Monday, March 4, 2013

A Nature Walk & A Winner

One of my biggest concerns about moving to New Mexico was the fear that the options for nature exploration would be limited. I was excited to learn about a new climate and habitats, but thought I might have to really dig deep, and lay down in the dirt, to find the diversity we were used to in the wet and wild northern forests. 

When the idea of moving was first proposed my only request was that we live near water. I have always lived within a few stones throw of the ocean and know myself well enough to know that water is life for me. A river would have to do in this case. I was game. 

While the guide books told us what we might find here I was not prepared for it all to be so close and accessible. Even right in our own backyard in some cases. 

I have been pleasantly surprise by the diversity and how the river brings this corridor of Northern New Mexico to life. 

The River walk downtown is an amazing peek at just a few of the species making their way through town on any given day...



  







And so many more...
All because a river runs through it...


Right in our own backyard we have also spotted eagles, hawks, wild turkey, Canada geese, doves, flickers, and plenty of other birds we have yet to identify, along with the deer that make their daily jaunt through the fields.

This late winter nature goodness has been a wonderful introduction to this new habitat... now the kids are really looking forward to the heat that will bring out the lizards!

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Thank you to all who stopped by to check out the new Action Pack and to those who commented for a chance to win.

The randomly chosen winner is...

Tamara who wrote:

Congratulations on this edition of Action pack! I remember the solstice party and you two working on that rocket! We can't wait to try it out at the park nearby - once the weather is better up here - haha!

I will let Kathreen know and you will get your copy of Action Pack as soon as she can get to her next Internet connection. As you know she is spending the year camping around Australia!

17 comments:

  1. Glad you've settled in your new home! So very pretty with all the natural captures you have here. It is always uncertain on the move and wondering what the new destination would be and how it would change and affect our living life. xc

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  2. Oh, how wonderful!! Lovely pictures and so much to explore and learn in your new home. Enjoy!

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    1. Thanks Kim. The list of explorations is endless at this point. So exciting!

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  3. Love, love, love these photos. I visited New Mexico and was absolutely astounded at how beautiful it was. Coming from the coastal Mid-Atlantic, I too have thought I could never leave the ocean. Glad you are happy in your new home.

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    1. Thank you Jennifer. My heart does still long for the ocean (I guess it always will) but I am excited to explore this world.

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  4. Your new space looks absolutely gorgeous! I do love our NM landscape :-)

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    1. Thanks! Indeed... The landscape is like no other. Stunning.

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  5. Your new header sure announces your new and different surroundings! Stunning. And I'm glad you found your water. I'm enjoying the virtual nature walks!

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    1. Thanks Patricia. Wes loved the new header too. A far cry from the lighthouses and fungi that used to find their way up there!

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  6. Looking forward to some water fun with the boys! Thank you, Dawn and Kathreen! Beautiful pics, Dawn. You kinda make me feel like moving out of this muddiness we are having at the moment! Nonetheless, I am so happy that you are finding a home in your new world. xx

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    1. Yay!
      You can always come for a visit to dry out. Any time you like!

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  7. i get a lot of people that are surprised to find out that yes, there is indeed water in nm ;-) and it's beautiful, a very powerful landscape that will leave you changed.

    so glad to see you settling in and making yourselves at home!

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    1. Indeed. I can't wait to explore some of the very awesome lakes around here.

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  8. This is beautiful! What an incredible environment! Such inspiration around each corner....enjoy your nature walks:) XO

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  9. I'm catching up on blog reading.... I am so excited to see my home through your eyes. I am already missing the winter light. I'm so glad your trip went well and you are back at blogging.

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