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| Hiking | 10.47 Miles |
439 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.47 Miles | 3 Hrs 34 Mns | | 2.94 mph |
| 439 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | I had something to attend Saturday but the time got moved back from 10am to noon. My original plan was to go jogging early Saturday, but once the time was moved, it made more sense to pick a quick hike close to home. Usery is one of the closest options, so I picked the biggest loop in the flat trails.
I got to the gate at 5:45am to find that they open the park at 6. First time I was aware of this. Started from Area 10 and did a loop of Blevins, Chainfruit, Lost Sheep, Moon Rock, Levee, Spillway, Ruidoso, County Line, Meridian and Blevins again.
It turned out to be a more interesting hike that I had expected since I saw about 3 small packs of coyotes while I was hiking along the Levee Trail. One would cross on the top of the levee and then I would see a few more below running through the trees and chollas. At one point one pack I saw earlier started howling and the others responded. it made for an interesting show.
then on the County Line Trail I walked up on a small herd of deer that were sitting right on the trail. They took off but then took their time, giving me the chance to get some pics.
Cold to start, then warmed up quick once the sun hit the horizon. Mostly sunny throughout the morning. Nice to see the green grass carpet covering most of the ground. Finished up in 3.5 hours, averaging a good 3 mph. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
Starting from the Crismon parking area. We did the Blevins Loop with Cat Peaks Loop added in there. It was good to get in a leg stretcher and catch up with Wally! Thanks Wally! Like HAZ, you rock!! 
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, which is going to make finding snakes harder. In spite of this, I made alternative plans to hit this area. I did score 2 snakes and a third one the next day. I'm working a lot of overtime this month, so my herping will be limited until April.
. Hiking the level trails at Usery is pretty much an easy walk, so I went there because it was so close to home. From the main trailhead staging area, I hiked a loop just under 10 miles: Blevins-Meridian-County Line-Ruidoso-Spillway-Levee-Moon Rock-Lost Sheep-Chainfruit-Blevins. 
It's a wonder they didn't get bit. The snake slithered over to the nearest tree, buzzing the entire way. Not sure how injured it was. I managed to get another picture of it under the tree. 
