Sagebrush personal hiking blog
After several months I finally return to finish my hike. Yesterday I took the Rail Runner train to Santa Fe, and the free Blue Bus 255 up to the ski area, and camped overnight at the no-fee Aspen Basin campground.
Aspens are in full fall color, and fallen leaves make a golden trail.
I encounter no mountain bikes on this popular downhill biking section of Winsor Trail, due to the late season and being a weekday. Later, on Saddleback Trail, the tread has a deep V-groove in places from bike use.
On La Piedra Trail, the rocks are small, so to build switchbacks wire cages are used, filled with stone.
Tesuque Creek has plenty of water this month.
From La Piedra Trail I can just make out Santa Fe and colorful tribal lands in the distance.
The Dale Ball trail networks and narrow Gonzales Road take me to Santa Fe River Park along Alameda Road, with scattered artwork.
The Santa Fe River has plenty of water, replenished from recent rains.
Nearing Santa Fe Plaza, the route goes past a museum, cathedral, and historic hotel.
Finally, I reach the Plaza, at trail’s end. What a trip! Celebratory enchies follow.
Finished audiobook Radicalized, by Cory Doctorow. This collection of novellas has one of my favorite: “Unauthorized Bread”.
Winsor passes by a meadow, a popular camping spot.
Winsor has tons of hikers, as a convenient entry into the Pecos Wilderness from Santa Fe. Exposed roots are sometimes one side-effect of a heavily traveled trail.
Stepping stones across Rio Nambe are still in place, from an NMVFO project several years ago.
After passing dozens of hikers, I get to the wilderness boundary, and start the descent towards the Santa Fe ski area.
I stop at a picnic table by the Winsor trailhead, and work on equipment until my ride arrives. I fondly remember this table, the site of a crosscut saw class a few years ago.
Thank you, Cairn, for the ride back home.
I have less than one day of hiking to get to Santa Fe plaza and complete this route. The Blue Bus stops at Aspen Basin, so it will be easy to get back here. I will return, eventually, later this year.
Finished audiobook Ministry of Disturbance, by H Beam Piper.