Hwy 55 - w/from Raton, NM

Since we will be leaving New Mexico in less than a week, was told that taking Hwy 555 west from Raton was a good day trip to catch a view of the local Elk as this highway climbs to 8500 ft. The above mountain range is the Rockies in all its glory. This highway eventually ends after 35-40 miles or so, so off we went.

Hwy 55 - w/from Raton, NM

While in search of Elk, came upon this mule deer just off the road, so thought it was worth a photo.

Hwy 55 - w/from Raton, NM

A common sight along this stretch of highway are the wild Turkeys. These guys were a full stride along side the fence before flying off and into the trees.

Hwy 55 - w/from Raton, NM

After driving about 35 miles or so, and somewhat disappointed that we did not encounter any Elk whatsoever, we came up this bear foraging in a meadow about 250 yrds from the roadway. Hoping to get a better look we drove about 1/8 mile up the road and was considering walking to the edge to see if a better photo could be had.

Hwy 55 - w/from Raton, NM

We stopped along side the road, turned off the engine and waited in hopes of getting a better look. Low and behold, here he came not even looking up to where we were.

Hwy 55 - w/from Raton, NM

A good shot of this guy as he came up to the fence and took a long look at us.

Hwy 55 - w/from Raton, NM

As Shirley was standing in the road looking for the bear on the other side of the fence, suddenly, about 125 ft away, there it was. Fortunately, this guy just continued across the road and disappeared into the forest. Certainly was quite a sight. Of course our dog was in the truck and continued to growl and bark as this was her first bear sighting as well.

Hwy 55 - w/from Raton, NM

On the way back to Raton, although not very visible, was this Bobcat just before he disappeared into the woods above. Due to the distance, our binoculars provided a much better look than in this photo.

Hwy 72 - Raton to Folsum, NM

Since we were just sitting around with nothing going on, decided to take a drive heading eastward and to take a look at the eastern New Mexico landscape as it may be awhile before we would ever return. As we ascended Hwy 72, stopped to take this photo looking northwest.

Hwy 72 - Raton to Folsum, NM

Took this photo looking northeast from the same location.

Hwy 72 - Raton to Folsum, NM

After taking the prior photo's, decided to take a pic of this group since they were just across the highway and were not in a hurry to go anywhere.

Hwy 72 - Raton to Folsum, NM

These two guys were very interested in meeting up. Spent a few minutes giving a few rubs before taking this pic. Those horses are left with the cattle to graze for the summer and then are the same ones used to round up all the roaming cattle prior to the onset of winter.

Hwy 72 - Raton to Folsum, NM

As we drove up on the mesa (known as Johnson Mesa) realized that this was certainly the high country of eastern New Mexico. The elevation of this wide open cattle country was just above 8100 ft. Took this photo noting the cattle seen above had not just acres but miles in which to graze. Very peaceful country.

Hwy 72 - Raton to Folsum, NM

After driving further on Hwy 72, took this photo looking back of what appeared to be endless open range.

Hwy 72 - Raton to Folsum, NM

As we were coming down from the "high country" back came the trees and foliage. Took this photo of the valley below.

Hwy 72 - Raton to Folsum, NM

As we were coming into Folsom, decided to take a photo of this ranch as this is something I could get used to.

Hwy 72 - Raton to Folsum, NM

After leaving Folsom, taking a different highway back to Raton, came across a very common sight in New Mexico, the Pronghorn Antelope. They are very use to humans driving by and like to hang out with the cattle herds (good grazing areas with plenty of water).

Surgarite Canyon State Park - Lake Maloya

Just a few miles away (around the mountain in back of us) is a cool little park with a great fishing lake.

Surgarite Canyon State Park - Lake Maloya

Looking northwest (past the lake) showing a pathway that leads to another lake in Colorado. New Mexico state line ends right about were I was standing.

Surgarite Canyon State Park - Lake Maloya

Nice view of the lake.

Surgarite Canyon State Park - Lake Maloya

Another view. The roadway just to the right goes over the dam and continues for about another mile or so.

Surgarite Canyon State Park - Lake Maloya

Looking northward just at the far end of the lake is the Colorado state line. Those people you see fishing to the right were camped 75 ft from us at Cedar Rail RV.

Surgarite Canyon State Park - Lake Maloya

On the way out stopped to take this photo as I would imagine that at some point in the past this was a really cool place to call home. Double fireplaces were certainly needed as the elev is just at 7000 ft.

Capulin Volcano

A great day trip is a visit to the Capulin Volcano (about 30 miles east of Raton). Took this photo from the highway several miles away. You can see the roadway leading up to the rim.

Capulin Volcano

A look as we got a little closer.

Capulin Volcano

The entrance sign as you enter the monument.

Capulin Volcano

Rather than explain it, the above plaque will do a better job.

Capulin Volcano

After a short ride to the rim, the above parking lot is right next to the pathway (as seen at the bottom).

Capulin Volcano

Took this photo toward the top of the rim to show the pathway (paved) that is very easy for just about anybody to walk.

Capulin Volcano

At the highest point of the rim took this photo looking west with the bottom of the cone in the center (just below the parking lot).

Capulin Volcano

As seen in the next photo.

Capulin Volcano

Very distinct colors and not seen in too many other places (around here at least).

Capulin Volcano

As I continued around the rim, took this photo of a thunderstorm looking east toward the Oklahoma panhandle which is only about 60-70 miles away (in a straight line of course).

Capulin Volcano

As seen in the next photo.

Capulin Volcano

Sierra Grande is certainly a much bigger volcano, but does not have a cone at the top like Capulin.

Capulin Volcano

As seen in the next photo.

Capulin Volcano

A look at the pressure ridges in a s/e direction from the rim.

Capulin Volcano

As we descended the south side of the rim, took this photo looking southwest. That small town on the left side is Capulin, NM. As you can see from most of the photo's, not much out this way unless you are ready to travel for an hour or so.

Raton balloon festival

As I awoke Saturday (the July 4th weekend) I saw air balloons rising in the distance. Then realized that there was a balloon festival going on during the entire weekend. So......the next morning we took off to take a closer look at this event. The following photo's gives a look at what we were able to see. Would certainly recommend enlarging the following pics for a much better view.

Raton balloon festival

We got to the field just as the participants were getting ready to set up. Takes about 1/2 hr from start to liftoff. This was a picture perfect day with light winds.

Raton balloon festival

When they fire off those gas burners, you can really feel the heat. Takes just a few minutes to get the balloons ready to lift off. Its quite an art to fill a balloon to capacity but not quite enough to lift off. Take about 3-4 people holding it down until the pilot can get aboard.

Raton balloon festival

The first one to lift off.

Raton balloon festival

Each balloon only had 1-2 people as they lifted off. A ride is always available for a price just about any time during the summer months.

Raton balloon festival

A look as things started to get underway (about 6:30 am).

Raton balloon festival

About two dozen balloons lifted off within a one hour time frame.

Raton balloon festival

The countryside of Raton is very scenic and the land close to the airfield was a perfect place to have such an event.

Raton balloon festival

Quite a view when you can get so close.

Raton balloon festival

Since this one came directly overhead, thought a photo would be in order.

Raton balloon festival

As they continued to lift off, the view always continued to change.

Raton balloon festival

As this one was being filled, it certainly had the most interesting shape of the ones there.