I tend to start all trips over Raton Pass the same way, with a hearty breakfast at the Oasis Restaurant. This one was no different, but I left the crowded Oasis with a new route for once.
For the first time I jogged west from Raton. I had visited Taos and the towns on the western flank of the Sangre de Cristo, but I had not followed the Cimarron River up to the high country. So set out running on the lonely roads.
The canyon is protected as a state park, and stopping anywhere requires a permit. Since I picked Labor Day weekend, the campgrounds were at capacity, and even parking was tough to find.
About 10 miles from Eagle Fire, I lost the fire to continue. I don't really know why. After all my western explorations, this one didn't catch on this particular morning.
I turned around and followed Cimarron Canyon back to its namesake town. The river churned away, and the highlight came in my hope that a large red-tailed hawk was actually a golden eagle.
Cimarron was significantly smaller than its name. There were a few historic sites. The plaza surprised me - it was a gazebo in a grassy field accessed by a muddy path. Everything along the main highway felt touristy, and I didn't feel like stopping.
One of these places would have sufficed for lunch had I not indulged in my usual Oasis tradition. Next time in Cimarron, I will arrive on an empty stomach.
I can't explain the feeling. I wanted more and needed to spend more time but I could not muster the drive this day.
Another day, I might feel differently. It cannot come soon enough.
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