After a bit of Sunday morning coffee, we loaded the girls and went for a hike.
Rob had picked a couple of places and we decided to start with a moderate trail to see how we handled the change in altitude.
The altitude of Dallas, TX is 430'. The altitude of Santa Fe, NM is 7,198'. The change can be significant when you add strenuous exercise.
Our first trailhead was called Arroyo Hondo Open Space.
GOOD MAPS ALONG THE TRAILS.
PENNY CHECKING OUT THE UNUSUAL TERRAIN
CANE CHOLLA. THE YELLOW PART IS THE FRUIT AND IS REPUTED TO BE EDIBLE
The trail was well used and well marked at junctions. We met several dogs on our way and we had cold temps but lots of sun. Little Annie did not last long so I ended up carrying her.
ANNIE STUFFED INSIDE MY COAT
We usually have the backpack but this trail was short and we did not think we would need it. Lesson learned.
We gained a little more altitude and got a good view of the city.
SNOWING IN THE MOUNTAINS?
After a good test hike, we got into the car and drove to another trailhead.
The Santa Fe Canyon Preserve, Dale Ball Trails offers many levels of hikes. The trails are well marked and we chose a relatively strenuous route.
We got started and immediately began climbing. We spent the next 1.25 hours going up. The trail had multiple switch backs to help temper the steep ascent. We definitely got the cardio we had missed by not running.
WE STARTED AT THE TRAILHEAD MARKED AT THE TOP OF THE PICTURE. WE HIKED TO PICOCHO PEAK WHICH IS NEAR THE RED MARKER 34 ON THE MAP.
Picocho Peak sits at 8577' and the views were beautiful. We stopped at the top for a drink of water and a good look around.
TOP OF THE ROCK....SANTA FE STYLE
LONELY LITTLE PINE CONE
After a good rest at the top, we started down. Down is easier on the breathing but harder on the knees. Penny did not seem to notice,
We were about .5 mile from the trailhead when we came across a rescue scene. A woman had fallen and injured her ankle. The poor Corgi she had with her was so stressed. The woman's injury was bad enough that she needed to be carried the rest of the way down the trail. Two EMTs had arrived and others were on their way. We asked if there was anything we could do and we were assured that they had it under control. We continued and passed four more EMTs making their way up. The had a stretcher with one huge tire underneath. That tire must make their job so much easier.
As we finished the trail, we saw this.
A GOOD REMINDER TO BE CAREFUL ON THE TRAIL
With four hours of good hikes under our belt, we went back to the hotel, fed the dogs and made our way to the hot tub.
Hikes, hot tub, dinner and chilling.
Another great day in this thing we call life.
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