I Believe I Can Fly!

 

(Note: I have disabled comments. Like I've said before, I'm not blogging anymore for anyone else. I'm blogging only for myself to journal my rides and adventures. Those curt, thoughtless comments I have received over the last few months haven't been worth allowing anyway. But mostly, I'm really just not interested in comments at all. My blog is for me. If anyone enjoys reading my "scrapbook-style" posts and viewing my photos, that's fine with me. But comments aren't necessary, nor wanted. But thanks anyway!)


So.....
Kendra and I, with our brave and willing horses, stood on the very edge of the rock cliff on Sandia Crest and we all took in the expansive vistas to the East, South and West.

 

From this vantage point, looking South, we could see the famous Sandia Peak Tramway down below us at 10, 378 ft elevation, on the ridge of Sandia Peak. The Tram carries passengers 2.7 miles in 15 minutes, from 6, 000 ft elevation, down in Albuquerque up to Sandia Peak, where there is also a fine dining restaurant.

If you look closely, you can see the cables of the tram between Apache’s ears!

Kendra loves being up in these amazingly beautiful high mountain places as much as I do. We were both grinning from ear-to-ear, while Bailey and Apache made lovey-dovey eyes at each other.

 

I took a photo of my friend Paula and her handsome mule Tecumseh on the edge of Sandia Crest with the Kiwanis Cabin behind them.

 

Once we arrived at Kiwanis Cabin on 10, 600 ft elevation Sandia Crest, we dismounted and enjoyed a picnic lunch and gave our equines a rest.

Kendra and her Bailey Boy.

 

 

Apache was happy to take a little siesta after she shared an apple and some dried pineapple with me. I sat on that lower branch below her nose and munched some beef jerky, while my sweet mountain trail horse napped.

 

Notice the stone cabin in the background of the photo above? That cabin will play a prominent part in my next post.

Up Next:  House Hunting!

Sandia Mountain Wilderness Ride to the Crest

 

Last week on Thursday, myself and 3 friends decided to ride up to Sandia Crest above 10, 600 ft elevation. Kendra and I rode this same trail last summer, but our friends Paula and Karen had never been up there, so we wanted to show them around.

This is just a day ride for us, because the Sandia Mountains are basically in our back yards. I only live about 20 minutes from the 10K Trail head.

The 10K Trail Head where we parked and began our ride.

 

All tacked up and I’m in the saddle while Apache enjoys a snack of grass while we wait for everyone else to get ready.

 

Riding across the highway and to the end of the parking lot to the beginning of the trail in the forest.

 

Posing for a group photo.

Kendra, Paula and Karen. 

 

Me, Karen and Kendra 

 

Entering the Sandia Mountain Wilderness in the Cibola National Forest.

 

The challenging and beautiful terrain includes hills, rocks, roots, boulder steps, low branches and ‘knee-knocker’ trees.

 

Lots of uphill as we climb to the top of the mountain.

 

It’s fun to be on a trail ride with friends who enjoy taking photos as much as you do. You never know what cool shots they’ll capture of you and your horse.

 

I’m so grateful for such great riding friends.

 

And I’m even more thankful for my awesome mountain trail horse, Apache Mare!

 

Heading down the trail surrounded by beautiful forest. 

 

Some of the trail travels across steep hillsides.

 And even though we’re riding up to the top of the mountain, sometimes we still ride downhill on the way up.

 

We always take time for our horses to rest and have a snack of grass. 

 

We’re in such a serious drought in New Mexico. This same time last year, when we rode up here, this field was covered in green, lush grass up to my horse’s belly! 

 

There were still some green shoots coming up, so we stopped and let our horses enjoy a snack while we all took more photos.

 

Paula and her handsome mule, Tecumseh.

 

Back into the forest we rode again.

 

 Paula and Tecumseh posing beside another Sandia Mountain Wilderness sign.

 

Apache and I were caught in the act! The cookie act!

 

One of the rock and boulder steps we had to ride up. 

 

I enjoy riding with my lady friends. We all enjoy being out in nature on the trails together. 

 

Riding uphill to check out the views. 

 

The views were awesome up there!

 

Riding back into the forest again. 

 

 

 

Riding out to a ledge to enjoy some more views. 

 

Just hangin’ out! 

 

We’re on top of the world!!!

 

Just a different perspective, but still on top of the world!

 

Riding away from the rock ledge and back into the forest again. 

 

Riding into the beautiful aspen forest.

 

Karen and her horse Rio.

 

There was still snow up there in the shade.

 

Kendra discovered another beautiful ledge with breathtaking views

 

Trying to capture the perfect Between the Ears photo!

 

And this one is pretty perfect!

This is what it must feel like to ride a Pegasus! 

 

We’re riding the Crest Trail now….

 

This section of trail is spooky. It’s dark, moody, and many of the trees are covered with hanging moss.

 

Riding beneath the Crest House above 10, 600 ft elevation, making our way towards Kiwanis Cabin.

 

Riding around the gate to get back into the forest again. 

 

 

Riding down a service road.

 

Beautiful meadow on the left, and wonderful old fence to ride between. A great big pile of snow over in the shade.

 Being barefoot, Apache likes to find the least rocky path.

 

On our way up to Kiwanis Cabin. It’s a shame that graffiti is up here, too.

 

Up Next: Kiwanis Cabin and Breathtaking Vistas!