We had planned to spend the month of September in Eagle Nest because we were told it was one of the prettiest times of the year here (we have been here off and on all summer and have yet to find a time when it is not beautiful).  Over the month we have seen the mountains change with the gorgeous orange, yellow and gold hues .  Each day more color appears and the mountains are always changing.  One morning recently we awoke to snow on the nearby peaks! The Enchanted Circle of NM, which includes Taos, Red River, Questa, Angle Fire and Eagle Nest, encircles Wheeler Peak which is the highest of NM’s mountains at just over 13,000 feet. Of course, snow also means it is getting cold (20 degrees overnight recently) so it is about time to leave.  But the bright sunshiny days in the 60’s make it really hard to go!

In the last three weeks here in Eagle Nest, NM, we have seen at least 6 and maybe 8 rainbows on different evenings and one morning.  Here are a few pictures.  The last one was a rainbow out our rear (bedroom) window first thing in the morning. The sky was an amazing yellow and the rainbow moved across the sky for almost 20 minutes.  I had never seen a rainbow last more than three to four minutes.

In Cimarron Canyon, right beside the road, is a hole in the rock that used to be a gold mine.  We are told it is not very deep and was never a very successful mine but it is somewhat interesting to look into.  You can only see 6-8 feet in before it turns a corner and it is too wet to explore – at least at our age.

In attempting to get a picture of a pretty copse of trees in front of the Eagle Nest Dam Bob was trying to stand on a guardrail. I was watching in the rear view mirror and realized I either had to help him or he was going to break something.  I wish I had a picture of us with me standing in front of him with his hand on my head to steady himself so he could take this picture.  Then he walked about 30 yards up the road and found a spot that didn’t require any gymnastics!  You can see the dam if you really look hard to the right and below the round metal building in the background of each picture. The trees were beautiful.

I love these two pictures Bob took trying to capture the color and trying to do something fun with the sun.

Bob and I love the way the rocks and trees are mixed all over this area.  In this picture Bob tried to capture the color in the trees in the background and the rocky wall in the foreground. Oh, I hate to leave this amazing place!

We are leaving Eagle Nest in a couple of days and probably won’t be back for a year or two. Therefore, I requested one last trip through Cimarron Canyon and a last visit to the St. James Hotel in Cimarron. Here are a few pictures of the beautiful fall color we have been enjoying.

Now for the very best part of any birthday party.  Kate and Charlotte, with the help of Bobo and Usa, had shopped for several items to put in a goody bag for each attendee.  Charlotte is explaining the magic trick given to the three older cousins and Sarah is showing off her gifts. And, then, the birthday girl got to open her cards and presents which included a doll in a series she collects and something for the doll to wear.

After the party there were more presents including a jumper and blouse for the soon to be 6th grader and a book (think by her expression Charlotte is into the Greek Gods also???).

Finally, it is time to do the important part of the party!  Is Aunt Marilyn trying to show Kate how to blow out her candles?  I think Kate enjoyed her cupcake as did her cousins and sister.  Kate and Usa (Aunt Robyn – don’t ask!) made the cupcakes in the cabin at the RV park the evening before her birthday.

This birthday party definitely had something for all ages.  The youngest couldn’t have been happier going round and round on these horses and Sarah was able to tell Aunt Carolyn just how you “fly” on the Big Bird Jet.

The older kids enjoyed some other kinds of games.  That is some serious air hockey, Charlotte.