Archive for October, 2010


Video: Searching for Shark’s Teeth in the Rio Puerco Valley of New Mexico.

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
October 27th, 2010

 

How could shark’s teeth be just lying around on the ground just a few miles west of Rio Rancho, NM? Well it seems that many, many years ago this area was covered by ocean. If you know where to look, and what you are looking for, it’s relatively easy to find ancient shark’s teeth, the remnants of shellfish and petrified wood on or near the surface.

Last week, members of the League of Exceptional Gentlemen and their families went on a hunt for “Teeth and Bones” in the Rio Puerco Valley. The Rio Puerco Valley is primarily known for the nearly 50 volcanic necks in the area and for its rugged beauty.

In areas where hills have been pushed up from the plains, we easily found ancient clam shells, and the remains of other, larger shellfish. Wherever there were clam shells, chances were good that you would also find shark’s teeth – sometimes small, pointed or serrated teeth, sometime larger teeth, and sometimes more blunt molar-like grinding teeth for crushing shells. Often the teeth were encased in stone.  Also lying on the surface were various types of volcanic rock and lots of gypsum crystals. The crystals looked like pieces of flat 1/4 inch thick, clear glass. The sand dunes of White Sands, NM are made of gypsum crystals. In the space of a couple hours, the group located at least a dozen shark teeth and many more artifacts.


Video: 441 Lakeview Way SE, Rio Rancho. Entertain Around the Pool, on the Golf Course!

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
October 15th, 2010


4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, Approximately 4341 Sq Ft, 3 Car Garage, Pool

Your castle awaits – with Granite, Marble, Stacked Stone, Stainless Steel, New Carpet and Polished Wood – all used in the proper proportions… You’ll love the Refreshing Swimming Pool, the Full Outdoor Kitchen, the Glorious Master Suite, the Sumptuous Office and Four Different Living Areas! There’s a room for just about everything you might have. The upper deck overlooks a pond on Chamisa Hills Golf Course. (The office is in addition to the 4 bedrooms. ) This is one spectacular home!

Video: Maple Leaves Bring Fourth of July Canyon to Life!

Written by Mark T Fiedler - The Mark and Sheila Team
October 11th, 2010

For those outside of New Mexico that think the whole state is a vast sand dune filled desert, here’s another shocker – a mountain forest filled with gold, red and yellow autumn colors only 45 minutes from Albuquerque in the Manzano Mountains.  Fourth of July Canyon contains an unusual concentration of big tooth maple trees, which for a few weeks in September or October turn parts of the green forest to crimson.  Starting with a trailhead in Fourth of July Campground, several well marked trails head up the canyon . Near the top, (about 1000 ft up) a crest trail to the left gives a one way  view from the ridge. Go to the right, and after a relatively steep and narrow half mile hike, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of both the Estancia and Rio Grande Valleys. The hike is rated a 5 on a 10 scale, except for the crest trail, which is more challenging.

Surprisingly, the canyon is not named for the brilliant annual fall display of color, but for the date it was recorded as being found by an explorer in 1906.

Fourth of July Canyon is just west of the town of Tajique. Take the Hwy 337 exit (Tijeras/Cedar Crest) off I-40. Go south on 337 to Hwy 55 west and then turn right on to Forest Rd 55. Follow the signs to the campground.