We’re sitting in a quaint corntyard, waiting for our name to be called for a table at Rancho de Chimayo. The history of this dining experience seems vast and the James Beard award is a bit intimidating. Especially considering I’m wearing flip flops, have no makeup or bra on, and just threw my hair in a messy bun when I got out of the much needed shower. I wish I had known where we were headed. 🤷
It’s been a long day, one that started when the alarm went off at 5:30. Ellie claims to sleep well past the alarms (something we don’t actually mind as the bathroom isn’t hogged), but she couldn’t even snooze an extra minute this morning. We had things to do!
It was cold this morning, my nose was runny I couldn’t warm up my hands. We rolled sleeping mats and bags , but left them, with our backpacks in the tents. The day packs now held the bladders, some food, a summit beer, and the first aid kit. By 6:30 we were at the trailhead to the peak and heading up.
The hike to the first summit (yep, you read that right), was just short of three miles from our tents and up just over 2,000 feet. The first part began in the forest, but it seemed we were quickly above treeline. Then the hike got real. 10 intense switchbacks, the majority of the gain, and rugged rock trail. But the beauty!! We saw 10 big horned sheep eating their breakfast!!! It was the best. Of course the wildflowers of the high tundra were just breathtaking.
At 8:30 we reached the summit! 8:30 in the morning! Of Wheeler Peak, the tallest point in New Mexico. What an accomplishment! The only problem was that for a hot second it seemed too early to enjoy a summit beer. (It wasn’t.) The views were just indescribable. Being at the top of the world (aka New Mexico) felt so good. I’m so proud of us. Once we had taken it all in, we thought, “Heck! Let’s summit another mountain.” We hiked down to the saddle and right back up to the summit of the next mountain over, Mount Walter. It was fun to send pics from the summit to our two favorite Walters.
Once summitting two mountains, we headed back down. Back down to the tents. The hiking down was hard for the first mile or so. The trail was just rocks, some pebbles, some boulders. They can be slick and unstable. Smart foot placement is the difference between a twisted ankle and an enjoyable hike. Although, we’re not usually winded going down, it takes so much concentration, it can seem more difficult than climbing up.
I was really proud of us. We let one hiker pass us early on in the hike, but he stayed a consistent 100-200 yards in front of us. No one else passed us, and we got to be among the very first of a busy Saturday to summit. On the way down, all those coming up were as equally panting as we had been, if not more. And Ellie. Oh, Ellie. The altitude, long distance hiking, and so much elevation gain has been tough on her. But today. Ellie!! Rocked!! It!! She was positive, motivating, and eager to lead us all to the summit and back done. So proud of her.
We quickly made it back to the tents, which we took down and repacked our packs with all the camping and day hiking gear and headed the final 2.5 miles, 1,000 feet down. Then the very best thing that has ever happened in the last 1/16 of a hike happened. A Bavarian Lodge and Beer Garden appeared before us. I swear there were angels singing, unicorns jumping, and rainbows appearing as we approached. I know two things for sure. 1. A cold beer has never tasted so good. 2. We were by far the smelliest people enjoying a giant pretzel with mustard.
After getting back to the car we drove to Chimayo, NM where our bed and breakfast is located. I’m not usually a fan of b&bs, but this one seems darling. Unfortunately, the 100 degree outdoor temperature has no way of losing to a little air conditioner on the second floor. Our room registered at 91 when we decided that, as exhausted as we were, we needed to find a cool place. We went to Chilis, because the brewery had white table clothes and no air conditioning. It was the first time the girls have ever been, and if Zak has his way, they’ll make many more memories there.
As we finished up a few rounds of Monopoly Deal, we came up with Ranchero de Chimayo as the only real viable option. Unfortunately, we weren’t quite dressed appropriately, but I did just see someone walk in with a cowboy cat riding a dolphin, pooping rainbows tshirt, so I think we’ll be okay.
So you DID go to Rancho de Chimayo! Do let us know if it was worth it!
Your pictures are gorgeous, Molly.