An interesting time to visit White Sands National Monument is during a wind storm. The gypsum (it's not really sand) drifts like fine snow. You get ready to step out into this frozen world but then it's about 75 degrees out. My senses were confused. The wind also reduces numbers of other tourists.
Annie didn't think breathing gypsum was a very good idea. She's probably right.
Roots holding on to maintain there little stationary islands in a moving world.
The town of Truth or Consequences in central New Mexico is built on natural hot springs. Some how the town has also been able to avoid changing since the 50's. Renovation goes on and we were lucky enough to find this newly renovated hot tub motel. The hot tubs are concrete with bottoms made of small river rock where the water just flows up through and out the drain, constantly.. a must stop along the banks of the Rio Grande.
Annie in fully soaked relaxed mode.
Annie and I took the 12 mile drive to the mining town of Mogollon. Definitely not a road for people who are afraid of heights. The road climbs up to about 10000 feet elevation and gets narrower and steeper as you go. Definitely one lane most places with blind curves and drop offs with seemingly no bottoms. Spectacular views of the valleys when you can find a pull-out.
Mogollon is still alive but barely. Mining has dried up and a few people hang on by tourism. Artists from Texas filled the streets in the 50's and 60's.
I was told this was once a gallery.
Catwalk canyon, a remnant from mining days is a must see place in western New Mexico. The trail travels up a slot canyon that would be impassable without the construction of the catwalks. They were originally built to support a water line that carried water to a mine. Approximately 15 years ago the catwalk was still made of the original metal, very rusty and questionably safe. Recent upgrades changed the flavor of the experience but not the canyon. This image is at the top of the trail.
It doesn't take much to get this suspension bridge jumping.
This must have been placed by helicopter?
The newest wheelchair accessible section.
I finally dragged Annie, scratching and clawing out of Arizona. We stopped in western New Mexico and stayed two nights in a one room cabin just out of the town of Glenwood. Our first hike took us up a slot canyon called Alma Creek. Evening light made the adventure even more dream like. A must see place. At the mouth of the canyon we found the above fence post being eaten by a large tree, sort of taking back its own kind.
This area is a little death valley with all its interesting rock formations except it has water.
Our daughter Faith gifted us with an evening at Camp La Paloma. Yes that's Starbucks coffee.
