Are Sand Dunes the Future of Skiing?

Sand Skiing - Getting the Hang of it

One of the many reasons I love winter is skiing. Well, I just tried another surface for skiing that doesn't need cold weather - sand dunes. While I fervently hope that the snow keeps coming each winter (and I'm working to make sure that it does) I've found a new place to slide on some old skis - The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

I'm definitely no expert, so I went with some new friends who are old hands at sand skiing. From what I've learned the basics of sand skiing are:

Breathe Deep The Forest Primeval

Gambel Oak in the Gila Wilderness

I love forests. Probably because I grew up between a State Park and a Wildlife Preserve. I spent much of my childhood and teen years exploring the forest around my home. I understand the value of a forest is much greater than the wild game it supports and the board-feet of lumber it can produce. But, it's also reassuring when scientists discover another benefit of old-growth trees ... CO2 capture.

Santa Fe Farmer's Market & Railyard Park Opening

Santa Fe Farmer's Market New Building 2008

What: Santa Fe Railyard Grand Opening
When: September 13 & 14, 2008
Where: The Railyard - Santa Fe, NM (Google Map below)

Bluebells of Scotland in New Mexico

Bluebells of Scotland ~ Harebells

We found these Campanula rotundifolia a.k.a. Harebells or Bluebells of Scotland while camping recently. They were scattered throughout an open meadow in the mountains of Northern New Mexico. One of our local plant nurseries carries Bluebells of Scotland seed and I think these would be a great addition to a cool shady spot in our garden.

More Info:

Wikipedia - Campanula rotundifolia

Building a Better Battery

Students Experimenting with Electric Batteries

WHAT: Use it, Lose It, or Save It: The Science of Renewable Energy Storage - Free Admission
WHEN: Thursday, August 28, 2008, at 7:00 pm
WHERE: James A. Little Theater, NMSD, 1060 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM

Go Camping

Tent Camping in the Aspen Conifer Forest of Northern New Mexico

Get out of the house, away from town and Into the Woods! It's summertime and your tent and sleeping bag are crying out from neglect (well mine were anyway). My wife and I love camping but over-scheduling and other excuses get in the way much too often. Not this weekend!

Why I Garden #9

Morning Glory in Bloom

The garden can be full of surprises. An interesting vine sprouted a few months back. Although I didn't recognize it, I decided to let it grow. My theory is that with as many wildflower seeds as I've sown I try to give any new plant a fighting chance to prove it's not a weed. My bet paid off with a Morning Glory.

This Train Keeps Rolling Along

New Railroad Tracks for the Rail Runner

Are you wondering about the railroad construction stretching from downtown past La Bajada hill to the south? All that construction is a big clue that the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is coming to Santa Fe.

Fighting Dirty Coal in the Four Corners

Coal Plant Smokestacks

On July 31, 2008 the Environmental Protection Agency issued a PSD (Prevention of Significant Deterioration) permit for the Desert Rock Energy Facility in New Mexico's Four Corner's region. In response, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Attorney General Gary King announced their intention to immediately file an appeal of the U.S.

Why I Garden #8

Delicata Squash Blossom

Blossoms on Delicata Squash (Cucurbita pepo) vines in the garden. Delicata (a.k.a. Sweet Potato Squash) is a heirloom variety with great flavor, but it is uncommon in the grocery store given its softer skin which doesn't stand up well to rough handling. So far it's been pretty easy to grow for us and forms the base of our Three Sisters (corn, beans, squash) garden bed.

More Info:

Wikipedia - Winter Squash

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