Land of Enchantment, Land of Conflict

Today we got in touch with our inner cowboy and visited the Hubbard Museum of the American West in the morning and then drove to Lincoln, NM to visit the sites of the Lincoln County War and escapades of Billy the Kid. The museum had a nice pictoral exhibit (including maps to Derek's delight) of New Mexico's varied history.  It also had fabulous exhibits of old west vehicles, guns, mining, and Indian artifacts and art.  We drove through Fort Stanton on the way back to Ruidoso.  We also ate some seriously delicious food during the day.  Enjoy the pics!

Lovely horse carving- thought of you Dixie! 

Antique horse tricycle!

 This cracked me up!  Pumps made in "dude ranch" style! 

 I LOVE this painting.  the kids' antics and the dog in the foreground reminded me of the boys and Snyx!

 Derek and I had WONDERFUL green chile stew at a soup and sandwich place called the the Village Buttery (we ate here last time we visited and HAD to come again.)  Ash enjoyed cream of potato soup (best we have ever eaten along with the green chile stew) and Zach anjoyed a turkey sandwich.

 Next stop, Lincoln, NM - Hard to believe that such a picturesque spot in the foothills had such an exciting and violent past!  

 A Torreon (castle) used for early settler defense. 

Site where Billy the Kid escaped custody and shot two deputies.  

 Images of the stables and barracks at Ft. Stanton, NM 

Dinner at The Grill Caliente in Ruidoso: Fried green chile and jalapeno rings with chipotle ranch- yummmm!

 Derek's habanaro chicken and green chile mashed potatoes.  His dinner won the prize for most awesome!

 My dinner- chipotle chicken salad,.  Ashton enjoyed nachoes (well not really, he only ate one and rejected all others as they were covered with beans...).  So Derek and I enjoyed them!  Zach had a cheeseburger.  All in all one of the best meals we have had during this vacation.  (Second only to the holy tamales yesterday!)