I'm back! I wonder if anyone has missed me or my posts?
Well, I've been so incredibly busy that I've just not had much time at all to blog. One thing that has kept me busy is that I joined the Back Country Horsemen of New Mexico. Between general meetings, equipment training, first aid training, and work service projects, me and my Apache mare have been busy and doing a lot of cool stuff together.
I'll be sure to post photos and blog about those experiences soon.
But for now, here's a post from a recent trail ride at one of my favorite local riding areas, only 15 minutes from my house.
The area is called Juan Tomas Open Space, and not many people are aware of or know where the trail head is located, because they usually get the Open Space area confused with Juan Tomas Road, which is located just north of Oak Flats Picnic Grounds, and the National Forest that surrounds that area, as well as Juan Tomas Open Space. There is a trail head off the gravel forest service road called Juan Tomas Road, but it leads into the National Forest, and isn't connected in any way to the Juan Tomas Open Space. Although, you can ride out of the Open Space into the National Forest traveling north on the Oak Flats trail network and after about 8 miles, you can reach the Juan Tomas trail head and forest service road.
But Juan Tomas Open Space is a little hidden gem in a beautiful canyon surrounded by lovely Ponderosa forest, and has wonderfully smooth, mostly flat trails. You have a selection of several trails and loop options to ride, covering between 4-10 miles just within the Juan Tomas Open Space. But you can also easily access the National Forest and Oak Flats Picnic Grounds and trail network, too. Lots of riding options in a beautiful area.
On this day, it was Loeta and I riding, and since she had never ridden this area before, she let Apache and I lead the way.
From several vantage points along the trail, the forest opens up and you can enjoy views of the Sandia Mountains (where Apache and I have ridden many times. Our happy place is located up there at 10, 678 feet elevation on Sandia Peak.)
Loeta and Profe posing in front of one of my most favorite New Mexico trees: The Alligator Juniper.
Our lunch spot in a beautiful meadow with views of the mountains to the north.
And yes, there was wine with lunch!
Loeta and I remembered to take photos of the wine, after we drank it all gone. haha! It was delicious Moscato wine. Mmmmm!
And then we continued down the trail, Apache and I still leading the way.
Loeta and her Paso Fino gelding, Profe, along with Apache and I, enjoyed our ride. We had perfect weather and wonderful trail partners.
Apache and I surrounded by the ponderosa forest.
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