Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Where the Deer and the Antelope Play

My son and I headed to Colorado a few weeks ago. We decided to take the time and make it a road trip driving through northeastern New Mexico. The hour and a half drive from Clayton to Raton, NM via US Highway 64 has become a favorite of mine. On this trip I was amazed with how green the grasslands were.

I love the geology. The Capulin volcano looms large to the north. Black rock and lava flow are still clearly visible. Mountains and high plains surround as you drive a rather lonely and remote spance of what was once the wild west. Vibrant blue skies reach down and kiss the ground. For me, it's breathtaking. It takes me back to a simpler time.

Within easy viewing of the road we saw deer, elk, and antelope....lots of antelope. After about 300 head, we lost track.

And the lyrics to the song Home on the Range came to mind:

Home, home on the range,
Where the deer and the antelope play,
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word,
And the skies are not cloudy all day.

I relish times like this. My heart comes alive! I need more of them.