TimJFowler's blog

For the first time in quite a long time I took a real vacation (with my very significant other). We tried to do too much in too little time, but I've got a few stories in the works so check back over the next few days as I post them. Here's a teaser to give you an idea of where we've been.

Indian Popcorn maturing on the stalk

I hope everyone enjoyed a part of our incredible public lands on September 29, 2007 - National Public Lands Day. My fiancée and I joined up with Boy Scouts of America Troop 53 from Santa Fe, New Mexico at Cochiti Lake Recreation Area. Park Ranger Greg Carpenter arranged all of the tools and materials and we helped build a wall to enhance the Pay Station and Information sign leading to the Boat Launch at Cochiti Lake.

A little bird told me that one of New Mexico's favorite ski areas is having a birthday. Yes, Pajarito Mountain ('little bird' in Spanish), just outside of Los Alamos, New Mexico is celebrating its 50th anniversary. If you haven't skied at Pajarito Mountain you may not know what you're missing. The ski area, which is definitely NOT a resort, isn't big, stylish or chic. But, Pajarito has great bump skiing, tight trees and a relaxed, family atmosphere that you won't find at any corporate-owned destination resort.

Purple Aster - Aster Bigelovii

Freakonomics asks What Should We Do About Global Warming?

If you haven't yet read the book Freakonomics, I strongly recommend it. The authors of Freakonomics re-ask and answer many questions that many of us thought were answered. Those freaky questions include:
- Why do people cheat?
- Why do most drug dealers live with their moms?
- Why has crime gone down over the past 30 years?

Intermezzo Star Gazing Party: A Fusion of Art and Nature

How many stars have been discovered at The Santa Fe Opera? Come count them yourself at Intermezzo's Fall Star Gazing Party. Enjoy an evening with Intermezzo of The Santa Fe Opera observing some of nature’s most beautiful celestial creations with noted astrophotographer Peter Lipscomb on the Opera grounds, Thursday, September 20th at 7:30 pm.

Delicata Winter Squash, Amish Paste Tomatoes and Purple Pod String Beans.

New Mexicans are lucky in that more than 45% of our land is publicly owned. These public lands include our National Forests, Parks, Monuments and Wildlife Refuges, Wilderness Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, BLM lands, State Parks among others. We are lucky because we can hike, bike, raft, ride, camp and explore vast expanses of our state. One way we can show our appreciation for this privilege is to volunteer for National Public Lands Day.

Looking for something to do? Take advantage of your local state parks! State parks in New Mexico have ongoing lectures, hikes and fun events. Here are some of the walks and talks for Hyde Memorial State Park, just a short drive from the Santa Fe Plaza.

Hyde Memorial Enchanted Evenings
Thursdays, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM