Moto camping at 11,000 ft on Chicoma Peak

I took the DRZ up to the highest local camping spot, the trailhead to Chicoma Peak. After several days devoted to chores and fixing cat errors, and unseasonably hot days, I figured a little break was in order. So I loaded up the bike around 5pm this afternoon, and headed out into the heat. It only got warmer as I descended into Pojoaque and then Espanola…

I spotted a new column of smoke as I came down the hill from Santa Fe, and from my angle it really looked like it could be right on my intended route! I pulled over to check, and the fire had recently shown up in Watch Duty. It turned out to be a ways out past Abiquiu, so no issue for me. Probably another lightning-caused fire, from the storm that came through a couple days ago.

There were lots of bow hunters out and about, even on a Thursday afternoon. Fortunately I had planned to camp in a spot that isn't easy to get a full-size rig into; as it turned out, it required some off-road deviation that was only possible with two wheels, due to downed trees and a huge mud bog.

After scouting around cow pies and choosing a spot, I set up my tent and bed and got the stove out for some hot food. The sun was already down, it's dropping quickly as the Fall approaches!

The AlpineAire Chilequiles with Carnitas wasn’t bad; not exceptional either. 570 kcal for the package, which is ambitiously labeled as two servings. It says 1-1/2 C water, and usually these things need more, so I put in 2C… which was on the soupy side. Well hydrated though!

I somehow neglected to bring my oatmeal, and maybe coffee - doh! But I did throw in a package of ramen, so I won’t be hungry in the morning, just under-caffeinated.

There are no clouds at all, and at 11,000 ft the stars are magnificent. It cooled off quickly as soon as the sun dropped, by 8:30 I had already put on my insulation layers and started thinking about getting under my quilt in the tent.

Fortunately I brought a flask cocktail to add to the enjoyment.

ADDENDUM: In the morning, I found a package of Starbucks instant coffee in my bag, better than nuthin'.