Datil Well 2018

This could be my third trail project with NMVFO at Datil Well BLM Campground, between the VLA and Pie Town. Ranchers used the Magdadena Stock Driveway in the 19th and 20th centuries to move cattle and sheep between Springerville, AZ and the railroad at Magdalena, NM. Wells were drilled every 10 miles or so to provide water for the animals, and Datil Well is the site of one of those wells. A tiny museum/visitor center is at the main campground near the camp hosts, well worth a visit.

We stayed at the group campground August 24-26, 2018. Some used campers, and the rest of us were in tents. Friday night we dined at the nearby Eagle Guest Ranch. Rain fell before dinner and during the first night.

We cut a large span of new trail in grassy soil, with few rocks and obstacles to slow us down. Continue reading “Datil Well 2018”

Foothills Open Space at Menaul 2018

Thursday, March 15, the New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors (NMVFO) held their annual trail building workshop classroom session at REI for anyone interested in learning about building trails. The following Saturday about 40 people worked on a project in the Albuquerque Foothills at the end of Menaul to practice our new skills, led by several members of the Albuquerque Open Space Division.

After the orientation and safety briefing


we worked on re-routing a section of trail

Continue reading “Foothills Open Space at Menaul 2018”