Spring can be such
a tease. We’ve gone from
30 degrees and windy to 65 and sunny and back again during the past few weeks,
making it difficult to decide if I need snowshoes or sunscreen on the hiking
trail. However, I have had the
opportunity to enjoy some really beautiful hikes in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Los
Alamos despite the cantankerous climate.
My mom was in town
for Easter week again this year and we enjoyed some beautiful hikes
together. We went to Bandelier
National Monument, a wilderness region near Los Alamos that features thousands
of acres of trails and remnants of the pueblo people who once resided there.
Last weekend I took
Kua down to the Sandia mountains near Albuquerque to hike La Luz. It was my first time hiking all the way
to the top and back down. (The first
time Jaycob and I hiked this trail we took the tram down, but unfortunately no
dogs allowed on the tram!) I had
forgotten how much I love La Luz.
The trail is about 14-16 miles round trip, and what I love most about it
is the change in vegetation as we gained elevation, from dry dirt and cacti at
the bottom to deciduous trees and snow as we approached the peak.
This morning I was
hoping to do some trail running in preparation for a duathlon that Jaycob and I
are doing in a couple weeks. I
took Kua to the Aspen Vista trail, a gradual uphill climb with scenic views
that we have hiked a number of times.
We got some snow in Santa Fe this week and I was surprised at how much
was still on the ground up on the mountain. My core strength and ankle stability were definitely
challenged, to say the least. I
planned to hike the entire trail, about 11 miles round trip, but was forced to
retire after sinking knee deep into the snow a few times.
Kua had a blast,
though! It was such a relief to do
Aspen Vista without the normal Saturday crowds. (I guess most Santa Feans are sick of the snow and opted for
warmer, lower altitude hikes today.)
Kua had the time of her life running laps in the snow and chasing
birds. Her happiness is
contagious!
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