We headed the Travato up the road to Teal Campground for a stay-cation!We took the new kayaks – how beautiful is this!We spent several days exploring the coast and the solitude.Taking turns with the camera. Going out in the morning and the evening.This is our favorite photo!We went for several hikes into the nearby Weminuch Wilderness.This is the life!We saw lots of wildflowers…And these black and white butterflys.Lets take the fork to the right…Fun! A river crossing!Heading home with the wilderness behind us.How many miles of fun we have had?!!The heron is waiting for us to make sure we appreciate our home lake.Life feels like a vacation here at home but it was great to explore some near by water as well.
Smokey decided we were eligible for lifetime senior pass.So we headed a bit south to explore our cultural heritage.And to see the iconic Pueblo Bonito.This was our first half price campsite now that we are of that distinguished age.Water is always an issue – such an interesting location that was chosen.Lucky we got to watch a spring storm roll in.It gave the walls and rocks another dimension of color to Pueblo Kin Keltso.Pueblo Kin Kletso is the start of a hike to top of mesa.A bit of a slot canyon hides the trailAllows you to look back down on Kin Kletso.And even see the river in the Chaco Canyon.View of Pueblo Bonito from top is outstanding.As is adjacent Pueblo Chetro Ketl.An appreciation of the magnitude of scale is had by walking through the ruins.And getting an interior perspective. Magnificent craftsmanship! Truly amazing to appreciate the amount of work.William Henry Jackson discovered this prehistoric stairway carved in the sandstone cliff when he was photographing this area in 1877. It is believed to be part of the Chaco Road system heading to the north.Is there really an end to the trail? How far do these roads travel?Guess it is time to head back to the Travato and make our way north…But first another hike down the valley to Pueblo Wijiji.
We drove to Phoenix to be with these wonderful people! My aunt and uncle have another seasonal rental in Sun City. We coordinated our visit to also be with Mom.
We met J & J who were camped at White Tanks for an outing.
The ladies all looking good in turquoise or is that teal sky!
And the guys in khaki…not like we coordinated our hiking outfits.
A view of our picnic area. Ready for some errands in Tucson.
Along East Bear Creek Trail – an easy 3 mile loop we walk from our camp.
Looking down on the island at 3.7 miles on the road from Phoneline Trail.
This is 3.7 island and the end of the road for the trams. This a little garden area we have adopted by adding an occatillo last year, and this year a staghorn cholla, a barrel cactus, as well as an agave (at my feet). We pruned the beautiful hop bush and left a few other interesting plants. Many people touch the rock as an achievement for running or walking to this point so we made it a bit more accessible. We make weekly trips to water and keep the weedy grass from regrowing.
Another beautiful sunset in the canyon from our camp!
A hike to 7 Falls — no water at all in any of the stream crossing. And no water falls but a beautiful reflection pond is still retaining some water.
One of the many art shots we took while appreciating how the reflection was more scenic because of heightened contrast.
A really nice spot to hang out and contemplate before our 4-mile walk back to camp.
The Canyon during the three day government shutdown: the parking lots and visitor center were closed, creating work for law enforcement.
We spent a day at Catalina State Park with Joan and Jim – we hiked some of the trail to Romero Pools, enjoyed a picnic lunch together, wine o’clock at their camp followed by Joan’s delicious beef stew. Nice day.
Back on the job, we refinished 4 teak benches at the visitor center. Lots of sanding, bending over, and 2 coats of linseed oil.
Two of the larger benches that get more sun damage.
Oh but they feel sooooo nice. Such a good job~!
Couldn’t resist a detail shot!
Storm clouds but still no rain. It is extremely dry — very different from last January! But enjoying another beautiful sunset.
And the full super blue blood moon rise.
We enjoyed one night from our camp site and the other at Saguaro National Park West with the native flute music.
Near Las Cruces, we enjoyed this spot in the Organ Mountains NM for a few nights – meeting up with an architecture friend for a Rotary event. First time here in the Travato http://tealsky.com/2015/12/08/organ-mountains-new-mexico/
Revisiting Picketwire Canyon, we hiked to the Dinosaur Tracks again in Comanche National Grassland but didn’t stay at the same wonderful camp because of the threatening rain.
The site is looking more like this today than a desert, but we didn’t see any dinosaurs!
We met new friends at Pagosa 100%, a group encouraging sustainability and diversified energy sources. We were invited to stay in their new guest cabin.
There was daily wildlife sightings!
And gorgeous sunsets to enjoy!
Where is the mariachi band? We found a Mexican restaurant that we enjoyed.
Coyote Canyon hike in San Juan National Forest north of Hatches Reservoir.
Another NF hike closer to Forest Lake with a view of Pagosa Peak.
Looking back at Pagosa on a visit south to Santa Fe to visit our friends for the weekend.
Beautiful Village Lake looking southeast.
Another view of Village Lake looking west. We will be back…
