WELL-----DARN!
I was hoping the rumor was true--the source may have been talking about the Alb Fly In that you reference. Sure did like the weather in the Las Cruces area (as well as Santa Maria) in early Oct. That time of year offers a high probability of clear, cool, and low winds---AND, on a more selfish note, it is only 1.5 hrs from my base in KPRC!
Cheers,
db