I've not spent a lot of time in New Mexico. I spent a couple hours in Mesilla's Old Town a few years back, and got a taste of Albuquerque more recently. I went for the balloon fest and visited Old Town as well.

I realize I need much more time not only in Albuquerque, but in the state itself. That might be my destination for the summer of 2013.

So, a couple years later...here I am. I'll be touring Alamogordo, White Sands Natl Monument, Santa Fe and Taos, and hopefully a few places in between.

And now, several years later, I've re-visited Albuquerque a few more times as well as its surroundings and branched out to other parts of the state.

Without a doubt, my favorite area is that of the Georgia O'Keeffe surroundings at Ghost Ranch. Breath-taking scenery.