Hiking the Foothills Trails from Embudito Canyon to Eleana Gallegos Open Space 2/10/2017

Taking a break from snowshoeing and wanting a hike for all Hoofers, Judi P. decided to lead us on a Foothills hike.  We started out at the Embudito Canyon Trailhead and hiked north along the foothills.  We had absolutely beautiful weather ... no need for jackets...and it is mid-February.... Just loving that we live in New Mexico!!!

The Hoofers: Front Row: Lynda, Meagan, Bridget, and Judi P.: our leader. Back Row: Hilda, Helene, Pat, Jane and Betty

And, behind the camera: Rose

Judi heads out, but something catches her eye

It catches the eye of all the Hoofers

What the heck?!

High Desert Development encroaches on the open space area and trail 

Trail with a detour sign ahead

They claim the trail will reopen Feb. 18--meanwhile we have a slight detour as they are building ~ 15 homes in the area...more than likely patio homes and I am guessing starting at $600K ;(

Rocks along the detour 

 

Rock laden arroyo from the new development

Reaching the foothills

Showing off my talent with an over-the-shoulder shot at the Hoofers behind me 

A rock that caught Lynda's eye.  The green vein is some sort of mineral--it was too heavy to bring home--Where is Jennise when you need her to haul out a large rock?

This was a nice trail lots of rolling hills to get a good workout

Another big boulder with an interesting vein running through it--this happens to be in a large arroyo

Views along the trail 

Time for a break

The road that leads to the ABQ Academy Retreat deep in the foothills

Off again with more views of this beautiful day

Our site for lunch Elena Gallegos Picnic area

Enjoying lunch in the shade: Jane, Lynda, Helene,

Hilda, Betty and Judi

Pat and Meagan

Rose and Bridget

Views as we eat and enjoy each other's company

The typical Hoofers heading down the wrong way---this sparked a conversation to rename us as "Lost Souls of the Sandias"

Someone insisted I take a picture of these 3 chollas as they claimed they were the 3 Magi...someone must have had vodka for lunch (Proper decorum keeps me from identifying the hiker)

This made everyone laugh... Fat boys...but the acronym was hysterical! I still like the Lost Souls of the Sandias better....and by helping Judi lead the group back to the trailhead...I did my best to earn that name for the group!

Heading back

I took over the lead so there were no pictures of my meanderings...but Meagan and Lynda enjoyed it!

Proof that I knew where I was going all along as we get to the trail marker we needed to return to the cars

Another great sign we saw as we returned by way of  the new development... "FUGITIVE DUST"... I have lots of that in my house--it is natural in New Mexico---especially during the Wind season!

Happy Hoofing --- the LOST SOULS OF THE SANDIAS!