lydia, Author at Southwest Properties, Inc.

Taos Ski Valley To Launch Family Friendly and Intermediate Mountain Biking Trails

Taos Ski Valley will this summer launch four new mountain biking trails, including a family friendly biking park that offers something for all skill levels. The new attraction will give families and visitors even more reason to take in the pristine alpine destination during the summer months.

On June 28 Taos Ski Valley will hold a grand opening celebration for Pioneer’s Bike Park, a collection of biking trails that will offer the only lift-accessed novice mountain biking in the country. Also launching will be the Berminator, a 3.6-mile, intermediate mountain biking track beginning at the top of Lift 1. The mountain biking launch weekend will offer an array of fun activities for the whole family, including bike demos from several manufacturers, live entertainment and more.

“Mountain biking is a thrilling outdoor activity for the whole family, but until now it has been very difficult to find lift-serviced trails suitable for beginners. Our Pioneer’s Bike Park will offer something for everyone: two novice trails and one intermediate, lift access and a lower placement on the mountain for easier access and proximity to other base area activities,” said Gordon Briner, COO of TSV, Inc. “Additionally, the Berminator will be an excellent track for more seasoned mountain cyclists. We are very proud to offer this comprehensive summer expansion, demonstrating to visitors why Taos Ski Valley is not just a winter destination, but an excellent choice for summer travel, as well.”

The Berminator, Taos Ski Valley’s first mountain bike flow trail, will feature berm turns, optional table top jumps, step downs, step ups, hip jumps and rock drops. For those who are not ready for the challenge of the Berminator, the Pioneers’ Bike Park offers accessible fun for the whole family, encouraging progression and skill building as visitors navigate beginner, intermediate and cross-country trails.

Taos Ski Valley’s mountain bike lift tickets will be competitively priced; adults and children will pay just $10 for a full-day pass in Pioneer’s Bike Park. Visitors who would like access to the Berminator will pay $22 for adult full-day passes and $15 for children 12 and under. Half-day passes for Berminator access will be $18 and $12respectively. Mountain bike rentals will also be available in the ski valley. More details regarding the Taos Ski Valley mountain biking offerings will be released in the summer, and additional information can be found here.

Average summer weather in Taos Ski Valley is sunny and in the high 60 degrees, offering visitors a welcome respite from hotter surrounding climes. Other summer attractions in and around the ski valley include hiking, rafting, horseback riding, art galleries and world-class dining.

About Taos Ski Valley, Inc.
With more than 305 inches of average annual snowfall and more than 110 trails, Taos Ski Valley is New Mexico’s premier skiing and snowboarding destination. Taos Ski Valley boasts a unique, relaxed atmosphere, pristine scenery and unparalleled skiing and snowboarding. To learn more about Taos Ski Valley or to plan a vacation, please visit www.skitaos.org.

What’s YOUR Favorite Breakfast Burrito?

Ah, the breakfast burrito: that delicious standard of a proper New Mexico breakfast that, legend has it, first sprung up from the food vending stands at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in the early 1970s.

Everyone has their favorite recipe, but now New Mexico Magazine wants to know which restaurant is top of the pops. Click here to see the list of restaurants nominated for a coveted spot as one of the 50 founding members of the New Mexico True Breakfast Burrito Byway—and may the best burrito win!

Taos Ski Valley Lowers Season Pass Prices for 2014-2015 Season

Taos Ski Valley is offering its famous Millennium Pass for the 2014-2015 season at a discount over the current season rate – just $575 – if purchased by closing day, April 6, 2014. The pass will also be valid from March 17 through the remainder of this season for those who wish to ski or ride this spring.

“We are committed to keeping Taos Ski Valley one of the most affordable world-class skiing and snowboarding destinations in the world, and our historic decision to discount the Millennium Pass is to show our loyal visitors how much we appreciate and value them,” said Gordon Briner, Taos Ski Valley’s chief operating officer. “With new ownership now in place, our vision is to enhance the overall TSV experience while maintaining our affordable, family-friendly environment.”

For kids ages 7-17, seniors over 65 and active duty military, their respective season passes will be discounted to $315 and valid March 17 through closing day as well. Those interested in unlimited skiing and riding next season can also secure a significant discount over the current price on the Adult Full Pass, if they purchase byApril 6.

In addition to offering visitors over 113 trails on more than 1,200 acres, Taos Ski Valley has announced plans to open a lift to Kachina Peak next season. Kachina Peak is the area’s famed 12,000+-foot peak that is currently only accessible by hiking. The new lift will be among the highest chairlifts in North America and will increase the mountain’s advanced and expert terrain by 50 percent.

“Our passes are an incredible value that’s hard to beat, and the prices demonstrate our commitment to our loyal customers who come from all over New Mexico, the southwest and the world to ski and ride at Taos,” continued Briner. “We hope that everyone is as excited as we are for what Taos will offer during the 2014-2015 season.”

To learn more about Millennium Passes or to purchase a season pass for the 2014-2015 season, please visitwww.skitaos.org or call 866-968-7386.

New Mexico Restaurant Week Returns! February 23 – March 2, 2014

Now in its fifth year, New Mexico Restaurant Week is an 8-day culinary celebration featuring value-priced dinners and lunches, daytime cooking demonstrations, classes, and wine & spirits tastings held in Taos, Albuquerque and Santa Fe. In addition, several hotels will feature special Restaurant Week lodging packages.

From Sunday, Feb. 23rd to Sunday, March 2nd, you can dine, drink, and discover in the Land of Enchantment! Check www.nmrestaurantweek.com frequently for 2014 restaurants, lodging, and events.

What’s Up, Datil? January 2014

Friday, January 10 – Mountain Man movie and trappers talking about their gear, etc. Quemado Senior Center. Meal at 4:30 P.M. and movie and presentations start at 5:00 P.M.

FOR SALE 3 BEDROOM HOME ON 5+ ACRES – SUGARLOAF SUBDIVISION – Ready to move in! Priced to sell fast! Click on the following link –

http://www.forsalebyowner.com/listing/3-bed-Single-Family-home-for-sale-by-owner-186-Southern-Trail-87821/23958546

LOOKING FOR A LOVING HOME FOR A BEAUTIFUL FEMALE CAT – “Miss:” Angie is sweet and pretty and a rare treasure. Pretty blonde/champagne fluffy hair – very rare in females. SPAYED AND A GOOD MOUSER! 8 years old. Please call 575-772-5639.

LET’S BUY LOCAL AND SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

PIE TOWN MERCANTILE – Hwy 60 across from the Good Pie Café. 575-740-5949. Hours – Tuesday through Friday 10 – 4, Saturday 9am – NOON. Gifts, souvenirs, hunting supplies, snacks, some grocery items, and local art work.

PIE TOWN LIBRARY –will be open in December Thurs., December 5th 1-3pm Thurs, December 19th 1-3pm

PIONEER– PIE TOWN Holiday Dates of Operation; Dec. 2 – 12 Closed; Dec. 13 – 15 Open; Dec. 16 – 18 Closed; Dec. 19 – 24 Open; Christmas Closed; Dec. 26 – 31 Open. 2014: Closed Jan. & Feb. Got that??? When all else fails, pick up the phone and call! 575-772-2711

Baldwin Cabin Public Library – 7843 Hwy 60, Datil 772-5230. Open Monday, Wednesday & Saturdays 9am – NOON

NOTARY SERVICES IN DATIL AREA – the following notaries do not charge for their services.

LORETTA HARGIS – work 575-772-5722 ext 102, home 575-772-5209

WANDA BASSLER (Sugarloaf subdivision). 575-772-5823

Thank you Loretta and Wanda!

DATIL FEED–next to the Eagle Guest Ranch on Hwy 12 – Hours Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 1pm. Livestock feed, pet food, wild bird food, and more. We also have alfalfa hay. If we don’t have it, we will try to get it for you. 575-740-4876.

We Care Services

575-772-5387 or cell 505-379-9266 Barbara Owens, LPN, 35+ years of experience, based in Datil.

Case Management– assisting seniors and families with in-home assessments, information & access to Senior Services, Planning ahead, Sharing the Care Groups, Monitoring Client Status and Coordinating Services. Consultation services for Adult Day Services, Non-Medical homecare, Alzheimer’s and Dementia behaviors, Family Consultation, Court Assessments and Court Visitor. Trainings/Workshops on Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Caregiver stress, Medication Assistance, Adult Day Care & Aging in Place.

AUTOMOTIVE M&M Autoservice – Quemado HW 60 next to the Largo Cafe Specializing in alignment, tire repair and general auto repair. Marcial Montoya. Please call for appointment 575-773-4141 we will be there for you!

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Marcial Montoya Lic. General Contractor – Specializes in plastering. For more information please call 575-773-4141

HAIR SALON – DATIL DO A Licensed Hair Salon in Datil, owner Kelsi Walraven. Open Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday 9am-5pm 772-5355 Convenient location and unbelievable hair cuts for women and men. Look for the dark red building- on Hwy 12, just north of the Datil School Gym, in the Eagle Guest Ranch RV Park.

ESSENTIAL OILS Ann Jenkerson 772-5156. Rethink your medicine cabinet! Essential oils are natural, safer, more effective and economical. You have heard all the commercials for the latest best drugs that are 1/4 what the medicine does for you and 3/4 the side effects that are worse than the original problem. No side effects with essential oils. Certified Pure Theraputic Grade oils available; can be used (depending on oil) topically, aromatically or ingested. Contact Ann Jenkerson for more information on using essential oils, buying essential oils or building your own essential oil business. 575-772-5156,jenks@gilanet.com or my website- www.doterra.myvoffice.com/datiloils.

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Alegre Theapeutics, LLC – Therapeutic Massage in Quemado at the Junction HW 60 & HW 32, Quemado look for the signs! Extended SPECIAL SENIOR DISCOUNT (63 or older) Katharina McWhorter, owner and licensed massage therapist Improve your health and live a better life – Pain therapy, stress relief, relaxation, mobility. Gift Certificates available! Hours Monday thru Thursday 10 am – 5 pm by appointment only. Please call 575-773-4141 or 575-418-8333. Make your appointment today and comfort your bones and joints with a warm and healing touch. Alegre Therapeutics, is open. Our gate is closed to protect our small animals – come in anytime!

VETERINARIAN

Jack Duncan, DVM now lives and works in Datil. Jack has a mobile vet office and is in Reserve 1st and 3rd Thursdays each month, 2nd Thursday in Quemado, MONDAY– WEDNESDAY – Office in Datil is open – by appointment. Friday as needed. 575-772-5150 office. bigcountryvet@gmail.com Jack’s office and home are located off Route 12 about 1 mile south of Datil. Please call for appointment. It is so wonderful to have a local vet!

Rock of Ages Historic Lantern Tours at Carlsbad Caverns December 17th and 18th

This year, Carlsbad Caverns National Park will be offering two Rock of Ages Historic Lantern Tours. On December 17th and 18th, early explorer Dr. Frank Ernest Nicholson and early cave guide Carol Miller will be recalled from the past to lead the special two hour lantern tour of the Big Room at Carlsbad Caverns. This annual event will take visitors back in time where they will meet some of the men and women who helped weave the historic fabric of this spectacular National Park. These adventurous explorers, scientists and rangers will make their stories come to life while visitors enjoy the cave, lit only by candle lanterns. The tour concludes with a re-creation of the Rock of Ages Ceremony which was regularly conducted in the Big Room during the 1930’s and 40’s. During this portion of the tour, visitors will experience a “black out.” Keeping with the tradition of this tour, once immersed in total darkness, a voice will fill the cavern, singing the hymn “The Rock of Ages.”Carlsbad Caverns has a special treat in store for visitors this year by highlighting local talent.

Reservations and tickets are required. Fees are $8 for adults; $4 for children 4-15; children under age 4 are not allowed. On December 17 and 18 only, the tours will start promptly at 5:30 p.m. and last until 7 p.m. Tour size is limited to 60 people. Call 575-785-3152 or stop by the Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center to make your reservation.

photo credit: Soul_Smiling via photopin cc

Datil Doings – November 2014

UPCOMING EVENTS & LOCAL BUSINESS LISTINGS for Datil, NM and surrounding towns

NOVEMBER

Sun. November 17^th ANNUAL COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER 5pm, First Baptist Church, Datil. This is open to the entire community. Come and join your neighbors for this wonderful tradition. For Reservations please contact Ann 772-5156. (to be sure they are set up for everyone!)

Tuesdays starting November 19^th 10:30am-NOON – NEW 6 Week Bible Study FAITHFUL, ABUNDANT, TRUE, at Ann Jenkerson’s 233 Turquoise Trail.

Learn about going deeper in your faith! Join the new 6 week Bible Study- We meet for this video- based study featuring Kay Arthur, Pricilla Shirer and Beth Moore. If you are looking for solid teaching and good fellowship, this is for you! Everyone welcome! Call for info or directions. 772-5156.

Sat. November 23^rd 10am – 1pm JEWELRY SHOW AND SALE Featuring Shirley Lamar and Ann Bending. Bear Mountain Coffee House on Hwy 60, Magdalena.

Sat, November 23^rd NOON to 3pm Quemado Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner– at the Quemado Cowboy Church (off Hwy 32, 2 miles South of Quemado from Hwy 60) Cowboy church is providing turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, pies, plates and flatware. Quemado Catholic Church will bring Mashed Potatoes, red and green chile and corn casseroles. Please join us and bring a side dish of your choice.

DATIL FLEA MARKET – Held Saturday mornings Hwy 60 in front of the Eagle Guest Ranch Motel. There is no charge to set up at the flea market. Due to the Flea Market’s success, it has continued into the fall!

(All the church pews sold!)

FOR SALE 3 BEDROOM HOME ON 5+ ACRES – SUGARLOAF SUBDIVISION – Ready to move in! Priced to sell fast! Click on the following link –

http://www.forsalebyowner.com/listing/3-bed-Single-Family-home-for-sale-by-owner-186-Southern-Trail-87821/23958546

LET’S BUY LOCAL AND SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

Baldwin Cabin Public Library – 7843 Hwy 60, Datil 772-5230. Open Monday, Wednesday & Saturdays 9am – NOON

Pie Town Library (located in the Pie Town Community Center) current hours– Thursdays from 1pm – 3pm.

NOTARY SERVICES IN DATIL AREA – the following notaries do not charge for their services.

LORETTA HARGIS – work 575-772-5722 ext 102, home 575-772-5209

WANDA BASSLER (Sugarloaf subdivision). 575-772-5823

Thank you Loretta and Wanda!

DATIL FEED– New Location next to the Eagle Guest Ranch on Hwy 12 – Hours Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 1pm. Livestock feed, pet food, wild bird food, and more. We also have alfalfa hay. If we don’t have it, we will try to get it for you. 575-740-4876.

We Care Services 575-772-5387 or cell 505-379-9266 Barbara Owens, LPN, 35+ years of experience, based in Datil.

Consultation services for Adult Day Services, Non-Medical homecare, Alzheimer’s and Dementia behaviors, Family Consultation, Court Assessments and Court Visitor.

Trainings/Workshops on Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Caregiver stress, Medication Assistance, Adult Day Care & Aging in Place.

AUTOMOTIVE M&M Autoservice – Quemado HW 60 next to the Largo Cafe Specializing in alignment, tire repair and general auto repair. Marcial Montoya.

Please call for appointment 575-773-4141 we will be there for you!

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Marcial Montoya Lic. General Contractor – Specializes in plastering. For more information please call 575-773-4141

HAIR SALON – DATIL DO A Licensed Hair Salon in Datil, owner Kelsi Walraven. Open Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday 9am-5pm 772-5355 Convenient location and unbelievable hair cuts for women and men. Look for the dark red building- on Hwy 12, just north of the Datil School Gym, in the Eagle Guest Ranch RV Park.

ESSENTIAL OILS Ann Jenkerson 772-5156. Rethink your medicine cabinet! Essential oils are natural, safer, more effective and economical. You have heard all the commercials for the latest best drugs that are 1/4 what the medicine does for you and 3/4 the side effects that are worse than the original problem. No side effects with essential oils. Certified Pure Theraputic Grade oils available; can be used (depending on oil) topically, aromatically or ingested. Contact Ann Jenkerson for more information on using essential oils, buying essential oils or building your own essential oil business. 575-772-5156, jenks@gilanet.com or my website-www.doterra.myvoffice.com/datiloils.

MASSAGE THERAPIST

VETERINARIAN

CAT SPAYING & NEUTERING –

Dr. Duncan would like to make the community aware of a program called Cat Spay of Santa Fe. This foundation is providing vouchers for the spay and neuter of cats (Cats only). There are a few restrictions on who will qualify–but most people will qualify. If interested in having a cat fixed just call 505-466-1676. They have a website with all the details: www.zimmer-foundation.org. Big Country Veterinary Service is accepting the vouchers which covers the entire cost of the surgery.

Sipapu will be the first ski area to open in New Mexico for the 2013-2014 season!

The lifts at Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort in northern New Mexico will begin turning next Saturday, marking the earliest opening in the resort’s more than 60-year history. George Brooks, the executive director of Ski New Mexico, said Red River Ski Area is expected to open Nov. 27, followed by Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe and Ski Apache on Nov. 28. In early October, a strong storm brought wind, rain and high-elevation snow to New Mexico. Cold temperatures followed a few days later, with more snow for the mountains in the northern and central parts of the state.

Sipapu offers the best lift ticket prices during early season: beginning opening day, November 16, through December 12, 2013, you can take advantage of their early season lift ticket rates:

Adults: $20
Teens (age 13-20): $15
Children (age 7-12): $15
Seniors (age 60-69): $15

Click here to view their December Deal Week rates – all tickets are still on sale in December!

Please check our snow report for days of operation.

Don’t forget: 4th & 5th graders (report card required), guests ages 6 and younger, 40-year-olds, 60-year-olds and seniors 70 and better get FREE lift tickets everyday at Sipapu!

For more information, call 800-587-2240.
nov6top
Snowmaking above Lift #1

nov6top2
View from the ski patrol shack, just above Lift #1

nov6thumper
Thumper

nov6isa
Isa, Sipapu snowmaker and terrain park manager

Festival of the Cranes November 19-24, 2013

The 25th annual Festival of the Cranes, November 19-24, 2013, offers something for everyone: from backyard birders to bird experts, from amateur photographers to pros.

Activities include refuge tours; bird, biology, geology and art workshops; keynote speakers; and much more. The Festival highlights the world-renowned Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, which is in its 73rd year of managing the refuge for the benefit of wildlife and their habitat.

Members of the Audubon Council of New Mexico, the Central New Mexico Audubon Society, the American Birding Association and the Friends of the Bosque Board will be on hand at the observation decks around the Bosque tour loops to assist visitors with questions and to share their birding expertise and scopes.

For more details, click here…

World’s Largest Ballooning Event Takes to Skies October 5-13

Albuquerque, NM – The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta celebrates its 42nd event with over 500 hot air balloons representing 20 countries. The 42nd event will occur October 5-13, 2013 at Balloon Fiesta Park, in Albuquerque, NM. The breathtaking Mass Ascensions featuring waves of hot air balloons will fill Albuquerque’s morning skies with hundreds of balloons on both weekends and on Wednesday of Balloon Fiesta. Evening events bring dusk to life with balloon glows on the opening weekend then Thursday through the second Saturday of Balloon Fiesta.

Opening day at Balloon Fiesta Park will kick off with the Opening Ceremonies, beginning at 6:45 a.m. The 18th America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race, a cross country competition, will also help commence the opening day festivities.

The hot air balloon competitive flying starts on Monday of Balloon Fiesta week, with pilots competing to win cash prizes. Competitive flying will continue throughout the week, taking a break on Wednesday for the Flight of the Nations. The Flight of the Nations will honor the 20 countries participating in the 42nd event, as each flies their nation’s flag from their balloon.

A giant Snow White, chariot, wizard and other unique objects are among the 98 special shape balloons that will take to the skies for their own mass ascension and balloon glows on Thursday and Friday at Balloon Fiesta Park.

For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs visit www.balloonfiesta.com and follow on Twitter @BalloonFiesta and Facebook.