Neuvo Mexico Dos

Post 47

The ancient Pueblo ruins contained within Bandelier National Monument are some of the most scenic and well preserved cliff dwellings we’ve had the opportunity and enjoyment of touring. Located north of Albuquerque and directly east of the capital Santa Fe, these primitive stone residents are a popular excursion off the highway. We spent an afternoon wandering the walking paths and climbing the ladders among the canyon walls. Sitting within the cool air of the cave-like grotto structures we examined the subtle intricacies of the Puebloan apartments.

This was an absolutely fascinating and very cool way to experience a ancient ruin. It is extremely unique and hands-on in comparison to the usual way these fragile places are viewed. Which is from a drivable distant overlook, adjacent to the cliff dwelling across the canyon wall separated by a deep gorge. At the Bandelier site, rather than simply viewing the dwellings from afar, you get to walk through and use your senses to explore them. You can see, touch, feel and smell the environment and conditions that the people who inhabited these structures existed in. Sitting cross-legged we reflect upon what it would have been like to call this canyon and rock dwelling home. Unfortunately we were also compelled to reflect as to why so many inconsiderate people feel the need to vandalize, mark or write their names on the walls of these majestic places. Practicing Leave No Trace ethics will help preserve sensitive environmental and historical places for the next generation to enjoy.

The following day we rose in the dim early hours of dawn to attempt to summit New Mexico’s highest peak. At 13,159 feet Wheeler Peak towers above it’s jagged rock neighbors and the narrow river cut valleys below. The night before we had camped on the outskirts of the quaint touristy town of Taos, located in the flat pasture land beneath these giant rocky slopes. From here we had a 30 minute drive up the windy canyon road to the ski resort and trailhead. At 14 

miles round trip to the summit and back, including nearly 4,000 feet of vertical elevation gain and loss we were in for an arduous lengthly day. Within the first three miles of our trek the steep boulder strewn trail had tested our physical and mental reserves. Thankfully it had also placed us high above the stunted gnarled pine trees on a picturesque golden hued ridge line. We shared this incredible day with two other hikes farther along the path guiding us forward. On the grass covered slanted hillside above, clumsy looking marmots bounded about. With each step their bushy tails spun like helicopters.

Walking along the spine of the mountain eventually brought us to a high point and large pile of rocks signifying our journeys end. Becky unscrewed the metal cylinder that contained the summit log book while two festively plump chipmunks strategically surrounded us. They had taken us for suckers who would gladly feed them. Unlucky for them they were gravely mistaken. Yes indeed they were pathetically cute, but feeding them only results in their inability to provide for themselves. On countless occasions in situations such as this, we’ve had to more or less scold (educate) ignorant hikers about the harm of feeding the wildlife. We’re always very polite when we do so, but sometimes Becky wants to make sure they get the message. We’ve never done this, but her plan is to walk up to a inconsiderate animal feeder and throw a rock at the mooching rodent to scare it away. Then addressing the offending hiker she would pick up another rock and with conviction state, “You’re next!”