The Tent Rocks.... They look like giant... Tents! ;)

So this memorial day we ventured off to the Tent Rocks near Cochiti Lake. This place was declared a "national monument" in 2001 by Bill Clinton. Before that, most people didn't know what the heck the Tent Rocks were... and still don't actually. Which is kinda cool because it wasn't too crowded... even on memorial day. The day was perfect... blue sunny skies. Wait a minute..."blue and sunny" are kinda contradictory terms aren't they? .... weird.

Anyhoo, it was the perfect day hike for a lazy monday... and we actually did see quite a few people there that uh... probably don't usually do much hiking ;) But I bet they were glad they did... even if they were a bit out of breath. More power to you... you 'out of shapers you'. Keep doing what you're doing and you'll be fit as a fiddle in no time. Heck, even I admit I probably need to spend more time in the sun and doing extreme sports.... well, okay maybe not extreme sports. My skydiving days are over. Yup, only less intensive activities like roller coasters, jet skiing, rock climbing, and day hikes to the Tent Rocks for yours truly. Not to mention trying new restaurants... that's always risky business I tell you... risky business.

So here are a few photos I snapped on my trip. They really don't do the place justice so I hope you'll go yourself someday if you've never been.

For those of you who have never been to the Tent Rocks, here are the directions from I-25:

Take Cochiti exit 264 off 1-25, Go right on NM 16, continue for 8 miles, turn right when road T’s, turn right on 22, then at the base of Cochiti Dam in 2.7 miles turn left on NM 22, go 1.7 miles turn right on Tribal Rd.92/Forest Service Rd 266. Pass through a gate and continue for 5 miles to the parking area on the right.

Roses for Duke

So last night I was feeling really down... listening to the rythm of the falling rain. But this morning I was happily surprised that my roses had bloomed for me overnight. This is the first time I've seen them bloom... being that I just moved here. My trees are so very lush now too... so alive! The roses were exactly what I needed... I love getting flowers :) Anyways, it also reminded me of that song by Louis Armstrong:

"I see trees of green... red roses too
I see them bloom... for me and you
and I think to myself... what a wonderful world"

So to all my friends and family out there, far and near. I'd like to dedicate this photo and song to you. I love you all, and I'm thinking of you. -Duke