We had a busy, adventurous November! I didn't realize how much we had actually seen and done until I started putting this gallery together.
We started the month of November east of Albuquerque, NM and the end of the month in Sedona, AZ before heading to northern AZ the beginning of December.
Santa Rosa Lake Park NM was a quick stopover. We were treated with a wonderful sunset.
Pecos National Historic Park, NM was a crossroads and trading post for hunters, gatherers, traders, missionaries, immigrants, soldiers, ranchers, and others.
Santa Fe, NM has grown a LOT since we last visited over 30 years ago! We enjoyed the dia de los muertos activities, hiking, window shopping, and museums. Due to snow, rain, and cold temps we decided to leave earlier than planned and head to better weather.
GILA National Forest is huge, over 3 million acres of land; the first designated wilderness area in the U.S. We drove the spectacular New Mexico Route 152 through the mountains on our way to City of Rocks State Park.
City of Rocks State Park, NM rocks were formed about 35 million years ago when a large volcano erupted for several years and erosion formed what you see today. It is the only place these types of formations are found in the U.S. and 1 of only 5 in the world. The sunrises, sunsets, and night skies are spectacular!
Chiricahua National Monument in Willcox, AZ we explored the pinnacles, spires, and balanced rocks that originated 27 million years ago by a massive volcanic eruption.
Saguaro National Park, Tucson, AZ is home to the nation's largest cacti. We enjoyed our stay at an awesome Hipcamp, Camp Saguaro with beautiful nightly sunsets and starry skies. There was so much to explore! We did a lot of hiking, a little biking (but risky with so many prickly plants close to the trail, no room for error), and thoroughly enjoyed the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum where I touched a rock older than Earth!
Enjoyed some fun mountain biking trails in Prescott, AZ on Bean Mountain.
And bouldering at Watson Lake State Park as we headed out of town.
Stopped for a night and quick bike ride at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, AZ before heading to Sedona, home of the red rocks. Read the park info to find out how the park got its strange name.
We were in Sedona, AZ about 5 years ago with our daughter for a few days. So, happy we were able to return and spend a lot more time. We found a great spot to camp for free for 10 days and connected with an old friend. We biked, biked, and biked, and hiked! Tired legs and body but I gained so much more confidence and skills riding these tough trails.
It was an unusual Thanksgiving week and day without my usual cooking and family gathering. We biked, were ravenous, and made the quickest, easiest Thanksgiving meal we've ever made. Grateful for my daughter that cooked a meal at home for her grandparents and uncle.
We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and best wishes for a happy, holiday December season. This can be a stressful, busy time. Take time to watch more sunrises and sunsets, enjoy the outdoors, spend time with people that bring you joy, and find time for yourself.
Renee & Rob
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