With the temperature forecast to be in the 90's, we hit the trail early, well... early-ish. By 10:30 we had parked where the Pueblo Acequia crossed Green Valley Rd. and headed north along the west bank of the ditch.
We were soon on a gentle path along side the gently flowing irrigation channel. With each passing minute, we got a different view into the backyards and pastures of different homes.
Some were old adobe structures, some run-down antiques, others modern and sleek. There were classic red barns as well as large modern ones featuring elaborately painted scenes.
Old cottonwoods lined the ditch banks and provided dappled shade. Their gnarly bark spoke of decades of survival. Most Rio Grande cottonwoods live somewhere between 80 and 120 years. These giants should be nearing their end of life, but appear strong and healthy. Perhaps the annual flow of irrigation water has caused them to have deeper, stronger roots and tougher wood.
A side note: tonight a strong geomagnetic storm is expected, but the sky is cloudy. Moisture from Tropical Storm Alvin has arrived to block the view. Although we need the moisture, it'll likely just tease us and drizzle enough to make Nature's Notebook a mess in the morning. We'll see.
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