With all of the rain lately, our local canyoneering spots have likely changed a bit. I'd like to go down Pajarito Gorge in White Rock to check out what is new (like the large tree branch in the first pothole). We will start at 9am and I expect we will be back at the parking area around noon-1pm (depends on the number of people). If there is time and interest, we can head over to Potrillo Canyon when we are finished in Pajarito. Potrillo may have some new anchor building challenges at the second and third rappels.
This will be a fun day hike starting at the bottom of the Aspen lift and continuing down the back of Pajarito Mountain. We will traverse the edge of the valley floor along the base of Cerro Grande and then hike one mile up the Valle Grande trail to the cars on Hwy. 4. From there we will shuttle back to Ullrfest and enjoy the music and beer.
When: September 28, 2013
Meeting point: Bottom of Aspen lift
Time: 10 am
Cost: $15. $5 for a lift pass (or free with your ski pass) $10 for the Preserve.
Let's hike up to the top of the Sandia Mountains via La Luz trail (note - change of date to Saturday). Begin hike at base of tram. Hike 2 miles to the north along the base of the mountains to La Luz trail. Hike up La Luz trail to the Crest and then over to the top of the tram. Return to parking lot via tram ($12 per person). Total distance = 9 miles. Elevation gain =4200 ft. The hike will take about 6 hours. We will meet in Los Alamos at 6:45 am to carpool. Email jdewart@q.com to sign up. We'll work out car pool arrangements with participants.
The Santa Fe Mountain Center is offering a Wilderness First Aid class on September 21-22 and we have some spots available for the public. The training will be held at the Santa Fe Mountain Center Offices at 1524B Bishops Lodge Road in Tesuque (next to Shidoni). Registration for the class can be purchased on line at http://www.santafemc.org/wfa/ Saro Calewarts
Office & Resource Development Manager
Santa Fe Mountain Center
P.O. Box 449, Tesuque, NM 87574
Let's pull together a Mountaineer party to help the Ski Club on their work day, and get in some exercise while doing it. We'll hike up one of the runs side by side, lopping aspen shoots as we head towards the top, then hike down to the barbeque on the deck. Meet at Sullivan Field at 12 noon, and bring a long-handled pruning lopper if you have one. Please RSVP to Bill Priedhorsky at bill@priedhorsky.net.
This Saturday is Bandelier's signature event - Opera on the Rocks.
This is our second time we're hosting this event, and I anticipate that this year will be even better than last. This performance is by Opera Alta and is Amahl and the Night Visitors. A unique aspect of this opera is that it is in English.
Trip is full. Email Bill to be put on the wait list. In early September, we will explore a new piece of the canyon country: Tsegi Canyon, tributaries of which hold Betatakin and Keet Seel ruins. This area is located just west of Monument Valley, and is full of small, medium and large cliff dwellings. The canyons are scenic, but the main attraction are the sites. With an elevation of about 6300 feet, we can go earlier in the fall than our regular canyon trips. The two photos below show some of the scenery and ruins.
Join the Opsahls for a 3 day trip exploring the Channel Islands off Santa Barbara, California on a 68 foot 30 passenger motor boat. The trip boards in Santa Barbara at 8 PM, Wednesday, Sept 4 and returns at 5 PM Saturday, Sept 7. All meals are included, and special diets can be accomodated. Activities include naturalist led hikes on uninhabited islands with unique fauna and flora, bird watching, frolicking with sea lions, sea kayaking and snorkeling, even stand up paddling (equipment can be rented). Sleeping in curtained off single or double bunks.
Monday, Sept 2, Labor Day. Strenuous hike of La Vega Loop including The Elevator. Hike begins at the Santa Fe Ski Basin, on the Winsor Trail. About eight miles, 3,000 foot gain. The Elevator is a two mile, 2,000 foot gain section near the end of the hike. Parts of our trail will go through the Pacheco burn area, some rough terrain, stream crossings and downed trees. One or two dogs OK, must be leashed at lunch stops and if we run into cows. To sign up, contact Mary Thompson at mary14er@gmail.com.
