Junebug Journal One More Day

When we returned from Taos, there were more campers in the campground. A biologist who had come for a one day forum was camped next to us. She was testing waters in the area to determine the effects of recent flooding. We gave her directions to a steakhouse in town where she was to meet some friends and then went about the task of packing what we could.

We had stayed away from junk food as much as we could, but one tradition is to always go to the Donut Hole for breakfast before we leave. The small cafe has great breakfasts but is known more for its fresh homemade donuts and fritters. My favorite is the apple fritter.

Early the next morning, we headed for town. The Donut Hole was bustling with locals and tourists who were beginning to come in. We decided to have a real breakfast and get some donuts and fritters to go. Unfortunately, the cook had not made fresh donuts or fritters that morning but she would give us free day old donuts if we liked. We went ahead with breakfast and when we went to pay, my grandson asked about getting donuts for the next morning. The waitress remembered that we were offered some free donuts so she filled a bag with day old donuts. The cook, who was standing there, apologized for not having fresh made pastries. It was still too early in the season to make fresh every day. Hey! Day old free is good.

We decided to let my grandson shop for souvenirs, so we went over to Frye's to look around. He had his heart set on a knife. I had talked to my daughter about it and she said it was fine. He was learning to whittle in scouts and really enjoyed doing it. We looked over their selection and he found one he really liked. It had a clip on it to hang on his belt. He decided to buy the knife and also a T-Shirt with a Red River logo on it.

As we walked around town, we ran into Eddie Guy, who told us the ski lift would be open the next day. We had planned to leave early in the morning but decided one more day wouldn't hurt. We decided to let my grandson ride the go-carts, then we went to Playland to see what was going on there. After a few games of air hockey, we rode around toward the ski lift. Since it wasn't open yet, there wasn't much activity except a few four passenger bikes going through the streets. I wondered if that was as hard as riding a bicycle built for two.

We had planned to eat at Sundance Mexican Restaurant, but decided to go back to camp. After stopping by Der Market for ice, we headed back. The three campgrounds, Junebug, Elephant Rock, and Fawn Lake were beginning to fill--mostly fishermen. Tomorrow the ski lift'"Saturday we leave.