Restaurant Review: Little Anita's

Another restaurant review! Well, we do like to eat...

Recently we visited Little Anita's which appears to be a local chain. Here's the link to their site. We were driving around looking for a place to eat and found this restaurant in a strip mall.

Chris got

#4 COMBINATION PLATE

Enjoy a chile relleno and two cheese enchiladas, topped with sour cream, with a side of beans.

His also came with a sopaipilla and honey for dessert. (Yum)

I had  TOSTADA COMPUESTA
A large tostada filled with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, Spanish rice and red or green chile, topped with lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, olives, green onions, sour cream, and guacamole.


We'd probably give the food here about a 7 out of ten. It was good and the portions (especially mine) were large. The sopaipilla was a nice touch for dessert.

Sadly, the atmosphere made it unlikely that we will go back, or at least not to that location. When we arrived there was a man playing guitar and singing. The guitar playing was nice, the singing was adequate but the volume was about two clicks too high. And before you say that we're just a couple of old fuddy duddies, let me say that our waitress mentioned that it seemed pretty loud too. We purposely chose a table as far from the music as possible and it was still loud. About halfway through our meal the music stopped, but then the guy went from table to table talking to the customers and handing out his business cards. He was nice enough, but it was annoying.

Considering the large number of interesting restaurants around, I don't think Little Anita's will make the cut for a second visit. 

Moving on Up

We moved to a new site here at the KOA. Now we have some artificial turf and a small tree. You wouldn't think it was a huge big deal, but if you're living on sand and gravel, it is. Plus, our new location gives us more shade, which is also a huge big deal.

When your house is on wheels, moving isn't nearly so traumatic...unless you're Dooley. We've learned that when we are setting up he needs to be taken on a walk so the noise of the slides going out and the beeping of the warning signals while that's happening don't send him over the edge. This morning I left him in the car with the window down while I helped Chris and he nearly jumped out the window. Then I put him in the dog park (where he could roam around but still see us) and he started jumping on the gate. I could imagine him shouting "Attica! Attica!"

But, we are now situated and we are glad we made the move.

Look! Shade and a tree.

Also, the two chairs next to the tree were given to us by a couple who sold their motor home and were moving out. Very comfy.

Restaurant Review: Blake's Lotaburger

We've made three visits to the local Lotaburger but since it's gone downhill each time, I doubt if we'll go back.

We arrived for our first visit full of anticipation since we'd heard good things about this burger chain. We ordered burgers, seasoned fries and iced tea. We were impressed, the burgers were big and tasty, the seasoned fries were a nice change from the usual and the iced tea was nice and strong.

We left happy and intended to become Lotaburger Regulars.

In the mean time, we heard good things about their breakfast burritos, so on the next stop we went for breakfast.

Bad idea.

I'm going to have to chat with the folks who told us their breakfast burritos were good (and many people seem to think so) because they weren't. It was doughy and gloppy and not tasty at all.

In addition, the restaurant was dirty. Ketchup packets on the floor, and a big mess around the soda dispenser.

We left after that visit thinking "lunch or dinner is okay, but no more breakfasts at Lotaburger".

A few days later when we didn't feel like cooking I suggested Lotaburger. That was the last visit we'll make. The buns had been left out all day so they were stale, the store was still dirty, and the two flies dive-bombing us really killed the atmosphere.

The quest for a delicious burger continues. 

Our Anniversary Adventure

On August 14 Chris and I celebrated our 4th Anniversary by exploring the Jemez (pronounced Hay-mez) mountains.

We drove for about an hour and got up into the mountains where we visited the Spence Hot Springs.

I found these photos online since we didn't have our phones or cameras with us. We were in the smaller pool at the bottom since a loud family was using the larger one at the top. check out the view in the second photo. It was awesome.

We were told that it was a "short hike" that got "a little steep". It was more like a mile with the last 50 yards being very steep and rocky, but we made it and it was worth the effort.

It wasn't as hot as I expected, more like a warm bath, but still fun to be outside in the mountains.

Other highlights of the day included:

• Changing our clothes outside. 
• A picnic lunch of bologna sandwiches, chips and fig newtons enjoyed in a beautiful pine forest where we could smell the pines in the air.
• Stopping at a scenic lookout where we could smell the cedar trees and enjoy the mountains. 
• We were up so high, our ears popped. I think at one point we were about 10,000'. 
• I think this was some of most beautiful scenery I've ever seen and it was so varied, from craggy mountains, to huge pine trees and a huge green meadow. 

Slaving Away To Bring You Updates

That's me, blogging away at the picnic table. Whew. Life is rough on the road.

The little opening to my left is an electrical outlet and stereo so I can listen to music to help alleviate the horrors of sitting outside enjoying the sunshine and cool breeze while I type.

See all those chairs? Just waiting for visitors to hang out.

Who's At The KOA?

I haven't stayed in a large number of campgrounds...three on the way out here and this one, but I'd call this a smallish campground with about 75 sites. A few are just for tents and others are set up for travel trailers, fifth wheels and motor homes.

Before I got here, I assumed that everyone who stayed in a campground was on some sort of trip and would be staying either just overnight because they were on their way to somewhere else or maybe a day or two to take in the sights.

Silly me.

There are plenty of people who fit that description. Some pull in late in the evening and are on the road early the next morning. Others come for a few days. And then there are the people who live in the RV (like us).

Of the folks who come and stay for a few days or a week or two, many are grandparents who are traveling with their grandchildren (mostly under age 10). Some are grandparents who don't even live very far away, but they bring the grand kids and spend a few days here enjoying the pool, letting the kids ride their bikes and play games.

But besides workampers, who are people who live here full time? That's an interesting question. Turns out there are many people who have full time jobs and live in RVs. Next door to us are 3 or four guys who work on a construction crew and share a small-ish travel trailer. That seems pretty cozy, but we haven't heard any arguments, so they must be doing okay.

On the other side of us is a man who I think is a construction site supervisor...he has a nicer rv and lives alone. I'm not even sure if I've seen him or not (he just moved in about a week ago).

There are several traveling nurses who move around the country working 90 day stints before moving on to their next job.

And then there are the military families. Two doors down from us is a nice family w/three small kids (ages about 5 to a few months). Turns out that the military won't move a family for a short term (3-4 month) assignment, so some choose to get an RV and travel together to all locations. The living space is probably a little cramped (though I've never heard that military housing was luxurious) plus the kids can ride their bikes all around the park safely, there's a playground and pool.

It's been very interesting to meet so many different people. Everyone has been so nice and friendly and they all seem to have a sense of adventure.

Restaurant Review: The Range Cafe

On our first foray into old town Bernalillo we stumbled upon The Range Cafe. Click here to go to their website.

What a nice surprise!

First, the decor was clever with lots of stoves (range...get it?) in all colors and sizes, but mostly the food and service were outstanding.

Chris had one of his favorites: huevos rancheros. According to the menu it's two eggs, blue corn tortilla, choice of red or green chili, cheddar, range fries and pinto beans.

His review:  "Top notch" 

I sampled the range fries and they were quite tasty.

I had a caprese sandwich: grilled rye bread, mozzarella cheese, tomato, and pesto with a side of tossed salad and home made blue cheese dressing.

My review: Yum! The blue cheese dressing was particularly fresh and de-lish.

They had a beautiful dessert case that included individual creme brulee and other treats. I seem to recall some softball sized cinnamon rolls. We didn't have dessert but that might be an outing in our near future.

They also have a very nice high end gift shop. We didn't spend too much time there but there were many temptations, especially the jewelry.

When customers at the campground ask for a restaurant recommendation we always tell them about The Range Cafe. It's a place where we'll be sure to take our guests (hint...hint...).

What Does A Workamper Do?

Lots!

Chris and I work two days per week. He's the outside guy and I'm the office person. I check in campers, answer the phones (which both seem to ring at the same time), make reservations, operate the camp store and give lots of people quarters for the laundry.

Chris tends the pool, waters the plants, sells propane, and escorts people to their sites. He gets to use a golf cart all day long. I'm a little jealous.

Additional duties include: giving directions (at which I am horrible since I haven't been here that long), cleaning the store and restocking shelves, delivering packages, sometimes making restaurant referrals, raking sites, and generally keeping an eye on things. The owners are here part of the time, but mostly we are on our own...

I know that doesn't sound like a huge amount of work, but by the end of a 12 hour day, we are both beat. It seems like it's either feast or famine...nothing is happening and then suddenly everything is happening...both phones are ringing, a big RV has just pulled in, someone needs propane and six kids need Klondike bars.

But, it's fun and different from anything I've done before. We're only here for a couple more months and now that the weather has cooled down (mid-80s vs. high 90s) we don't feel quite so wilted at the end of the day.

Plus...we get to wear bright yellow KOA T-shirts. 

P.S. And use walkie talkies. 

Dooley's Corner: Life In a RV

Our little family wouldn't be complete without Dooley the neurotic traveling dog. It seems that with Dooley there is no middle ground. He's either totally relaxed and inert or shivering with anxiety.

Initially he did not like the motor home at all. Having him inside when the slides went out was probably a big mistake. If the walls in your house started to move, you'd probably be a little freaked out too. But since then he's settled down and seems to be settling in. At first when we left him alone he'd jump up on the dash and wait for us, which was worrisome because if you scroll down to see the pictures of our motor home you'll see that the windshield is really large + desert heat = possibly dangerous for the dog. I think he figured that out because now he just gets in his bed.

We've had a couple of hail storms which have not been pleasant for him. Remember our house is made of metal (aluminum, I think) so when hail lands on the roof, it's like being inside a popcorn popper. I think it's sort of fun, but Dooley disagrees.

Mostly he's just happy to be near the people he loves. I suppose we could all take a lesson from him on that.

Our Motor Home

 Here is our new home. We call him Winston. He's a 39' Winnebago Adventurer with two big slides.

 We particularly like the arrangement with the kitchen in the front.

This chair and the tv are across from the couch in the above photo. The couch and the chair are both very comfy.

That's an electric fireplace. So far, no need to use it yet, but that will likely change in a few weeks.

In the back there is a bathroom with shower/toilet/sink then the bedroom is behind that.

We have a queen bed w/sleep number mattress. Chris misses our memory foam mattress but I'm able to sleep and drool just about anywhere.

Living Large

Welcome to our new adventure!

One day, when Chris and I first met, we were talking about what we'd like to do in the future. I said "I always thought it would be fun to live in a RV and travel around the country and spend large chunks of time in different areas so you could really get a feel for the area instead of just rushing through on a vacation."

His reply: "Who told you to say that? Did someone put you up to this?"

Turns out, it had been his dream too.

When the opportunity presented itself to indulge in our dream, we jumped in with both feet.

We hope you'll stop back often and see what we are up to. If you'd like to subscribe to this blog so you can get email notifications of new posts, just put your email address in the little box on the right. 

How Did We End Up In New Mexico?

Well, that's a good question.

First, some background info and RV lingo. Workamping is the term used for people who work at campgrounds in exchange for their site and hook ups (water, sewer, electric, cable and wifi here).

If you're curious about the different opportunities available, just Google "workamping" like we did. That lead us to a number of sites listing different job opportunities. Something about the listing for this job appealed to us, so I called and spoke with Rachel, the office manager to get the details. After a couple of phone calls she said "why don't you guys come on out and we'll see how it goes."

That was enough for us, so we diverted our course and headed west. Far west.

Since time and money were in short supply, we didn't get a hitch to tow the car, so we both ended up driving. Dooley and I in the little red car, following Chris in the motor home. Along the way we stopped at campgrounds in Illinois, Oklahoma, and Amarillo, Texas before arriving here in Bernalillo (pronounced Burn-a-lee-o), New Mexico, which is about 15 miles north of Albuquerque.

Of course, I have to include this video. It's eerily similar to our trip.