Having ten whole days off and at home felt like a college flashback – a suitcase that barely passed the airline weight regulations packed with equal parts sweatpants, run clothes & casual attire, days to fully relax and a few holidays to celebrate. In contrast to last July’s southwestern adventure, there was barely anything on the agenda save for one ski-day and one New Year’s celebration with the little sis & her guy.
To sum it up, here are the best things about winter in the southwest:
1. Snow that comes…and goes.
Fun fact: YES it snows in New Mexico. Sometimes a lot. Sometimes not so much. But the desert knows very well that it shines nicely with a white blanket.
I spent two runs stepping cautiously on freshly fallen snow at an early morning hour. By noon on both days the sidewalks and streets were mostly clear and the sun was shining, mocking my early-bird habit.
Top: I loved the set of footprints already out. I certainly wasn’t the first to test these sunny winter roads.
Either way, the missions were accomplished. I probably could’ve used a pair of goggles instead of just a beanie, but the miles were finished regardless.
2. Open desert roads.
‘Nuff said. Driving to/from will inevitably land you in reservations and/or national parks that provide these views:
3. Food to clear the {stuffed-up} sinuses!
If you find yourself in the Southwest and you don’t have a plate full of green chile (or red, I guess) at some point, you’ve failed. It is an absolute must, and I recommend finding a hole-in-the-wall restaurant above all else. I also recommend chasing that deliciously spicy dish down with a sweet sopapilla (save room!) and (relatively) local honey.
A trip home always includes a stop at Si Senor & Three Rivers Brewery.
4. Durango, CO.
We make at least one trip up to downtown Durango every time I’m home. We walk up and down Main street visiting the local shops, dining on local eats and taking in the mountain backdrop. I love that it has maintained its character and roots despite its obvious tourist draw.
Here, you get a true taste of the Rockies, a laid-back lifestyle and a town that could not be any more obsessed with skiing & cycling.
5. Sweet baby love.
I’m now an Aunt. My brother & sister-in-law are parents; they brought the sweetest little guy into this world of ours. We’re all head over heels…
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And with that, it’s time to really look 2013 in the face and get this thing started…
Wow this is the best wrap-up of NM and CO!! I love it
I didn’t get to run while I was visiting Farmington. But glad you enjoyed some green chile. I brought a ton back!! Congrats on meeting the little! Happy 2013!!
This list isn’t in any particular order, right? Because I would imagine sweet baby love being right at the top. And how could it not be?
Ha, no particular order, no. But good catch! I just saved the best for last…
LOVED having you home! Also, loved being able to be home toooo. So fun
Santa feeeet. que cute!
Such great pics of your vacation, Heather! And that little boy…so sweet. I love running in the snow. Especially, the newly fallen stuff.
I echo these thoughts, right down to that precious peanut. what a proud aunt:)
Durango is amazefest – just stunning.
Your snowy running pics have me itching, way to rock it – no matter what! You’re like the postman, no weather will stop ya!
Those look like some amazing places to pass the miles! I could have it far worse, but sometimes checking out blogs makes me whoa jealous!
Snowy runs are one of my favorite things! Your comment about needing goggles made me laugh. When I lived in Wyoming, the constant snow and wind made running or biking to class with my ski goggles a must. Looked odd, but the best option!