Fourth of July Lemon Lot Raspberry Hike

Went for a Fourth of July Raspberry hike with the Lemon Lot Hikers of Los Alamos and White Rock, New Mexico. I’m calling it a raspberry hike because even though all but one of the raspberry bushes we saw had only green, barely visible raspberries, the hiking leader had prepared a delicious berry lemon cake roll. Now that’s a leader to keep!!!

We saw some tiny strawberries in the middle of the trail--brave little fruit! A hermit thrush was singing away and views of Redondo Peak and Redondito could be seen while walking out on the gated forest road, less than 2 miles in on FR144 and off of SR126, between Bear and Barley Canyons. Lots of scarlet gilia and scarlet bugler and a few blue harebells were scattered about. A deep, dark purple penstemon had planted itself in the middle of the forest road.

The scene is from our lunch spot, in the general direction of Seven Springs State Fish Hatchery. The hike totaled right around 4 miles and there were 13 people.

While we all were enjoying the soda and juice and cake and laughter, we saw a green forest service fire truck roll by, maybe out patrolling on this July 4th holiday. Hopefully they won’t find any work to do!

Later, driving past the Valles Caldera National Preserve, we saw them posting “Welcome--Come Visit!” signs alongside SR 4. The gate into preserve headquarters was wide open but no one wanted to drive in and visit. Wonder if they’ll do it again later this week or if this was just a one day, unadvertised, unannounced event. Maybe they are getting lonely for a bit of human company. Guess cows aren’t as much fun as us unwashed, unruly hikers!!

It’s thundering and raining now which is so very welcome because maybe the hot spell will break even if only for tonight.