The_NM_TX

  At the risk of sounding repetitive one thing that I love about hiking in New Mexico is that usually there is a historical aspect that’s part of it. In the past I have written about Coronado, and of course anything about the Petroglyphs transports you back in time before the U.S. was even a country. But after talking about those hikes to other people I was told I had to check out the Bandelier National Monument. After dealing with wildfires, and the heat of the summer finally the time to do it presented itself, and I was glad I went.  For starters the drive was beautiful and reminded me so much of driving through the Colorado mountains with the winding roads, and beautiful scenery. Once I arrived, I was shocked at how big this place was, and how much there was to do there. The first objective was the hike of course so behind the visitor’s center was the trail head to I began my adventure. It is always fascinating to see ancient ruins on hikes here, like walking by Kiva’s that were u

  Since I have lived here one town I have found myself consistently wanting to visit is Corrales. This small town is a relaxing drive that has so much to offer, and it seems like every time I visit, I find something new to stop and check out. The first time was to check out a brewery, which I still love going to. However, on my most recent visit I decided to follow the signs on the road and check out somewhere new. So, with a right turn off Corrales Road and following the banner I found myself at Corrales Winery.  Driving up to Corrales Winery you feel right at home, and when you arrive you find yourself taken back by the scenery. In a huge yard with outdoor seating, you find yourself surrounded by plants, the small vineyard with a gorgeous view of the Sandia as a backdrop. The inside of the tasting room is equally as beautiful with large windows showing off the same views. In addition, they have displays throughout the tasting room showing all the awards this small winery has won. B

  2015 the weather canceled the day I went. 2021 I was in Red River and enjoyed it on TV. So, finally in 2022 on the 50 th anniversary of the first one I was primed to go to what I am calling my “first” balloon fiesta. Ticket in hand, and a very early wakeup call I drove down and joined the masses waiting anxiously to get in. Once in it was just a matter of waiting and hoping that the weather would cooperate and make the day worthwhile.  Once settled into what I hoped would be a good spot on the lawn, I patiently waited. The weather was very good this morning              so I was optimistic that the day would go smoothly. Thankfully, from my first time here there was new entertainment in the form of a drone show. It was very well put together from spelling out the Fiesta logo, to showing off the famous Albuquerque box, and touching on all things New Mexico. It was a great small show, but then the anticipation of what was ahead began. When suddenly in a pitch-black field the glow of