But my first stop was actually before I got to Albuquerque. I exited at Bernalillo and drove about 10 miles up US550 to an historical marker for Santa Ana Pueblo. Here I found C4's NM Sunset. This was a quick and easy find and I stamped in sitting in the car because it was still a little chilly when I found the box. After replacing the box I made my way to Albuquerque.
My next stop was Sophia's to find a box that I tried for before but couldn't get to because the place was really busy and someone was sitting right where I needed to be. So I decided to try again. Today the place was empty when I arrived. So I put my things on the table near where the box is hidden and then I ordered some breakfast. After ordering I quickly nabbed the box and stamped in while they were preparing my breakfast burrito. I was even able to rehide the box before any other customers showed up and before my food was ready. I was glad to finally get this box. A couple of things about the place . . . first, the food is fantastic. My breakfast burrito smothered in red chili was delicious. And second, they are changing the name of the place to Eli's. Everything about the place is the same - the same owner, the same menu and food and the same atmosphere - only the name will be different. You can read a great review at Gil's Thrilling (and Filling) blog. When I finished my meal I left and continued my letterboxing. Next I went in search of Wronghat's Epicure's Icon. I followed the clues and made it to the location and found a spot to park. Then from the car I found the hiding spot and quickly made my way to it. I easily found the box and then stamped at one of the picnic tables. It was still early and the area wasn't busy so I had no problem getting to the box. 
Once I was done here I drove to the Sandia Peak Tramway. I parked in the lower lot and followed the clues to easily find Dopey Dogs visit ABQ by Dopey Dogs. This was another quick and easy find and I stamped in while sitting in the car and then I replaced the box. Next I headed to Holiday Park to find a couple of boxes by Fan Five. The listings on AQ show six boxes but the clues only lead to two - it was all very confusing. Anyways, I parked and started following the clues. The first box I looked for lead to the edge of a school and the to the edge of a concrete arroyo. The slope was a little steep so I decided the box with the store bought stamp wasn't worth sliding head first into concrete. And there were people at a playground across from the arroyo and they were looking right at me so I didn't think I could be stealthy. So I returned the way I came and then I followed the clues for the second box. This area seemed better and I felt I was safe and hidden so that no one could see me. Unfortunately I didn't find the box - I think I was in the right spot but there was no box. I decided to cut my losses and head out. I had a clue for one last box and I had looked for that box one before and didn't find it. So I decided to try again just in case and since I was close to the area I headed there. I again came up empty handed so I think the Oh Deer! box is missing.I had a great time celebrating my 9th anniversary and finding boxes. I am now at 3678 finds. After all this time I still love going out and finding boxes and I still love all the interesting places this hobby takes me. I am looking forward to many more years of letterboxng!
