This morning, 29 degrees at 7am. Scattered clouds, but mostly sunny. Light winds. The daffodils and tulips are poking their heads through the garden bed. The last bit of snow has finally melted near our house, and the apples trees have tiny buds showing. (yay!) The winds, as typical for this time of year, picked up greatly by mid day into afternoon.
We are fortunate to live near the watershed for two major rivers, the East Fork of the Jemez, and the San Antonio, which converge some miles from our house, and form the Jemez River, which in turn flows to the Rio Grande. The East Fork and the San Antonio are both wild and beautiful rivers, and in this dry land, they are life giving and refreshing for both body and spirit. People (and wildlife) are drawn to these waters.
Generally speaking, the land begins to fall away just south of us, into deep canyons, carved by ancient forces, with some dramatic views. Our trek today took us down the Jemez Canyon, where we first had to cross the East Fork. Two winters ago, high snow melt washed out the bridge, which has not been replaced (budget cuts?), so we hopscotched across on rocks and logs. But near impossible to get through without getting wet feet!
River Crossing.. not too deep here, but plenty cold! The bridge pilon can be seen above our crossing.
Near the top of Jemez Canyon. We will be following that right edge along the cliffs.
Watch your step!
Looking back up canyon
The East Fork river is down below. We could hear it rushing and running over the rocks, even though we could not see it until we dropped nearly 2000 feet.
Before then, we were treated with another body of water. Due to the still-active volcanic origins of these mountains, (we will probably all blow up one day) there are various thermal outlets and sulphur vents in the region. Though the sulphur vents are not too pleasant (think rotten egg smell) the thermal outlets in the form of wonderful hot springs are a real treasure. Our journey today took us to one such spring, flowing out of the side of the canyon into several nice sized pools, which have been built up over the years by visitors.
the spring starts here, on the far right, bubbling out from under the ground.
It then flows into this larger pool. There's a good bit of algae and duckweed on the surface,but the water is clear and the bottom is gravel.
it then flows into this pool, which is lovely and crystal clear and fairly large. Water here is about chest deep if you sit down. Quite wonderful. Many, many years ago, someone released some tropical fish into this spring. There are neon tetras and some other species that continue to make this their home. Very unique!
We have finally reach the canyon bottom, and are greeted with the wonderful refreshing waters of the East Fork, the same river we crossed earlier, some 5 miles upstream.
We stop here, beneath a large rock outcropping known as Battleship Rock. It rises several hundred feet above us.
And yes, we had to get our feet wet one more time before we got home! But, we didn't care. Water is such a rarity and a blessing here, and the cold water felt pretty good on our tired feet and legs.
Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.
No comments:
Post a Comment