Santa Barbara Middle Fork trail to West Fork trail, Carson National Forest, NM 6/18/16

Spur of the moment decision: camping at the Santa Barbara campground, South of Dixon (between Espanola and Taos.  Last summer we attempted to spend a weekend at this beautiful northern NM campground and found pouring rain as we arrived. Turned around, and drove home :) 

 This year we got lucky and set out hiking, 

 until we got stopped by a challenging river crossing. Spring snow run-off!

Instead, we relaxed in the beautiful meadow just at the beginning of the West Fork trail and ended up staying may be a bit longer than we chose, 

as a cow decided to hike on our trail. Large mammals have priority :)

Embudito Trail, Revisited, Sandias, NM, 5/30/16

Had an early start for this Memorial day 8-mile round trip hike.  The entire trail is 6 miles one way.  We elected to go to Oso Pass, about 2/3 of the way up. I was reminded of the advantage of setting out early: the morning light was enchanting.

 The first part of the hike is rocky and steep with great views.

Above, mushroom covered trees looking like Christmas decorations.

The second half is shade covered, forested and lush. Nearing Oso Pass, the trail winds its way into a tight canyon. Hence the name: "Embudito," Spanish for "little funnel."

South Peak viewed from Embudito trail. To climb the peak takes another 3 miles past Oso Pass!

Not Our Everyday Hike..., Civic Plaza, Albuquerque, NM, 5/24/16

Trump held a rally at the Convention Center yesterday in preparation for the June 7th primary. Outside, people held an anti-Trump rally. We joined the crowd represented mostly Hispanic people, Native Americans, and some Anglos like us.  Anti-Trump feelings against his treatment of minorities, immigrants and people with disabilities ran high. We marched for about two hours and did not see violence of any kind. Apparently, after most marchers (like us) had gone home, emotions ran high and spilled into rioting.

La Luz Trail, Sandia Mountains, NM, 5/21/16

Springtime in the Sandias.

We decided at the last minute to go for a hike and planned to travel up the the Loukout, 4.3 miles up.   Didn't quite make it, but did hike about 5 hours, ~ 6-7 miles and ~1500 feet up.

Scuba diving outing, Saint Lucia, Antilles, 1/28/16

 We did not get to go hiking much on Saint Lucia but we did sign up for several fun outings, including a scuba diving day out. 

 On board with us were mostly divers, equipped to the gills (no pun intended.) Only another woman, Jim and I snorkeled. 

Rodney Bay Beach, Saint Lucia, Antilles, Jan 22 to Feb 2, 1016

A running beach! My dream!  We selected our rental cottage on Saint Lucia with the beach in mind.  It stretched half a mile and three round trips added up to a 3-mile of run. We arranged our schedules so I was able to run every other day - bare foot on the hard sand. Definitely, paradise on earth!   After a few days, locals started to remember me passing by and would joke with encouragements. Above, view towards Pigeon Island.

The Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC, Canada, 5/14/16

We strolled for two hours in these manicured gardens stretching over 55 acres and created in the early 1900's by owner Jenni Butchart.  Above, a work-out lime quarry that provided lime for the nearby Portland cement plant, now a beautiful garden.  I didn't particularly care for the many flower beds in screaming colors but the plant and tree selection was impressive. 

The Butchart's family cove and boat landing.

Japanese gardens and, below, gate to the Japanese gardens.