The town of Cloudcroft is a small town catering to skiers and summer vacationers. It is over 9000 feet in elevation. Within 10 miles of the town are numerous overlooks, trails and canyons. Herds of elk and deer wander the mountainsides. Wild turkeys are everywhere and I even saw two bobcats in my rambles.

Cloudcroft is only 25 miles from White Sands National Monument. You can see White Sands, over 4000 feet below, from several overlooks on the road to Sunspot http://www.nso.edu/, the National Solar Observatory.

I've worked near here over several days in the last month and stayed at The Lodge at Cloudcroft for much of my time here. This historic lodge is supposed to be haunted by Rebecca, a beautiful red-headed ghost. Rebecca, a chambermaid, disappeared after her lumberjack lover found her in the arms of another. So far I've slept here undisturbed.

The lodge has an excellent restaurant and a view down over the Tulorosa Basin below and to the Organ Mountains 90 miles away. The best spot for breakfast and lunch in town is the Jamocha Bean, a coffee and sandwich shop with comfortable couches and a cheerful staff.