Yesterday morning, New Year’s Eve, we left from T or C headed for San Antonio, the small town we stayed at last October, with one mission: to go to the Green Chili Cheeseburger restaurant that had been closed. Yes, this restaurant has a name, but it is less prominently featured on the sign than its signature dish, which was rated #1 in the country by one of the Food Network celebrity chefs — The Buckhorn.
We missed it last year because its hours are limited. I’m not one for cheese, so I passed on the main event, but the boys both had one and I’m told it was worth the detour. And my burger was pretty good, too.
After lunch, we ran through Socorro to pick up dinner and stock up on firewood.
Then we headed out to San Lorenzo Canyon.
I had told myself that someone else would have the spot that we really wanted both because we weren’t arriving particularly early and we were arriving on New Year’s Eve. Last time, the group that was there told us they’d been there a week already.
Then magic happened. Happy freakin’ new year.
Then we explored until sunset, which Miles participated in only partially willingly.
Selfie with team t-shirts. With and without doggo.
Then it got dark and everything was amazing.
Then George built one helluva bonfire. And we grilled dinner. (Well, George and Evan cooked dinner; I documented.) By the time we finished up, it was nearly midnight* and I was tired, so we got the bubbly ready for a very informal countdown, and called it a night.
* Having decided that we were all tired and also residents of Central Time states, we celebrated a Central Standard New Year… We are not lame because look where we did it.
I slept really well last night. It didn’t feel as cold because the canyon didn’t get much wind. Also those Hot Hands helped a lot. As, I’m sure, did the bourbon. But it was cold enough to re-freeze the water in my ice chest and frost the windows. Apparently Evan’s thermometer quoted a low of 27 degrees inside the Rover, so probably low twenties outside?
We did another quick explore before packing out. I love this place.
After a diner lunch in Socorro, we set out for the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Ramah, where we are staying tonight. It was about three hours away by scenic highway… and a 13 miles stretch on an unpaved ranch road that was covered in about up to a foot of snow. Glad I got those new tires.
The Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary is primarily a rescue organization for wolves, coyotes, and a few other species. Most of their animals came from bad exotic pet situations, breeders who had to shut down for operating illegally, or accidents involving wildlife that could not remain in the wild. They provide life-long care for these animals because they cannot be legally released into the wild, but other organizations would likely euthanize them because of that. Also there are a lot of particulars to caring for wolves that many places aren’t set up for. If you’re so inclined, consider supporting them. Despite the snow, we arrived just in time for a tour!
Our tour guide Kendra introduced us to a lot of them while telling their stories and giving them treats to keep them nearby. I’m sad that there was a chainlink fence between us, but some of them were pretty aggressive and I am extra sensitive to that this month. I was still able to get a few pictures where the fence isn’t super obvious.
Ultimately, for all the cautionary tales of “don’t have a wolf as a pet” and the care necessary to interact with them safely, I still definitely want to snuggle with all of them.
We’re staying at a Wild Spirit cabin tonight. I look forward to a shower. Not too many specifics for tomorrow planned yet. But in the meantime, there’s more New Year’s Day to celebrate.
Happy New Year!