Day 1 Enchanted Circle Loop - Eagle Next, NM to Angel Fire

Day 1 of the Enchanted Circle biking adventure is in the books. After traveling to Clayton, NM last night we stayed in a nice Airbnb. The hosts went and turned the lights on for us due to our late arrival which in my book is going above and beyond. We woke up this morning only 2 1/2 hours from Eagle Nest which was awesome!!
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Our travels to Eagle Nest included seeing lots of antelope in the fields, a few plateaus as we came to the edge of the mountains and then we reached Cimarron Canyon. The road brought us to an area that I found had similar characteristics to Zion national park, although on a much smaller and not as breathtaking scale. Unfortunately signs of forest fires, in the last few years, could be seen throughout the canyon. They area with buzzing with fishermen the creek below the road and based on the signage I believe their fish of choice was trout. There were multiple campgrounds in the area that would leave those who love to camp very pleased.

As we left the canyon we entered Eagle Nest State Park and soon came upon the Eagle Nest State Lake. We also noticed that the temperature had dropped about 8 degrees which was a welcome change. Soon we reached our destination Eagle Nest where we got ready for the ride. We dropped of the suburban at Saint Mel’s Catholic Church (I am going to have to look that one up and find out about him.) and set out. It was such a weird feeling that we would only have the clothes in our packs and no one to call if we had a need (Debbie Tomlinson where are you )
Eagle Nest has several cute restaurants and cafes along the main route. We may be able to explore those upon our return.

The prairie dogs were scattered along our travels today. Their chatter often sounded like an annoying bird. I also saw many yucca, Indian paintbrush and a purple bell like flower. I will have to look that one up as I think I have one similar at home.
Stopped at the Vietnam Memorial just outside of Angel Fire. The climb was horrible up but was lined with flags that made for a beautiful entrance. We spent about a half an hour here looking at the helicopter, various history markers, the amphitheater and the chapel. There is also a bookstore on site.

The Memorial is directly across from the Angel Fire airport with its runway just below the memorial. I was hoping to see a plane take off or landing but sadly did not.

We then headed to the Ski resort as our condo was close the the lifts as we had decided on eating at the Mexican restaurant/bar at the base of the mountain. The food was good and plentiful but very pricey. I made the error of purchasing a soda for $4.

Other than mountain biking and horse back riding the choices in Angel Fire are few for entertainment during the week. On the weekends things liven up a little more it appears, but summer is a slower time in this area. It could also be the effects of Covid closures. It is such a beautiful area. We chose to rest, go for a walk and let our bodies acclimate to the higher altitude. On our walk we came across more prairie dogs, a beaver and a chipmunk. The walk down to the village was fun. The walk up was exhausting and reminded me an early bedtime was needed. We chose to buy some food from the local market and made dinner home as there was less than a handful of restaurants open in the area and they were very busy.

We noticed that there is road construction ahead tomorrow so that should make our 800 foot climb even more interesting. I believe tomorrow is the stretch that I am the most nervous about so it will be nice to get it over….I think. You would think the climb would be my biggest worries but most my anxiety has been about windy roads and the 2500 foot descent. Luckily it has appeared the pullover areas have been numerous so far so slow and steady has been and will continue to be my strategy.

I spent the evening reviewing my new book, 50 Things to See and Do in Northern New Mexico's Enchanted Circle, for tomorrows ride.  I believe the information I have found on it has been even more helpful than that I have googled in preparation for the trip.  The book is more informative and not as scattered as that I found online.  It is even nicer that it fits nicely in my bike bags without taking up much space.