24.28 Sabino Canyon, Tucson, Arizona: Blackett's Ridge, the park's premier trail.

We left Van Horn, Texas heading for Los Cruces, New Mexico but stopped at Guadalupe National Park for a follow-up
hike of the peak of the same name, Texas' highest, undertaken two days before. This too was a great experience, reaching
the Permian Reef Ridge. However, using current nomenclature, we'd have to rate it 'JV' in comparison but not by much though.
After two nights in Los Cruces, a short stop at City Rocks State Park enroute, we arrived in Tucson, Arizona.



Getting close to ground-level again, colors clearer. This is a land of the cactus.





Blankett's Peak on the editor's birthday; Jenni's face tells it all.





A scene that informs much about Tucson.




Delightful scenes at altitude without any 'attitude'.





Could be the 'two-step' but who knows with him. Wouldn't interrupt just yet, he should be concentrating.




The Blackett's Ridge Trail is close to town making it a favorite with the locals. It's a great workout with views
to...live for. Tucson has been the source of one positive surprise after another. Ignorance may be bliss but it's
not a wonderful attribute. We have avoided this city to our disadvantage. Natalie went to the university and so,
at the time, we got a particular perception of it. Admittedly, it was a while before mountains began to play a
bigger (higher) role in our lives.

The city is fairly large but the attraction is the extensive and attractive surrounding mountains. Another factor is
that outside of summer, the weather is mild or mostly conducive to our activities. Finally, besides Cape Town,
we don't believe we have visited a city that has so many beautiful mountains surrounding it with what seems,
reasonable access.




Part of Tucson from above but focusing on the back mountains.





Some things are so attractive and so dangerous.





School's in, on the slopes.





We thought this spectacular...still do.





I don't know who/which is more 'prickly'





When we arrived at the peak, some 1,700 feet and seven-miles roundtrip, we saw two students, one with his back to us.
He looked so much like our younger son Robbie that I was wondering whether it was in fact him. I let the imagination
run wild and thought what a surprise: Robbie traveled to be with his Mom on her birthday and not only that; he found
out where we were hiking and surprised her further. This of course proved that imagination and logic often run
in different directions. We spent a while talking with these youngsters which was time well spent. Jenni, not rudely,
interrupted the meeting to announce that it was close to 12pm and we hadn't eaten breakfast yet.




On the following day, at a higher peak on the western side, we met Mike, a scientist. It was difficult to leave but
the editor got us returning to the trail after nearly an hour of conversation. Mike, a local with international experience,
reminded us of a friend from La Jolla, Gary Frank. We both recognized his similarity in personality and outlook. It
was really wonderful to be with Gary...that should read Mike.



Color along the wash.





Is it me or does the editor spend a lot of time relaxing at peaks?





Editor buys a new hat...for me this time. However, she makes me try on the peek at the peak.




The cacti are simple, clean-looking and 'vicious'.





We'd like to think that's 'Team Lazarow'; can't think who else it might be.




Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey

24.24 Perin Peak, Durango, 24.25 Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque, 24.26 Lost Lake, Red River, NM, 24.27 Devisadero, NM.

We fell behind in our postings so we accumulated a few pictures from the above four hikes. Most took
place in the enchanted state, New Mexico. Frankly, we like this state very much, enchanted or not.



Something to cheer a person...somewhere in Durango, Colorado.





A scene from a delightful mountain edge across the way, near Red River, New Mexico.





The birds are extremely uncooperative...a blue-jay, we think.





Love these scenes from Perrin Peak, Durango, CO. We had some 'hairy' moments on that ridge.





After nearly 2,400 feet climb, the editor sits and rests at a deserted ski-resort, Angel Fire, NM.





It's enough snow for today...thanks. (Lost Lake hike near Red River, NM.) This was the
only part of the trail not covered in snow completely.





You can have the strawberry yoghurt or the...strawberry...your choice. Devisadero, a local
peak (includes a bench) on the enchanted circle, New Mexico. It was on this trail we met Cleve
(Cleveland) who's name opens him to much 'abuse'. He is a rather special person which came across
clearly after spending time with him. He also suggested we visit Rio Grande Park, which we did. We
hope to meet Akron again...sorry.





The Pino Trail to the ridge of the Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque, New Mexico. This nine mile hike, with
2,800 feet elevation gain, was tiring on the day. Aren't they all!





A view from part-way down the Pino Trail of the suburbs of Albuquerque.





Perrin Peak, Durango, Colorado.





The town of Red River positioned on the 'enchanted circle', a few miles from the hike.





'It's okay, the teddy bears are not having their picnic in this weather.'





"You've got that loving...sinking feeling" on Lost Lake Trail, Red River.'





A scene from the ridge on Lost Lake Trail near Red River.




Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey

24.23 Carlsbad Cavern and Chihuahuan Desert: Of Depth and Height and a whole lot between.

The scenes in Carlsbad Cavern are unique, extraordinary and captivating. We hiked down into the cavern
nearly 800 feet and then walked through the various 'rooms'. On the way out, we had a little race to the top—the editor
has become quite competitive. You might have to think about that one. Anyway, each scene should be left to
the imagination to identify, put a description to it or relate to, in a fashion. Therefore, we've left off captions.

Perhaps another thing that made an impression is at the bottom, there was a restaurant and shop. That really tickled us.
We also ate our brunch down at the bottom. They have a rule that one can 'sort' of eat one's own food down in the cavern
but cannot take it out because they don't want people eating along the passages. Makes sense. However, one could of course
eat on the trail coming down the path. This presented some logistical and logical issues but then a lot in life does
that for us.

The caverns fill with bats, many hundreds of them. Fortunately, it wasn't siesta time when we visited. The weather is
not an issue in the cavern as it remains constant (warm) and slightly humid. Comes the revolution, we know where to hide.

All pictures are in adjacent regions. The mountains sit above or close to the caverns. It's a fascinating region.
Once again the deserts are proving to be some of the most attractive places to visit and enjoy.



















A view of Guadalupe Peak, showing its prominence with El Capitan, on right. We reached the peak last Friday.
It is the highest in Texas. Hard to believe the peak is 700 feet higher than the one on the right. The mountain
is twenty minutes south of the caverns.

















A completely different scene but within the region. Sunset at White Sands.














Caught in the 'headlights' at White Sands Monument.














The salt flats as viewed from Guadalupe Peak.









Jenni reaches the peak of the McKittrick Canyon hike, Permian Ridge, in Guadalupe National Park.
Behind her are the caverns not too many miles away.




Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey

24.22 Guadalupe Peak, National Park of same name, West Texas.

Peak of Guadalupe in howling winds at American Airlines obelisk tribute. Texas's highest
peak at 8,751 feet.




We left Dallas after the family function heading for…we were not sure. Abilene, Big Springs, Sweetwater, Midlands
and Frog town…sorry, Kermit and then we left Texas for the night reaching White’s City. The next morning we visited
Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. We returned to Texas for a climb to Guadalupe Peak and then finished the week
in Van Horn. Phew! We’re tired after that. You have to admire the Texans. Everything is bigger and better
than anywhere else…well, the mountains are not. It would be a low blow should we make fun of their mountains
and we certainly won't especially taking into account that which follows. Talking of towns, the small ones,
sometimes we feel we're living in the setting of an early 20th century novel or movie. The contrast with
the bigger towns and cities is remarkable; we could be anywhere in the world. At times, we have to remind
ourselves we're still in the United States. (Narrative continues after pictures...)



Guadalupe Peak behind El Capitan (see next picture), the former 700 feet higher.





El Capitan Peak 700 feet below where we stand.





The day before we were nearly 800 feet below the surface in Carlsbad Caverns.
(Blog to follow later).





A silhouette on the way down, only 1,200 feet to drop. Elevation gain was 3,000 feet to peak.





One of the many views of surrounding mountains, also showing a trail cut into the face.





"Can we call this the top?" Winds gusting ferociously at times.






Jenni signing the visitors' book on Guadalupe Peak, National Park. Salt Flats at rear.






A lone red in a sea of green next to a wash.





Texans go soft with bridge across a gulley but probably constructed for horses.





Early stages of the climb.




We want to go higher...getting there slowly.




A 'piece' of El Capitan as seen from Guadalupe Peak.




The freeways, traffic, the size of the cities, you name it—they are wild, fast, big and certainly not beautiful.
However, the state is dynamic. We're excited to be on the trails again. The people are generally nice, though.
We looked for hikes along the way to Texas and found one with an elevation gain of 92 feet—that was a real turn-on.
Then we found Guadalupe National Park. Wow! It can be said that I have never found a mountain that I did not fall
in love with. Probably true. However, the trail, the scenery, the atmosphere on that mountain range provided us
with one of our best experiences. For a hiker it is pure delight. I would do it again tomorrow but the editor
would argue against it. Texans, for what it’s worth, this is one fine mountain range and park. It’s reason enough
to return to the Lone Star State. We are hiking again in the park Sunday.

The weather over the past couple of months has varied from hot days, freezing nights, snow, rain and ice, cold days
and high winds. Just as we prepare for winter, it's not unusual to wake to a sunny day with temperatures in
the seventies. We hope for more of those days but realize it's wishful thinking.

When we reached the peak, the attractive obelisk sitting on top reminded me of Gavin’s early years in America,
specifically, Texas. The structure is a tribute to the early pilots and American Airlines. The same airline awarded
Gavin a prize as the best student in his school in his first full year in this country…in Dallas (1990).

I have a theory that Texas forced the issue and re-drew the boundary with New Mexico to incorporate this mountain
range within its territory. Whereas Texas is mostly flat, the range is more in keeping with New Mexico’s landscapes.
What puzzles us is the time issue. Anyone who knows me intimately…is that right?...would understand how much
I dislike fooling around with the clock. They move it forward and backward to make the days longer when they
are already long and shorter when they are short. What gives?

We crossed the border from Texas into New Mexico and traveled but a short distance and we gained an hour.
Then we set the alarm in our room in White’s City, NM for an early wake which we had kept on Texas time. The reason
being that after leaving White’s City, we would lose an hour on the mountain in Texas. Get this. When we arrived at
the Guadalupe Mountain Park situate in Texas, the clocks were set to mountain-time (NM). Is it any wonder we
are confused? I woke through the night checking the alarm clock but having to remember it was central time while
the telephone was mountain-time. Hey, anyone out there, please send me the time.

The day before we went down into the Carlsbad Caverns nearly 800 feet below the surface. It was another wonderful
experience. (More about that later.) We reached the peak of Guadalupe, an 8.5 mile roundtrip, in two-and-quarter hours,
after gaining 3,000 feet elevation. The altitude, however, was only 8,751 feet. This great hike was made
more challenging because of the gusting winds. At one stage, Jenni grabbed my pack as a gust propelled me while
in mid-step. When we crossed a narrow pass, Jenni got down low to streak across it. The instability at the peak
was a little frightening as the wind had no resistance but ourselves. Wind aside, it was quite an experience. Did we
mention what a wonderful mountain range it is? How dem Texans!


Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey