January 29, 2015
With an impending storm coming in on Friday, Thursday was filled with clouds but the temperature was perfect for hiking and exploring. Cedar Breaks National Monument is a huge natural amphitheater which has been eroded out of the Pink Cliffs. The rim of the canyon is over 10,000 feet in elevation and is forested with spruce, fir and aspen.
At 10,000 feet, snow was prevalent and I was unfortunately unable to get to the monument. They had closed the road. However, I was able to get some pictures of the area on the beautiful drive. It was 32 degrees up there, and the clouds had enough moisture in them that it began to snow while I ate my packed lunch.
If you can enlarge this picture, you will see two Bald Eagles - one close to the ice and water and the other above him.
Since I wasn't able to get to the monument, I had more time than I anticipated. I decided to go to Kodachrome Basin State Park. Kodachrome has 70 monolithic spires ranging from 6 to 170 feet in height. Geologists are unsure how the spires formed but all theories involve water. All theories involve sediment getting into water pockets or pipes of ancient springs. Over time erosion removed softer rock leaving the current landscape and spires.
At the recommendation of the ranger, I hiked a trail that went 150 feet up in elevation to provide breathtaking views of the area. I have found something interesting about the trails in these parks - they often resemble goat trails more than designed human trails - and those trails look like drainage paths. I often found myself in a creek bed, following other footprints - so I was in good company - and I had to back myself back to find the 'actual' sparsely marked trail. It made the exploration even more fun.
This trail led me out to this peak before looping back. For all of you who know my healthy respect of heights (read FEAR) this was quite a feat for me. I was fine - until I looked DOWN - silly girl. Ironically the sign at the trail head stated to stay at least 10 feet from the edge since they tended to crumble - that path, the marked trail, is only 3 feet wide at its widest point. The pictures were great - and absolutely no sign of ledge crumbling! Thank goodness - fear was enough of a challenge once it took hold - even though it was a brief hold.
In the evening I attended the monthly blessing of animals who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge at Best Friends. It was a very peaceful ceremony and I'm glad I made the time to attend. One of those honored was Bela. Bela came to the Sanctuary a brief 3 weeks ago and was the subject of many news stories. Bela's owner dictated in her will that either Bela was to go to Best Friends or be cremated and buried with her. Bela came to Best Friends but there was an undetected cancer. Bela went downhill fast and passed on. They stated that they have seen this many times - an animal so bonded with its owner that it passes of the same disease, or for no reason, soon after the owner. Coming full circle, Best Friends has cremated Bela and will be sending Bela back to Indiana to be buried with his owner as she wished.
They also talk about celebrations - those animals who have been adopted. The caretaker from Dog Town mentioned that through the relationship with Albuquerque Animal Services they have taken several older dogs so that Albuquerque can work on fulfilling its mission of being a no kill shelter. 2 of those dogs were adopted by Best Friends staff this month. Although it is a shame those dogs were not adopted in Albuquerque, it is nice to know that their golden years will be in luxury.
