Crest Trail 130, Sandia Mountains, NM, 6/25/20

Covid-19 pandemic hike #14

Hiked from the Crest parking lot to Kiwanis cabin. In that area, the Crest trail closely follows the cliffs' edges, giving us grandiose views of the valley and the city.  Couldn't help but think that this was a farewell hike to our beloved Sandia Mountains.

About 1/3 miles off the Crest trail and to the south side of Kiwanis meadow, sit Kiwanis cabin. 

Given its spectacular views, the cabin is a favorite of visitors from the Crest parking. Today however, we had it almost to ourselves.   

From Kiwanis cabin, we rejoined the Crest trail and made our way to the Tram. 

The new restaurant appeared still under construction and the tram was not running due to covid-19. 

Total distance: 3.88 miles; elevation, ~550 ft.  

Ellis Trail Ramble, Sandia Mountains, NM, 6/11/20

Covid-19 pandemic hike #13

Thursday hike with two Mountain Club hikers and a cohousing friend.  Navigated from Ellis trailhead to the Crest trail to reach North Sandia Peak.  From there, we bushwacked down to the North Crest trail and hiked north to the Del Agua Overlook where we took the 10K trail to the Survey trail and back to the parking lot.  In all, ~ 6.5 miles, elevation: ~ 1100 ft. 

Notice the haze over Albuquerque: That's smoke from the Tucson, AZ, Catalina Mountains wildfire. 

Stopped at North Sandia peak for lunch.  Sat down on a rock and noticed ladybugs crawling all over my backpack.  Looked a little further and noticed clusters of ladybugs all over the ground and on a pine cone.  See above. 

Looked up and saw hundreds of them on the tree trunk just above me.  

Started looking around and saw thousands upon thousands of ladybugs on the shade side of several branches.Who knew that ladybugs congregate in such large colonies!

What a chance discovery! Hands down, the highlight of today's hike. 

PS: Looked it up when I got home:  every year a new generation (ladybugs live one year) congregates in the same place, mainly to mate.