On Sunday we participated in a community college class called "Geology on Horseback". A geologist from the University of New Mexico led the trip and the Broken Saddle Riding Stable in Cerrillos provided the horses and guide. After an introduction to geology of the Ortiz mountains and some rock samples (including a "belly stone" from a dinosaur!), we saddled up. Jake and I both had Tennessee Walkers, who are known for their smooth gate. The other horses were a Missouri version of the TN Walker.
We rode through Cerillos State Park looking at the shale formations from when the area was an inland sea and the volcanic rock domes and dikes that form long lines across the hillsides. You can find fossil clams and worm burrows in the shale. Prospectors would look for the intersection of dikes because that was where they were likey to find minerals. More vegetation tends to grow along the fractures where minerals can be found too. The Ortiz mountains were mined for turquoise, lead and silver. Abandoned pit mines are all over and we stopped at one to look for pieces of turquoise. It wasn't at all hard to find, but most was just a fine layer of turquoise rather than chunks or veins.
Afterwards we enjoyed a nice lunch in Madrid, hotbed of quirky small shops and galleries. Jake got the last hamburger with provolone and prosciutto, served on a biscuit, and I got the pork biscuit, smothered in a flavorful pork stew. Unfortunately they were out of fried green tomatoes, my first choice!
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