The Campers Return !

Northern New Mexico is definitely the place to camp when the temperatures are in the 90s and this was our plan. Wicked Thistle and I planned a delightful circumnavigation of the Enchanted Circle, which starts in Taos and continues east and north around Wheeler Peak. But as the day grew near, weather conditions changed drastically. It was predicted to be high in the 70s, low in the 30s and 40s with a 40% chance of rain Wednesday and Thursday. Been there, done that. I suggested we try Bandelier National Monument and we also thought it might be worth a look at Abiqui a bit farther north.

The scenery around the lake was spectacular with mountains, lakes and distant mesas all covered by a clear, bright and sunny sky.

We drove around snapping pictures wildly, but the campsite we found seemed a little less than desirable.

We agreed that it was best to head back to Bandelier with the stop in Española for groceries.

The Bandelier National Monument is over 33,000 acres, the camping area is near the entrance to the park with three separate campgrounds. Loop A was closed, Loop B was nice but had quite a few campers already; so we moved on to Loop C and chose a site beneath the Pine and Ponderosa.

Since we are now experienced campers (this being the second adventure in a month) we set up camp in record time, fixed lunch and cracked open a new bottle of single malt Scotch.

Predictably, dark clouds began to threaten and the traditional late afternoon thunderstorm approached. Armed with reading, writing and knitting materials-we scrambled into our well appointed tiny tent, safe from the storm. When the sun finally reappeared (keep in mind, we had no idea what time it was-no watches, no cell phones, no radio- nada).

I started a fire and WT prepared a delicious dinner with tortillas, refried beans, peppers, onions and cheese. The meal was complete with some nummy fruit salad. We had only a short time to sit on a log and watch the beautiful fire and enjoy the "church-camp-gang"* before new clouds formed and we reluctantly marched ourselves to the lavishly appointed washhouse (with running water and flush toilets and a special place to do dishes) to clean up for bed.

Our reverie was interrupted by the sound of serious thunder and lightning.

We scurried back to the tent, half soaked to find that we had left the tent door open and thebottoms of both sleeping bags and air mattresses were wet. My sleeping bag is a bit old and not especially water resistant,so I had a very damp and cold night ahead of me.

Morning dawned crisp and bright. I started the fire and put the water on, we were ready to conquer Day 2 of the MacBean Adventures. By exploring "Frijoles Canyon." (uh huh...Beans! )

Stay tuned for Episode II-

Adventures in Rock Climbing With the Elderly and Infirmed.

*Ask WT about our church-camp kids