New Mexico Road Trip: Canadian River Valley

About 150 miles North of here, the Llano Estacado drops abruptly into the Canadian River Valley, my second favorite area in the State. Although I prefer the flatness and emptiness of the plains, I love this area for its spectacular elevation changes, and even more so since they are not obscured by trees or other types of vegetation. Several times while talking about the pond I've referred to the transition zone between biomes as ecotonal situations, places of the most intense predation, but I had to really manipulate the concept to make it fit our artificial habitat. This area is a true example of that concept on many levels. Living doesn't come easy for any of its inhabitants, and there are no guard-rails of any type, either between you and the edge of its cliffs, or between you, your things, and its hungry carnivores. At the same time, the wildness of it all is mesmerizing. What a nice day - great views, the best food, the best people, and a pleasant and scenic trip both ways. I love this State.