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Lookout Mountain Hike
Today we drive to the base of Ski Apache, a nice looking ski area run by the Mescalero Apache tribe. It has over 1,900 feet of vertical rise, which makes for a good hike. A trail winds through meadows and stands of fir to the summit above the ski area. This is a great workout…
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Carrizozo camp and Nogal Peak Hike
I’ve been curious about the area around Carrizozo, which includes a vast lava flow and a peak over 12,000 feet. My dad and Sarah come south for a visit, picking me up in Santa Fe before continuing to the Valley of Fires state park campground outside Carrizozo. I start the day watching the sun rise…
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A little sport crack at the Overlook
We’ve met another climber, Brook, interested in easing back into the sport after a hiatus. We manage an early start and reach The Overlook before it’s too hot. I’m curious how we’ll do on some familiar routes, and also how my new Vibram Five Fingers will work on the approach. Over Easy 5.6 Feels harder…
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Wet Bike Ride
I go downtown, get distracted buying Vibram Five Fingers and a vapor barrier for my sleeping bag, and must return in a deluge. Wet as I’ve been in a while – and some other people too:
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Cerrillos Hills Bike Loop
Ann and I did part of this nice road loop last year. I figure it will be about 30 miles leaving from home. I wonder if I can ride 30 miles in two hours. The answer is no, but almost. I can, however, burn my neck, and lose the ability to walk or sit comfortably.
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The Gallows Edge – Climbing?
We haven’t been in the climbing groove for a long time. Not entirely sure why, we pack the gear and go to the highest concentration of easy sport routes we know of nearby: The Gallow’s Edge. And, surprise surprise, it’s fun! We’re able to climb the routes here despite our complete lack of conditioning, and…
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Local Bike Loop Variation
I try to extend my loop to 15 miles, with a lunch stop added in at the Pastry Tree. A bike ride is feeling like as good a way to break up my day as the little hikes I’ve been making to local coffeeshops.
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Local Bike Loop
I try to find a way to connect the bike paths in town, while testing out the new recumbent. It’s definitely lighter and faster, but more skittery too. I have to learn to use the front brake more to avoid fishtailing.
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Heron Lake Discoveries
We’ve looked down from the main dam at Heron Lake before, but the fresh perspective from the Rio Chama trailhead brings us face to face with our erroneous mental map of this place. We had pictured Heron Lake and the nearby El Vado (The Ford) Lake as two back-to-back reservoirs on the Chama River. But…
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Heron Lake
Ann has been wanting to go to Heron Lake forever, but I always drag my feet because I’m uncomfortable with water-oriented activities. I wish I knew what my problem is – I can swim and usually have fun once I get started, and water activities are usually in great outdoor places, just like climbing! Heron…