though New Mexico to Arizona

We were away at 6:45 a.m. and drove through El Paso which spreads about 25 miles along the border to New Mexico. Just huge.
El Paso (El Paso del Rio del Norte) the pass through the river to the north, is where the Spaniards found their way into this land which is now Texas. Founded in 1682, it’s the oldest settlement in Texas. The Mission was built by Pueblo, Tegua Indians, Spanish refugees and Franciscan padres. Today it’s known for its military, manufacturing and agriculture, one of the few regions where Egyptian cotton is grown. This city is closely allied with Chidad Juarez, the Mexican counterpart across the river. You can see the small, poor housing there compared to the thriving El Paso.
Next we’re in New Mexico, known as the Land of Enchantment. There was a big stockyard by the border and now flat, dry scrubby land with little mountains in the distance. We crossed the Continental Divide, marked by a simple sign, following the railroad most of the day. Lots and freight and a few passenger trains. New Mexico is known for the Alberqueque International Balloon Festival, the 1947 Roswell incident of a ‘UFO’, Carlsbad Caverns which are 830’ below the surface at 56 degrees, 14 acres large, and the first atomic bomb test in 1945. They have a population of 1.9 million, are the 5th largest state, with Santa Fe as their capital.
Quite a bit of wind pushing us today. We’ve gone 162 miles across NM from where we entered it from Texas and have entered Arizona with its dry canyons, rock and cactus. This is the 6th largest state with over 5 million people and Phoenix is the capital. Arizona means ‘little spring’ from an Indian word and their heritage is evident in national monuments, tribal reserves and historic sites that preserve their ancient dwellings, customs and crafts. The biggest attraction is the Grand Canyon which we have yet to see. We got to Camping World in Tucson and stayed at Beaudry RV Park where you can stay with your own Jacuzzi for $55 per night. Had a nice phone visit with Gayle Garrett, sorry couldn't get together.