Walking Enchantment

It was our great pleasure to visit the Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Reserve for trip number five in the Walking Enchantment Series.

“Established in 1939 to provide a critical stopover for migrating waterfowl, the refuge is well known for the thousands of sandhill cranes, geese and other waterfowl that winter here each year.” U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

This 57,331-acre refuge is most commonly known in the area for the migration of thousands of cranes in the fall that make this a stopping point on their journey, but it has magnificence all year round. We included this location as many are unaware that the desert lands of New Mexico would be sustaining of such a dynamic and fostering reserve land.

As you navigate the 12 mile loop around the reserve you cannot help but feel fascinated with the lush growth you are suddenly surrounded by when much of the larger surrounding areas are often dry, rough and of various shades of brown.

Cranes, although not in the thousands during this time of year, still inhabit the reserve and soar beautifully through the skies causing ooh’s and ahh’s usually reserved for firework displays. High canopied trees perch across thick bushes lighting up the area in their bloom.

We were quite fortunate to experience a passing desert storm, downpouring us with her tears and cracking her thunder cries she came and went within only moments that will linger in our memory of this journey.

As we left the reserve we were given a final display of aviary harmony with dozens of birds making mud nests in the entrance gate awning, giving us a final moment to sit in captivation as the greater presence of our global ecosystem played itself out with the wonderous creatures.

We are excited for our upcoming journey to Chaco Canyon and the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness on May 30, 2014. Chaco Canyon recently was named an International Dark Sky Park and we are looking forward to the other-worldly the night sky will have to show us.

A portion of the proceeds from the Walking Enchantment project sales will benefit the top nominated charities sponsored in our fundraising program that will be announced very soon in August 2014! We appreciate your support of this project and our donation opportunities with your friends, family and social media communities!

Until the next location….