If I'm Hiking for the Children, What Color is My Bracelet?

I love hiking. I've hiked for many years--since moving to New Mexico back in '92, actually--but for the past year or two, my love has become rather theoretical. I loved the idea of hiking, but when it came time to get out the boots and fill up the Camelback, it just seemed...so...haaaaaard. There was a time when a weekend wasn't a weekend unless it involved a really good hike, but as of late, my goals have dumbed down to just a walking a lap or two around the park. Not that there's anything wrong with that, mind you, and I do love a good walk in the park, it's just that I love hiking. Remember?

I decided during the somber coldness of winter that when spring came, I would get back on that hiking horse. No matter how tired I felt or whiny I got, I was going to get out there, dammit. Well, even though it's not yet spring by the calendar, we've been blessed with such lovely warm weather lately that it seemed I would be able to accomplish my goal ahead of schedule. And I tell you what, if I hadn't had that lingering cold and that report I needed to write and knitting to do and lazing about to accomplish and errands to run and cats to feed, I definitely would have done it. Immediately. Really.

But then I got a task. My darling nephew Joel sent me a cutout gingerbread man that he had decorated. A note from his teacher accompanied it, explaining that Joel and his classmates were asking that friends & family take Gingerbread Joe out and photograph him at various places in their area. It was to be a fun way to help them learn about other parts of the country. (Some of you may be more familiar with the "Flat Stanley" version of this game.) I will not tell you how long ago I received this request, because it is not relevant to the story. Besides, Joel's mom said it was okay to send it in late. And besides that, as far as I'm concerned, as long as I don't send it back in June, I'm early.

Anyhoo. This little project lifted me up off the sofa on this lovely day and propelled me northward toward mountains and stuff. I packed my day pack, filled my water bottles, took 438 snacks because GAWD FORBID I might get hungry out there in the boonies, and I went up to one of my favorite all time places, Tent Rocks. It's one of the most beautiful places in New Mexico, as far as I'm concerned, and those of you who have been there will likely agree. It's a short, easy hike with not much altitude gain, which I figured significantly lowered the risk of needing a helicopter rescue.

It was every bit as lovely as I remembered it. Unfortunately, some travel mag must have written a bigass article about it, because the place was jampacked. You practically had to take a number to get through the narrower parts, but everyone was friendly and there were lots of dogs and so I am not complaining. For those of you who have not (yet) experienced this great beauty, let's go on a little photo tutorial of the area, with emphasis on the photo part and ignoring of the tutorial because I've hiked today, people, and you can't expect me to teach you anything.

Here's the beginning of the journey. Can you see the tent rocks? Nope? Me neither.

Here's the picture I will use to teach the children about what 'scrub' and 'tumbleweeds' are. Don't ask me about the purple border--my camera chose today to start whacking out. I think it's kind of nice, though, and I'm sure the children will adore it.

A-ha! We approach the tent rocks. Mischievous Gingerbread Joe wants to tap dance on top of the mesa.

Welcome to the purple-tinted entrance to the the canyon! This is where it gets narrow, and very, very pretty. This is also where you would not want to be if there was a flash flood up the path a bit. Whoosh!

If I felt like it, I could use this picture to teach the children about strata and geological formations and volcanoes and crap.

If I felt like it.


Ooh! Slot canyon! Who's that jerk coming around the corner, ruining Gingerbread Joe's picture?

Oh my goodness, look at that sky. Just look at that sky.

We're almost to the top, Joe and I, and we only had to shove a couple of Floridians aside to get there! South end of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range ahead, way up at Santa Fe.

Here Joe is being impish, pretending to balance on two formations. I think the kids will be totally fooled by this.

For thems as don't know, tent rocks are also referred to as 'hoodoos.' I read somewhere that true hoodoos are only found in New Mexico and Turkey, but it was a long time ago and I've probably misremembered the information. But please, tell your friends!

Here is the secret mystery cave that has probably been used in important rituals and whatnot. I wouldn't let Joe go in. I was pretty done by this point.

And so ends the tale of Gingerbread Joe's Excellent Adventure to Tent Rocks. It was a lovely drive home and a very rewarding day for both of us. We do hope you've enjoyed our little photojournalistic tale. Happy hiking to you all!