Wheeler Peak

Before my last trip to my Dad's (he is healing very slowly, but healing), I got told my Beloved was asked to take a break from the shop.  He actually was not asked that nicely but I do not have the exact wording.  I call it being kicked out.  He needed a break.  

I have missed road trips and I knew I did not wish to stay in Texas.  My thought was the Georgia O'Keefe museum in Santa Fe, NM.  I found us a beautiful campsite with space and we went.  

Honestly, the first day we mostly we vegetables.  The second day we went into Santa Fe and walked past some galleries and went so some museums.  Mostly were vegetables.  The third day we went for a saunter.

The original hike was to Williams Lake in the Taos Ski Basin.  We had plenty of water and had gone back to the are for snacks and a shirt for me to use as a sun protector.  Easy hike.  "Lots" of people.  On the way to the hike I noticed that there was also a hike to Wheeler peak.  While we were enjoying the view and lake, we talked about going up the Wheeler Peak trail.

We started up that trail.  It was steeper and quieter.  About a quarter or a third of the way up my Beloved was ready to turn back.  Until I found out that Wheeler Peak was the highest point in NM (there was signal).  Then we had to get to the top.

On the way up there were big horn sheep and marmots.  Steep.  I was doing a lot of resting at each switch back change.  Also, take ten steps and rest.  The wind was blowing so hard that I could not get enough air.  I know part of it was the elevation because we did not wait long enough to acclimate before we decided to do the hike.  100 ft to 13189 in four days time.

But we made it.

It was probably the hardest thing I have ever done in one day.  I was actually thinking I was out of shape until my Beloved said it was hard.  He never says that.  I also talked to another friend who had done it.  She said it was very hard too and she is in really good shape. 

It was beautiful.  

I could have taken more pictures I guess but I did not.  The walk down was much easier.  I slipped a bit though.  My Beloved ordered me walking sticks when we got back because I am unsteady when my knees and hips get tired.  I still have a good bruise.

The next day I found a place that had mineral baths to soak in.  Ojo Spa was a lovely experience and I think it helped me walk better the next day.  Especially since we were driving home the next day.  

Our last partial day in New Mexico, we wandered around part of downtown.  We ate well at the Apothecary Resturant.  It was one of the best meals I had on the trip.  The other really good meal was in Amarillo during the drive home.  We ate dinner at Yellow City Street Food.  Those two meals are probably the best meals I have had out in a long time.  Unless it is a chef I know who is cooking.  Because of knives, we get spoiled.

We are going back to New Mexico with Koda Bear and Blue at the end of August and do the Williams Lake walk with them. We are going to rent a camper van to see if it we like it.  We are testing camping options so we can camp more through the year.  We no longer wish to tow and we have ideas on what we would like.  I suggested we rent so we can try different options before we buy.  Yes, it can be a pricey option but it is cheaper then realizing you do not wish something. 

I miss road trips.  I have been flying a lot for my Dad but I really like driving better.  I like seeing what I am traveling past and it slows life down.  Slowing down is a good thing.