December 1st – 9th 2018: Roswell & Carrizozo, NM Although it had been nice to spend some time in one place, we were ready to get out of the Texas Panhandle before the next weather system came in.  We headed off into New Mexico, buffeted by winds, giant tumbleweeds, and clouds of dust.  Thankfully, the trailer handled very well, but the drive somehow seemed to get longer and longer.  Sandstorm & Tumbleweeds! By the time we approached Roswell, we were tired and the cats were cranky, so we decided to stop earlier than planned.  Just as we were pulling into town, the dreaded “check engine” light came on, indicating a problem with the diesel exhaust system.  We were grateful that at least it happened near the city, so we could get it into a local dealership on Monday. The Road into Bottomless Lakes Bottomless Lakes State Park, was our next stopover while we waited to get the truck fixed.  After several miles of barren terrain, it was a pleasant surprise as the prairie suddenly dropped away beneath us.  The final approach into the park descended into a winding, curvy, section revealing multiple sunken lakes – like hidden gems in the crispy, dried-up landscape.  The…