High Hopes

With this bitter cold January finally behind us I had high hopes that a hike on this first day of February might not feel so much like winter.  But it was not to be.  We had a couple of warmer days last week but another front had moved in by this weekend, bringing winds and colder temperatures.  At least it was high desert country hiking so there wasn’t any ice or snow to contend with.

We went on this 6.3-mile hike with a group from one of the Albuquerque senior centers. It was on BLM land, totally off any established trails. The leaders of the senior center hikes use handheld GPS devices to follow pre-recorded tracks of the hikes. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been a hike that we could have found on our own.

Greeted by a bitterly cold wind when we stepped out of the van it was time to bundle up.
Greeted by a bitterly cold wind when we stepped out of the van it was time to bundle up.

Starting out, there was some sun, but as the day progressed it became more overcast.
Starting out, there was some sun, but as the day progressed it became more overcast.
Across Hwy 550 looking southwest is another area we've hiked--a ridge visible in the distance is called Dragon's Back.
Across Hwy 550 looking southwest is another area we’ve hiked–a ridge visible in the distance is called Dragon’s Back.
Many gnarly trees hunched against the wind.
Many gnarly trees hunched against the wind.
Looking southwest towards Albuquerque, Sandia Mountains in the distance.
Looking southwest towards Albuquerque, Sandia Mountains in the distance.
Descending one of several canyons.
Descending one of several canyons.
Yellow lichen growing on rocks.
Yellow lichen growing on rocks.
Cabazon Peak to the northwest, across Hwy 550.
Cabazon Peak to the northwest, across Hwy 550.
Mesa edge view.
Mesa edge view.
A sheltered rock alcove to stop and eat lunch.
A sheltered rock alcove to stop and eat lunch.

The GPS track on Every Trail.

Author: bjregan

Enjoying retirement activities. Main goals for retirement are to stay spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally healthy.

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