We thought we were pretty high before, driving at 4000-5000 feet. But the road coming out of Bandelier NM takes you even higher, up above 8000 feet. And what a beautiful drive!
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Looks Like Snow!, Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge]
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Did Someone Say Snow?, Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge]
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After driving a bit we came across this vast high mountain plain, which turned out to be the old caldera from the volcano that created this landscape. Pretty amazing -- it's really neat to not have a plan and just stumble upon these sights.
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Mountain Bluebird (we think), Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge]
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Valles Grande, Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge]
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And speaking of not having a plan. While gazing upon this vast open area, we noticed a speck of a vehicle driving *across* the caldera. Who knew? So we decided to try that too ;-)
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| High Desert Stream, Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge] |
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| Windswept Grasses, Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge] |
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| Tranquility Crater?, Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge] |
A little more driving to get to our destination, as we watched the sunset.
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| Sunset on the Trees, Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge] |
2 comments:
WOW! All of your pictures are beautiful! Can't wait for a slideshow with some narration when you get back to Hawaii perhaps ;) Glad you two are enjoying all your RV travels and getting to explore some very cool looking places. I am definitely going to have to travel more within our country one day :)
Hi Alli,
Yes, we are truly amazed at the size, diversity, and beauty of this country. Amazing.
And as for "soundtrack", well, you know my memory (and that's why I take the pictures), so Mom may have to step up to the mike ;-)
Love ya,
Dad-
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