Saturday, April 23, 2011

Wide open Texas


I just finished a week-long law enforcement refresher training in Artesia, New Mexico. The most interesting part of the week was my drive across wide open Texas on my way to and from the academy. After flying in to El Paso, I rented a car to drive to Artesia. Enroute, I visited Guadalupe Mountain National Park, which has a stunning collection of high mountains. On my way back to El Paso on Friday, I was able to hike the Devils Hall Trail out to a dramatic slot canyon. Once back in El Paso, I stopped by Chamizal National Memorial, which commemorates the international boundary with Mexico.


Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Visit from Michigan

In early April we had a wonderful visit from Gabe and Noelle who traveled all the way from western Michigan to our place. We spent the time showing them the coastal regions, as storms dropped rain and snow in the mountains. On the coast, we had a day of rain, but otherwise lots of sun. Here are some of the highlights...


Sunset from the Hammond Trail in McKinleyville
Redwood National Park
A rainy hike to Lyon Ranch in Redwood NP
Tide pooling at Patricks Point State Park
Patricks Point State Park Sweeping views of the Northern California coast
Powerful waves at Elk Head near Trinidad