Headed west to Las Cruces and grateful it is just an hour north of the Mexican border. which means only about 2 hours from where we are. On the way we chose to stop at a historic and authentic Mexican restaurant for lunch. After much research we found ourselves in Historic Mesilla which is just south of Las Cruces. As we started driving into Mesilla I was in awe. The buildings were immaculate, I could feel the culture seeping from each corner and family home. I was drawn in and overcome with love for this place. Due to the coronavirus mandates the towns famous Plaza was closed and although I missed seeing so many people enjoying their daily life I was able to really see the entire town seemingly almost uninhabited.
We ate at La Posta de Mesilla which is on the corner of Mesilla Plaza diagonal from the Basilica of San Albino (build in 1855) and the courtroom where Billy the Kid once stood trial. If you are ever in Mesilla you must eat at La Posta! The atmosphere is enchanting with authentic décor, food and fiesta blouses worn by servers. We had the stuffed tacos and chicken with red chili sauce. From homemade chips to fresh margarita’s it did not disappoint.
We have been having some trouble with one of our slides, so we decided to split up after lunch. The children and I went exploring through the town purchasing souveniers and Christmas gifts, while Dane took Polly to get checked out. This allowed the children and I to see the Basilica, Mesilla Plaza and walk between historical Adobe buildings and greet strangers with smiles. Albeit the mask covers our mouth but you can always tell a smile by the eyebrows and eyes. Everyone was so incredibly nice and welcoming.
We rode with the windows down to our new campsite. We usually look for KOA campgrounds for a few reasons. 1st – we enjoy the amenities of a playground, laundry, wifi and hookups and 2nd we know they are usually pretty consistent and safe. We have and will stay at other campgrounds as we travel but when we find a good KOA we choose to stay there. Tonight we are at the KOA in Las Cruces and it is BEAUTIFUL. There is a playground for the children, but it is the views that stand out! The campground sits up on a mountain ridge overlooking the large city of Las Cruces and the Organ Mountains to the east.
The sunset was incredible, with the sun reflecting light on the mountains we had quite a show tonight. Due to the no fire ordinance we were not able to have a fire but we made do with our lanterns and enjoyed a game of Candyland with the children and I of course did not win, I don’t know what it is about Candyland but I am never ever able to win.
I am not sure what we will wake up and do tomorrow. We talked about exploring the town, going hiking on a trail recommended to us by our neighbors or enjoying some downtime. We shall see what the daylight brings friends. Enjoy yours, you never get this one back no matter what it brings you. That chain link fence or the mountains with the sun cascading off it. No matter what it brings there is Joy somewhere here.
History of Mesilla, NM
If you know me well, you know I am an idealist and chase knowledge. At the top of my list is history, all history. The history that does not just speak from the mouth of victors but also from the mouths of the oppressed, the ones who made all of the choices and those who were affected by the choice makers. It is important that we dissect and relearn the history we were taught with bias and replace it with history that is unbiased. It is the growth that springs forth from knowledge and makes way for changes in your own life while influencing the way you see things.
Seeing Mesilla is like looking upon the most beautiful crystal that is rubbed and becomes more beautiful with time.
Mesilla was first known as no-man’s land, no one claimed (US or Mexico) or they both did. However in 1845 the United States needed land to extend the Transcontinental Railway, yet they did not have the rights to the land they needed, Mesilla. The current Mexican President was Santa Anna and with his treasury empty he eventually agreed and signed the Gadsden Purchase for 30,000 miles north of the border for $10 million dollars. Due to impatience and an adjustment in the deal (originally 15 million and more miles) Santa Anna was overthrown and exiled. (That guy! He President for 12 non-consecutive years and 12 terms and was exiled many times, yet somehow always managed to come back on top.)
Santa Anna is also the reason we all are chewing gum. During his exile he brought Chicle (a substance) to the United States to convince tire makers it was a good choice to manufacture tires with. They refused, and somehow it evolved into what we all find on that top shelf at WaWas. (If you are not from the Southeast, that is a the glory of all glories Gas Stations.)
