Learning to Swim at Abiquiu Lake

Today, I finally learned how to swim! Many were skeptical about my ability to swim, being the short, stocky bulldog that I am, but today I proved them all wrong and swam at Abiquiu Lake!

My proof!

Abiquiu Lake is nestled in the Chama river valley of Northern New Mexico. The lake is one of the largest lakes in New Mexico and is formed by the Abiquiu Dam to protect the valley from flooding, as well as for irrigation control, water storage, and hydroelectric generation. The lake is a true gem in the desert landscape.

The Chama River Valley.

 The famous Cerro Pedernal, Spanish for Flint Hill, sets a beautiful backdrop for the lake. 

The lake was a bit murky from the wind stirring up the water and causing waves, but I had a blast chasing the waves along the shore. I, then, braved my way into the water, with the help of my humans, and swam by myself for the very first time!

Here's my star video!

After cooling off in the lake and after plenty of playtime in the water, we had a picnic lunch along the shore, enjoying the slight breeze and the warm sunshine. We explored the surrounding hills and relaxed to the gentle sound of the lake's waves rushing against the shore. 

Sporting my new Chaco collar!

What an adventurous day!

-Rosie

Day Hike to Hamilton Mesa

Today we headed out to Hamilton Mesa, located far into the Pecos Wilderness near Terrero, New Mexico. My pawrents have been wanting to backpack this trail, but due to conflicting weekend schedules and threatening thunderstorms, we settled for a long day hike to explore the mountain meadows of Hamilton Mesa.

Wildflowers near the Iron Gate Campground.

After a long drive through Pecos, Terrero, and then winding up the mountain towards Cowles, we arrived at the Iron Gate Campground to begin our trek. This moderate hike spans roughly 10 miles and crosses over numerous open and beautiful mountain meadows resting at about 10,000 feet with views of the Truchas peaks.

As we began our hike, we walked among the most fragrant forest of Ponderosa pine trees and aspen groves, as we crisscrossed up the mountain canyon to reach the meadows above. As much as I love the open mountain meadows, there is something so serene and peaceful being in a mountain forest.

Come on! We're almost to the meadow!

Just look at my little sister being super adorable!

We timed our hike perfectly with the spring blooms. We saw numerous wildflowers including, wild purple irises and yellow pea flowers. The aspens were vibrant chartreuse green, giving all of the valley views a beautifully lush and green hue.

After hiking about 2 miles, we reached a log fence, and here the trail opened up to the first meadow. As we climbed up the meadow trail, views from the trail opened to reveal stellar vistas of the tallest peaks in the Pecos Wilderness. 

Here we enjoyed the meadow slowly, taking in the views and breathing in the fresh mountain air. My humans let me frolic through the meadow and enjoy being my dog-self!

Taking in the view with my human!

We continued up the trail a bit to find a beautiful aspen grove and views of the Truchas peaks. My pawrents tried to take a family picture of us all, but I was too busy exploring to pose. Lil sis, on the other hand, is a huge ham and loves the camera!

 

Truchas peaks. 

After our fill of the gorgeous mountain views and playing in the meadow, we headed back down to the trailhead. We let lil sis rest her stump legs before heading back down the trail. What a beautiful spring day to explore Hamilton Mesa! 

Happy trails, happy pups!

-Roxie