An Inspired Cook

Another unique place to visit within the Gila Wilderness is the Catwalk National Recreation Trail.  Just a few miles northeast of Glenwood, NM, this area is rich in mining history when in the 1890’s an ore processing plant was built.  Water was needed for the plant and a steel pipeline was built to draw water from the Whitewater Canyon.  They built a walkway of wooden planks through the canyon but the processing plant only lasted about 10 years.  In the 1930’s the Civilian Conservation Corps rebuilt the walkway which is used as a recreational trail today.  Beyond the Catwalk are more rugged trails leading into the Gila Wilderness.  We had planned to go a bit further on these trails but they were closed for renovations.  Another time perhaps.  However, we so enjoyed the walk along the Catwalk which was approximately a 2 mile walk round trip.  It’s a beautifully hidden gem that I’ve always wanted to explore.  We walked the trail in the early morning when it was relatively quiet and very few people to share the trail.  It was so peaceful with the cool, comfortable temperatures with only the sounds of water flowing and the birds chirping.  Fall is a wonderful time of year to explore New Mexico!

You are entering a canon oasis . . . over a historic route of catwalks and bridges!

This is the greeting and entrance to the Catwalk National Recreation Trail.




If you take the loop you will walk along the path on the other side.




We are energized with the cool refreshing air as we walk to the bridge.




The sun is coming up but we are still shaded by the steep canyon walls.







The rugged rocks above.

And the sounds of the water.

There are a few little waterfalls along the way.

Another rugged beauty!

Some of the sights along the trail.

There is evidence where they blasted through the rock in order to set the steel pipe in place.

At this point you can walk a little further on a paved trail. It’s really beautiful off the beaten path!

Another fascinating tree!

Stepping stones . . .

Feeling my inner peace!

The bridge between the two paths.

Looking up as the canyon narrows.

The end of the trail!

On our drive back to Albuquerque we stopped by Pie Town to have a piece of Pie.  Pie Town is just what the name says.  There are two restaurants Pio-O-Neer and Pie Town Cafe which are famous for their pies.  That’s basically the town.  Pie-O-Neer is the original who started the phenomenon but is closed on Sundays.  However Pie Town Cafe was open so we stopped by for a piece of their pie

Joe had a slice of NM Apple Cranberry with an Almond Crumble.  Absolutely delicious!!

And I had the last slice of Pecan Pinon Pie!  It was nothing like I’ve ever tasted before, YUM!  You might see this one re-created one day on An Inspired Cook!