Fall Trip to Taos

Also in October, we took a weekend trip to Taos.  We had been meaning to take this trip for a long time but life kept getting in the way.  By Life, I mean my unfortunate weekend in the hospital after fainting and hitting my head, sustaining 2 concussions and all of that nonsense.  So the Taos trip was postponed and then finally happened in early October.  It did not disappoint.  It was so gorgeous in Northern New Mexico.  We took 3 hikes while we were there and they were all filled with beautiful fall colors and fantastic weather. The biggest accomplishment for us was our hike to the top of Wheeler Peak which is our states highest at 13,000 (+). It was an arduous climb but we were all so proud of ourselves for doing it.  Halfway up we realized that Emma was going to need to take her brace off if she was going to be able to survive at high altitude without passing out so we took turns carrying it for her after a quick stop at Williams Lake.  Once we reached the top we ate lunch with numerous other groups who had also reached the summit.  When we finished we decided to celebrate our achievement with a stop for ice cream. Overall it was a wonderful experience. The rest of the trip involved lots of good restaurants and tons of fun exploring the town of Taos.  We also went to the Rio Grande Gorge bridge which was stunning.  Emma has decided that she wants to move to Taos but that is always what she decides when we visit a smallish town, in the mountains and near lots of outdoor activities.  Durango, Telluride, Evergreen, and now Taos have all made her list of places she will definitely live!  I am so glad we made this trip happen and we are already planning how we can go back. Unfortunately for us (but not Rachel) Rachel did not join us on this trip.  Hiking has never been her thing so she decided that staying home with a friend was preferable.  This is the change that I was referring to.  In the past, we would have forced poor Ray to come along with us but now that she is an official adult we can hardly force her to do those things anymore.  I should go back to the last post where Rachel hiked with us and title it "the last hike with Rachel"....

This was the last leg of the hike before the summit

Matt and Emma took advantage of the deck

Always keeping me warm

last day recovery hike with lots of sore butts

worlds largest wishbone

blister from previous hike made for interesting shoe choice on our last hike