Fall Break in Chama

 For fall break this year, we HAD to get outta town.  We needed a change of scenery!  We've heard that Chama was nice for years now, but had never checked it out.  A few months back, thankfully, Corey had the foresight to think that we needed to book something early since the local rentals might fill up quick fast.  He was right, and after missing out on a couple of others, we finally secured one that we thought would work.  Yay!  

Chama is beautiful, and the leaves had started to change, making it magical.  On the way up, we stopped in Santa Fe for some yummy food at El Parisol and Chik-fil-A (I know, so disappointing to get chain food too, but we had some time to kill so we accommodated our crew). We rented some kayaks (tried to buy some a few months prior, but of course those are all sold out for now, ugh) so we could make use of Heron lake and El Vado Reservoir, both of which were a 10 minute drive from our rental.  Unfortunately, they were both VERY low, and the lake had actually been drained ever more a couple weeks before we came up.  It was still pretty, but so so muddy too.  Yuck.  We still headed out on a kayak adventure and made the most of it...paddling out to a tiny island and eating lunch.  The funniest (and saddest) part of that morning was when Corey took his first big step on the 'shore', and we watched in horror as he sunk almost knee deep in mud.  It was crazy!  

Fishing was on the agenda too.  Beckett has been begging to fish all summer and we finally made it out to give it a go.  Now, truth be told, Corey and I are not so adept at fishing.  We fished as kids, and I still remember my dad showing me how to gut a fish, BUT, neither of us has done it as adults when there wasn't someone else around to do the 'dirty work.'  Corey bought a bunch of gear, and studied up before we went, but it was still a little frustrating.  We didn't catch anything, but our big boys are all able to cast a rod now....YES!  That's a start, and we'll take it.  We're not done with this fishing stuff, and will definitely be trying some more this year.  Bonus:  The canyon we hiked down into to fish was breathtaking, I mean I could've been anywhere.  So, so beautiful. Also, we have found that Becket is a master rock skipper.  Nice!

Our rental had a hot tub and game room, so the kids had a great time playing foosball, air hockey and darts.  The firepit was fun too - lots of s'mores and stargazing. We ate lots of great food, took in some clear mountain air, enjoyed to amazing views, watched movies and relaxed.  A trip into town brought us to the Chama Railroad- always cute and nostalgic, and the boys love trains, no matter their age!  Getting out of Albuquerque for a few days was so great!