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Fall 2022
  • Cathy Manuel

Fall 2022

Adventuring to New Mexico, Colorado and Calgary. Read more
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  • Trip start
    October 12, 2022
    Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Doa Arroyos

    October 12, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Let's just call it the day with no sleep! On Tuesday evening, when I was supposed to be packing, I was processing earlier news. Since I had to leave at 3am for the airport, and my mind would not settle, sleep was evaded.
    My new friends from Sri Lanka woke early and drove me to the airport. YQM > YYZ was uneventful and as usual the custom line was long. I have been approved for Nexus since August but the card has not yet arrived. I mentioned to the guard I was Nexus approved (but didn't have the card) and she sent me directly to thecounter.
    YYZ > DEN had a seat between me and the other passenger, so I could stretch but still no sleep. Long layover in Denver (it is a massive airport), so I took the time to get a nice shoe shine for my Blunstones and explore the airport.
    DEN > ABQ was a short flight and my head kept falling as I was tired. Booked my Uber before the plane was even at the gate (the benefit of travelling with carry on only) and off to the rental car place. Travelling Tip: It is usually always cheap to rent outside the airport and just get a ride to the rental company (or Turo). I have a Equinox till Halloween -- rental prices are still ridiculous and it will be the biggest expense of the trip. I needed a 4x4 or AWD according to the people I am staying with.
    I was worried about driving 3.5hrs with no sleep, but I made it just before dark. I am in a remote location north of Toas, NM looking after 2 beautiful dogs and a gorgeous house for the next 6 days.
    Leslie made me an amazing dinner and we are outside in the courtyard, by the fireplace -- then off to La La land at 9pm (midnight east coast time). Looking forward to exploring the property tomorrow!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler
    1

    Dog Sitting

    October 13, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 8 °C

    Started the day with an early morning walk with Bella, Oteil and their owner Leslie, before she left for California. Had a large breakfast, hung out with the dogs, explored the property and relaxed on the veranda. In the afternoon I headed to Sol Food Market to pick up some groceries and back to the house.
    At supper time I took the dogs for a long walk into Carson National Forest. Enjoyed a big salad with many things (lettuce, cucumber and tomato) from the garden.
    Finally I took a long soak in the hot tub.... Watching the milky way and even saw a falling star.
    Another early night to bed and this time Bella is accompanying me.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Relax

    October 14, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 8 °C

    Woke up (Bella slept with me) and took the dogs for a walk at 8am. Back to make some pancakes and a big americano to start the day. Sat outside with pen and paper in hand, writing poetry and to-do lists.
    Another walk at noon and explored the other arroyos (dry riverbed) on the property. Watered all the plants in the courtyards and green house.
    Back to work a little more, but the wifi dropped so I headed for the hot tub. A nice long soak was good for the soul!
    Showered, dressed, super and another walk for the dogs. My post covid cough, and being at 7,300 feet has me carrying a puffer -- walks are slower than my normal pace.
    The sun was setting when we returned. I feed the pups super and retreated to my room. I watch the Earthing documentary.... Being barefoot is something I instinctively do, so it was great to hear the science behind it.
    One more squirt for my fur friends and off to sleepy time.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler
    1

    Toas

    October 15, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Lots of walking and exploring Carson National Forest. The property borders the forest and mountains are all around me. The morning consistent of two big walks with the dogs and some yoga in the beautiful home studio.
    I headed into Toas to catch the Farmers Market and found some delicious gluten free sweet potato bread. Then made my way to the Toas Wilderness shop where I browsed all things outdoorsy and bought another pair of Darn Tough socks to add to my collection.

    A visit to world cup coffee and then was on my way to explore Manby hot springs. Unfortunately the bridge to get there is under construction. Luckily there is a hot tub at the place I am staying. So took an evening dip there instead.

    Another dog walk, a delicious super made with garden fresh vegetables and that was my day.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    A girl named Sue

    October 16, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C

    Great day! It started with a 1.5hr hike in the rain, with the dogs, in Carson National forest. It was only intended to be 45min, but I got lost (and had forgotten cell phone back at the house). Slight panic but it all worked out! I made a delicious breakfast on my return!
    Off to Santa Fe at noon to pick up Sue, who was taking the rail runner from Albuquerque. Arrived just as she was getting off at 2:30pm. We decided to take the road back to Toas that crosses the Rio Grande, but took a detour first to hike in Bandelier National Monument. Beautiful views and interesting history!
    Quick stop to see the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and then tried to make it back to Turly Mills before dark as it is a 4mile climb up a mountain on dirt roads.
    The dogs greeted Sue and I with joy! Made a quick super, and Sue provided the wine. A nice soak in the hot tub (with a surprise visit from Bella, who can open doors and found her way out to us.... and a terrify scream from Sue 😆), to end our evening.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Will we see Julia?

    October 17, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C

    Today was a work day and I made breakfast and coffe, and made my way to the study for several hours. One of the house owners (Eric) arrived home and today was looking after the dogs. Sadly we leave this beautiful property tomorrow.
    Apparently Julia Robert’s lives in this area and frequently goes to the shops and restaurants. Once done work, Sue and I headed to Toas to explore the shops and and headed to ACEQ restaurant for supper. The fried brussel sprouts with pickled onion, pine nuts, bacon and a balsamic sauce was amazing!! No Julie sightings 😕
    Returned to our place…. A long drive on a dark dirt road at night. We had a fire in the room and lots of cuddles with the dogs before bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    La Quinta

    October 18, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 7 °C

    Woke up, had a nice chat with Eric… made a couple cup of delicious coffee and continued to feed the fire for a few hours while hanging out with the dogs.
    Once Leslie and Sue were up I chatted with them for quite awhile, then we packed up, did laundry and left sweet Bella and Oteil!!
    We intended to go to Oje Cailante Spa on the way to Santa Fe but left to late. Decided to take the route alongside the Rio Grande. We stopped a few times to hike down to the water. Then we went to the Catholic Pilgrim site in Santuario de Chimayo, NM.
    Finally arrived in New Mexico, did some window shopping and Sue bought a blanket. Then stopped at a authentic Mexican Restaurant for supper before finding our hotel. La Quinta (by Wyndham) was a big disappointment here compared to my stay in Nevada. We waited awhile for a staff to arrive and check us in (in the meantime I tried), the room was on the third (and highest) floor and was barely clean. We are leaving in the early morning for Albuquerque.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Hot Air Ballon

    October 19, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 5 °C

    A quick sleep in a rather dingy room at La Quinta and off for a 50min drive to Coors Blvd (empty parking lot) for a hot air balloon ride. First a quick pee in the gated dumpster. Then I got to help with filling the ballon, and 5 in total, including pilot Murray got in and up we went. There was a lot of fog over the Rio Grande which is unusual. We float down close to the water and then to a different landing site. We were in the air 50min in total. We had a smooth landing and helped pack up the chute.
    Back to the launch site for some mimosas and the history of hot air ballooning. The pilot was great (a former police chief in Albuquerque), who ended up buying World Balloons during Covid. A company that started in 1973.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Sylvia

    October 20, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Two years ago today mom passed. It was beautiful to see all the prisms and yesterday I worked at a table and an hour later came back and there was a little booklet between the planters that Sue pointed out (called Letting Go). I read it today over coffee.
    We went for a walk and had some crepes and coffee at Passion Cafe, walked about town and explored some of the stores. Meet a man at Junkology who was having a tough time trying to find land for his RV / converted airplane fuselage. Then back to the compound for a soak (while Sue read). We headed to Walmart in the evening to pick up food… and try on Christmas sweaters #peopleofwalmart. Back for salad and charcuterie, then an evening soak before our head hit the pillow in our RV named Sylvia. www.hotspringsglampcamp.com    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler
    2

    Riverbend Hot Springs

    October 21, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    The Riverbend deserves its own footprint, even though it was only an hour, the view and surroundings were spectacular. Earlier in the day, I did a final soak at Hot Springs Glamp Camp, and took a video that is part of this post…. The mountain views are beautiful!Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    His name is Mitchell

    October 21, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    We loved Glamp Camp and were sad to leave Sylvia! I cleaned up and then headed for a final soak in the big tub and a shower, before check out. Sue came to dip her toes. I was thinking that I would offer a yoga class, but then found out that the owner is a Kundalini yoga teacher and co-hosting a retreat over the weekend. It would have been so cool to stay and participate!
    Andrea had go to prep for the retreat and I chatted with Robert. I bought a long sleeve shirt from him and then talked to him about the prism in the washroom/ shower area. I told him about mom and asked if I could buy it, but he gave it to me instead 🤍!
    We left the camp and went towards Passion Pie…. But got distracted by a Jeep pulling up behind us and seemingly video taping us. We decided to go to the other side of the street and look at the gallery. When we went in, we saw the camper we stayed in and both of us bought prints of the original art. Then off to walk around a few shops and to the Riverbend for another hot springs soak.
    We went to El Foro for some temallies for Sue and sitting outside we chatted with a family beside us. Soon and older gentleman, who talked a mile a minute, came along to speak to the other family about purchasing property. Then he offer to give us a tour around. I said sure, and Sue was less enthused. Mitchell Brown, aged 77, came back to the restaurant and took us on an adventure that included driving through the Rio Grande to cross the river, visiting his apartment behind a gallery and going to Elephant Butte. Although the photo of Sue and I looks lovely, her first words (when out of Michell’s earshot) were “I’m going to murder you.” She has since forgiven me for taking her on an unplanned joy ride.
    We left Truth or Consequences (there is an s), and headed to Albuquerque. We checked into Fairfield Inn shortly after 6pm and didn’t leave. Sue had bought a metal bird, a blanket and the art print that all had to be packed up. It was a left over Walmart snacks evening.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Couchsurfing

    October 22, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Sue was up and off to the airport at 5:45am. I tried everything (playing music, counting sheep) to get back to sleep but it wouldn’t come. Instead…. Anxiety! I was now alone, and heading to Santa Fe. I got a late check out, took my time at the free breakfast, and stocked up on bananas and grabbed and extra GF bagel.
    Headed to Santa Fe and listened to Brene Brown along the way, which calmed me down.
    I had arranged to go on a hike and hang with horses on a CS ranch and then head to another CS for two nights. Unfortunately, my overnight got Covid and cancelled, so I was scrambling to figure out what to do. Once I got to the ranch I tried to make arrangements, but nothing was available on air miles and the hotel that Andrew suggested was full. Luckily, he let me stay at the house, and we had a nice super. He had a hottub, so we went for a quick soak and then I went to bed.
    Was planning to stay in SF for two nights but I am going to head to Durango tomorrow.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Snowstorm

    October 23, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 0 °C

    Up early and offered to take Andrew to Breakfast before leaving. He is a naturopathic doctor who founded and runs Global Outreach Doctors. He drove me through the small village of Galisteo and then went to Cafe Fina. Had great conversation and a delicious pesto omelette and coffee. Back at his ranch, I said goodbye to the horses and ventured towards the horseback riding I had booked at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu. Sadly, when I was half hour away, they called to cancel due to weather. It was starting to drizzle.
    I stopped at the O’Keoffe Welcome centre but it was closed… so I wandered around the cafe & gallery, grabbed a coffee to go (bought a Christmas ornament) and back in the car.
    The drive through the mountains was beautiful but I had close to an hour of snow on my drive. Once I hit Colorado the landscape changed and it was horses and ranches everywhere. I saw dead deer every few miles, and lots of deer and wild turkey on the road side.
    I saw and neat peak on a mountain and decided to explore. Sadly, chimney peak was also closed.
    I stopped in Pagosa Springs and contemplated dipping into the free springs beside the river. However, it was really cold, no one else was in the springs and the smell of sulphur was repugnant!
    I continued on to Durgango with a quick stop for coffee, and found the CouchSurfing home before dark. Daudi was not home, but left the door open. The house sits on the rim of a valley and small airport.
    Once he came home we enjoyed some curry and interesting conversation. He is the founder and president of Agile Space Industries, and grew up in Kenya. He also has a cat named Marco.
    My room is upstairs and I’ll be here for a few days!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Hot yoga - high altitude

    October 24, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 7 °C

    Had an 8am meeting so got out of bed at 7:30am. Had FTHS meeting and then through working discovered that website inquires (47 in total) had not been responded too. That took the rest of my day.
    Decided to leave the house and go to a 6pm yoga class (75min). It was a fast paced, in a full hot room, and I was wiped by the end of it. Garrett was the instructor. The studio had one shower 🤷🏻‍♀️, so waited my turn and took one as there is not a lot of water available where I am staying.
    Went to the grocery store (with rubber legs) and picked up a few items, then back to the house. Daudi was arriving at the same time. He started a fire and I grabbed something to eat. We chatted for a little while and then off to bed. Each night I add more layers as it gets cold!!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Horse Gulch Road

    October 25, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 3 °C

    Up early to make pancakes for Daudi. I had read on CS (from reviews) that he likes pancakes so I made two different types. He had to leave by 7:30am so it was another early morning. Got to learn more about him and his company Agile Space Industries.
    Did some work, had a zoom call with Richard Jackson and crew from First Baptist and surfer social media. Daudi had recommended a trail so I thought I would go for a hike before trying yoga studio #2 (Pause Yoga and Pilates).
    I plugged Horse Gulch trail into maps and it took me 20 miles away. I drove all around the area and didn’t see a trail. I stopped at a horse ranch on my way back as it said horse rides (all the ones I found on Google were closed for the season). I chatted with them for a few minutes and they told me about the trail END. Most people pick it up in Durango.
    I headed back and did a 30 min mini hike before rushing off to yoga.
    Lauren at Pause, taught a beautiful class and she texted me her playlist. Then I stayed for Judy’s restorative class. Headed home around 8pm to hang with the cat and grab some food and off to sleep!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Durango Hot Springs

    October 26, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    Sadly, it was time to leave Daudi’s cosy home on the mountain and venture to a new place where I would be dog sitting 3 wolf hounds! Before I left, I had a great conversation with my all time favorite travel companion (Ashlynn).
    Between the two I went to a yoga class at Pause and enjoyed a nice Americano at the market then went to the Durango hot springs and had a wonderful soak. The first pool I got in, I chatted with the couple who love to hunt elk in NM using there Tennesse Walker horses. The man had his daughters name tattooed on his side: Ashlyn. The final pool I soaked in was with three lovely women originally from Texas, who had gone to highschool together (Anne - the one waving - has a second home in Durango/ Rockport that they were staying). I told them about Tanque Verde as another potential adventure, shared that I was dog sitting and gave them my card.
    The dog sitting home has a gorgeous view, and in it's time was likely an amazing home. Now it is a bit run down and unclean....and a tad creepy, but I am adjusting.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Wolf Hounds

    October 27, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 -2 °C

    Up early to the sound of dogs howling. Got up with Jill and learned the dogs routine. Worked for a few hours and then headed out in the afternoon to explore. I went to Nomads consignment store and then to a yoga class at Pause. After I went to Daudi’s to pick up a prism (that I got from glamp camp) and had a quick bit to eat with him (squash, kale and mushrooms) using chopsticks.
    A long drive back (the last 2.5 miles is straight uphill on a dirt road). As a result of earlier conversation, I decided to hang with the dogs and watch My Octopus Teacher on Netflix before heading to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Riding Zandy

    October 28, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    Decided to get outta my funk, walked the dogs around the property and then head to Overthe Hill Outfitters for a 2hr ride. Another couple joined and Maddie, our guide, took us to the top of the mountain and back down. My horse, Zandy, was great! She liked to run up hills (and I fully supported, and perhaps held her back and encouraged this forbidden behavior). It was a beautiful sunny day and I missed riding so much! There is a state of flow between rider and horse that merges the two!
    Already have a ride booked for when I am back in Moncton, and toying with going to Tanque Verde again.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Downtown Durango

    October 28, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 8 °C

    After Riding, I came into Main Street Durango and explored some shops and another consignment store (Rose Duds). Had some amazing hot chocolate sample and bought chocolate nibs and coffee. Then to Grassburger for a hamburger and fries. Not a fancy place, but food was good and I was stuffed. Meant the couple I rode with (but didn't chat much) coming in for a burger too.
    Then back to the dogs. Driving (especially at night) needs to be done with LOTS of caution as many deer's are on the road.
    Ended the day will lots of dog snuggles!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Top of Aminas Mountain Trail

    October 29, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Animas City is what the city was called before the railroad came in and changed it to Durango. I hiked the Mountain that overlooks the city.
    1,500ft elevation, 10+km and 3.25hrs.
    Beautiful views and on the way back I went off trail and meant up with a mountain bike trail. Nearly run over a few times... And happy to find my way back to the original trail.Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Last Day in Durango

    October 29, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    A full day today!
    Started with my final yoga class at Pause. Great start to the day! The instructor recommended Animas Mountian trail as a hike, so I took her suggestion.
    Filled my water bottles, had yogurt and granola that brought with me and arrived at the trailhead at 11:11am.
    Since I don't Strava I am not sure how many km I hiked, but it was over 10km, with a 1500 ft elevation.
    Back home to let the dogs out, do laundry, shower, book Airbnb for final two days in the USA, chat with Jill who is now back home (and kindly let me stay an additional night).    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Awesome Airbnb

    October 30, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    Cooked up a pancake and Rasberry breakfast for Jill.. She wanted help with moving stuff in her garage, so I stuck around, but she was busy with work things. We both sat on the couch (me sending TouchNote animal photo cards to Couchsurfers and Trusted House Sitters) and worked.
    I left around noon and the drive was beautiful. I stopped for a 2hr soak at Jemez Hot Springs before continuing on to Albuquerque. I based up, bought some Cheddar and Sour Cream Ruffles (almost $6USD) and a Mikes Hard Lemondade. Arrived at the wonderful Airbnb and relaxed the remainder of the evening.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Unsinkable

    October 31, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 9 °C

    Woke up, had a few work meetings and then watched the documentary, Unsinkable. Lots of food for thought!
    The Sandia foothills are just behind the Airbnb so started out on one trail but ended up getting off and scrambling up several peaks for the view. Only climbed 650ft in elevation as I had to drop the car back to the rental.
    Took an Uber back to Airbnb, enjoyed some sunshine on the back deck and watched the sun set. Packed, showered and started a fire to celebrate my last evening in USA.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelFall 2022Traveler

    Summing up NM & CO

    November 1, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 3 °C

    At the airport now and heading to Calgary via Denver. This is what I have done with my time thus far. The first part was fun and I had a travel companion. Once Sue left, I had to dig deep and embrace my last 10days. I was lonely at times but still did stuff. People used to ask me what I enjoyed most about travelling with Ashlynn -- it was seeing the world through her eyes. What I miss the most about travelling alone is the shared experience, the understanding an experience thru another set of eyes.
    - One ballon ride
    - Soaked in hot springs 6 times
    - 10 nights dog sitting
    - 3 bags of cheddar & sour cream chips
    - 6 yoga classes
    - 4 nights couchsurfing
    - 2 nights Airbnb
    - 2 nights in 1954 Airstream
    - 28km hiked
    - 2 nights hotel
    - Soaked in hot tub 4 times
    - 1 horse back ride
    - 1664 miles (2678km) driven
    - 4 tanks of gas
    - Played with and petted 11 dogs and one cat
    - Three outdoor fires, 5 indoor fires    Read more

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