Bluff Trail

It turns out that what was obscuring the sunset last evening and creating the hazy sky was smoke from the fires in Texas and Oklahoma. It still is a bit hazy today, just not as bad.

The Bluff Trail begins on the other side of Lea Lake and is nestled along the red gypsum bluff that is behind our campsite. Along the trail are the Lower Lakes, six of the eight lakes that are really sinkholes. Much of the trail was bordered with salt cedars, or tamarisk, a non-native that has invaded natural wetland habitats. There were salt cedars at Elephant Butte Lake as well.

Lost Lake is the smallest of the eight lakes.

This clump of flowers were near Pasture Lake, all by themselves! These are the first flowers that we have seen this winter - a welcome sight!

And here's Pasture Lake followed by...

Figure Eight Lake. That's the mid-point of the 8 on the right side of the picture.

Devil's Inkwell Lake

The most interesting lake was Mirror Lake.We could get right down to it and...

it was formed by two sinks caused by the collapse of adjacent underground cavities. Something interesting about this lake is that the water to the right can support game fish while the water to the left has a saline content too high for fish to survive.

Finally, just before the Visitor Center is Cottonwood Lake.

In the VC we had a nice chat with Ed who was able to answer all our questions.

On the way back we explored some adjacent...

ravines.

Back at Lea Lake we had a better appreciation for the water tower and Pavilion, both of which were built by the CCC and show little signs of wear. This is what happens when you don't experience severe winters.

Near the Pavilion was a playground for Nathan and Maura. (We hope they're feeling better soon!)

Across the lake is our campsite. Of course, you know that if you enlarge the picture you'll get a good view of the Airstream!

Today's hike:

Length - 4.59 miles

Duration - 2 hours, 47 minutes

Elevation gain - 140 feet (14 floors on the Fitbit)