thepie

What an amazing journey, a once in a lifetime experience to backpack into the Canyon for 5 days 4 nights on a 30 mile loop carrying 50 pounds of weight. I was asked by my hiking friends to step in on this journey for another friend who was injured. I was not in backpacking shape but could not turn down this opportunity. I am so glad that I made the journey! Along the journey I conquered some of my fears. Walking a narrow ledge of a step slope toward a shear cliff tested my fear of heights (or fear of falling). Hiding under a rock formation during a lightening storm tested my fear of lightening (or getting zapped). Sleeping on bare dirt tested my fear of spiders, snakes, and rodents. But the beauty of the Canyon, the amazing formations, the change of terrain, the colors, the smells, and the waterfalls were all so breath taking. And the bonding among new friends by sharing meals and helping each other survive was a great experience. I do recommend going with several experienced people. Also if I were to ever do this again I would make sure to train for a couple months before making the trek.

My hike team went to the Manzano mountains while I opted out for the balloon fiesta, but I did make up the hike by hiking the foothills of the Sandias. It is obvious that winter is right around the corner. So this was my last preparation before the feature hike of Mount Taylor. I am ready to take it on!

My 6th hike was to Chaco Canyon and this was actually an easy hike, and I needed a break from the last one! But I have to say Chaco Canyon is my favorite place. It is amazing that an ancient culture could build such amazing structures with precise circles and stone work. The architect came out in me and I wondered how they accomplished building these structures.
I have been to Chaco before and thought I had seen most of the ruins but this hike introduced me to more. The hike took our team up the side of the cliffs through a path in the stone up on top of the Mesa. The hike loop was a little over 5 miles with stops at two ruins (still unearthed) and then along the rim. The view from the top was a complete 360 degrees of northern New Mexico. Along the rim I could look down on the ruins and see it in plan view. We descended off the cliff just as it started to rain so the timing was perfect.

Hike #5 was up by the Santa Fe ski slopes. I hiked a trail that started near the ski slopes and ended at Nambe lake. The leaves on the aspens are changing and the colors vary from all shades of green to yellow and some red. It is beautiful and if you get a chance go for a drive in the mountains because the aspens are in full color. Get out your cameras and sketchbooks and go visit a mountain.