Walked West Jemez Road today, starting from Camp May intersection and going to TA-16 signs. Saw lots of signs of elk in area just north of Pajarito Canyon trailhead. It's almost like they are playing fox and hounds in that area!
If the snow holds for Wednesday and Thursday, I'd like to snowshoe the area south of Pajarito Canyon trailhead. It's open, with glades and bowls.
Closer to Valle Canyon, it gets really steep but I'd also like to try snowshoeing north from that area. I saw a diagonal ramp with some elk tracks going up. I was only in road walking shoes so couldn't explore it further.
The ridge on the west side of West Jemez Road is so wall-like in places. I wonder if it's a continuation of the Pajarito Fault. To explore beneath that ridge, I'd have to start early (for me) because the area gets in shadow in early afternoon and thus is very cold.
The walking was very pleasant as there weren't too many vehicles like there would be if the lab was open.
As I approached Valle Canyon, I saw a snowshoer coming out with his little dog. It was Bart and his mini-compact dog, Bridget. Bridget looked cold and wet. Bart didn't have any poles. He went up on the south side of Valle Canyon but said that they (referring to him and Bridget!) would have to do too much trail-breaking so he didn't go very far.
Soon we go to China Moon with daughter and her family and her father-in-law. It's to celebrate the last night of Hanukkah. Grandson will get final gift tonight which is a big Lego kit that he really, really wants!
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