We are approaching Albuquerque now & of note is the distinct change in scenery, gone are the flat plains replaced by quite mountainous country with unique housing settlements dotted randomly along the roadside. We have passed through the turquoise trail where once silver was also mined however now only turquoise actively sort. As we come through the valley there is another huge dust storm smothering the distant views of Albuquerque. Really windy day, I feel for the many bikers that we have been playing tag with doing this route right now...wouldn't be pleasant for them. We are heading towards Rio Grande valley & then old town Albuquerque where for 300 years they have been trading. In the old town area there is a museum on nuclear technology which is where the US had their secret bases. The atomic bomb was created here in New Mexico....well I didn't know that! Albuquerque is known as the LA of the desert.....I'll let ya know if I find an Arnie. Back later Hoo Roo