The campground is gorgeous - more on that another day.
The first evening we met a couple with a Jeep - Loren and Marilyn.
They were planning to lead a group into the San Mateo Mountains the following day (yesterday)
and we were able to join them.
I need to mention that the folks here either do not have their jeeps outfitted for
off-roading or are not interested in doing anything particularly challenging.
That's not meant to be a criticism;
just stating our differences.
We had a great first day and enjoyed the hospitality offered.
I'm also sure we will be joining them for other daytrips.
The first stop was in front of this adobe church in Placitas. It was built in the late 1870s. I liked that rope hanging outside the entry doors.
Do you have any idea how much effort it took NOT to ring the bell???
Had there not been homes directly across the road....
We next passed this town commons which was walled at one time and is now fenced.
When the Apaches were still actively attacking and killing the white man, residents
would gather within the walls until it was safe to return to their homes.
These two high peaks in the San Mateos were the general area that was our goal for the day.
This is one small part of an area built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s.
They also built the road.
We were told that it is owned by an individual now who wants to restore it including the buildings, etc. He is looking for funding to help with what will be a momentous and expensive project.
The stone monument you see here had a sign telling of the history and his plans.
The sign has been stolen!
Longhorns - we were probably their amusement for the day.
We stopped here by the guardrail and just enjoyed the vistas.
As the other vehicles (2 Jeeps, 2 pick-up trucks and a Suzuki) were not suitably equipped, we headed up to the top of a side road alone.
This is the view in just one direction.
The whole area is good elk habitat.
We'll keep our eyes open and maybe before the winter ends....
Here the others enjoyed the wonderful formations until we went back down to join them.
Isn't it wonderful how plants and trees grow out of almost no soil?
See two vehicles rounding the switchback in front of us?
Five of our group of six enjoying the grasslands that spread around us in all directions - lovely.
The return trip included a few miles on Interstate 25. The forecast called for a shift in the weather (from 68F to more wintery conditions).
The wind bringing the change had begun.
This particularly hazardous portion of the highway during high winds is well marked by the windsock and another one at the south end for those driving northbound.
And change the weather did. Looking out this morning between the blinds.
Between this small amount of snow and a tiny shower in the afternoon, we have had a total of 0.02" of precipitation today.
And, a high temperature of 50F is a far cry from yesterday's warmth.
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