Tent Rocks National Monument, New Mexico

Yesterday Chris and I ventured about an hour north of Albuquerque to a place called Tent Rocks.  

When I go to places like this, I remember why I love the desert so much.... the rock formations are just incredible.  

The day was perfect -- upper 70s and clear blue skies.  

Ah, New Mexico.... it's good to be back!

solo hike

Today I found myself on the east slope of the Sandia Mountains, the range that is most visible from Albuquerque.  It really is a lovely place, and so close to home.

Chris has been training for a ridiculous trail running race (as in, elevation gain of over 4,000 feet in 9 miles from the foothills all the way to the top of the Sandia Crest).  He's pretty much a nutcase, but I mean that in the best possible way.  

I picked him up from the top of the crest, which by the way was a good 30 degrees cooler than the temperature by our house today.  

I stopped along the way to go for a short little hike before I met Chris at the top, and saw some lovely views and flowers along the way...

Dekker/Perich/Sabatini

For six weeks this summer I am interning at Dekker/Perich/Sabatini, a commerical architecture firm in Albuquerque. It's a lovely place to work, not only because of the people there and the learning experience it is for me, but also because of the building. Take a look:

(all photos are from the DPS website)

in the garden