Putting down Stakes

Developing a topo is a very delicate operation it appears, and luckily for us an expert arrived on the scene just in time to steer us straight. Or whatever..... It was so cool to have Jim and Leah Cushman drive all the way out here to spend a couple of days. Between the three guys (Greg and Karen being here as well) they managed to get the job done and Jim was able to get his laser out of Stan's clutches. I somehow think it's a lot more fun for Stan to do stuff like that with Jim and Greg than with me. Regardless, we also had time to have a barbeque at sunset and a visit to the Vietnam Memorial (pretty amazing place here in A.F.) the following day. It was so great to have everyone here. hurry back please...

Good Friends, Good Hikes

Our friends, Greg and Karen Goforth came out to spend some time with us in Angel Fire. Little did Greg know that he would get put to work for the day, developing a topo of the property and spending the rest of his time hiking up and down various canyons and peaks. The days were full of rivers, meadows full of wildflowers, blue skies with sudden rain showers, rocks in our socks and for Greg and Stan, little, bitty bug bites all around their ankles. We found out that they have dry rain showers in New Mexico, where the rain never makes it to the ground. We found out we needed an ice chest of cold drinks in the truck for when we got back from the dusty trail. We found out we needed a big dinner and lots of sleep at night in order to keep it up. I loved every bit of it. Thanks for coming, Greg and Karen!

Angel Fire

Why they call it Angel Fire at sunset.......

A Family Affair

Still in Angel Fire, time is flying by. The past couple of weeks we have been clearing tree limbs and the under story on the property that we share with Ben. It's hard work and I'm covered with little cuts and bruises but it's so cool to see the area emerge and take shape. The best part was having Ben, his girlfriend Michelle, Jocelyn and Kristian here with us. They are the greatest!! They all know how to work hard, play hard and put on a tasty bbq at the end of the day. Unfortunately for us, they had to return to their homes and we're missing all the action that they provided. I know that sounds extremely sad but we'll get over it...... Meanwhile, more beautiful, mountain days to come, then on to Colorado for the week of the 4th.

Who Knows What Tomorrow will Bring

It feels so good to be up here in Angel Fire,NM. Nine thousand feet can seem a little intimidating but so far we can still ride a bike and enjoy life. The worst of it is that we have to go to a cafe to get on the internet so the next month will be a little spotty for staying in touch. I have to say though, that cafes have coffee and I've never turned that down. We plan on being here until the end of the month, working on our property and getting to know the area a little better. Yesterday was spectacular with lots of sunshine and blue sky and wildflowers all over the hill sides. Waking up this morning was a big surprise. The world had turned white and swirly. By the time we walked outside everything was covered with snow. It's weird to be here in the snow knowing that 25 miles away the temps are in the 80s. Tomorrow, who knows?