Sailboat Cove to Black Bluff Overlook Trail

We continued along the West Lakeshore Trail. At every trailhead there is always the admonition that the trail is not for motorized vehicles - 4-wheelers - but we kept seeing tire tracks on the trail. Whenever we see something seemingly amiss on the trail our usual response is to cluck our tongues and lament the carelessness and lack of respect of others. However today, about halfway to our turn around point, we heard what was clearly a motorized vehicle approaching us on the trail.

In this case it was a lovely couple in a New Mexico State 4-wheeler, volunteers who were out maintaining the trail. We had an informative conversation with them about the history of the area, suggestions for hiking the trail tomorrow, and the answer to the question - where is Elephant Butte? So far everybody who we have asked about the location of Elephant Butte, usually other campers and visitors, has given us a different answer. If you read to the end of the blog you'll see the correct answer and why the location is such a mystery.

 

Like the Beacons of Gondor, these little shelters lead us along the trail.

There's a numbing sameness about this trail, so there is plenty of time for reflection. Then, as we reached the turn around point, a little more, and different, vegetation appeared and, because we had achieved a little elevation, the views improved.

Some pretty flat mesas at Black Bluff Overlook. That may be Black Bluff across the lake.

Frederick enjoying the view under one of the shelters at Black Bluff. 

More views from...

Black Bluff.

I liked the shadows of the clouds on the mountains across the lake on our trip home.

OK, here's Elephant Butte. It's actually located beyond the Elephant Butte Dam that we hiked to on Thursday and showed picture of in the blog for March 2. Beyond the dam is another cove that is guarded by the butte. There were quite a few houseboats at anchor.

Closer view of Elephant Butte. If you look to the left edge of the Butte you might discern the outline of an elephant's head and trunk and large ear. Well, we could see it standing on the hill across the way.

Today's hike:

Length - 9.19 miles

Duration - 4 hours, 26 minutes

Elevation gain - 760 feet (77 floors on the Fitbit)