Northern New Mexico, Part 5. More Bandelier and a Prank.

I had a good rest Sunday night and slept well until dawn. Bright and early, though, as I lay awake in bed, I heard a "ka-chunk" from the van. Hmmmm.... looked out the windows and didn't see anything. Maybe a wayward pinecone? It sounded more mechanical than that. Hmmmm....

More about the mystery later.

I wanted to have a yummy lunch with BobBIE! so I got an early start on my last Bandelier hike. I stayed on the mesa and headed out from the campground to the Tyouani Overlook Trail. A mile and a half each way on an out-and-back. Another easy one for me!

It was similar to yesterday's Frey Trail to the rim, but also different! Here ya go:

Something new! This trail has at least one example of alligator juniper (Juniperus deppeana), whose bark is checkered instead of hairy, as has a "regular" New Mexico juniper (Juniperus monosperma). I did not know about this kind of juniper before this day! Juniperus deppeana is usually found in the southern part of the state, but here is a nice one!

Here is the typical juniper you'll find in the area:

Juniperus monosperma's hairy bark.

A partially excavated dwelling. There were more unexcavated rooms in this area

The view of Tyouani Village in Frijoles Canyon.

Another view of the riverbed looking up the Frijoles River

A white velvet ant (actually a wasp). I did not know white ones existed. Do not touch! Just for looking. 

Geez! Either my device dies or I forget to start my walk. This is the map-ish of my loop to the lookout and back.

I got back to my campsite in time to pack up before heading to base camp at BobBIE!'s to take a much-needed shower and head off to lunch.

But first, dump Poppy's tanks!

Remember the "ka-chunk?"

I'm so careful to check the dump tank levers throughout my trips, and especially before I dump. I've heard of ne'er-do-wells pulling open a lever on an unsuspecting camper.

On my way out of the park, I went to the dump station. Checked the levers once more to make sure they were closed, started to take off the cap, and .... Yikes! SHIT! 

"Shit! Shit! Shit!" 

I quickly put the cap back on but not before black waste had spilled. I was wearing gloves, thank goodness, and it didn't splash. I was able to get the cap back on before too much gushed out.

I checked the lever. Yes, closed. I looked under. Was something broken? No. It was then that I realized, the ka-chunk was someone opening and closing the black tank. 

Who does that?! Mean people, that's who.

I was able to finish my dump in the usual fashion, although with an extra rinse on Poppy and the surrounding area. I hoped it all washed down the drain. I apologized to the people who had pulled in behind me. 

Soon I was on the hunt for some sort of idiot deterrent. There are no available locks for the levers, but I was recommended to get a clear extension/cap. At least I would see what's coming, and it would probably be a deterrent since the element of surprise is removed from whatever motivates the idiot's mind. I really don't know why it's funny. If they could follow me to the dump station and watch me get shit on, then maybe I would understand. But no, they just get to imagine the scenario, and they could do that for free without involving me.

I just don't get mean people. 

Anyway, I was able to get back in time to take a good long cleansing shower, get to lunch with my twin sister 10 years apart at a favorite restaurant, and used the rest of the afternoon for a needed rest.

My friend the raven cawed a goodbye.

I had only a day or two left! Stay tuned for more!