By Scott Wagner, Photo by Donnette Wagner
The BMW CCA New Mexico Chapter July 2024 Cardinal Point Drive North gathered at the Nambe Falls Travel Center on US 84 near Pojoaque, NM at 9:30 am, July 13, 2024. With 16 club members in 9 BMWs, the drive headed north on US 84, before turning left onto NM 502 toward Los Alamos. The turn-off onto NM 4 took the group onto the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway leading to White Rock where the White Rock Overlook was the first stop. The stunning view of the Rio Grande as it runs through White Rock Canyon was a new experience for many of the participants.
After some group photos and a brief bathroom break, the caravan continued on NM 4 to the Valles Caldera. At this stop, Geoff and Vera Holme’s 335is had a problem with its cooling system. It seems their car, recently returned from having an engine transplant, had a lower radiator hose that wasn’t quite fully seated. The mountain passes provided just enough pressure to pop it off, releasing all the precious coolant. Thanks to the brilliant work by some of our illustrious club members, the problem was diagnosed and corrected in short order. Kudos to Robert Pratt and Peter Brisbine for their knowledge and experience! A run to the ranger station for a case of water to cool off the overheated car saved the day. This, of course, required another group picture.
From here, it was on to Jemez Springs for lunch at the famous Los Ojos Restaurant and Saloon. Following a leisurely lunch, the drive continued on NM 4 through the Jemez Pueblo, home to fabulous red rock cliffs, then on to San Ysidro where NM 4 ends. Finally, it was down US 550 to Bernalillo and home.
Photos by Peter Brisbine, Phil Undercuffler, and Donnette Wagner
