We are out on the road again, thus the infrequency of my communication. This time we are in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado. Yeah, I know. But someone has to do it. May as well be me and Mountain Man. This time it is really a vacation. And it is a great one! First stop. Los Alamos, New Mexico for Mike and Grammy’s birthday celebrations. We had fourteen family members that were able to attend! Only missing about nine – and we really missed them being there!! I have traveled I-40 to New Mexico too many times to count and I never, ever tire of the beautiful landscape. The vibrant colors of the plateaus, buttes, and mesas to the golden grasses of the plains and the sage and mesquite green that dot the landscape. And this time of year the Chamisa is in full bloom. Aaaaaachoooo! Then, just about the time you think you’ve seen enough grass, mesquite and buttes, someone shouts, “Queue the Antelope!” and herd after herd of Pronghorn Antelope show their amazing ability to run like the wind or stand by the side of the road – still as a fencepost. In case you aren’t from around these parts, antelope are also known as “Speed Goats” because, well, they kinda look like and goats and they’re faster than all gitout. As if that isn’t enough, the elk is abundant! If you have never met one of these magnificent beasts, then a trip to New Mexico’s Valles Caldera National Reserve is in order! “The Valles” (pronounced “VI’yay” and means “grass valley”) is only about 15 miles into the Jemez Mountains from MM’s folks’ place in Los Alamos. This once active volcano is home to much wildlife. But it is the elk herds that always make it a heart-stopping treat. The cows, calves and the big bulls roam the expansive valley like they own the place. The Valles is a very famous place for movie making, too. Films such as “The Gambler” with Kenny Rogers, “Buffalo Girls” with Angelica Huston, “The Last Stand at Saber River” with Tom Selleck, “Wild Hogs” with John Trivolta and Tim Allen, and “The Missing” with Tommy Lee Jones have continued to promote the beauty of this endearing location. Today was a day of rest for me. I mean, it’s my vacation, too. So I can do whatever I want. Right? The guys went for a […]
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