Twin Tip Nation

The mountains of the Jemez were calling for some attention. So, some of us from TTN answered the call on Friday afternoon. We packed up the transportation vehicle and headed North, North West.

On route we were meet with some light rain and a light wind. It wasn't until we passed the Jemez Pueblo that it became apparently clear that the bulk of the storm had recently vacated the area. Run off from the higher sandstone cliffs had created many small red streams that crossed our path on New Mexico Route 4. As we crossed these streams, a bit faster than we should have, waves of red engulfed our white vehicle leaving blotches of fine sediment across the front and sides of the vehicle. From a distance it looked as if we had hit a small animal.

After passing through Jemez Springs, the soda dam and turning west onto State Road 126 we climbed higher up into the Jemez Mountains looking for a particular forest road. Upon turning north on to our special road we were met with a muddy path of delight and more light rain. So on we went fording small streams and engaging large pools of milk water.

Finally we found the perfect campsite in a small meadow after much 4-wheeln' and maneuvering over slick muddy banks and deep rutted roads. We quickly set up camp while a refreshing and cooling mist was falling about. After camp was set we hurried off into the forest to scavenged about for the driest firewood we could find. We found zilch. Not a dry piece anywhere. So we ended up carrying back to camp pieces of damp wood that we had good hopes would start a nice fire. Thankfully, amongst the group of us there was one who brought some dry wood and shortly after we had a nice healthy roaring fire amidst the mist.

The next morning some of us woke to the sound of gun shots ringing out in the valley below. Not always the best sound to wake up too. Thankfully, the shot ceased and the rest of us entered into the beginning of a new day. Shortly after water was brought to a boil, Oatmeal was placed into cups and hot coco was prepared. Breakfast was now in full swing.

The morning was grayed with thick clouds and a light mist and our appetite for adventure began. We packed up camp, drove down 126, turned on 4 and headed to a favorite climbing crag of ours, Las Conchas (shells).

Here we spent the rest of the day, rock climbing. We were greeted every so often by the sun here and there, by birds zipping up high, fellow climbers hanging about and kids exploring the river and grass lands.

Before long, the day had quickly transformed into the afternoon and it was time to depart and head back to our desert home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico