A New Mexico Holiday
A gathering of Karen's family for Thanksgiving in New Mexico gave us an opportunity to swap the grey Northwest for some sunshine. We spent several days in Albuquerque, where (besides hanging out and eating) we walked and hiked in the Sandia Mountains, which form a barrier along the eastern edge of the city. Nice fresh air, interesting vegetation, long views, and quiet! Cholla Cactus at Sunset Yucca The family then relocated to a mountain cabin near Jemez Springs, about an hour northwest of Albuquerque. On the way, we hiked on an interesting spine in the middle of the desert (Dragon's Back). The following day, we hiked to McCauley Warm Springs (85-90F ... about perfect on a cold winter's day) and on to Jemez Falls. Driving back to Albuquerque, we stopped at Valles Caldera National Preserve. It's main feature is a huge, flattish meadow in a collapsed volcano. Big country! We also stopped at Bandelier National Monument, which cont...