On the road between Raton and Cimarron, NM...

[bigbore45colt]

Rob Leahy, of Simply Rugged holsters, and I had the opportunity to drive from Raton to Cimarron, NM about a month ago. Cimarron is an Old West town with the St James Hotel still showing bullet holes in its pressed tin ceiling.

We had a beer at the bar there and headed back. Just a really nice drive along some of the prettiest country. On the way back, I had the opportunity to pull over and snap this picture:

Enjoy!

BB45C

 

[Don Lovel]

Too bad you did not stop and burn some ammo at The NRA Whittington Center. Every time I have been out to that area it has just been magic. Some of the prettiest sunsets in North America, amazing number of Pronghorn, Mule Deer and Elk.
One day while watching that same bison herd I think you have in your picture, I watched some young buffalo calves being spooked by a big armadillo running aroun their legs.

 

[Stoots]

Nice pic!

:D

 

[bigbore45colt]

Don - we spent 4 days at the Whittington center shooting...we had an afternoon where we decided to drive down there for something different (we needed a break from shooting, if you can believe that :D )

BB45C

 

[bigbore45colt]

A few more pics from the drive down:

 

[Sam Summey]

My friend Mike and I drove out to Raton in 2008, throughly enjoyed ourselves. I tried to get him to agree to staying at the Whittington but he wanted more amenities. We stayed at the old Holliday Inn, wasn't quite up to his standards but in Contender and my standards (cheap and clean) it was adaquate. Cimmaron, and Red Rock (side trip) were fun along with eating lunch at the St. James. We spent two days at the Whittington shooting, lordy, a Subaru can't haul enough ammo from NC to make a week of shooting. BJ's Gun Shop is a good place to start your day free coffee, the place is loaded with treasures. Make the trip, it's worth it.

 

[doccash]

That is a wonderful part of the world. Dr.C

 

[luvmyruger]

been down that stretch several times on a bus to Philmont scout Ranch in Cimmaron.

Great country.

 

[Highstandardguy]

You're killing me bigbore. It's been several years since I've been out west and I'm having major withdrawal. :(

 

[BRASS FRAME]

Hey Big Bore. Thanks for the pictures! Those high mountains in the back ground look like the San Pedro Wilderness where I took my last 6 X 6 Elk. Great scenery and wild life. Where was your Turnbull .475 on this trip. I am sure the thought crossed your mind when you saw those big buffs'?
I was close but never visited the big Whit. Center. I must add that to my bucket list for retirement trips. Great country and people in New Mexico.
Brass Frame/Lee

 

[Sam Summey]

Don't wait until you retire, your health may fail, take 10 days and go this year before the snow flies.

 

[flatgate]

Nice pics! BB45C, YOU NEED to get out west more often. I can show you lots of amazing stuff here in WY. How about 50 or 100 Buff in one spot? How about a heard of Elk numbering in the multiple hundreds?

Shucks, the fish jump outta the lake right into your frying pan! :D

flatgate

 

[contender]

Great pics allowing my memory to smile! I've done a few trips to Philmont, and the Whittington myself. I enjoyed the St. James too! I too had to enjoy a "cool one" while there. There is also an old flour mill in Raton that's worth visiting. The last time I was there, (about 5 yrs ago) an old transplanted cowboy was running the place. (He was originally from Spartanburg SC and now lived out there.) He was carrying a Ruger Super Blackhawk on his hip. I politely asked him if it was an OM or a NM. He said; " I donno!" as he shucked it, & offered it to me. It was a loaded NM that I respectfully handled. I liked that old man!
I always enjoy that area too!

 

[mikem2]

This is my first post on the RF.

Hey that place is familiar! Was through there 3 years ago on my way to Philmont. A couple of the Dad's and Scouts ate at the Hotel. We had burgers/fries/shakes at Hecks around the corner.

Great Buffalo picture. Beautiful country. Incredible sights everywhere.