I hiked a trail without a compass within the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument in the Robledo Mountains of Doña Ana County, New Mexico. The area is located at an elevation of about 4,500 feet above sea level in the Robledo Mountains north of Las Cruces New Mexico with views of canyons cut into the steep mountains, dominated by creosote.

The trackways contain footprints of numerous amphibians, reptiles, and insects (including previously unknown species), plants, and petrified wood dating back 280 million years, which collectively provide new opportunities to understand animal behaviors and environments from a time predating dinosaurs. The site contains one of the most scientifically-significant Early Permian track sites in the world.

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Although during my hike, I did not capture photographs of any trackways of prehistoric amphibians, reptiles, and insects, I’m always moved by the silence of the trail with only my footsteps and wind blowing breaking my silence with nature. My hike included blissfully unique landscapes views of southern New Mexico’s mesas looking southeastward towards Las Cruces NM.

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My climb in elevation of 2 to 3 thousand feet provided sidelines of the valleys across the mesas towards interstate 25 and onward to the San Andres Peaks.

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The valley below is dotted with farms encompassing both sides of the Rio Grande River with vibrant fall golden brown leaves on the pecan trees groves revealing the beauty of this area. After my hike, I capture photos from ground level of these pecan groves

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By Expedition Nomadic Adventurer

As a retiree travel blogger touring the US, voicing my wisdom, opinion, and thoughts about the retirement lifestyle and life in general. I'm an aspiring pre-published indie author of baby boomer romance and adventures with a whimsical comedic side. I photograph wildlife and landscapes, mountain, biking, kayaking, hiking, and backpacking. I travel the back roads and highways of America, Canada, and Mexico, documenting my adventures via print and photography.

12 thoughts on ““Silent bliss without a compass.””
  1. These are beautiful! I love NM!

  2. nice…

  3. It is a beautiful place!! Merry Christmas.

  4. What a wondrous place. Your photographs are beautiful. I’m looking forward to discovering New Mexico–I’ve only driven through it and vowed to go back to experience the lovely state. Merry Christmas!

  5. What a gorgeous post Marty! I can hear the silence emanating from the trail and feel the wind and sun caressing my skin. Beautiful imagery through both your pictures and words. The pecan groves are especially magnificent! Nice to see you out on the trail!

    1. Hey thanks Lisa! Sorry for the late response. I have been focusing on my novel of short stories.

      1. Yay! Look forward to seeing them published

      2. Hi😊
        Thank you for the detailed description of the walk you took us on with you. Thank you also for the visual pictures. They’re beautiful!
        Enjoyed it without having to leave my recliner 😁

  6. Love these images, and I could hear your shoes crunching along the trail😊!

    1. Why thank you Leslie. That hike was extreamly exhilarating and wonderfully scenic. I will soon include backpacking to my writing experiences in the spring and summer of 2018. 🙂

      1. Sorry, Marty, but I literally just read this blog post: “5 Mistakes Beginning Backpackers Make.” It may not apply to you but….https://alexischateau.com/2018/02/12/5-mistakes-beginner-backpackers-make/#comment-11574

        1. Hey Leslie, I’m following Alexis Chateau and they are similar although mine is an excerpt from a novel I’m developing about my travel adventures through out my years of travel. 🙂

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