If my eye had not been captured by a lovely linen postcard at the flea market, I might never have learned of Ruidoso, New Mexico and the Noisy River.
Ruidoso is a mountain village in south central New Mexico, an area that experienced rapid development in recent years. The village is adjacent to the Lincoln National Forest and to the slopes of Ski Apache, a ski resort owned by the Mescalero Apache Indians. The tribe also operates a casino, hotel, and golf course in the area.
Here is the Wiki article on Ruidoso, New Mexico
I remember reading about flash flooding that destroyed a beautiful rustic camping area in New Mexico in 2008, but I did not recall reading the name of the Ruidoso River until I read the Wiki story about this tragedy.
"The town and the river was (sic) hit by devastating flash flooding from late at night on July 26, 2008 through July 27, 2008. The remnant circulation of Hurricane Dolly passed over the area and brought as much as 9 inches of rainfall. Hundreds of tourists, campers and residents were evacuated and the storm caused damage at the Ruidoso Downs racetrack. One person was killed in the flooding, approximately 900 persons required rescue, approximately 500 structures were damaged, and initial damage estimates for Ruidoso were in the range of $15– 20 million."
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Here is a clear linen image of the area circa 1940, when the region was sparsely populated - mostly by the Apaches.
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Comments: 21
Oh, indeed, Julia.
I love the name, too.
Great write!!
Glad that you enjoy the postcard.
I remember hearing about the devastation in a remote area of new Mexico, but I did not recall a mention of the Rio Ruidoso.
I can't help but speculate about who may have visited the resort back then. I would imagine that at that time New Mexico was somewhat less accessible to the average American, so I'd expect the area to have a wealthier clientele. Whatever might be said about modern society otherwise, it does seem to me that more of the world is accessible to more ordinary people than in the past.
You are probably correct, Dave.
Julia noted how much better it is to visit a place before it is "discovered".
New Mexico certainly has an abundance of unusual geological oddities.
Connecticut streams have been known to flood, too.
It is, very often, variations in plants - especially species of trees.
The Rio Ruidoso is described as a fast-moving stream - so one might realize that life was rushing by, too.
The thunderstorms and sunsets sound delightful.