As promised I have pictures to show of the Organ Mountains in New Mexico. We hiked to Dripping Springs an area with tons of history including a cave with cliff drawings.

As you can see there was even a bit of snow.

Here is the Dripping Spring. I know not all that impressive of a drip. I would say more of a trickle.

Here is an old ranch house where cattle men would stay when they would bring their herds here for water and grazing.

For valentines day Erik and I went to Cloudcroft to ski for the day. It was so nice to be on the slopes again! Erik is carving it up.

It was a busy week at work. We went to a headstart school here in El Paso and we got to teach the water cycle to the cutest 2-4 year olds. It made me think of Sam and Evan!

As you can tell there were a lot of kids!

Last weekend Erik and I went exploring at the Mesilla Valley Wetlands Bosque in New Mexico. It's only about a 20 minute drive from El Paso. The Organ mountains provide the backdrop. They are truely spectacular, like nothing I have ever seen!!!

Here is a trail lined with mesquite limbs.

Look at the mountains and their jags.

Here is a small pond that is great habitat to the migratory birds.

Tomorrow we are doing another hike in the Organ Mountains.....stay tuned.

It was a very snowy Christmas in Idaho!!! I must say quite a change from the El Paso weather we have come accustomed to. I must say the cabin looked wonderful! Thanks mom and Dad for all your hard work!

Look at Jenelle's awesome creation!

Thanks Jen and Krista for the amazing time in the Yurt.
I had to throw in a picture of the jon.

It is pretty much a wilderness retreat!!!

And more and more snow......

There is even a cabin that the 7 dwarfs would have been proud of!!

Here is a view of the yurt, look at the deck, just don't have to much to drink and hang out near the edge, its quite a drop.

And Sam even got to wear his skis again!

The Rio Grande runs right through the heart of El Paso. As you can see, it is no wonder that it is called the Rio Grande. El Paso has a nice river walk somewhat like the green belt in Boise, but not quite as extensive. These pictures were from a rivershed cleanup we put together at work.

Here is the path that follows the river.

I have to say this is the coolest job I have ever had! I have gotten to see places that I never would have gone before. One of my favorite parts about this job is the cool special studies that I get to be involved in. Recently I was able to go to Big Bend National Park and look at a Salt Cedar Study. I was lucky enough to go out in the field with the scientists and look at their study sites. I have to say that Big Bend is very cool. I was invited back to do a 5 day river trip down the Rio Grande's wild and scenic stretch in November to do a vegetation study with the park service. It should be very fun.

This is a picture of Liz (My boss from the Clean Rivers Program at the International Boundary and Water commission) and me at the park entrance.

Here is a cool view from inside the park.

The Rio Grande runs through this gourge, you can see how far down the river has cut! The left side is Mexico and the Right side is the US.

Erik and I have been exploring the state parks near El Paso and New Mexico. We found a very cool park called Hueco Tanks. "Hueco" refers to the large basins that are naturally formed in the rocks. These basins fill with water during heavy rains and provide water storage during times of drought. Dating back thousands of years people have cohabited this area because of the water that is available in the huecos. These ancient cultures have left behind tons of rock paintings throughout the park. Cultures ranging from hunters and foragers of thousands of years ago to relatively recent Mescalero Apaches, and Native Americans have drawn strange mythological designs and human and animal figures on the rocks of the area. Not only is this park popular for its prehistoric culture but it also provides excellent rock climbing and hiking opportunities.

We came across some climbers that claimed they come to the park from Arizona every year.

This was on the climb up to see a cave with wall paintings.

As you can see it was a scramble up to the cave.

Finally we reached the cave. To get inside you slither on your belly, but once in there is a little more wiggle room. I was borderline claustrophobic!



This is a view from inside the cave.



And here we have the paintings from over 1800 years ago.



Can you see the guy?

I had to throw one in of the beautiful cactus arrangement.

Everyone loves a lizard!!!

So I have been super busy and bad about posting any new pics. Erik and I went and saw Steve and Tracey in Albuquerque for a night and had a wonderful visit. Erik learned how to make real enchilada sauce from Steve, and Tracey took me shopping at her botique! We decided New Mexico has the best open markets! Unfortunately I forgot my camera and so was not able to post any pics but next time I will take lots.

Every Sunday Erik and I love to do the Rim Road bike ride. El Paso closes off the road until noon and leaves it open for pedestrians and bikers. The view from the top is amazing!

Here Erik and I are enjoying a drink at the top!

This is the best view of our down town. Behind downtown is Juarez. As you can see the two cities are really one big city!