Finally, I was headed downhill. Unfortunately, the strong headwind now became more of a factor than it had been while I was climbing.

The high plains were broken up only by the occasional low butte. As my time remaining in New Mexico dwindled, I was going to miss the state's dramatic cloud formations.

Halfway to Springerville, I saw this billboard. I was thinking how I could tell the motel clerk that I just rode in.

Two horses came over to the fence to say goodbye to me just before I left New Mexico.

This cow just stared at me, and considering those horns I was glad to be at a safe distance.

Although I would miss New Mexico, I was looking forward to Arizona, too.

This first hill didn't look so bad, but after three or four of them it started to get old (and I started to get tired).