May’s been a heavy month of activity – literally every weekend’s booked.

• May 3^rd Greenland 25k trail race
• May 11^th Maine Coast Marathon
• May 18^th Santa Fe Century
• May 26^th Bolder Boulder 10k
• June 1^st Minneapolis Marathon

Headed down to Santa Fe for my first Century (100 mile ride) – 4^th time on the bike.  I go BIG – neighborhood ride, 12 miles, 52 miles, & now a Century.  Finally getting serious with Ironman training.  Just need to find more hours in my day.

6 hour drive to Santa Fe – long time in a car unless…you ride share (thanks Ash & Tom) AND stop for a llama hike in the Rio Grande Gorge (just north of Taos).  Yep, I said llamas 🙂

Met up with our guide Stuart of Wild Earth Llama Adventures at a trailhead within the Río Grande del Norte National Monument. Stuart introduced us to our llamas – K2, Diego & Rio.  I already had laid claim to the white llama.  Turns out that was K2 – appropriate (with my passion for high peaks) 🙂

Ash, Tom & I trekked down the mountain path with our llamas, switch-back spiraling to the river-filled gorge below.  During our trek Stuart not only educated us on everything llama but also everything flora, fauna & fowl within the gorge.

He pointed out stratum layers of the canyon formed from volcano flows past.  We picked fresh watercress & lemon herb, and spotted bark erosion from porcupine feedings.

Parked the llamas & kicked back riverside while Stuart set out a big spread for lunch.  Life is good.

Took a short hike to view Native American petroglyphs carved hundreds of years ago (no horses – pre-European).  Animals & shaman were centrally depicted (one Great Spirit).  Absolutely amazing these drawings exist out in the open – having weathered man & elements for almost a thousand years. WOW!

Hiked UP out of the canyon, tipped our guide, then shot down to Santa Fe — dinner at Cowgirl BBQ.

Llama hiking & Santa Fe Saturday nights — highly recommended!