I got in last night, but the advertised wireless in my hotel didn't work. I did manage to get a late dinner at the Frontier Restaurant on Central. Not a bad Mexican combo.

I had a meeting out at Kirtland this morning, and I'm heading down to Las Cruces soon. I hope that the wireless at my hotel down there isn't falsely advertised.

[Evening update]

I arrived without incident. I actually did consider taking the scenic drive recommended in comments, just based on how it looked on the map, but I decided that I'd be doing half of it in the dark. Maybe some other time.

And thankfully (again per comments) my Albuquerque visit was carjacking free.

We'll see how the wireless is this year out at the symposium, which starts at 8 AM tomorrow.

Didn't you learn your lessons from last year?

Rand,
Have fun in NM. But be careful. Last time I was there (May), I was also in ABQ, KAFB, and Las Cruces. I was there about a week, and on my last night, while on Central (at Circle K farther East than Frontier), I got carjacked. It was the get in and let's go for a ride style of carjacking. Two thugs, one driving, me in passenger seat, one behind me. They explained in graphic terms how they were going to f*** me up, then kill me and dump me in the river. While we were at an ATM machine stealing my $, I realized that the driver couldn't get out (too close to machine), and that the backseat thug couldn't get out (car had childproof back door locks), so I exited stage right and ran, commando-style, eventually arriving at Cervantes (my favorite Mexican restaurant in ABQ, on Gibson). The rental car was eventually recovered, but I lost several thousand worth of computer, camera, luggage, not to mention a couple months worth of mojo. Cops have still taken no action as far as I can tell.

Anyhow, have fun, be careful. Also, if you want to avoid I25, I highly recommend taking NM 55, east of the Manzanos, and then coming in to LC across the Organs (if you have time). You'll drive right by our place at the foot of the Manzanos north of Mountainair.

Best,
Chris

Chris,sorry about your experience,you are aware that our laws allow you to carry a loaded,concealed weapon in your car,no permit needed? I never go anywhere without mine,'specially when I have to drive into Albuquerque (I live in Edgewood).

He's right on with the advice to take 55 Rand,it's an underappreciated drive,beautiful scenery with the Abó & Quarai ruins if you have an extra 1/2 hour or so (I think Quarai's prettier).

New Mexico state motto: "Now with running water!"