Summer Adventures Recap Part XI: Cuba-Espanola in a day

Earlier this summer we drove from east of Santa Fe all the way west to Cuba, New Mexico one Saturday. On August 2nd we drove the opposite way. We had planned on just going fishing along a stream, but because of a crazy rain the day before, the rivers were dirty and swollen and Stan didn't think the fishing would be very good, so we decided for a fun drive option with a hike in the middle.

The pretty forest

Our dirt road

There were some pretty farms hidden in the valley. We loved the red rock cliffs as well.

There was a neat peak out in the distance, a possible future hiking destination.

Food break! The sun was so bright it was hard to get a good picture of him smiling with his eyes open.

My Boys!

There were random beautiful meadows created by the volcanoes in the area back in the day (Glad we weren't there for that). There were also random huge rocks in the middle of the meadows.

 We got out for a hike up to a beautiful scenic view spot.

As we hiked, there were a bunch of old roads. You could tell how long ago it was used as a road based on how much vegetation was growing in it.

Stan leading the way up the mountain

It was pretty steep for a minute, but the view was SO rewarding.

Valle Caldera, created when a HUGE volcano exploded

I feel pretty awesome about this picture. There was a large branch laying on the ground with a small branch coming up, I positioned the camera on said small branch and we put the timer on. You do what you can when you're in the wilderness and want a family picture without someone to take it for you. We don't need a gopro stick :)

On the way back to the car we saw a cattle drive with cowboy and all! Some of the cows stopped and stared at us.

We headed back on the road and kept driving. Here is another beautiful view we caught.

We finally got to a spot where we could stop and enjoy our BBQ.

Scott was grateful for the time out of his car seat

Steaks and corn on the cob. We had gone to Sprout's market with the intention of getting burgers but the meat man convinced us to get the New York, bone-in steaks that were on sale. We love that man. They were sooooooooo good!

Father and son hanging out while our food cooked.

The drive out was beautiful. The road was pretty much on a cliff edge. It was a beautiful view, but scary! Glad we made it out ok. :)

As always, it was a beautiful day. We pretty much winded in and out of mountains for 55 miles on dirt roads, a new record. A paved road feels sooooo good after a day like that.