El Morro National Monument

​My next stop is El Morro National Monument for a free campsite, first to secure a space for the night. The early bird catches the worm, as I scored what I thought was a perfect spot, with shade trees looking west towards the monument. This is part of the national parks system. I always stop at the visitor center first. And low and behold they allow dogs on the trails! Otherwise I would’ve done the short 1/2 mile trail versus the 2 mile long trail. It is rare that a national park service allows dogs on their trail. With the exception of some designated dog trails, usually any and all hiking is off-limits to dogs. It makes for quite a challenge at times. So I went back to the RV, gathered up my super excited Jo Jo, with water, lunch, sunscreen, and my visor to set out on what is categorized as a strenuous hike. That word makes me really nervous, wondering if I can do it. It took me to the very top of El Morro rock where I could look down hundreds of feet below. What a special experience navigating the rock up and down and I will say it was difficult. But I took my time, as it took me over 2 1/2 hours to finish this hike, and JoJo did most of it on the leash. However, I did pick him up towards the very end. There were staircases made in concrete with railings and others carved out of the natural rock. At times it was a little confusing as to where the trail went, but they carved dots in the rock on either side to designate the trail along with cairns. I am fortunate that the weather isn’t extremely warm, but when the sun beats down on you, it does it’s trick. There were some steep inclines and declines, although I have to say I only once had to scooch down on my butt. As always, I felt accomplished when I finished the trail pretty tired and ready to go back to my campsite. The fascinating thing about El Morro is they have an inscription wall with three different timelines of inscription, including the Atsinna Pueblo (Zuni) people from 1275 ad. Inscriptions carved on the El Morro rock wall included the Spaniards that travelled through this area dating back to 1692. Then later the immigrants, in the 1800s that also passed through. Many of them were surprised to find a pool, runoff from the rains and snow that gave them a valuable source of water. It was an enjoyable day, however the strong winds are here again for the third day in a row. Fires are still prominent throughout the area but several hours away. I can see how a fire could easily start and spread very rapidly with these very strong winds.























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