This is the early bird dinner for all of the people that showed up a day early

The rally doesn't officially start until this evening so I took a little ride alone today.

They have designated a National Monument for this area that contains the confluence of the Rio Grande and Red rivers

This will keep the rivers free flowing without the possibility of dams.

It also protects them from development for 2 miles on either side of the protected river.

I like this shot of the river through this hole in the rock wall. It was all natural

On the way back to Taos I took a little side trip to Red River, the community.

Along the way I saw this rather large mining operation.

I wasn't seeing any mining activity taking place, but everything looked operational

I couldn't even find any signage to determine the name.

Near the office area, there were quite a few trucks, and I saw Fed-Ex make a delivery.

Using 20X I was able to read this sign. No useful information. At my motel I googled the place and discovered that it is a Molybdenum mine that seems to be in a bit of controversy with local contamination. 

Red River is an all seasons community, but it's main purpose is snow skiing in the winter.

A few of the ski runs cut on that hill.

Several high end lodges to warm yourself in after a day on the slopes.

Our official meet and greet

Always fun seeing old friends and meeting new.

We were having thunder storms this evening so Sandy volunteered to take the lightning strike while keeping my dry during the taking of the pictures.

If you ride a Bass Boat, you need water shoes.