Weathered soul
This holiday season was spent in New Mexico with the Holly coterie. The Toyota Tundra got us to Balmorhea springs the first night after driving all day and desperately looked for more than a convenience store or Burger King. We unwillingly ate my grandmother’s deviled eggs for breakfast from the night before because there was no hope of eating anything better. When we arrived at the Davis Mountains, there appeared a tiny outcropping called Nel’s Diner and we ravishingly ate real food like kings. The best part, in my opinion, was another copper teapot I added to my ever-growing collection [...and for $15 I might add; a steal of a deal considering Austin has the ability to market the same sorts of chotskies for 3 times as much].
Guadalupe range in Fort Davis Mountains State Park
We were lucky to make good time and got to hike in the Davis Mountains. We spent the night in a little cabin by the Balmorhea springs and Andrew cooked everyone our favorite camping meal: couscous, black beans and veggies. I found my christmas present for Andrew on a run through the town: aWest Texas tumbleweed! And who wouldn’t want one?
Las Cruces came quickly the next morning after talking about Las Postas one to many and we finally got to enjoy a meal at the famous place. The deal was that Andrew and I would get to climb near the Organ Mountains that afternoon so we drove about an hour through public land on a dirt road to hike-in where students from the nearby school climb. It was not as many climbs as we had hoped and it was a little out of the way, but it was a manageable adventure.
Cabin in the woods
The days were filled with hearty hiking situated around pleasant meals. Boy, they sure know how to make chili rellenos. Why doesn’t Texas switch over to the obviously better classic dish? Instead of battering and deep frying the thing, why not actually keep the flavors through a light egg wash panfry? Either way, I am still thinking about the taste of light and airy crispiness of the green chili bathed in its golden toga.
Cap'n feathers and his trusty special
Hike around Gomez Peak in the Gila National Forest
Goodbye New Mexico, until next time…