Wednesday, we left the dogs in the RV and drove to the visitor center to start our hike on the Frioles Canyon & Rim trail, approximately a 13 mile trek which we managed to stretch to 14-15, after going the wrong way at the start. (Our excuse- the park service is doing construction near the trail head and signs weren't clear). As we parked the car and readied our packs, we saw the park's unofficial mascot - the Abert Squirrel...actually a pair of them were chasing each other around the picnic area which was vacant, since it was around 8am. I love these delightfully cute squirrels with their furry ear tufts and got some good photos. Within a few minutes, we also saw a herd of Mule deer (does with young) browsing near the ruins. And I was excited to get the photo I've been waiting for years - a deer drinking from the stream!
We rejoiced that we were alone on this trail, for the most part (if you can call it a trail since about 5 miles of it is washed away). The last mile of the giant loop comes near the ruins and visitor center, and we did see folks walking to the Alcove House. This is an impressive cliff dwelling with lots of steps and ladders to reach. We opted not to lengthen our day with any more UP, especially since we saw some of the other dwellings the day before. Near the visitor center we once again saw more deer, and also along the hike we saw vultures, Redtail Hawks, blue birds, and lizards. But we were eager to wrap up this very physical hike after 7.5 hours. After a long day of hiking like that, we like to stuff ourselves with comfort food...which that day meant spicy peanuts, crackers with cream cheese and salmon, chips and dip and beer for me. For dinner we had meatless meatball subs with cheese and peppers and converted the kitchen table/benches into a bed for Terry to lay and rest his back while we watched the 1st Season of American Horror Story on DVD (episodes 10-11). We really enjoyed the 2nd season recently and are enjoying this one too; thanks to my brother for turning us onto this well crafted and star studded series! Tomorrow though, we take a short hike outside the park with both dogs - allowing us to rest a bit and give them something too. This will be in the neighboring Los Alamos national laboratory area so we have to stay on the trail to avoid left over ordnance!