Random weekend shots. Stopped by the Bland cemetery while exploring Saturday. It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot. One of the few marked graves is of Helen Blount, the former caretaker of the Bland Ghost Town. Bland was a mining town, where as used to be standard practice, they heap-leached gold from ore using cyanide. Still don’t think I’d drink the water in this area unless I was desperate! Found a morel mushroom but left it for another lucky soul. Asters, sunflowers, Indian paintbrush are blooming full, and a sure sign that fall is on the way.

Sunday found us on the steep climb up to the La Luz trailhead at 6:30am. Nice to be doing it with mountain bike gears though! Watched and cheered for a few friends doing the annual La Luz trail race. Laurie A. took an age group win on her first time trying, and Donnie C. ran by us in a blur. After the runners came through, I continued on for a mini epic in the north foothills, and it was one of the most enjoyable rides I’ve done in the foothills in quite some time. Trails were super fast and the legs were enjoying the day. Ended up with 25 miles and about 3,300 feet of climbing. Got done early enough to put together the new dog kennel for our 3 year old that suddenly turned mental. Labs, gotta love em. Instructions said it was a 2 hour job, which is why it took me over 4. Now that I’m thoroughly tired, it’s back to the grindstone…..

East mountains Saturday. Got some good miles in while Ann retrieved her shoes. Saw two doe, a big bear drinking from a pool, then another bear on an FS road about an hour later. Cool morning to be out. Sunday Ann suggested Cochiti and twisted my arm to go. Lots of cars pulling in to the orchard when we arrived; some bikers, some equestrians, and of course the ATV crowd. Nice surprise to see Tim and Mark as we were unloading our bikes. Beautiful day and great company.