Monday, May 8

I’m sitting here, typing in the near dark, in hopes that the three cow elk that were up the hill from our campsite will come back out to let us get a glimpse.  New Mexico (or this part, at the very least) is beautiful.  The thunder is rumbling nearby, and we’re in for some nasty weather. I’m sure the Elk know that, and they are trying to get some feeding in before they bed down through the weather.

Today was a full day. We awoke (in this absolutely beautiful setting) with the idea of doing a bit of a hike. We wanted to start somewhat small, as we’re at a much higher elevation than we’re used to.  Our highest summit at home is 6,288 feet above sea level, and that’s probably about where we’re starting at here.

(For the record, I just shined a light up the hill and caught a glimpse of glowing eyes…. likely Elk. Hopefully Elk!)

Devisadero (David Sedaris?) Peak was referred to as a “Locals Favorite” but the signs were awfully confusing… the hike was either 5.7 miles… or 11.4…. “Oh, well. Let’s do it.”  It was beautiful - views of snow-covered Wheeler Peak (highest in NM? 13,xxx ft) and Taos and surrounding desert areas. As it turns out, the hike was likely 5.7, which is probably a good thing, because Cooper seemed to be having a rough go of it… every time he decided to pee, he chose a Prickly Pear Cactus to stand on… silly dog. We arrived back at my truck to find that the cap had  been left open…. luckily nothing was missing.

View of Taos

::skip boring stuff::

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge! Woah! A steel bridge spanning across the Rio Grande Gorge, obviously, with the Rio Grande flowing below.  Emily crossed the bridge as I reluctantly followed behind, clutching the railing and squeezing my buttcheeks together the whole way (moaning with every step).  Each pedestrian overlook on the bridge also conveniently hosted a “Crisis Hotline” call box. Well played, New Mexico.  On the way off the bridge, some young punks were lifting each other over their shoulders in joking maneuvers of throwing each other over the railing. Get a job, kids.

well played, NM

We later found a very private little hot spring on the Rio Grande down a long dirt road, and a half mile hike into the canyon. It was more like a warm spring, but the water was crystal clear, in glaring contrast to the opaque brown Rio Grande just a foot away. It felt like bath water but who doesn’t like a good bath? Plus we were the only ones there!

"warm" spring

After a quick stop at Taos Mesa Brewery for discounted happy hour pints (dude, this brewery makes stellar beer), we found our way back to our campsite, and here we are, hunkered down in what seems like the thousandth thunder storm since our journey began, this time with some hail! Oh hail no!  The Elk are still grazing up on the hill, like badasses, and Cooper is passed out on his bed.

More coming soon - our usual blog update time has been filled with late nights in Boulder.