The 2026 Southwest USA Road Trip (page 4 of 5)

....you look like old Mexicans or what? OK I’m out

No, I don’t think so! 😉



Though ... 😉

Old, yes, but Mexicans—come on now ... 😎

....you guys look like old Mexicans or what? OK, I’m out

No, I don’t think so! 😉



Though... 😉

Old, yes, but Mexican—come on now... 😎

I’d have said the opposite 😎

We wrap up our visit to White Sands NP with a second stop at the Visitor Center and, of course, its souvenir shop. Hard to skip that!

We then hit the road northeast toward Alamogordo and its Space Museum.

On our left, Holloman Air Force Base, a base established in 1942, right in the middle of World War II. It later became a major center for aeronautical testing, missiles, and research tied to the U.S. space program.

This is where Ham, the famous chimpanzee, trained—he became the first chimpanzee sent into space in January 1961. Holloman was also used for all kinds of aeronautical and military experiments, some pretty spectacular and, let’s be honest, not always very kind to those who served as guinea pigs!

But it’s Sunday, and everything’s quiet. No one works in the U.S. on Sundays, for heaven’s sake! The New Mexico Museum of Space History is perched on the heights outside the city. As soon as we arrive in the parking lot, a sign immediately warns us about the local wildlife...

Snakes!

Will I finally get lucky this time?

A little rattlesnake, just one... That’s not too much to ask, is it?



The museum building is a big concrete cube sitting on Alamogordo’s heights. Not exactly elegant, but hard to miss!

The tour starts on the fifth and top floor. After that, you just stroll down a long indoor ramp that connects the different levels, letting you explore the collections as you go.

The museum is interesting, well-presented, and definitely worth the visit. Rockets, space exploration, astronauts, all kinds of experiments... There’s plenty to see.

And, of course, the mandatory stop at the souvenir shop! In short, a museum to check out if you’re in the area.

On the way back to El Paso, the vibe changes completely.

We’re in for about 150 kilometers of nearly straight road. Space isn’t an issue here, so the highways can be *very* direct.

It’s probably super practical for engineers... but after a while, it’s sooo boring! On the left, the military. On the right, the military. Straight ahead, the road. And behind... more road!

As for amenities, gas stations, and other quick stops—well, you wait a bit! Sometimes even a *long* while.

Welcome to the vast American landscapes.

Which is why the phrase here really hits home: « On the Road Again! »

After the long drive from Alamogordo, we finally arrive in El Paso, with a quick stop at Walmart—open on Sundays and packed—before heading to the hotel for a well-deserved little nap! The place is actually very quiet this Sunday afternoon.

We’ll spend the evening in Downtown El Paso, at a nice restaurant whose name I unfortunately forgot. After the meal, a short digestive stroll through the city center, then comes the surprise moment for my wife.

There’s a Scenic Drive in El Paso that climbs up and supposedly offers a great view of the entire city, all the way to the Mexican border and Ciudad Juárez. I thought it would be a nice viewpoint to end the day.

So, GPS set and... off we go!

Except that August, like pretty much everywhere, is also roadwork season. And unluckily, the Scenic Drive is completely closed! « ROAD CLOSED », they say! Well, that’s that.

Lesson learned: the evening is almost saved by a sort of intermediate overlook, where the view is still pretty nice, though not exactly spectacular. We can still see El Paso stretching across the valley and, just beyond, Mexico. Two countries separated by a border that, from up here, looks surprisingly thin.

I had also planned a little visit near the border, by the checkpoint. In the end, I decided to skip it. No need to unnecessarily provoke the American law enforcement—they’re already strict enough as it is!

So we’ll just admire the border from a little farther away. It’s all good too. 😊

Monday, August 10, it's time to hit the road again, heading to Tucson, Arizona. The car is packed, my wife is settled, the GPS is set... What more could we ask for? The drive will be long: 640 kilometers, about 5 hours! With a few photo stops, fuel, and coffee breaks, everything should go smoothly.

In Tucson, our hotel will be: DoubleTree – 445 South Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ For a small extra fee, I managed to upgrade to a Junior Suite on the 10th floor for our four-night stay. Pretty nice!

A little tip, though: if you're a light sleeper, avoid rooms facing the mountain if possible. The AC unit runs at full blast and makes itself heard! Earplugs are a must... or Jack’s on overdrive! To each their own method.

The hotel is very well located, across from the city golf course and close to major roads, without being too far from Downtown. Restaurants and the usual Walmart are nearby too.

Speaking of which, Walmart quickly comes in handy since my dashcam decides to give up the ghost. I buy a new one on the spot. The only catch: it’s obviously a model made for the U.S. market. I’ll have to figure out how to adapt it once we’re back in France. I’ll politely skip over the little hassles of wiring and setup...

For the rest, the hotel is really pleasant, with a huge pool, a bar, and a restaurant. Since the booking was made through Booking.com, we have to stop by the front desk every morning to pick up our breakfast ticket, as breakfast here is served at the table. One ticket gets you a drink and a dish. Otherwise, watch out for the prices! And the tip, of course!

During our stay, we’ll go out to dinner at: Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen – 3455 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716 A really nice surprise. A cozy restaurant with food that’s neither too heavy nor overly greasy. In the U.S., that’s almost worth mentioning!

We’ll also take a trip downtown, complete with the inevitable parking hassle. The app that’s supposed to let you pay doesn’t work here either... Seriously!

And as if that weren’t enough, a big storm sends us back to the hotel a little earlier than planned.

But I really like the area. The surroundings are pleasant, and walking around the golf course takes about an hour. Great for staying healthy and working off some of those American cuisine indulgences!

As for the golf course entrance, it’s particularly inviting... At least, it must be a lot of fun here! And the irrigation system is spotless!!

On the way, with particularly lovely light at the end of the day, here are a few shots taken around the Tucson hotel. The sun’s starting to set, the colors are getting softer, and the desert takes on a whole new look. And now, off to the bar to enjoy a nice, chilled Chardonnay! After all, vacations are made for this too.

I’d also planned a little visit near this border, right by the checkpoint. In the end, I decided to skip it. No point in needlessly provoking the U.S. law enforcement. They’re already pretty particular as it is!

We’ll just look at the border from a bit farther away. That works too. 😊

You made the right call—the Bridge of the Americas area, which marks the border, is really just for vehicle traffic, nothing to see there…

That said, checking out the border outside of towns isn’t an issue. You can get as close as you want without the Border Patrol stepping in… In some spots, you could even wade across the Rio Grande to Mexico on foot—surprising, right?

Hi,

No visits to missions in El Paso. Apparently, there are three worth seeing.

Thanks for these stories

Hello,

No visit to missions in El Paso. Apparently, there are three to see.

Thanks for these stories

I didn’t know about the missions in El Paso. 😉

Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Here we are in Tucson. I head out for a morning walk around the nearby golf course, and I’m not alone. Lots of people on the paths. It makes sense—so far, the heat is still manageable, so we might as well take advantage before the Arizona sun reminds us where we are!

A little later, breakfast, and then we get ready to leave for the Pima Air & Space Museum, located at 6000 E Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85756.

For this museum, you’d better at least *like* aviation, or the day might feel long! No problem for me, though.

Small disappointment: the massive aircraft boneyard next door is no longer open to visitors. National security, apparently. Too bad—really too bad, because that was something I’d have loved to see.

Entry to the museum costs $20 per senior. After that, you just reserve a spot on the little train that takes you around the outdoor exhibits: $10 each. And we’re off! The museum is huge.

A large restaurant-bar lets you take a break, the spaces are big enough that you’re not tripping over each other, and the little train makes it easy to explore the whole outdoor park. It’s pretty nice under the Tucson sun, especially as the temperature starts climbing.

The museum is actually made up of several buildings, each with its own specialty and collections. Military planes, civilian aircraft, prototypes, helicopters, and other flying machines—there’s plenty to see. You won’t get bored. Well… as long as you like aviation!

And, as usual in this part of Arizona, little signs and announcements remind you to watch out for local critters.

Snakes, scorpions, and other charming desert creatures can sometimes be a little touchy. Best to watch where you step—avoids unnecessary chats with a grumpy rattlesnake.



Otherwise, what can I say? A really great visit. And a little surprise: there are even a few French machines among all these American marvels! Proof that we’ve left our mark on aviation history too.

Among the standout pieces, a stunning B-17, safely tucked away in its own hangar. The plane is impressive, and the extra-nice touch? It’s watched over by former aviators who are there to answer questions, share stories, and pass on their passion.

Passionate people talking to passionate people—of course it works!

Given the number of photos I took, I’ll post them in two or three batches. That way, I won’t overload the forum… and I can stretch out the fun a little longer.

For true aviation lovers, stay tuned!

A large parking lot, an entrance worthy of the place: the tone is set for this Air Museum! From the moment you arrive, you quickly realize the visit won’t just be a few planes lined up in a hangar. Here, they think big. Really big!

A few steps, a look around, and the first aircraft already appear.

Shall we go in? The visit can begin...

Let's head outside now with the little train to explore the huge collection on display in the open air!

Guided tour in English, of course! The staff is super friendly too, which is always a plus. The explanations flow along the route and help uncover the history behind some of these machines.

And there are *so* many machines!

Some truly stunning aircraft, even if some are unfortunately exposed to the scorching Arizona sun all the time. Here, between the heat, UV rays, and desert dust, these planes aren’t exactly retiring in tropical paradise!

But what a sight!

There’s some serious hardware here. Some *very* serious hardware! So, all aboard... Let's go!

And rest assured, the latest series of planes is here! We won’t clutter the forum with hundreds of photos, even though, believe me, there’d be plenty to share! One thing’s for sure: this museum is absolutely worth the detour. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or just curious, there’s enough to spend several hours discovering all these machines and their history. And it’s a visit that can appeal to everyone—from kids to seniors like us. Just make sure to wear good shoes, bring water, and in summer, something to handle Arizona’s generous sunshine! So, if you're in the area… don’t hesitate to step into the Pima Air & Space Museum. You won’t regret it!

After leaving the Air and Space Museum, we cross Tucson from east to west—roughly—to head to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Along the way, we stop at Old Tucson, the famous reconstructed cowboy town that served as a backdrop for many Hollywood films and westerns.

After some back-and-forth among us—should we visit or not?—I end up booking for the following Thursday. I’ll come back to this visit later...

Next, we head to the Sonora Desert Museum, a huge open-air site dedicated to the fauna, flora, and, more broadly, the different biotopes of the Sonoran Desert. Unfortunately, the afternoon heat is really starting to weigh on us. And, let’s be honest, the prices also make us think twice...

In the end, we decide to skip the museum this afternoon. With this heat, it’s probably not the best time to fully enjoy it.

It’s time to head back to the hotel for a well-deserved nap anyway!

But before that, we pass through a pass that finally gives us what I’ve been waiting for: cacti! And not just three sad specimens lost by the side of the road... No, this time, they’re here in numbers, standing tall on the rocky slopes under the scorching Arizona sun. We’re really in the Sonoran Desert!

Back at the hotel with a parking lot packed like an egg! So, what's going on here? Turns out, it's a conference, a symposium, or some other big cultural event. Today's topic: bird conservation and the art of photographing them. On the agenda: exhibitors, photography gear vendors, wildlife conservation groups, and travel organizers from all over the world for birdwatching and photography trips... and, importantly, a very well-stocked bar, let's just say! I check it out, wander the booths, and, as usual, I chat. I talk with a young woman from Washington D.C., who, happily, speaks French very well. She explains the purpose of this big event, how it's organized, and the different activities on offer. In return, I ask her a simple question: — "And do politicians ever come by to see you?" Immediate answer: — "No, never!" Really? I tell her that back home, for an event this size, we’d probably have the mayor, deputy mayors, local officials, the president of the urban area or metro region, departmental councilors, regional reps, one or two MPs, maybe even a senator or two looking for reelection... In short, the usual crowd of parasites from all political stripes! How lucky Americans are! And now, after this little unexpected discovery, it's off to the room for a mandatory nap before heading out to explore the city. Because it's still just as hot in Tucson!

We can never thank you enough, Michel, for the time you spend making us dream—and beyond you, all those who do the same on this "old" (already 17 years for me, minus the Covid years) and precious forum. But through your reflections, your humor, and your self-deprecation, you make your stories gripping, even if the topics (e.g., aviation) don’t necessarily interest us. And I think, in the end, you’re someone we’d love to know and have as a friend.

So, if you're in the area... don't hesitate to push open the door of the Pima Air & Space Museum. You definitely won't regret it!

For sure, it looks amazing! I’d totally forgotten about this museum, but your photos put it right at the top of my must-visit list!

We can never thank you enough, Michel, for the time you devote to making us dream—and beyond you, all those who do the same on this "old" (already 17 years for me, minus the Covid years) and precious forum. But through your reflections, your humor, and your self-deprecation, you make your stories compelling even when the topics (e.g., aviation) don’t necessarily interest us. And I think, in the end, you’re someone we’d love to know and have as a friend.

Thanks for your message—it really warms my heart. I don’t know if I’m truly someone worth knowing, but hey, you never know. I love writing, and for self-deprecation, I’ve got Montaigne’s quote about the thrones of princes to keep me company: "No matter how high their thrones, etc., etc..."

As for aviation, yes, I’m a real enthusiast. A private pilot’s license holder, I haven’t flown in a year because, on one hand, costs have become excessive, and on the other, a runway excursion cooled my enthusiasm for continuing. So, not feeling the plane anymore, I preferred to stop and stay alive.

And then, simple laughter is part of my life. I’ve seen enough not-so-great things in my old job to mope and cry over my situation. So, music!! 😎

So, if you're in the area... don’t hesitate to step into the Pima Air & Space Museum. You won’t regret it!

Definitely, it looks amazing! I’d completely forgotten about this museum, but your photos put it right at the top of my must-visit list!

Yeah, it’s really great. The summer heat does limit the outdoor visit a bit, but the four buildings—including one dedicated solely to the B17—are totally worth the trip.

For aviation museums, though, nothing beats the one at Dulles Airport in Washington, DC! It’s absolutely massive! We spent 5.5 hours there! They even have a full space shuttle in its original condition! The only downside? Just one restaurant, and it’s a McDonald’s. Ugh!

Cheers.

After returning from our day between museums and cacti, a little nap is in order. Then we head to Downtown to try a restaurant and explore the city center a bit. Parking is a nightmare! Once again, I have to use the Metropolis app, which, of course, stubbornly refuses to work for me. Must be some political move or something… So I exit the parking garage a free woman and end up parking in a spot with a payment terminal. The app for the terminals doesn’t work either, and of course, I don’t have any change. Basta così! We’ll see if the local cops care about my case… A few steps into the city, surrounded by « buldinges », as my great-aunt Louise used to say, and it’s clear there aren’t many people out on the streets. Must be the holidays, I guess. Not many restaurants either, and—the cherry on top—a big storm starts brewing in the sky! The sky turns downright threatening. Not exactly keen on testing Arizona’s storms in the middle of Downtown… We rush back to the car before the downpour hits, then head straight to the hotel. In the end, it’s a quiet drink at the bar before heading back to the room and calling it a day—quite the packed one at that. Museums, planes, cacti, heat, stubborn parking, and a storm to finish it off… What a day!