Texas Gypsies: The Gilman Box and Fenton Lake, NM

Saturday, May 14, 2016

It is a beautiful day. Tic and James have decided to take a hike in Gilman Box while Jessica and I go to Fenton Lake. Gilman Box and Fenton Lake are not too far apart in the Jemez Mountains. I'm going to start with the Gilman Box.

This is the first of the 2 Gilman Tunnels Tic and James went through to get to Gilman Box.

The start of their hike required them to cross the Guadalupe River via this log.

Tic took this picture as he was walking across the log seen above.

The base of this heart shaped mountain is Tic and James' goal today.

The picture above is of the road Tic and James drove in on. Tic and James are about half way up on their hike. The picture below is from the same spot looking the opposite direction.

Tic said he had to zoom a little to even see the Jeep. Can you find it in the middle of the picture? This was also taken about half way up on their hike.

This blooming cactus was along the hike also. Looks like it is growing out of rock.

After the hike, they took the road up to a jeep trail. This wrecked car is in the bottom of the canyon.

They guys are back down and headed to Fenton Lake. This is the 2nd tunnel.

This is a beautiful view of the heart shaped mesa taken from the second tunnel entrance. The river is below.

Another view of the Guadalupe River. While it is not wide it is flowing strong.

Another view of the road heading out of Gilman Box.

As the guys headed to Fenton Lake to meet Jessica and I, they passed Soda Dam. Soda Dam where water from underground hot springs has flowed for centuries. The buildup of mineral deposits has formed a unique and spectacular natural dam that blocks the Jemez River. It is one of the most photographed spots in the Jemez Mountain Range. Of course Tic got a picture for me.

While the guys were hiking, Jessica and Rux and I went to Fenton Lake to wait for them. Isn't she beautiful!?!

As Jessica was feeding Rux, her other baby, Maggie, decided she needed to sit with Momma also. Jessica had to hold her or else Maggie would fall through the side. Too funny!!!

My beautiful daughter, Jessica, and handsome grandson, Rux.

Nana Dusty getting to play with Rux. He has just started sticking his tongue out. It is so funny.

The picture above is the view looking west up the lake. Nana Dusty now has her granddog, Maggie. The picture below is looking eastward down the lake.

We enjoyed watching many people fish. We did bring our fishing gear, but enjoyed just playing with Rux and watching others, especially the kids, fish.