2017 10 29 Sandia Peak Tramway

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Forgot to add a couple photos we took on our way home from Old Town. This is a scene of folks on a western trail and the indigenous people they met upon settling in this area. 

We were just turning onto the highway when we saw this one. So we really don't know what it is but it was bright and shiny. 

Our choices today were the Petroglyphs or the Tramway to the peak overlooking Albuquerque. When we spoken with Eliza and Donald last night they both recommended the Tramway as the most unique experience. 

As a part of the Cibola National Forest the Tramway is the access point for the snow trails on the east side of the mountains. The tramway takes 15 minutes to reach the top at 10,381 feet. 

As you can see behind me, the landing area for the Tramway is not the highest peak in the Sandia Mountain range. And while it may have been 47 degrees at the top, it was also windy so coat, gloves and scarf were a good idea. And keep hands on your hats just in case a sudden gust lifts it and gone.  

The little stone "cabin" is about a mile and a half away from the Tramway. It stands at over 13,000 feet and was built for the workers who were building the Tramway. 

As usual, I take the lead when we are hiking. We have found that Bob walks too fast if he leads and I choose paths which are the easiest for my bad knees to traverse. 

We took a break along the rim just below the final tower. 

After about an hour of walking along the rim, we decided to try the hike to the workers' cabin.

So many really nice views...peaceful, sunny Albuquerque. 

The tram carried about 30 people. 

We did see a couple ravens and one hawk on our way up. 

The stones of the cabin are not well laid on the outside which allows hikers to climb to the roof (even though the sign clearly says not to do that).

A little blurry but Bob thinks this says O-H-I-O. Buckeyes are everywhere. 

Without a door or glass in the windows, the cabin sure does not look very inviting today. I'm sure we learned a long time ago that stone is not a good insulation for warm evening after a hard days work. 

Medallion says Civilian Conservation Corps 1936.

I can guarantee that this tiny fireplace is not going to heat this space to any level of comfort. 

Opposite the fireplace is this little alcove space which says "Visitor Registration". So my question is who is visiting during the construction of the Tramway and why would anyone want to have the registration of visitors up one the summit at over 13,000 feet instead of at the bottom.

Lunch site in the warming sunshine. 

Lunch guest. His tail is longer than all the rest of him and his body is only about 4 inches long. 

Time to get back down to the tram. 

Our ride is here.