Nogales Ruin (aka Spring Canyon run)

I was traveling home from Farmington, NM and I decided to make one last hike before I left my wonderland. The hike into Nogales ruin is a short 1.5 mile hike. The last 0.5 miles is up via switchbacks.

Nogales was occupied by the Gallina people. There was a massacre at this site around 1200. Some say the Jemez killed them, some say the Chacoan people killed them. As I came nearer the last 0.5 miles of trail the weather started to change. Clear skies turned to clouds and thunder was rumbling in the distance. As I started up the switchbacks lightning flashes were reflecting off of the far canyon walls. By the time I made it to the ruins the lightning and thunder were very close, what I call flash bang close, too close. I was able to stay out of the rain by staying under the overhang. Typical of New Mexico storms, the rain moved away quickly. Not knowing if I was experiencing the end of the rain or just a short break in it, I decided to return to where I parked and continue on my journey home. The closer I got to the canyon floor the clearer the skies became. By the time I got to the parking lot the only evidence of the storm was small puddles of water and the wonderful smell of freshly washed air. Maybe the ancients were trying to tell me something :o)
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