. I grew up in this area and it's a beautiful place and so full of history that everyone knows but no one really understands. From Smoky Bear to Gerobimo. we have some of the best sights like Whire Sands and the Hondo Valley. I am blessed to grow up here. Thank you for visiting.
Thank you for your townspeople's hospitality, Mary! We had a wonderful time in the beautiful area that you call home.
Love that you are in my old part of the country. Grew up in West Texas and we used to have a cabin up Cedar Creek road in Ruidoso. Spent many fun times exploring the area, skiing Sierra Blanca Ski Area which is now Ski Apache, hiking up Argentina canyon where at the top after an extra 1 hour hike you can see all the way to the Gila National Forest on a clear day, and many other adventures.
You spent time as a kid in some cool places. Thanks for sharing those stories! You'll probably be very familiar with next week's episode from Fort Davis, too.
Always been fascinated by Billy the kids story!It blows my mind the amount of undocumented events before & after.The most infamous character out of the old west & we know little to nothing about him.& What a beautiful RV park, including wild horses to see & touch!!!!Nice video sir...
Thank you very much, Jackie, and thanks for watching! It's indeed a fascinating story.
The Smokey Bear story was really interesting. I have learned more history watch Grand Adventure then I did in high school, plus I get to see some great video footage. I got to say it, I loved the drone footage. I think you should do a Zoe episode. She looks like a wonderful member of your family. I can't wait to see how everything is bigger in Texas for your next episode.
Thanks Marv! Zoe definitely has her own fan club. Everything's definitely bigger in Texas, for it takes forever to get from Point A to Point B. 😁
I had no idea about what drove Billy the kid or that so much of Lincoln has been preserved. This is the trip for me.
Your videos should be assigned as HW in history class.
Love the “wild” horses and how friendly they seemed. And I miss seeing mountains.
But my favorite is the story of the real Smokey the Bear ❤️ His own zip code 😅
I have to admit I teared up at the end with the thank you to firefighters
Alice
I'm flattered that you found the video so moving! That's terrific, Alice. Lincoln County is definitely a place to put on your list for next summer.
Excellent episode! The photography, voice overs, and content were awesome! You always produce great videos.
Thanks so much! Very happy that you enjoyed this one, for we were kind of pleased with how this episode came together.
Everything looks prettier than I expected. The campground looks really nice.
It was a wonderful facility, Sharyn, and there's so much to explore in the area surrounding Ruidoso.
I enjoyed this recounting of history about Billy the Kid, and right where it happened! I can't even imagine how devastating that fire must have been to the people that lived in the area, as well as the wildlife. Once again, you've changed my view of what I thought this State looked like. Pretty amazing! Having driven through Roswell NM on my way to Texas, I didn't see the Sierra Blanca range at all. Thanks Marc!
Very cool, thank you Suzane! Yep, when you were southbound through Roswell the Sierra Blanca would've risen very slowly to your west. Probably almost unnoticeable, really, as the dramatic rise is on their western side above Alamogordo.
I love smokey bear history you told . funny when my granddaughter would travel with us we would pass a smokey bear . so I would say only you could prevent forest fires . and thats all we would hear on road trips
What a fun memory, Ross! That's what camping and RV travel is all about. Thanks so much for watching.
First rate episode!! Most of your stories are excellent. This one was a cut above!! Thank you!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it Eddie, thank you!
Excellent Story Telling.. Awesome tour of the trail… 👍👍✅
Thank you Chad!
Neat view... too bad Billy is in the way! 🤣
Gord
Outstanding story telling and editing. Always enjoy your work.
Wow, thank you Dennis!
One of our favorite areas! 👍
We truly enjoyed our time there. Thanks for watching!
Besides a 'Wild Horse Crossing' sign there should be a 'Do Not Disturb a Resting Cougar' sign. I have seen Cougars walking the streets of Ruidoso and napping in the shade under trees.
Another great Video production...👍👍
Thank you again! That would be interesting to see, because mountain lions are typically very good at never letting you see them.
Thanks for sharing these great stories.
You're most welcome David, thanks for watching!
Great stories, thank you!
Thank YOU!
We missed the live viewing…but absolutely loved this episode. Thank you Marc.
Thank YOU Gerald!
Recently moved to New Mexico from Washington State and appreciate learning more about this area. Nice work!
Thank you very much, and thanks for watching! Wishing you success in your new home.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank YOU for watching!
That, my friend, was an awesome history lesson on Smokey the bear. A popular figure that I can remember way back to probably 6th grade and never knew all of that thanks for the share. >Merton 😎👌👍
Our pleasure Merton, thank you as always!
Excellent!!! The history and area you are in is outstanding!!
Thank you sir!
Great history lessons again, Marc. Thanks! G
Thank you Greg! Glad that you enjoyed.
I wish more videos were made like this. The narrator says something pertinent and then stops talking while the camera pans out to views of the subject matter. It gives a person time to digest and think about things. Cheers
Thank you! We appreciate your feedback on our editing style.
Absolutely loved this one! The history was fascinating. Thanks for another great episode!
Thank you so very much Cheri!
Great video, as always, Mark. Just passed back through NM on our way home from the Smokies. Had the trip back to our home here near Cochise Stronghold planned for through that area, but decided to make a detour through Holbrook and to Roosevelt Lake for a volunteer work weekend at all old airstrip we worked to reopen on the Tonto near the lake. Now you have me wanting to hear that way!
Thanks Mark! Boy, your home spread is way out there. It's a beautiful area that we first visited around 18 months ago. And very cool about the airstrip near Roosevelt Lake. We traveled through there earlier this year, driving from Payson, AZ to Silver City, NM. Now you've got a spot to put on the itinerary for next time!
So beautiful! Had no idea had such a wonderful place!
Glad to introduce you to a new destination, Jesi! Thanks so much for watching.
Great video. So cool being so close to the wild horses. Aweome view of the fire tower.
Thanks Don
Glad you enjoyed it Don, thank you! Those horses are clearly very, very used to being fed by folks in the campground. Up in the forest behind the campground there's ample evidence that they spend a lot of time up there, from manure to bent grasses where they bed down for the night.
Nice episode on Lincoln, Capitan and Ruidoso area, Marc. We will be on our way from Texas to visit close friends that have lived in Lincoln for years. If you're into Western History, Lincoln and surrounding areas are second to none. That Billy was quite a rascal...oh and looking forward to next week when you come to our home state of Texas...
Thank you Steve! It's a wonderful area, have fun during your visit.
Loved the Smokey Bear story. All of your videos are so informative!
Thank you Colleen! We sincerely appreciate it, and you.
This was another informative and exciting video!! Thankyou Grand Adventure 😊😊
Glad you enjoyed it Pamela, thank you as always!
You are amazing my friend. I keep going back and checking you out.
Glad to hear that you are!
Wow, a great episode Marc! Enjoyed the Billy the Kid material and Smokey Bear story. And I loved seeing Zoe look so spry and happy! Keep up the great work.
Thank you Peter! Yep, Zoe certainly enjoyed the things she got to do there.
Great video - loved the Smokey the Bear history!
Glad you enjoyed it Rudy, thank you!
Thank you for beautiful footage and historically interesting info.
Glad you enjoyed it Lori, thank you as always!
Another great episode!!
Thank you Timothy!
Hello Marc! This is really a gem of a video! Super job compiling and narrating this one! Wow….so much history with Mr Billy! And, that observation tower looks really cool. I am really happy they didn’t lose it in that fire! I was just at the Reagan Presidential Library on one of my L.A. trips a few weeks ago. That was really close to being lost too.
And, the Smokey the Bear is an awesome anecdote too!
Safe travels!
Glad you enjoyed it Alan! Thank you very much. Someday I would like to get to the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, and I remember that fire all too well a few years back.
Marc, you are the best! So much info.
Dittos to Marvelous Marv
I am always amazed with your posts.
Thank you WMN! Appreciate that so much.
Amazing video. Great job and thank you so much for sharing.
Thank YOU so much for watching, Alan, and for such kind words!
Gee wiz, Marc. What a good one. Well researched. Great videography and timeline. The Smokey Bear story was an awesome closeout. Take a bow, sir!
Thanks bud! Appreciate that sincerely.
Great video good job 👍 thank you 😊
Thank you Bill!
Nice video tonight…adding to our list of areas to explore.
Thank you Erin! It was great to see you at the Premiere, thanks for coming.
Marc - I'm a little late checking in because we have been doing a little travelling ourselves. This was very informative, especially about Smokey Bear's life story. And that Mission Church...what a beautiful place for worship and reflection. Safe travels...
Excellent George, hope that you had a good trip! Glad that you enjoyed this one, your comment is very much appreciated.
My home country sweet
It's a beautiful area that you call home, Cindy.
Great music on this excellent vid too.
Thank you Leigh!
Great job!
Thank you Steve!
Yup, awesome...👍😎🇨🇦🌲🤠🐎🐴💙
Thank you Marian!
My Favorite place to visit North of Alto and South of Airport Road is the Flying J Ranch. It is a Dinner Theater of sorts for young and old alike. They serve authentic chuck wagon food and Perform real country folk music on stage after Dinner.
Very good advice for our someday return visit, Delton -- thank you.
@@GrandAdventure check their website for good dates.
Oh Good, I love Texas! Enjoyed New Mexico video, very pretty mountains. I have never hear the history of Smokey Bear, Interesting. thanks! Have a wonderful week!
Thank you Joyce, and same to you! We have episodes coming up from Texas including the Davis Mountains, Fredericksburg, Surfside Beach, Port Aransas, New Braunfels and Palo Duro Canyon, so stick with us.
@@GrandAdventure Can't wait, love those areas. Have a great time.
Thx GD for another of your great informative and entertaining video. FWIW drove thru southern NM amd never realized the beautiful Mtns in Northern part of the state definately on my bucket list to visit now. Happy Camping.
Glad you enjoyed it Bill, thanks for watching! These Sierra Blanca Mountains are actually in the southeastern part of the state. The southern end of the Rockies in northern New Mexico (in the Enchanted Circle area surrounding Taos, Santa Fe, etc.) are the big'uns in New Mexico.
Great learning video you made me feel like I was there.
That's great to hear, Don, because our operating mantra is to try to bring our viewers along through our lens. It's heartwarming to know that it's working.
Love your videos. EXCELLENT JOB
Thank you Ray!
Another fantastic video. You are a master at Travel videos. Keep up the great work. Thanks for doing these.
Thank you Randy! We appreciate your viewership.
We loved this video. All of your videos are so informative! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much Gloria, and thank YOU for watching!
Your my favorite!
Viewers like you are our favorites, Don. Thank you so much!
Your in my hometown. Was hoping to run across you while you’re here.
Sorry that we missed you, Jim! You never know where we'll turn up. 😄
Your videos are world class! Great work!
Thank you as always Michael! Glad that you enjoyed this one.
Great stuff!! Enjoyed all the info and great views. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Tom, and thanks for watching!
CHEERS Marc I lived in Alamogordo for almost 20 years there is so much history in this area. Greetings from Pancho Villa NM state Park.
Glad you enjoyed it Norm, and enjoy your time at Pancho Villa!
Good video
Thank you Sharyn!
Great video Mark. We really like the music in your vids!
Thank you Arthur! Glad that you enjoy them, we love making them so that works out perfectly.
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it Johnny, thank you!
Thanks Marc. This was likely my all time favorite episode. Last week's was great but this week's was even better. I loved the anecdotes covering both Billy the Kid and Smokey the Bear. I never heard any of that before. Great stuff... very entertaining.
The whole area is a really beautiful section of New Mexico. I noticed that you spent time videoing the mountain forests. Yes, those were great to view. Scattered but numerous fir trees rolling over the hills and mountains. Lovely landscapes.
Where are you guys now and where have you been, since leaving this location?
Thanks,
Gord
Wow Gord, thank you! We loved our time there, and it probably showed through in this video. We're now visiting some friends along the Coastal Bend of Texas, then we're heading up into northern Texas before high-tailing it back to SLC.
@@GrandAdventure Thanks Marc. Will you be passing through Palo Duro State Park, on your return home? It's basically along the bee line to SLC.
Gord
@@gorrdd yep, we're booked there for a week next month.
@@GrandAdventure Cool... that should be a neat episode, as well.
Gord
Wow Marc this is a great video, it's just so interesting, your narrating just keeps us watching, and the views are amazing, you should start a youtube channel ( lololol), Billy the kid sure made the history books during his short life. The fire tower was pretty cool, looked like a pretty long hike, bet Zoey enjoyed it too. Thanks for sharing your adventures, travel safe, oh the campground looked like a really nice place too.
Glad you enjoyed this one Gary, thank you so very much for such kind words! The stretch of the Crest Trail that we hiked is actually pretty flat as it seems to stick to a certain contour line, and although we did at first show the Monjeau Lookout from the trail, a little secret is that you can actually drive right to it. 😄
Safe travels to you and yours as well.
Excellent video Marc. We've only been to Elephant Butte in NM. There's more to NM than we thought. I guess we need to go back.
Thank you Frank! We always say that by leaving stuff on the table, we always have a reason to return. Now you do, too.
Interesting story as usual! BTW... me and Susan voted... we think you have to come to the Mayberry Meetup next year!
Thanks Barratt! Never say never, we may just be there next year. The problem is that I barely know where we're going tomorrow.
really like following your videos . will be heading south into Texas in early November .
Thanks Theodore! Keep your eye out, we may be crossing paths.
Great job this week Marc!
Thank you Mike!
Hey Marc. Loved the history lesson. Always interested in the history of the old west. Did you ever think of doing something with the Johnson County range war in Wyoming? It is said that incident was the inspiration behind the making of the great western classic, “Shane.”
Thanks Scott! That one may be on the table at some point in the future, for that's a part of Wyoming that we really have yet to explore thoroughly.
I was planning the 2023 part of our next trip commencing in Feb 2022. I was trying to decide whether to go to North Dakota. What can I do to decide? I know go to Grand Adventure! The best RV travel source on UA-cam. Thanks again Marc. The Two Tasmanians.
Thanks so much Leigh! FWIW we absolutely love both Dakotas, North and South.
@@GrandAdventure our problem as Australians is making the best use of the US summers. Where we live in Queensland our winter high is 70 and our summer high is 95, so we don't do cold! Or overly hot!
@@leighmcqueeney9848 We understand. The Dakotas are actually typically very temperate in our summer (and very cold in winter). Any part of the US can get a heat wave in summer, but being that far north the Dakotas don't see those very often. The biggest risk up there, especially in the early part of the summer is severe weather with violent thunderstorms, often accompanied by hail and occasionally by a tornado or two.
Marc, you do such a great job producing excellent videos (my wife just said you should have your own tv show). It must take a great deal of time…I assume this is what you refer to when you say work?
D&D
It does take a lot of time D&D, but it's a labor of love. It has to be, because once you divide what you make by the number of hours, the hourly rate generated by our channel is a relative pittance although it's enough to pay for campsites and a bit of the gas money. I work a typical 8-5 office job from the RV in addition to the videos, and that's where our primary income comes from. Thank you both for your kind words, that means a lot to us.
Ohh wow, I thought that smokey the bear came from smokey mountains national park considering it is prone to devastating wildfires that are started by humans more often than not. But that was not the only thing I learned today. I learned that my sister’s boyfriend is a splitting image of Billy the Kid outlaw. Now I have a renewed reason to tease the guy as initiation to the “family”.
LOL. That poor guy. 😉
hey, we're in Albuquerque if you want to meet up!!
We would have loved to, Lee, but we're now down along the Gulf Coast of Texas. Keep your eye out on the road, though, for we always enjoy meeting viewers.
Great video but you are not including your free campsites anymore, why?
Thank you! There's a whole lot behind our relative lack of boondocking this season, which I'll explain.
We prefer to boondock, and have set up our new rig well for it. A series of events, however, have unexpectedly conspired to minimize our boondocking this season. One reason we stayed west this season was to try to bank some savings through boondocking. The heat came on early this summer, so we headed to elevation in Colorado to escape and boondock in places like Creede and Leadville. That was successful until the California wildfire smoke rolled in. We headed north, figuring that we'd get above the smoke plume and of course it's cooler up there, right? Not this season. When it exceeds 110ºF in Portland, OR you know that the entire Northwest is blazing hot, which it was. So we looked for hookups to run a/c. However, in 2021 that turned out to be far more problematic than expected, for most campgrounds with hookups were already booked full. A few times we really had to scrounge for a site.
We had plans to meet up with friends where we are now along the Gulf Coast of Texas, and because work only allows us to move on weekends, by the time we got to eastern Oregon we knew that we had to start working our way towards Texas to make it there on time. Knowing the difficulty that we had securing sites, and tired of the stress of trying to find an available place to stay, we started planning out ahead instead of primarily winging it as we normally do. That meant making reservations weeks ahead, and once you've committed the money to a reservation you're going to take that spot instead of search for a free boondocking site. And the few times we tried to boondock along the way (for example, when we were on the Mogollon Rim of Arizona) things went awry and dashed even those plans.
So expect that we'll be back to more boondocking next season, depending on whether we venture east of the Rockies or not. It's still our preferred mode of RV travel.
Hey Marc. I meant to ask you in the chat yesterday if you had any recommendations for places to camp in Port Aransas from free boondocking to full hookups near or on the beach. We have a 26 foot travel trailer and is boondock capable with generator if needed. Thank you in advance.
Hey there CO! Thanks for coming to the Premiere last night. Homie filled me in on your story, hope that everything works out for you.
As for the Port A area there's a bunch of beach boondocking, for several miles southward from the boundary of Port Aransas Beach Park down past Cinnamon Shores. The further north you are in that area the wider the beach is. Rigs are well separated, and the sand is firm enough to support any RV. There are even some HDT/fifth wheel combinations out there this week. We would've stayed there, but for a) the fact that Homie is in this RV park, as are our SLC friends; and b) it's still a bit warm overnight and would thus require more generator time for the a/c than I'd like.
We're at Pioneer Beach Resort. Sites are a little close to one another but the place is well manicured, we have decent lawn between sites and a concrete pad/patio. It's an easy walk out onto the beach via their boardwalk, and it's a nice part of the beach that's pretty much nothing but dunes. We've caught a glimpse of the campground at IB Magee Park and that looks to be well situated, with more spacing between sites. Of the RV parks closer to town, not so much. Some of them are packed in like sardines.
@@GrandAdventure Thank you for those great tips!! We will absolutely be able to plan a better trip now. I'm trying to warm my wife up to a future full timing stint (watching yours and others channels) but not a whole lot of progress as of yet. You are no doubt a busy man and I so appreciate the time and wish you and Homie all the best and safe travels. It would be an honor to meet you someday if fate will have it. You never know!!!
@@hfd413 likewise. We've had many chance encounters with viewers, some of which have turned into good friendships. The folks we're meeting up at Palo Duro Canyon next month are a perfect example.
Ironically it was Mrs GA who was really pushing me on the whole full-time thing. I resisted as our former travel trailer was a little bit small for full-time living and it wasn't a good four-season choice (ski season back in Utah remains too important to me to give up), but when the wall structure in that trailer failed catastrophically the decision to pick a new rig that was conducive to full-time RV living was a relatively easy one. I didn't need to sell her on the concept, she was selling me.
I neglected to mention that there's more beach boondocking within Mustang Island State Park, and further south still you have all 60 miles or so of Padre Island National Seashore: ua-cam.com/video/SqY-UIfQnRQ/v-deo.html
Coming up in a few weeks we'll have an episode from Surfside Beach west of Galveston, where there's also some pretty attractive beach boondocking available.
@@GrandAdventure Very interesting insight into your story and even more great guidance. We will be very interested in the Galveston content. That is even closer to our area. Thanks again. You should make a GA guide on best camping spots across the country. I would buy a copy right now! You all have a great weekend!!
@@hfd413 you do the same! FYI we do an annual "best of" episode right around the beginning of each year.
Do you pull that 5th wheel with a half ton pickup?
Yep, a Toyota Tundra 5.7L.
Yes saw it was a Toyota but didn't know if it was a half ton or a three quarter ton. We have a Ford F150 4x4 with the 3.0L diesel thinking about towing as I recently retired. I appreciate watching your videos, they are great.
@@joemiles6917 thank you Joe! We're right at our truck's stated capacities, so while we've had no issues towing it's nevertheless not an ideal situation, either. Still, we've pulled this thing all across the Rocky Mountains and the Tundra has performed admirably.
Thanks for sharing.
just came across your channel. Great storytelling and stunning video and music. Informative as well. Pleasure to subscribe and follow
It's our pleasure to have you along Johnny! Although we've been running a bunch of gear/how-to videos the past 5 months while we've been stationary for ski season, we're about to hit the road again for a full spring, summer and fall of travel episodes, so stay tuned!
I bet the motels there are at least $300 a night not including guided tours.
We never looked into it, but it wouldn't surprise me as the whole Ruidoso area is very popular with Texans seeking cooler summertime elevations. It's the first real elevation you hit heading west from Texas, Oklahoma, etc.
Billy is my long lost son 😂
Last part of my research interesting facts about billy kid he orphaned as teen first arrested for stealing clothes from laundry he played prominent role in frontier feud he never robbed train or bank involved in at least nine murders he made famous jail break he has been subject of more than 50 movies his legend grew after his death in television shows. Hollywood films his crimes as outlaw fugitive he stole horses cattle till his arrested in 1880 for killing sheriff Brady buring his gun sold for record his names William bonnes Henry Antrim his wife paulita maxwell his kids adelina luz daughter died at age16 her mother was expecting when billy kid died billy kid was most notorious gunfighters of American west reputed to have killed at least 27 men before begin gunned down thank you for encouraging us to explore learn improve our English language as well stay safe blessed best wishes for you your family friends
Blessings and good wishes to you and your family, Khatoon!
Let's go Brandon!
GeezLouise, you’re the one pulling out the political turd out of your pocket ruining this man’s thread about NM.
Orange anus lost, get over it, didn’t your mama nurse you long enough?
How are you doing master Marc iam very happy to watch your channel to explore unknown places learn new information improve our English as well as foreigners subscribers as always i gathered main points about places you visited briefly here it’s billy kid trail or broken trail is national scenic byway that runs from Lincoln county through captian New Mexico trail was allegedly once used by William h bonnes. Aka billy kid his group during Lincoln county war after trail nicknamed Mexican black bird was prove to be false Bonney along Lincoln county length 135 km time to allow two hours to drive by way there are no fee to drive away billy kid was not hero or villain but victim of circumstances billy kid born 1859 killed in 1881 he killed eight men before he was shot killed at age of 21 he was outlaw legendary he born in Irish neighborhood in newyork he and his brother traveled to Indiana with their mother in 1870 there are group in Wichita Kansas cattle trail 1973 his mother died of lung cancer in silver city he step father brother moved to new Mexico worked as ranchers in 1876 he killed first man group of reservation Apache Indians and killed another man blacksmith in Arizona people called him billy kid he worked as rancher bodyguard for John tunstall
It's always great to hear from you and read what you've learned about the destination, Khatoon!
Can I buy four short sleeve shirts Can i buy 4xxl from grand adventure hoody and 4 more long sleeve 4xxl shirts
Maurizio, all of our merchandizing is manufactured, fulfilled and shipped by Spring, who also handles the customer service. If their website takes the order, you can do it. And thank you!
Great video
Thank you Chandra!