Last week I talked about the niceties of parking and before that I covered following Kansas plates up the mountain.

Long lines of traffic also fought their way up and down the two lane switch back snowy road. Remember we drive a 6 speed diesel with 4 wheel drive and spent the majority of the drive up in 4 hi.

I do not recommend 2 wheel drive trucks to attempt this climb in these conditions. Certainly no rear wheel drive at all!

Stopped at a curve we watched a pretty burgundy truck start to slide back down at us. When he stopped, we passed and asked if he wanted a pull to get him off the ice. He declined. Silly men.

No further incidents until the way down. Two accidents brought the traffic to a very tedious stand still. Leaning ove rmy husband I zoomed my camera to the max and managed to snap a shot of the icicles hanging on to the cliff face.

The weather may have cleared to a pretty sunny day but people tend to forget about the ice and the elevation that keeps it frozen.

Hosted by Cecily

Popularity: 23% [?]

I have to say, slow drivers from Kansas beware.

On our drive up to Sandia Crest my husband happily cruised along a little over the speed limit taking each switchback with great relish. Until he hit the Kansas license plate who believed in going 10 miles under the speed limit. Obviously they enjoyed the view.

I’m sure I’m not the only wife who recognizes those moments when you just know your husband is going to do something unforgivable.

I felt the truck downshift to 5th the RPMs jump and suddenly he decided to pass just before the next curve.

Of course, a little blue car barreled around the same curve coming straight at us. Quick shifting to 6th, and yes, you could feel the turbo kick in, and we’re safely back in the right lane with one hand tightly gripping the oh sh** handle above the door.

These are the moments that make family trips so much more adventurous!

For something different I took some Roman wall textures I found at Deviant Art added a couple layers of texture setting them both to overlay. After a few of Pioneer Woman’s actions including boost and fresh and colorful, I ran the warm action Noiseless Retro Fit.

Although taken in December, the picture now reminds me more of fall.

Popularity: 34% [?]

You know how you live somewhere years and never visit someplace? Friends come to town and visit you. Then disappear to Old Town, Santa Fe, Acoma Pueblo leaving you to wonder just what those places look like. Sometimes I think I’m clocking too many hours in the office.

Sandia Crest turned out be one of those places to visit that’s so close yet too far all at the same time. We finally hit the switch backs and made our way to the top to see the beautiful view of the valley. Definitely a worth while place to drive up too and witness how the desert in the valley turns rapidly into alpine terrain at the higher elevations.

Of course, this brings snow a little closer to home for the littler ones.

Hosted by Cecily and Carrie

Popularity: 33% [?]