With snow in the forecast for the first time in a very long time, I take an afternoon walk in nearby Elephant Butte Lake State Park.
The West Lakeshore Trail is a perfect way to immerse oneself in the northern Chihauhauan desert. If you read this blog regularly, or maybe have even visited in person, you will know that walking parts of this trail is something I do often, especially during cooler months.
No matter the season, the colors, textures, shapes and naturally sculpted vistas are always beautiful, soothing, transforming, restorative.
In this most leafless season, the stunted desert mesquite offer linear eloquence, paired down to basics.
Creosote bushes (Larrea tridentata aka greasewood)still hold leaves, gilded now for the season of endurance: dry and almost odorless in the cold air, but covered in fluffy seed pods.
A different view Turtleback Mountain (Caballo Cone on maps) as that from my front porch, defines the far horizon from the section of the trail I find myself on this week.
I note that the (south to north) three mile mountain goat trail marker is even more distressed than when we last met a year ago. Another season and the erasure will be complete.
The north to south eight mile quail marker is rapidly going the same way.
There’s ice in the wind as I retrace my steps to the trailhead. I’m hoping for snow in those clouds too but it will be a few days yet.
The desert is a thirsty, harsh, holy place.
I am grateful for such easy access to this most underutilized 11 mile long Chihauhauan desert trail. Also grateful that I am able to regularly lose myself here, in this elemental paradise.
Recommended Reading:
The half known life : in search of paradise.
Pico Iyer. 2023. A thoughtful travel book of extraordinary journeys to harsh and curious places linked by exploration of the notion of paradise, and sometimes even the idea of garden.
Take care to create your own paradise, here and now on earth Omar Khayyam
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