After a full day of driving, I was thrilled to pull off the highway to the Route 66 RV park on the Laguna Pueblo. Of course navigating two tight roundabouts in a large rv while towing a pick up truck was an unexpected surprise coming off the interstate exit. It was not a problem other than the turning process caused a gallon of distilled water to turn over and run all over the floor.

I cleaned up the mess while Glenn checked us into the rv park. Towels dry fast in the desert so it was only a mildly annoying distraction. Meanwhile, a girl on a gold cart zipped ahead of us to guide us to our site.

I loved this place. It was beautiful and immaculate. Sure it was barren, desert terrain. But the landscaping suited the environment. There were horses along the fence line and birds singing in the limited foliage.

The staff, all local members of the Kawaika tribe, were friendly and responsive. I can’t recall staying in a cleaner park. It was impressive.

After setting up our rig, we made our way over to a heated pool worthy of a luxury resort. While taking a long soak, we met a fellow traveler who swapped tales of the road. One of the best things about rv resorts is connecting with other campers and sharing stories and recommendations. A resort worker joined in as he checked the pool settings. I was interested in his tribe, as I was largely ignorant of the Kawaika. He was more than happy to tell me a bit about the Pueblo.

Our new native friend recommended that we visit the Casino next door (also run by the Pueblo) for dinner. It seemed a much better idea than cooking, so we took the advice. I had a lovely Salmon salad and my husband had the biggest calzone I have ever seen. He also won enough playing a slot machine to pay for dinner. This place just kept getting better.

Over the next two days we enjoyed the pickleball courts, the game room, and the grounds. Albuquerque was just a few miles down the road for daytime fun. The laundry facilities were adjacent to a large room with a free cappuccino machine, free soft drinks, lounge chairs and a big screen tv.

I could get used to this lifestyle, I think. No wonder several of the people we met say they come here annually. But all good things must come to an end. Tomorrow we must head back onto the open road. But tonight, we head back to the casino to try the world famous Laguna burger. If it is anything like the rest of our experience here at the Pueblo, we won’t be disappointed.