Catwalk Revisited (Glenwood, New Mexico)

When I was in high school, there was a magical place called The Catwalk.  It was a canyon that a stream/river ran through and along the canyon walls there were metal grates and railings designed to let you walk above the water. There were swimming holes various places along the route.  Waterfalls, rock slides, and hidden coves were all along the stream.  It was such an amazing place.  We would go there for pre-prom dates, or just with a group of friends for the day.  It was one of my favorite places.  I always meant to take my kids there but I was waiting until they were older because it was quite a hike to get back to the waterfall.  

A couple of years ago, there was a terrific storm and the canyon was nearly filled to the top with water with a flash flood.  It wiped out all the catwalk walkways and ruined the hard work that had been put into for over 50 years.  Part of the catwalk was recently reopened with about a mile of trail restored.  

We decided to go and see if it was restored to its former glory.  It took a couple hours to get there and it was quite crowded when we arrived.  We decided to hike before we ate our picnic lunch.

Declan (left) and Archer wade through the stream

Our party on the bridge

"Forks Up"

Overlooking the very small stream 

Carlton Clan

We only found one really good swimming hole, which made me sad there used to be so many.  Archy was game to jump in and go for a wee swim.

Archy swimming away

Quinton preferred to hike up where he found a cave

Declan with his canoe

McCoy prepares to jump

Zany got in the swimming hole too with Eddy's help

Archy's having fun now!

(Ashlee asked if I ever feed him after she saw this photo!)

It was all fun and games until Zany tried jumping off and slipped and skinned her knee.  Luckily her mama was prepared and had bandaids. 

Poor Zany and her hurt knee

We were a bit disappointed by the low water level, crowds of people, the short hike but maybe in a couple more years they will restore more of the catwalk.  It is a lovely drive if a bit long and what they have restored is very nice.  Archy especially liked it and wants to go back.  Maybe he will even take a prom date there someday.