New Mexico doesn’t have the 14ers that Colorado does, but still, we’ve got some pretty great mountains like the Jemez, which I spent some time in a few months ago. (Jemez is just west of the weird and interesting Los Alamos.)

Sam and I parked Sadie at the Jemez Falls Campground, a sweet spot that was clean, quiet, and inexpensive. The bonus was the camp host, this tiny 70-something who explained she’d just retired from her hospital administrator job and decided it was time to start volunteering full-time. She was spunky and fit and loved Sam, and I decided I want to be just like her when I hit that age. She made getting older seem like a delightful adventure.

The Jemez Mountains were the beginning of a 10-day Scamp up into Colorado, a great place to kick it off.

Jemez Falls grotto, New Mexico

Jemez Falls was a short hop from the campsite, and this grotto sat just past the lookout at the falls.

Sam at Jemez Falls, New Mexico

Sam in the midst of one of his favorite activities: wading. He’s never learned to like swimming, but wading? This dog can wade (and splash and frolic) with the best of them.

Battleship Rock, New Mexico

Battleship Rock

Jemez sunset, New Mexico

UFO-shaped objects abound in New Mexico.

Next up: Colorado.

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