Tag Archives: urban sketching

Organ Mountains La Cueva trail

Organ Mountains, New Mexico

A recent trip to El Paso, Texas, allowed me to temporarily escape the final blasts of our northeast winter. This is where Eric, a dear friend and neighbor, spends his winters.  He grew up there, and was a great tour guide and generous host.  I got to see landmarks and history and there was so much to learn.  The sketches so far are from the places we went hiking.

Coming from NE Pennsylvania (elev= 900’) I was concerned about altitude adjustment.  (El Paso elev = 3,760’) So before leaving, I went on slightly longer hikes and even added a few pounds to my pack.  That seemed to do the trick, and there were no issues with altitude.

Our first hike was in the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces, NM, just over the border.
An online description:  The Organ Mountains are a steep, angular mountain range with rocky spires that jut majestically above the Chihuahuan Desert floor. They range from 4,600 to just over 9,000 feet, and are so named because of the steep, needle-like spires that resemble the pipes of an organ.
Coming from the Poconos, the first views of these were awe inspiring.

We did a 3+ mile hike on the La Cueva trail, a great introduction, with deep blue skies and a cave to explore.  Stopping to sketch made the hike take longer, but I could’ve spent all day here!Organ Mountains La Cueva trail

  Organ Mountains La Cueva trail
Organ Mountains La Cueva trail

Organ Mountains La Cueva trail

 

La Cueva/ The Cave

La Cueva/ The Cave

La Cueva/ The Cave

Appalachian trail marker

Shenandoah – let’s go hiking! (and sketching!)

After arriving at noon, I was able to take in 2 very nice hikes.  Started off with Snead Farm Dickey Ridge loop, 3.6 miles.  Should have been easy, like it was rated, but I was surprised to find myself huffing after a short distance.  I realized we were at an elevation of 2,400’, not what I’m used to, so I just took my time and remembered it’s not a race!  There was hardly anyone else on this trail, which was a great way to enjoy the park and the many views. Lunch had a wonderful view which I have not done justice with this quick sketch. Sorry!

Lunch view fromSnead Farm Dickey Ridge loop

Lunch view from Snead Farm Dickey Ridge loop

Stopped for a quick sketch of these bloodroot flowers, coming out to welcome me!  The half opened leaf wrapped around the stem will open fully soon.
Blood root flower

Got in a second shorter hike, Fox Hollow, which included a cemetery and a pink feather. (cardinal maybe?) Red/ pink feather

The second day, I got out early and beat the crowd to Mary’s Rock.  This hike includes a portion of the Appalachian Trail, so I was happy to get this pic of an AT trail marker with the appropriate headgear. 😉   Appalachian trail marker

 

Sat down at the top and did a few sketches.

View from Mary’s Rock

View from Mary’s Rock

View at Mary’s Rock

View at Mary’s Rock

Also got a second shorter hike in after lunch at Skyland (where I stayed) to Stony Man. This trail was the most crowded and I used the horse trail (no horses on it yet) to go back down, which avoided most of the people.  What can I say? I appreciate the solitude of hiking.

My last scheduled day, Wednesday, was going to rain ALL day, so I checked out early, and caught the view from a few overlooks along my way out, even got another quick sketch in.  Will have to add color later!

Pinnacle overlook

Pinnacle overlook

I definitely would love to return here and complete some more of the 28 (!) hikes I saved! Thank you Shenandoah! 💕