Mini-reunion planned for Ruidoso
Plans are being completed for another mini reunion Aug. 24-27 for the 99th Infantry Division veterans and their friends in the cool mountains of southern New Mexico.
Average late-August high temperatures are in the upper 70s and the average low is 45 degrees. Dress for all events will be informal, but remember to bring a jacket or sweater.
Ruidoso NM, is known for its race track (home of the world's richest quarter horse race). There also are two casinos, skiing in season, elk, deer, and turkey hunting, and several nice restaurants.
All room rates for 99'ers will be discounted 33 1/3 percent. Two-bedroom cabins, Sunday through Thursday, are $60 per night; three-bedroom units are $80 per night. The discounted rate is available Aug. 22-29. If you plan to stay longer, make reservations as soon as possible. The Labor Day weekend always is sold out.
Headquarters for the mini reunion will be High Country Lodge on Meachum Drive, about four miles north of Ruidoso. This family-type lodge has two bedrooms, living room with wood-burning fireplace, cable TV, air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, covered porch, and paved parking.
The lodge also has a meeting room, game room, indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi spa and sauna, and an outdoor tennis court.
Big Pine Lodge, under the same ownership and management, is located two miles south. The rooms there are a little larger and there are some three-bedroom and two-bath units.
For a mountain resort, Ruidoso is easy to find. Arriving from the north from Albuquerque, take I-25 south 90 miles to San Antonio NM, east 70 miles on U.S.-380 to Nogal, then 30 miles on U.S.-33 to High Country Lodge.
Driving from El Paso TX, take U.S.-54 north 100 miles to Tularosa, then 20 miles on U.S.-70 to Ruidoso.
From the east take U.S.-380 to the intersection of U.S.-70, then left for 27 miles to Ruidoso.
For those who intend to come by air, fly into El Paso TX, 120 miles south of Ruidoso, then rent a car or take the shuttle to Ruidoso. The shuttle is $50 per person (round trip) if six people are available. Reservations for the shuttle have to be made ahead of time.
You can fly into Albuquerque NM, about 180 miles from Ruidoso. Rent a car or find one or two connecting flights a day to Ruidoso. Times of these flights vary. Check Rio Grande Airlines in Albuquerque for up-to-date schedules. After arriving at the Ruidoso airport, call High Country Lodge and someone will come pick you up.
Vans will be available for most local transportation.
Reunion co-chairman J.R. McIlroy says, "None of the activities are mandatory and many have been here before. We only want to give you a chance to get together and visit."
For more information contact organizers, McIlroy, PO Box 98, Celina TX 75009, 972-382-2683 or Bob Fickett, 702 W 6th, Kaufman TX 75142, 972-932-0101.
Call High Country Lodge, Alto NM, 1-800-845-7265 for reservations. They also have an e-mail address: highcountry@zianet.com.
