Katherine, Cuchara, and 8 Hours in the Car

This weekend was another busy one making it the 6th weekend in a row we've not spent at home. My parents were headed to Cuchara, and both Chris and I decided that we should try and stay around here. Especially since our pet babysitters were taking off. So Friday Chris and I made our 4th and last attempt to hike to Lake Katherine from the Holy Ghost Trail in Pecos. This has been the most frustrating, elusive hike we've ever done. Our first attempt was in June of this year. We made it about 4 miles before we had to turn around because of the snow. The next time, a few weeks later, we brought along snow shoes. We were forced to turn back when there was so much snow we lost the trail. At the time, we figured we were within 100 feet of reaching Katherine. Not so! The 3rd time we came up from Winsor Trail, but it began lightening and Chris made the decision to turn us around. This time we had no expectations about reaching the lake. We just ambled along, enjoyed all the fall colors, and FINALLY, we made it! Eight miles later, we sat down beside the lake (which isn't as pretty as the ones in Carson National Forest, by the way) to eat our lunch. And, wouldn't you know it: it began to hail. It was very cold up there, so we packed up and headed back down the mountain. We couldn't figure out why it was so dark outside when we got back to the car. Neither of us owns a watch, so when the car clock read 6 p.m. we were more than a little surprised. We'd been hiking for 8 hours. We drove back to Santa Fe where we ate Curry Soup (so yummy) at a Vietnamese restaurant, and made our way to my parent's house where Sidney the Cat was eagerly awaiting Trudy's arrival. He loves to pounce on her.

I don't know how he did it after our loooong hike, but Chris woke up on Sat. to play flag football. Trudy and I (his biggest fans) went to the park to watch. He's such a stud...at least Trudy and I think so.

After the game, Chris and I talked about what we could possibly do with this long weekend at home when he decided that Colorado was still calling to him. We left the poor cat to fend for himself at my parents, headed home to pack, and left around 2 for Stonewall, Colorado. We were very kindly offered bunk beds in the same room my parents were staying in Cuchara, but we respectfully turned down that offer for a cute inn across the street from the Cabot Ranch. The wind blew horribly that night, but Chris and I slept like babies. The next morning (Sunday) we made our way to the Harnley's, where everyone was preparing to drive back home. Chris took Monday off, so we waved goodbye and went on a very short hike by Blue and Bear Lakes. Somehow we worked up a fierce appetite and drove to the Dog Bar where Trudy is always welcome.

Our trip home on Monday was a long 8 hours as we decided to take the scenic route through Cimarron, Eagle's Nest, and Angel Fire. It was beautiful up there, but we were very ready to be home.

This weekend is the Greek Festival at the Greek Orthodox Church in Albuquerque, and as much as I like to travel, I think we're going to enjoy the food and dancing in town.

Camping Trip With Carrie & Jacob

Sharing a sleeping bag with Trudy, two sleepless nights, and a 14 mile hike: these are the days of our lives. We went camping this weekend with Carrie and Jacob near Truchas, NM in a beautiful spot by a stream. There were no 30 pound packs to carry, unlike my first camping experience. Instead a large tent, a blow-up mattress, and even a picnic table figured into this posh camping experience.

We chose the site based on the gorgeous hike Chris and I had done before. Carrie and Jacob were troupers! Unused to the altitude, they made it to the lakes (hiking 7 miles to 11,000 feet) where we lit a fire and took naps and just enjoyed the quiet and serenity of a remote mountain lake. Everyone but me slept like a rock that night; I was so cold I chose to share my mummy sleeping bag with Trudy. She warmed me up, but it was a tight fit. Before bedtime, though, Carrie and I decided that a bath was needed, so we warmed up some creek water, donned a bikini, and made our respective husbands soap and pour. It was truly a cold, yet refreshing experience. I would recommend it highly. Who says you can't enjoy all the comforts of home while camping? Obviously they've never gone with the McKeans...for pics follow this link: http://s235.photobucket.com/albums/ee281/janemckean/Camping%20Trip/?action=view&current=CIMG2746.jpg.

The Perfect Saturday

We do quite a bit of hiking, especially in the Pecos, but our favorite trail we just discovered last Saturday. We started out in exactly the same spot as our hike with Nick and Jenny which is by Truchas, New Mexico, down a long dirt forest service road (with Chris 4 wheel driving in his Maxima), and finally, the trail head. This trail to Trampas Lakes was longer (5.5 miles one way)but easier than the one we did with Nick and Jenny, but I believe the lakes, as well as the trail, were actually prettier. So far we've been impressed with Carson National Forest and although I love the hikes we've done in Pecos, this side of the mountains is more lush and beautiful. My partiality to this hike does not stem from the fact that A) I didn't fall down the mountain at all this time and B) it didn't rain/hail/sleet/snow on us on our way back. In fact, we were prepared for this eventuality which is probably why it didn't happen.

After our long hike, we were ready for some serious food and took the high road to Taos. We were craving pizza, and so we stumbled upon Taos Pizza Outback. The name threw us and we decided that we didn't want to eat at Outback pizza, but it was a great restaurant with picnic tables and huge cottonwood trees outside. The perfect casual atmosphere when you've been hiking all day. The only non-perfect element was the price...$23 for a medium pizza. We didn't even have meat! But, it was yummy and we ate the whole thing. And so, it was a perfect day, even the long drive back home was worth it.

Hail Hath Fury

We spent a wonderful weekend with Nick & Jenny as our guests. Chris had his long weekend, so we ate at Los Compadres (yum!), and then went on a hike near Truchas, New Mexico. It was one of the prettiest hikes I've been on in N.M, very lush and green and humid. We followed a stream for about 3 miles to two small lakes that were absolutely gorgeous. There is a reason, however, they say to try to make it to the lakes by noon to avoid the mountain showers. Not only did we get showered upon, we were pelted with hail and had to seek cover. Poor Trudy was with us, and our fearless leader throughout the whole hike, dug a hole under a tree and curled up in a little ball and whined. We made it back down the mountain in record time by running. It was bound to happen sometime as Chris and I always get caught in the rain and end up running miles back to the car...I fell and decided to check out what road rash feels like (not good). I got pretty banged up and asked Chris if I could tell people it was a bicycle accident rather than a walking accident. Somehow that doesn't sound quite as goofy. He told me next time I could wear a helmet. Thank you, honey. So very helpful.

A Trip to the Colorado Mountains

Chris and I (with my mom) just returned from Cuchara, Colorado. We had a great time hanging out with our parents and their friends who are, of course, twice our age. This tends to be the case lately with friends: our next door neighbors are an awesome couple in their 40's and we find them such fun! They love Trudy too...so, really, they must be lovely people.

Back to the trip: it was such a relaxing time. We were prayed for, fed, given a fun retro cabin to stay in (I don't think it is purposefully retro, but just hasn't been updated in 50 years), and sent home happy. I even went on my first tall mountain climb at 13,600 feet.

Chris and I hike alot, but I've never hiked a really tall mountain, and now I've got the fever. There isn't anything much better than being outdoors, conquering a mountain with my hubby.