Goat Camp Trail, White Tanks Mountains (Phoenix)

The White Tanks Mountains lie to the west of Phoenix in the Valley of the Sun. Being thankful for a federal holiday due to the "discovering" of America by Columbus I headed to the mountains in order to discover more of Arizona. The Goat Camp Trail in its entirety is 6.4 miles long one way but there is a white tank at 2.25 miles and a convenient turnaround point for a shorter hike. The first mile and a half is fairly flat but the trail is quite rocky in several sections so hiking boots are advised. Just past the first 1.5 miles the trail ascends 1200 feet in less than a mile.

One of the parks "white tanks" is at the top of the climb. The tanks are formed by flash floods that have occured over several millennia. The water pours down the canyons and drops over ledges carving out tanks that expose the white granite. The return trip is a fun downhill romp and there are great views to the east where downtown Phoenix can be seen from time to time. The entire 4.5 mile round-trip can be easy accomplished in 2 hours. I have hiked this trail numerous times and have never encountered more than a handful of other hikers on any occasion.
Equipment used:
Merrell hiking boots
Mid weight hiking socks
Shorts
T-shirt
Camelbak
Camera
Clif Mojo Mountain Mix bar (yum)

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2009

I don't believe the pioneers of manned balloon flight that first lifted off from Annonay, France in the late eighteenth century ever imagined pigs, cacti, or spaceships sharing the same airspace but I witnessed all of the above in the skies over New Mexico this morning. What an incredible sight it was during a "Dawn Patrol" launch. Hundreds of special shape and classic shape balloons filled the Balloon Park then just after sunrise they rose up and drifted away.

It never occurred to me how casual a ballooning event would be. The Albuquerque Balloon Park is a very well developed venue for the massive annual event that sees hundreds of balloons launching in dozens of events the first part of October every year. The park hosts a large museum dedicated to all things hot air. Beyond the museum is a nicely paved concourse that allows for all of the vendors and stages to be accessible without getting muddy feet should there be in-climate weather. Below the concourse are terraced grassy fields that serve as launch pads for the balloons. What I found casual was that spectators are allowed access to the launch fields and are free to roam around and mingle with the crews that launch and fly the balloons.

The balloons are amazing. The special shapes are quite incredible and definitely captivated the spectators.





For a great adventure in the Albuquerque area reserve a few days early in October next year to check out the 2010 Balloon Fiesta. You'll probably see a few things you never imagined would be possible.


Pigs were seen flying.



Cacti too.



Even a spaceship.

Texas BBQ in New Mexico

I have enjoyed great Bar-B-Que in Memphis, the Carolinas and throughout the U.S. but there is nothing like Texas BBQ (no, I'm not from the Lone Star State either.) Avoiding corporate restaurants at all costs I always prefer family owned restaurants over the chain variety. But sometimes a franchise gets it right and with Rudy's its not just right, it's perfect! This regional chain of BBQ joints is limited to 27 locations in three states (Texas, Oklahoma & New Mexico) with roots that go back to 1889. It's the real deal and Albuquerque is blessed with two Rudy's locations. I have been to this particular eatery a few times in addition to one in El Paso and have never been remotely disappointed. The self serve line is complimented with a relish bar (pickles, onions, jalapenos) and drink station. Picnic tables and concrete floors complete the raw style that Texas is famous for when it comes to great BBQ. The oak wood smoldering in the pit grabs ahold of your nostrils when you open your door in the parking lot. Two hours later my shirt still smells like I was sitting next to a campfire. I've enjoyed jalapeno sausage, brisket and baby backs on previous visits so this time I went with the pulled pork. The half pound serving was enough to make two nice sized sandwiches with the four slices of white bread that came on the side. The pork was very moist and sauce free. I loaded it up with sliced onions and Rudy's spicy sauce and enjoyed every ounce as I washed it down with sweet tea. I always order the green chili stew and this time was no exception. The Land of Enchantment is known for their chilies and combined with smoked meat and potatoes the stew is simply sublime. Not much of a desert person I am always a sucker for good pecan pie. Pricey at $3.99 I indulged myself anyway and oh! what a pie. At first it tastes like a good southern pecan pie. After it settles on your palette a slight hint of chocolate surfaces but does not overwhelm. Whenever your adventure leads you to Albuquerque (or any other Rudy's locale) make it a point to feast on some great Texas Bar-B-Que.