Dead Cholla Wall

Fulfilled with our many climbing adventures in El Rito, NM we decided to venture to Pilar to see what the Rio Grande Gorge had in store for us. Little did we realize that our yearning hearts were in for a treacherous, border-line, shady situation. But, we are forever indebted to fate for always showing us "the sunny side of life." Oh, what would we do without your magical ways? The narrow, cliff side belaying spots were far from desired, but the wall itself was unlike anything we have ever had the chance to shred. Dead Cholla Wall is technical and the holds are few and far between. But, there is more grip to this baby than sandpaper. We were in awe of the true beauty this wall had to offer. Besides the 360 views of the Rio Grande River and surrounding Sandia Mountain Range, each climb was like a sweet dance. Each move required complete harmony between your limbs, the rhythm of Bob Marley, and a meditative focus. Be prepared to Kit Carson your way up a freakishly steep and narrow dirt road, but more importantly be ready for the artistry on the other side.

El Rito Crag

 

We set out to the great land of El Rito, New Mexico in hopes of experiencing some good old fashioned New Mexico crag. But, El Rito is unlike any rock we have ever had the privilege of climbing. The rock is an unusual combination of granite and cobblestone, if that makes any since at all or is even physically possible. Nonetheless, it is by far our most treasured site to crush some serious rock feature. At least that we have visited thus far in our short, but fulfilled lives. Unfortunately for our thrill seeking hearts we were able to get one glorious climb in and then the torrential downpour began. In the pouring rain we gathered our gear and hiked down, only to find an illustrious cave that was calling to us. And even more, who knew we would meet a cute couple from Cimarron, also escaping torrent and enjoying a good beer. Call it what you will, but I say it was fate. The mudslide ride back down the mountain was more fun than any water park could offer, take that Schlitterbahn. At the end of the day the worst we could say was that we were able to watch it rain like cats and dogs in one of the most breathtaking mountains on Earth. Poor, poor pitiful us. We will catch you on the flipside El Rito, only next time we will conquer.

Bottoms up.

Experiencing the Land of Enchantment

My soul partner and I have recently embarked on a life journey. Our spiritual quest for the essence of life and natural beauty has brought us and our golden retriever to Taos, New Mexico. Taos is a place where one cannot escape from nature, where culture permeates the everyday, and the people all have a common understanding of the importance of spirituality, life, and imagination.  We have come here, not on a whim, but more following a deeper calling. A destiny that is constantly surfaced every time we step out the front door of our trailer. We have found homage in Valle Escondido. Valle Escondido is a mystical valley, where the evergreens and aspen fill your vision, bear musk mixes with the unforgettable mountain air, and chipmunks are the closest thing to a rodent. So far, life in the "valle" is far from ordinary and more like its rhyming counterpart, extraordinary. Three, maybe two and half steps outside of the Mallard trailer bring us into the Carson National Forest where ecstasy and realism exist together in real time and space. I guess that is why they call this place the land of enchantment. For now, I want to introduce the place that we have grown so fond of,  the earth that embodies all that is real here in the valley, and the place that we have learned to call home. 

Live and let love, follow your passions, listen to your soul, and most importantly, be free.