Fall in New Mexico is busy, with Zozobra, Dixon, the Ren Fair, birthdays, and above all, the aspen. Several trip to MABC specifically to work on the fence alternated with encampments on top of the mesa in search of mushrooms, new views, and golden leaves. After days spent clearing brush and setting posts we rewarded our selves with campfires, steak cookouts, starry nights, peaceful sleep, awaking to rosy sunrises followed by hikes to No-Echo Canyon, or bike rides south along the CDT towards San Pedro Parks.
As winter set in we made one last work trip, just a day trip, and made repairs as far as the wetlands. This low spot pools water, and so rather than using the wooden legacy posts, we bought metal posts giving Kevin an opportunity to acquire even more Cowboy skills- driving metal posts into caliche. We concluded that coming up just for a day was not only feasible but immensely gratifying, as the focus was just on the work as its own reward. We also concluded that we must plan on occupying the property for about three weeks in the fall, when there is, apparently, some sort of round up and dozens of cows trample everything around. It has also become clear the security from not only cows but also humans is of greater concern than we thought, as during the round up, not only cows entered our property but also some humans, who stole our fire pit and wagon, which had optimistically been chained and locked to a tree deep within. Also, that dead tree mentioned when we first bought the property had been removed, which is both a favor and a violation.
Winter has brought snow, mud and full time work – hopefully my last holiday season in retail. The conditions this winter would have prevented any work at MABC, as the mud is slick as ice and heavy as bricks. Our efforts have instead been on planning next summer’s excursions, as well as working on infrastructure. I began researching whether we might qualify for elk permits- probably not. A conservation easement might be a possibility though, to obtain funds for improvement. I wrote to the utility about obtaining documentation of their right of way, and spoke to our contractor about putting in a road. We’ve also spent some time conferring with our neighbors, who lived off the grid in eastern New Mexico for about 30 years. Finally, I drafted my research, reflections and observations regarding land grants, active management, forest fires, and grazing into a letter that I submitted to the Forest Service. I’m sure they’ll get right on reading and utilizing my ideas.
Love this!