Technically, I did not have today off. I was kind of shocked by it because I've grown up with MLK, Jr. day as a pretty important holiday. After much discussion, (I think I called the church racist at one point), it was decided that Tracy and I would work a half day and then go find something to do that gets me out of Albuquerque and seeing things I haven't seen. So that's what we did. We collected Christmas stuff and took it to the storage unit, gave a ton to the thrift shop and then made an attempt to figure out what to do. After much deliberation, we decided to go eat lunch with her husband Scott and then head up the mountain even though it was cold. Afterall, we could drive and not really get out of the car much and stay warm.

So after a delightful lunch (indian food = delicious), we headed off through Placitas and up a dirt road. We saw a cave that looked interesting, but the ice was frozen over so we kept driving. Then there was this guy repelling off of the side of the mountain. We wanted to figure out how to get up there, but again... cold. So we get to this point right here and the check gauge light on the car dings. I notice the temperature gauge is a bit high, so we pull over. I hear the sound of something hitting the ground... not good. Coolant is rushing out from underneath the jeep. We open the hood... it is bubbling over, the cap isn't secure. Yikes. So we sit there and wait for it to cool down as it appears that everything is ok (having to take a test about cars at Mtn TOP helps me out now and again though I managed to kill 3 while I was there). So we head off again soon we're near the top. I get a glimpse of the ski resort and we decide what the heck let's go up to the peak.

So we drive up, park the car, hunt for cash to pay the parking fee and get out. At which point I hear an "oh no" come from Tracy's side of the car. To which I respond... "Did you lock the keys in the car?" The answer to that question was yes. We go inside and one of the guys tries to get the door open, but as it is a newer car that has automatic locks and windows, he doesn't want to break anything... so we call Scott and wait until he can go get the extra set of keys which would be close to a 2 hour wait. So, hiking anyone? What else is there to do but hike around the trails? So we head up to get a better look at the city, but it was pretty cloudy. We picked out major roads and kept walking. At the top, Tracy took this picture of me. Still smiling even after all of the trials of the day. Eh.. who am I kidding we laughed the entire time. So we head down and then back up to the visitors center. The guys in the center gave us hot chocolate cause they felt bad about our day. We waited, watched birds and then Scott showed up and we got to leave. I love how my attempts at adventures always turn out to be just that... adventures. I guess if that is what I'm going for, that is what I get. It was definitely fun to be up on the peak and look down, even though I've got the fear of heights thing going for me. I will definitely try to go up there when the weather is more favorable for seeing the city. I also want to go when there's more snow and play in the snow play area. I mean really... sledding is cool.

So it is back to work tomorrow for me, staff meeting and all. I leave you with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness;
Only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate;
Only love can do that."

From me to you... I'm looking to spread that light and love.

This entry was posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 at 7:07 PM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.