Change often seems a slow thing in the southern Rockies. Take, for example, our reverence for the ancient community of Taos Pueblo, which has seemingly stood still (its inner core remains unchanged) for a thousand years, making it the oldest continually inhabited community in the country. Truly, adaptation is survival. On the other hand, time Read More
Here There Be Monsters
Twilight. The sky has begun to softly bruise plum and lavender, with hints of rose. You are walking along the rock-encrusted rim of a gorge, peering down into the yawning abyss which speaks the vocabulary of prehistory. The weatherman talked about possible snow, and you can feel the teeth of winter on your skin as Read More
Revolts and revolutions thrive on rebels
A riot, revolt or revolution never remains complete without a rebel(s) to fuel the situation. These controversial leaders usually maintained an unsavory reputation as “troublemakers” at the time of their escapades. In time, northern New Mexico and southern Colorado history sometimes changes this viewpoint, honoring the leader through public memorialization. The reason for the rebellion, Read More
Mountain Memories
In charting a course for a future Memory Lane – paved with images, impressions, and travel-tread keepsakes – we offer you a gilded inventory, what you might call “the Blueprint Special,” which runs the recreational gamut in northern New Mexico and the southern Rockies. Switching Gears Your personal scrapbook may include a snapshot of you Read More
Do it like a kid
Wouldn’t it be great if we could all have as much fun as kids do when we go outside? They’re like otters — not thinking too hard, just messing around and having fun. That’s not to say that they have no fear. But saying that adults have forgotten how to play is as silly as Read More
HighCountry 2017
Wild Horsepower
STRAIGHT FROM the HORSE’S MOUTH: There is no shortage of myths, superstitions, and fun obscure facts when it comes to horses. From the vaults of equestrian trivia: The first historically recorded horse race—between fool’s golden boy Francisco Vasquez de Coronado (see: Chasing El Dorado) and one of his soldiers, Rodrigo de Maldonado — took place Read More
The Wild Ones
Seeing wildlife is like seeing celebrities, only better. – Tania Andrews Fun Wildlife Factoids: New Mexico’s state bird is the roadrunner; Colorado’s is the lark bunting. Roadrunners can fly, though they spend most of their time on the ground. The golden eagle is North America’s largest bird of prey. The American Bison is the largest Read More
The Art of Falling
The snow gives us a glide And the slope, a slide. In winter, the mountains of northern New Mexico are not just so much pretty scenery, white handmaidens who serve as decoration. Some people find them seductive. I like to think of them as fierce goddesses who will rip you out of your car even Read More
Fat Boys Dig Cats – Extreme Skiing Monarch Style
Monarch’s extreme snowcat tours of Colorado’s Great Divide are heaven for snow carnivores – Above me on the mountain steeps, I could hear the guides call to each other as they swept through the trees making sure there were no stragglers. “Clear… Clear.” Clear, my butt. I’m upside down in this hole, wedged between a Read More