New Mexico, Part 1

At the beginning of October, Rob and I joined his parents for a quick trip to Albuquerque and Ruidoso. It was a whirlwind trip, but it was loads of fun and full of beautiful sights.

Rob and I flew out after work on Wednesday and met his parents in Dallas, and then we flew all together to New Mexico. We got in late, so the next morning we slept in and just relaxed. The weather there was INCREDIBLE since we were still hitting the 90's some days in Texas. A sweatshirt and lounge pants were perfect as we sat outside on the back porch and sipped coffee while we watched the wildlife. Pure bliss.

We showered up and headed into town for a late lunch that hit the spot and then headed to sight see around the city.

We drove around to where Rob's family spent time each summer and then headed to their town square. After that we drove to the ski resort that my family frequented many times when I was younger. Floods of memories came back as we wound around the roads leading up to the ski lift. I am so thankful for such wonderful memories with my family, and I can't wait to give memories like that to our kids. I remember getting close to the resort in the car and Dad telling us to get out gloves and hats on. As soon as we rounded that final curve, my heart started beating a little faster like it used to. So fun.

The boys on the way up to the top of the mountain.

After we drove back down the mountain, we went back to our cabin, made some deluxe queso, drank some wine, and caught a movie. We had to prepare for the next day's hike.

Ever since I had known the Williams family, they have talked about this hike they fondly refer to as, "The World's Most Beautiful Hike." They all have gotten to experience this hike at some point during their trips to NM, so I was eager to get to be a part of the memories. We made it to the base and started hiking around 10:00 a.m. Again, the weather was crazy incredible. The sights were indeed beautiful, and I now know why the family refers to this hike with as much reverence as they do.

At the base.

Bright sun...ha.

Loved the tall trees.

The aspen trees were starting to change color...it was way more beautiful in person. This pictures don't do it justice.

Our trusty trail.

Rob overlooking the ski runs across the way. 

Stopping for a few pics at one of the lookouts.

Couldn't get enough of the aspens.

The elk we ran across. I really wanted to hear one baying.

Love this macro with the mountains in the background.

Do you see this little horned lizard blending in with the grass? He was TINY!

For Dad.

And, our final destination. The lighting was a little bright, but it was beautiful to look at.

The hike was round 7 hours, and we were happy to reach the final lookout. All in all, it was a fabulous and physically challenging day.

Following the hike, we headed back to the cabin. Rob and I REALLY wanted to see a bear (Rob's family has seen a few when they were there in the past) so we drove around the dumpsters (no lie) in the area where they had stayed and had sighted the bears. No luck. Sad day. So we headed back to the cabin and soaked in the hot tub to soothe our tired muscles. We all cooked a fabulously delicious meal and then hit the hay.


More soon,