Hiking in New Mexico

When I wasn't watching the Balloons Tucson and I went with Nate and Kenzie for a few hikes

Our first hike was at a Bosque (woods) in Corrales.  The Balloon Fiesta was still going on and as we approached the Bosque, a Balloon was headed in the same direction.

 The dirt road in follows an irrigation canal

 and we end up by the Rio Grande

 Balloons are still drifting by

The Bosque is mostly old Cottonwood Trees and there are some cool downed tree trunks around

Tucson leads the way

The trees are enormous.  Didn't see many birds other then some Flickers.

Uh Oh Mommy I hear something!

That would be Thunder and it was accompanied by a flash, so we took off in a flash and got back to the car before it started raining in earnest.

I came back with Tucson the following week and took a different route

 Wonder what's at the other end of this trail

 

Guess they weren't kidding!

The next hike was to Willow Creek

There is a nice gravel path to follow.  Looks like it is a popular dog walking area.

The Sandia Mountains make a nice backdrop

There weren't any clouds in the sky when we started out, but now there is this large long band that seems to be darkening

Tucson would like to go for a swim  but it's a long drop off

We are on the home stretch and that band of clouds is looking a little more foreboding

Dogs are all packed up and we get out once again just before the rain comes.

Our next hike is to the Hyatt  Tamaya Resort 

I'm reminded that it's getting closer to Thanksgiving

The leaves are changing here too

Tucson is trying out his new back pack - hope he'll share his water with me.

Speaking of water, at least there is water in the Rio Grande here.

Was hoping to see some Sandhill Cranes but just Canadian Geese

and lots of yellow butterflies on the Asters

The resort itself is huge.   When you turn onto the road to come in you wouldn't even know there was anything down here.

When we weren't hiking or watching the Balloons, we hiked the neighborhood.

( watch for Tarantula's crossing though)

or played in the yard

 

Nate got me back into birdwatching

 How many quail can fit on one feeder?

and sometimes just looked at the Moon

and some really cool clouds