Sandia Foothills

Albuquerque has an extensive open space program with many acres set aside and many trails all through the Sandia foothills. The open space areas extend right up next to the Cibola National Forest and the network of connection trails goes clear to the top of the mountain.

I took about an hour and a half walk along the lower reaches of the foothills, quite close to the residential areas that extend up into the heights above the city. My purpose was to get some exercise, since I missed my Sunday walk, and to look at the native plants that grow at that elevation (6,200 ft.).  I'm looking at changing the landscaping around my house and want to use native plants.

It was a cloudy January day but not too cold. There were a few birds including a roadrunner,   I was looking for the elusive Jackalope but I only heard a few sounds of scampering feet.

The elusive Jackalope

One thing I did see was absolutely amazing. This is the first time that the actual birth of a granite boulder has ever been captured on film.

I hope to lead a film crew from National Geographic or NOVA back to the site...Maybe  even the History Channel or FOX news.

Anyway...I saw a lot and enjoyed my hike. There are so many trails that you can get lost in the maze but if you just walk downhill you will eventually find Trail 401 that runs along the lower boundary of the open space area.

Overlooking Albuquerque

I was surprised to see so many large holly bushes. These were about seven feet tall.

Lichen on Granite

Your faithful correspondent

Rail Runner Express

I took a day trip up to Santa Fe on the Rail Runner Express, our local commuter train that runs up and down the valley from Belen to Santa Fe...about 100 miles. People use the train to commute to work in Santa Fe and Albuquerque and to simply travel for some event or for shopping.

I've been wanting to take the Rail Runner up to Santa Fe for a long time but never got around to it. As it turns out, it is cheap, easy and very convenient. Since I'm a "senior" I get a discount and since I bought my ticket on-line I got another discount. My round trip day pass cost me $5.00. No one can drive to Santa Fe and back for $5.00.

Santa Ana Pueblo is just north of Bernalillo

Most interesting spot in the world. The most interesting man in the world doesn't always stop at Santo Domingo Pueblo but when he does he visits the trading post.

The Trading Post at Santo Domingo Pueblo burned down a few years ago and was rebuilt as it was.  Santa Domingo is now known as Kewa Pueblo but the old name lingers on.

While on the platform in Bernalillo waiting for the train I met Mary, an Indian lady from Santo Domingo Pueblo. She was going to Santa Fe to sell some of her jewelry on the plaza. She showed me what she had and I bought Jill a small pair of beaded ear rings -- "black jade and coral" Mary said. They were very simple. I paid $8.00.  She could catch the train at Santo Domingo but she can make a sale in Bernalillo that will pay for her trip.  Not a bad way to start her day. I enjoyed talking to her.

The desert between Bernalillo and Santa Fe

The rail line runs in the median of the interstate as it climbs
to Santa Fe

Santa Fe depot and the Rail Yard

The train puts you out at The Railyard -- a shopping and art district. In January it was very quiet and cold (in the 30s)  but in warmer weather it should be a fun spot.  I spent the afternoon there instead of taking the free shuttle to the plaza.  I just wanted to stay at the Rail Yard. I couldn't afford to buy more jewelry.



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