If you showed me a picture of the mountains surrounding us, the alpine lake we’re camping just above, the towering pines, and the mule deer who just stopped by our campsite for its dinner, I would never have predicted it was set in New Mexico.
The morning started lazy, something I’m getting used to. We eventually repacked packs for backpacking. It’s always a lot to get done. We have to get all the food we’ll need out from the bottom part of the trunk. We have to reorganize toiletries, taking only the essentials. We have to choose clothes from our blue duffles and transfer them to the packs. We restock first aid and double check head lamps. We refill the bladders and make sure we have the filtration system. It’s always a lot.
We had heard rave reviews about Body’s, the top rated “restaurant” in Abiquiu, in the gas station. Unfortunately, the kitchen was closed, so we drove to Taos to find good food to fill our bellies before hiking and camping. Just as we were pulling into town, dramatic dark clouds were hovering over the mountain we were planning on starting to hike shortly. We grabbed a table at La Cueva Cafe and ordered our dishes with red, green, and Christmas chile. I could live on New Mexican food. As we were finishing up, the clouds had crept down the mountain and huge drops fell as lightning lit up the sky. What to do? Go to Taos Mesa Brewery which was next door and hope to wait out the storm. We played Bananagrams and slowly sipped beer. Eventually, the skies cleared (enough) and we headed to the trailhead. We had never been to Taos and I’m looking forward to going back. Hopefully, I’ll spend less time looking at and analyzing the radar.
We slung the monstrous packs on our backs and began the hike at 5, with only a few drops falling. Those eventually gave way to sun rays trying to get to us. The hike was just lovely and nothing like any other New Mexican hike we’ve done. We hiked almost 2.5 miles and with 1000 feet gained. The ending point for tonight was an alpine lake. The views are stunning and it’s a perfect camping spot. We’re getting up early tomorrow, the earliest of the trip, to summit Wheeler Peak, the tallest point in New Mexico, and another nearby mountain.
