An Inspired Cook

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    • White Ridge Bike Trails and Dragons Back

      Posted at 1:16 pm by NativeNM, on October 24, 2025

      The White Ridge Bike Trails and Dragons Back is one of New Mexico’s natural wonders. The area is full of white gypsum which is visible all along the trails. We hiked the White Ridge Loop in March which is approximately 5 miles. And just recently we hiked Dragons back. Both trailheads are gorgeous with colorful landscapes to see along the way. It’s one of those places that we never tire of, it calls me back over and over again. The trails are wide open with little shade so we avoid going in the heat of the summer, but as soon as the weather turns cool we are ready to go back. The gypsum rocks you find along the way are like a snowflake, no one rock formation is the same, they are all unique. And those artistic dead trees that have so much character; it’s as if they are sitting there waiting to be photographed in front of a beautiful backdrop. Dragons Back is a long ridge that spans over 7 miles out and back. We hiked along the spine in early October under a partly cloudy sky which made for some amazing photos as the sun peeked through here and there. Enjoy nature and get outside for a walk, it can lift your spirits in so many ways!

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      Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment | Tagged adventure, Dragons Back Trail, Gypsum, Hiking New Mexico, New Mexico, Ojito Wilderness, White Ridge Bike Trails
    • El Morro National Monument and Inscription Rock Trail Part 1

      Posted at 11:49 am by NativeNM, on May 20, 2025

      If you ever feel like taking a trip back in time, El Morro National Monument and Inscription Rock is the place to visit. There are 700 years of history starting with the Puebloan Ancestors who built dwellings on top of the Mesa. According to NPS History, Atsinna Pueblo is the largest of the pueblos atop El Morro, dating back to 1275. The Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the 1500’s and in 1598 Don Juan de Oñate officially colonized New Mexico. He is believed to be the first to inscribe his name in the rock dated April 16, 1605. The Mexican-American War (1846-48) made New Mexico a territory of the United States. The US Army surveyed the area for a route west as a new wave of Americans ventured westward. As they traveled through, they added their names and sometimes a message to the rock which became “Inscription Rock”. There are more than 2000 inscriptions and petroglyphs that are visible today. I have to say that this is one of my favorite places to visit. It leaves me in awe to see the beautiful landscape with all the natural formations as well as the historic Inscription Rock. I hope you enjoy taking the hike with us!

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      Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments | Tagged El Morro National Monument, hiking, Inscription Rock, Inscription Rock Trail, national-parks, New Mexico, Travel, Travel in New Mexico
    • Wildflowers of New Mexico

      Posted at 9:33 am by NativeNM, on October 18, 2024

      It’s been 6 years since Joe and I moved back to New Mexico. It’s been my dream to explore all the natural wonders of our state, creating a diary of our travels through photographs. Many of those places have hidden treasures that can only be found by hiking to them. Along the way we’ve been compiling photos of all the wildflowers. After the monsoon rains in the summer, the wildflowers begin to bloom and we’ve been fortunate to find many of them. We routinely find a variety of flowers at the Valle Caldera, the Sandia Crest trails, El Morro National Monument and even the trails close to home. Truthfully, Joe and I spend hours and get lost in thought while taking pictures of flowers when we go hiking. He keeps track of our miles and how fast we are walking which slows to a snails pace when we reach a valley of flowers. I particularly love cactus flowers. Those colors are my colors, from the sunshine yellows, to the peach colored orange to the vivid pinks. The cactus above is located on the Riverside trail in Rio Rancho. The trail from Riverside heading north is covered in Prickly Pear Cactus and when they begin to bloom there is nothing more beautiful. You can hear the bumblebees buzzing from flower to flower until their legs are heavy with pollen. If you are into wildflowers or any flowers for that matter, you will love the unique wildflowers of New Mexico.

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      Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Cactus Flowers, Flowers, hiking, nature, New Mexico, photography, Pinon Nuts, Pinon Tree, Succulents, Wildflowers, Wildflowers of New Mexico
    • Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

      Posted at 10:46 am by NativeNM, on September 24, 2024

      Red and Yellow Dahlia

      Our day at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens was one I will never forget. We arrived early to find the flowers still dotted with dew. The dew on the plants and flowers made them so vivid and bright, it was like an added texture on top of their natural beauty. The gardens are part of a 47 acre area with 4 miles of trails, with trickling streams running through it along with a path that leads to the ocean. We spent hours walking the trails and taking pictures of the colorful flowers. There were many garden collections but the Dahlia Garden was my favorite with every color of dahlia imaginable. I wish I had a knack for gardening, I would fill my yard with so many colorful flowers. It’s just not in my skillset, Joe will tell you that I kill every plant I touch. But for me, the next best thing is visiting a botanical garden and taking photos so that I can revisit them. After looking through all of them the red and yellow dahlia was the one I kept going back to. There are so many to choose from, take a look and find your favorite!

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      Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments | Tagged @California, Botanical Gardens, california, Dahlias, Flowers, garden, Garden By The Sea, gardening, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, photography
    • Northern California Coast

      Posted at 1:01 pm by NativeNM, on September 16, 2024

      September has always been our favorite time to get away. After Labor Day, traveling is less expensive, less tourists, and cooler weather. It’s the perfect time for a coastal vacation. Joe and I have been longing for a relaxing few days near the water and after many considerations we decided on Northern California about 3.5 hours north of San Francisco along the Mendocino Coast. We stayed in a vacation rental located in Westport along scenic Hwy 1 on the California Coast. The rugged ocean cliffs, sea glass beaches and beautiful flowers were the main attraction on this holiday. We spent a week taking in the beauty of the rugged ocean seaside, exploring the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and Muir Woods. And on our last day we spent a day in San Francisco retracing some of our favorite spots from our last visit in 2014. We so enjoyed this magical place where we could explore a little piece of the California coast away from the most populated tourist areas and still be wowed! Tag along on our journey and you too might be persuaded to visit the Coast of Northern California.

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      Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments | Tagged #SeaGlassBeach, @Ft. Bragg Sea Glass Beach, california, California Flowers, California Sea Glass Beach, California Tourism, Ft. Bragg Sea Glass Beach, Mendocino Coast, Northern California Coast, Northern California Tourism
    • Tsankawi Prehistoric Site

      Posted at 10:32 am by NativeNM, on July 19, 2024

      Tsankawi Prehistoric Site is a separate part of Bandelier National Monument; located approximately 12 miles from Bandelier off of State Hwy 4. Tsankawi is a 1.5 mile loop that literally follows the footsteps of the ancestral Puebloans. It is believed that they first occupied the area around 1400 A.D. The trail loop is a path that has been worn into the rock as the natives traveled from the mesa tops to their farms in the canyons below. There was a village built on top of the mesa out of tuff stone and mud. It was roughly rectangular in shape, with about 350 rooms and an enclosed central courtyard. The trail leading to this area is closed at this time, however we were able to see the homes that were built along the base of the cliffs. They dug cavates out of the soft tuff stone known as talus pueblos. Taking photos from within the caves are quite beautiful; you can see the landscape and sky through the holes they created. There is definitely a door like opening with smaller holes that appear to be windows to let in light and the blue skies above. The most amazing part of the loop is the centuries old footpath that has been worn though the soft stone which look like footsteps or a smooth narrow trench. When on top of the mesa, you can see the vast landscape for miles with Los Alamos in the distance. Following the path of the native ancestors left us with a feeling of being transported in time.

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      Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments | Tagged #TsankawiPrehistoricSite, @Tsankawi Prehistoric Site, Bandelier National Monument Tsankawi, Day Trips, hiking, Los Alamos New Mexico, national-parks, New Mexico, Travel, Tsankawi Prehistoric Site
    • Talus Canyon Trail

      Posted at 10:29 am by NativeNM, on July 12, 2024
      See header photo in color as I take in the landscape.

      This post is a bit different from my usual travel posts. I thought these photos would be worthwhile in black and white, but I had no idea the dramatic effect they would have. While traveling and hiking across New Mexico, I try to showcase the colors, textures and landscapes that I find quite beautiful. On this day we attempted to find the elusive Talus Slot Canyon. This was our second attempt and both times we’ve failed, however it was one of the most beautiful days I’ve ever experienced. The summer monsoon had drenched the thirst of our arid landscape turning it from a wheat color to vivid green. The clouds were abundant in every shape and size giving the landscape a moody atmosphere. As we headed out we were aware that it might rain at any moment, so we took caution as the Talus Canyon Trail is an unmarked trail through a dry creek bed and rocky areas. On Hwy 84 just a mile or so past the turnoff to Abiquiu Lake there will be a picnic/parking area on the south side of the highway. Park here, then walk across the highway to find the trailhead. There is a visible footpath but if there has been any recent rainfall, the footprints are likely to be washed away so be aware and use your trail app. Once you head back into the Talus Canyon the view is breathtaking. Whether in color or black and white, the Talus Canyon Trail is one of my most treasured places to hike.

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      Posted in Recipes, Uncategorized | 5 Comments | Tagged Abiguiu, Abiquiu Lake, Abiquiu New Mexico, Ghost Ranch, hiking, New Mexico, photography, Talus Arch, Talus Canyon Trail, Talus Slot Canyon, Travel
    • Valles Caldera National Preserve

      Posted at 9:56 am by NativeNM, on July 5, 2024

      The Valles Caldera is the result of a volcanic eruption that happened over a million years ago which created a volcanic depression in the earth approximately 14 miles wide in diameter. Located in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, it is now a beautiful valley known for it’s huge grassland meadows, the East Fork Jemez River and hiking trails. It is also a wildlife preserve and home to the 2nd largest elk population in New Mexico. You might see prairie dogs that pop up along the road to the Valle Grande entrance station or a coyote strolling through the grassy meadow. There are numerous hiking trails in and around the preserve but if you want to hike or backpack in the backcountry you will need a pass or a code to drive to the backcountry trails. They only allow a few vehicles in the backcountry per day. Check in with the entrance station or reserve a pass online. Over the past 5 years we’ve visited the Valles Caldera numerous times and each time is a different experience. Sometimes it’s sunny, sometimes foggy or low lying clouds in the valley. Depending on the rainfall, the meadow can be gorgeous green or a dull wheat color. We love to go in late Spring and early Summer when the wildflowers are in bloom. This is one of our favorite places to get away. Here’s a fun fact: If you’ve ever seen the tv show “Longmire”, you might recognize the cabin and stables where Walt Longmire’s ranch scenes were filmed. While the series took place in Absaroka County, Wyoming, it was actually filmed in NM. The Sherriff office and town scenes were filmed in Las Vegas, NM. I hope you will enjoy some of our adventures over the past few years exploring the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

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      Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments | Tagged East Fork Jemez River, Elk Preserve, Hidden Valley Hiking Trail, hiking, Jemez Mountains, mountains, national-parks, New Mexico, New Mexico Wildflowers, Travel, Valles Caldera, Valles Caldera National Preserve
    • The Best Green Chile Cheeseburgers across New Mexico

      Posted at 11:14 am by NativeNM, on May 24, 2024

      If there is anything I’m sure about, it’s that New Mexicans love their Green Chile Cheeseburgers! The green chile cheeseburger originated in NM and you can find one in just about every town across New Mexico. And every New Mexican has their own personal favorite. Joe and I are no different, we’ve embraced the challenge to find the best green chile cheeseburgers as we’ve traveled around the state. We have different opinions on the best burgers, however we both agree it’s hard to find a green chile cheeseburger that isn’t good. We’ve found differences on how the burgers are prepared, they might be smash burgers, flame broiled or seared on a griddle. They may offer a choice of cheese, while others offer different condiments. Any or all of these can alter an opinion on how they appear and taste. One of the main things that Joe and I look for in a great burger is the heat and flavor off the green chile. If the chile is too mild, it won’t elevate the burger, so what’s the point! The experience of eating a burger is also a component of our list. I love a good burger that I can eat without it falling apart and I hate eating in public when a burger is so juicy it runs down your arm. The most enjoyable burgers are paired with great fries. There are a few on this list that are outstanding. If you’ve ever had a NM Green Chile Cheeseburger, I would love to know what is your favorite burger and where you found it.

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      Posted in Uncategorized | 41 Comments | Tagged #BlakesLotaburger, #BuckhornTavern, #BurgerStand, #CafeAbiquiu, #DuranCentralPharmacy, #LagunaBurgers, #OwlBarCafe, #OwlCafe, #RangeCafe, #TwistersBurgersandBurritos, @Buckhorn Tavern, @Burger Stand, @Cafe Abiquiu & The Terrace, @Duran Central Pharmacy, @Laguna Burgers, @Owl Bar & Cafe, @Owl Cafe, @Range Cafe, @Sparky's Burgers BBQ & Espresso, Blakes Lotaburger, culture, Green Chile, Hatch Green Chile, New Mexico, SparkysBurgers, Travel
    • The Organ Mountains

      Posted at 8:39 am by NativeNM, on May 17, 2024

      Part 2 of our long weekend to southern NM; Joe and I took a day to hike a couple of trails around the Organ Mountains just east of Las Cruces. It was a beautiful day at the Organ Mountains with trails giving you a closer view of the rugged landscape with yuccas and cacti scattered throughout. We started off with blue skies and a light breeze, but as the day wore on, the wind started gusting with clouds swirling all around us. When we finished our last trail, we took some amazing pictures off a road parallel to the mountains. The Organ Mountains have been on my bucket list for the longest time. They remind me of The Grand Tetons, only smaller in stature. However, they do exude prominence with their jagged peaks. There is an urban legend that a painting of the Organ Mountains is the backdrop of the witches castle in “The Wizard of Oz”. In one scene, the wicked witch proclaims that the City of Oz is just over those mountains as she sends her flying monkeys out to do her bidding. If you Google it online and line up the pictures of the mountains with the backdrop of the witches castle, it looks quite plausible. Don’t take it from me, check it out for yourself!

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      Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments | Tagged Bar Canyon Trail, Crawford Trail, Fillmore Trail, hiking, La Cueva Loop, Las Cruces, New Mexico, The Organ Mountains
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