Some Places Are Simply Meant to Be Shared
One of the greatest joys of traveling isn’t discovering new places—it’s introducing people you care about to places you’ve already fallen in love with.
There’s something special about watching friends experience one of your favorite destinations for the very first time. You find yourself seeing it through fresh eyes all over again. The familiar becomes exciting, and somehow the place feels new once more.
That’s exactly how this trip to Burro Mountain Homestead began.
For the past couple of years, Burro Mountain has become one of our favorite camping destinations. Tucked away in the mountains outside Silver City, New Mexico, it’s peaceful, welcoming, and just the kind of place where the stresses of everyday life seem to disappear shortly after you arrive.
This time, however, it wasn’t just about getting away.
It was about sharing one of our favorite places with some very special friends.
Retirement Calls for a Celebration
Our friends Greg and Brenda had recently retired.
Like many new retirees, they were beginning to discover the freedom that comes with no longer living by a work schedule. They had recently purchased an RV and were eager to start creating adventures of their own.
Naturally, we knew exactly where we wanted to take them for one of their first camping trips.
Burro Mountain Homestead.
We couldn’t wait to introduce them to the campground, the people, the mountain views, and the slower pace of life that keeps drawing us back.
Little did we know…
The adventure would begin before we ever left our driveway.
Every RV Trip Needs a Little Excitement
If you’ve traveled by RV for very long, you’ve probably learned one important lesson.
Things rarely go exactly according to plan.
Just a few days before we were scheduled to leave, we discovered our inverter wasn’t working properly.
Not exactly the kind of surprise you hope for when you’re getting ready for a long weekend in the mountains.
We spent the next couple of days troubleshooting everything we could think of.
Fuses.
Connections.
Batteries.
Breaker panels.
If it could be checked, we checked it.
Unfortunately…
Nothing seemed to solve the problem.
Rather than panic, we called our friends at NIRVC.
One of the many reasons we’ve continued doing business with them over the years is because of the incredible people behind the company.
Pete, our service advisor, immediately began trying to help us over the phone.
When that didn’t solve the problem, he did something that still amazes us.
He drove to our house.
After hours.
Just to help us troubleshoot.
Who does that anymore?
For nearly two hours Pete patiently worked through every possibility alongside us.
Eventually, we discovered the inverter itself wasn’t the problem after all.
A faulty GFCI outlet had been causing the issue.
One little outlet.
Hours of troubleshooting.
A problem solved.
And another reminder that exceptional customer service still exists.
Thank you, Pete.
We appreciated it far more than you probably realize.
Hitting the Road…Finally
With the RV finally ready, we loaded up Ki’Oni, finished packing the last few things, and headed toward New Mexico.
There is something about that moment when you pull out of the driveway.
The to-do list disappears.
The calendar no longer matters.
Home slowly fades away in the rearview mirror.
Vacation has officially begun.
Well…
Almost.
A Stop We Won’t Soon Forget
Like most RV trips, our first stop wasn’t especially glamorous.
Fuel.
If you’ve ever owned a diesel RV or truck, you know filling both the truck and the RV can become a bit of an event.
As Tracey finished fueling, he gave the RV’s air horn a quick tap while pulling away.
Unfortunately…
A woman walking nearby happened to be much closer than either of us realized.
Let’s just say…
She wasn’t nearly as amused as we were.
Poor thing nearly jumped out of her shoes.
We felt terrible.
After making sure she was okay—and apologizing profusely—we couldn’t help but laugh once we were back on the road.
Travel always seems to provide those completely unplanned moments that become family stories for years afterward.
I’m pretty sure that air horn story will be one of ours.
Back to One of Our Favorite Places
The miles rolled by quickly, and before long we found ourselves climbing into the mountains we had grown to love.
As we pulled through the entrance to Burro Mountain Homestead, it immediately felt like coming home.
One of the things we love most about this campground is that you’re never treated like just another reservation.
You’re welcomed like an old friend.
Before long we were catching up with Jim, saying hello to Dewey, and introducing Greg and Brenda to everyone who makes this campground feel so special.
It didn’t take long before they understood exactly why we keep coming back.
Ki’Oni Finds His Favorite Spot
Of course, not everyone waited to get settled before making themselves at home.
Ki’Oni quickly explored every inch of the RV before deciding that Chase’s bed looked considerably more comfortable than his own.
Without asking permission…
Without the slightest bit of hesitation…
He claimed it as his own.
Apparently, once you’re on vacation, personal space no longer applies.
Luckily, Chase didn’t seem to mind sharing.
It’s just another reason we’re convinced Ki’Oni secretly believes he owns the RV…and probably us too.
Let the Weekend Begin
As the sun slowly dipped behind the mountains that first evening, we settled into our chairs beneath the awning, enjoying good conversation and the crisp mountain air.
There was no rush.
No agenda.
No schedule to follow.
Just friends.
Fresh air.
And the peaceful quiet that only seems to exist in places like Burro Mountain.
Sometimes the very best way to begin a vacation…
…is simply to stop moving.
Little did we know, this wonderful weekend was only getting started.