The Catwalk, Glenwood, NM

We decided that one day that we would plan a trip to the Catwalk. The Catwalk is an awesome little place in New Mexico that has been around since the 1890's. It started out as a way to pipe water down to the mills and eventually became a tourist attraction. It is a little work to get all the way to the top but it is a fun and well worth it hike.



On our way, about 25 minutes from home in a little town , Nutrioso, we saw a herd of about 50-75 elk grazing in a pasture off the side of the road.




It was so neat to see all the babies and everything all mixed in together.

The kids were really excited once we finally got there. Brandon was a trooper and hiked the entire 2.2 miles from bottom to top and back down, all by himself! Tyler didn't do too bad herself. There are a few kind of scary place that we had to carry her so she didn't fall in to the river below.

The first bridge.

The catwalk is a long 1.1 mile trail that partly consists of a metal grate-like "catwalk" that is bolted to the side of these huge rocks and hills. Its really cool to look down beneath your feet and see the water flowing.

Looking down after they got over the fear of being so high.

The Forest Service has done a lot of work renovating everything. They have installed a few of these nice little benches along the walk so that you can take a break from time to time.

The second bridge

The kids thought this little rock passage was neat.

Brandon was trekking up ahead of us and a few times went a lot faster than us. Once I couldnt see him anymore and got a little nervous. When I rounded the corner I found him hiding out in this little cove.

Walking with Daddy.

There was a stairway that led down to the water and of course we had to go check it out. It was a good way to cool off, because at that point it was starting to get a little hot.
All cooled off and ready to head back up and keep going.

Woops! Just turn your head and you can see more of Brandon's masterful photography!

Here is the last bridge. The cable bridge. It is a little intimidating because you are suspended really high over the river and lots of huge boulders and you can feel every bounce, step, and movement.

And here it is! 1.1 miles to the end! There is a big waterfall in the rocks to the left but they have it blocked off pretty well so no one goes down in it anymore but if you can find a way to get down there it is really cool. It is kind of like a cave with a waterfall flowing from the ceiling!

The 1.1 mile marker. They have these markers at every 1/4 mile so you can track your progress.

Here is the sign that explains the history of the Catwalk from the beginning to the present. It really is a neat place and the kids are still talking about it!

After our hike, we had packed a picnic lunch and found a table under a big tree.

Tyler spit (lovely) her sandwich into the river and then we discovered that there were a bunch of trout that though PB&J was pretty good! We had a little bit of a sandwich left so we fed the fishies.

They were intently watching for the fish to jump up and attack the bread. Itwas cool to see all the fish swimming around. There was a lot more that we thought there would be!

The best way to end the trip. Playing in the water, one of their favorite things to do during the summer!

Summer Family Outing

Government Springs is one of our favorite places around here, so we go up there a few times a year to spend the day. The summer is probably the best time to see it all. It is always so green and pretty , and occasionally you might see a deer or two.

I wanted a few new pictures of Mike and I and Brandon was the only one around that could hold the camera. We thought he did a pretty good job!
They had so much fun that day.

Daddy was teaching them how to skip rocks.

Me and my cute little kiddos.

The trail was blocked by a big uprooted tree. We think it was probably blown down in one of our infamous windstorms. The kids thought it was fun to climb up on it.

Picking dandelions

She was mad about something.

Another one of Brandon's shots.

Tyler and her Daddy

It was such a nice day that day.

Isn't that a beautiful scene?

Our little hikers, trekking along. It was a fun day that ended in wet clothes and muddy shoes. We will definitely go up there again.

Spring Fishing Trip

So, it was the first day of Spring and what better way to celebrate than a fishing trip?
It was the kid's first time ever fishing and they both had so much fun. Brandon never left his line out longer than a minute but it would'nt have done much good because NO ONE that was there that day got a bite. Guess the fish were'nt as ready for Spring as we were.

Fishin' buddies.

Guarding the sandwiches maybe? We don't really know either.

Yes there is snow in the background but it was surprisingly a very nice day out. All any of us needed was a light jacket and we were good to go.

look at me!

He looks a little disgruntled. Things just were'nt as fast paced as he would have liked.

No bites all day but it was still a fun day. We got to get out in the fresh air and the kids got their first chance at fishing. But unfortunately I think Spring changed it's mind because that has been one of VERY few nice days around here since then!!!!