Summer to Fall in the blink of an eye—Part 1

It can’t have been six weeks! If I was able to write while walking the dog, I’d be prolific. That’s when I imagine all kinds of stories – all the details of life in Silver City. Getting my imagination practically translated to electrons is the challenge. So here, in 3 parts, is a summation of the end of summer and harbingers of fall.

Chile season at last

We waited anxiously. We had long used up last year’s harvest in the freezer. The season started late because of the cool spring and the abundant rains. We checked the internet for news of ripening in Hatch, NM. The Chile Festival was coming on Labor Day but we would be headed west, missing the Hatch-wide roasting. Bags of green chiles started showing up in Albertsons, but who knew where they were from; local, probably, but still. When roasters began to show up on the parking lots of the Co-op and Albertsons, and the air began to take on that slightly burnt, slightly spicy smell, it was time. A friend mentioned Diaz Farms down in Deming—they would have chiles; they are a big farm operation with a road-side market. Think Butlers Orchard if you’re reading this in MD. So off we went on a Saturday afternoon.

Chiles piled high on tables and more in burlap bags on the floors. Sorted by heat: mild, medium, hot, extra hot. We’re still novices, so mild still our choice. A half-bag is about 20 lbs fresh, and roasts down to fill two plastic grocery bags. And they roasted the pods while we watched. (more pics on Flikr) Fragranced up the car on the way home. I spent the evening laying the chiles out on cookie sheets for the freezer. Next day, I bagged the now-individually-frozen chiles.

The next weekend, worried that the 20 pre-cooked lbs wouldn’t last until next season – after all, the half-bag Nick bought last year didn’t make it to harvest this year – I went to the local FFA chile roast in the lot across from WalMart and bought another 10 lbs. FFA? That’s Future Farmers of America. Now our freezer is stuffed. We should be good for the year.

On the Gila up at Forks

Late August, I took one of my occasional one-day mini vacations and went with 3 friends up to a spot on the Gila called Forks, a Forest Service primitive campground and day-use area. Named so, I think, because it’s approximately where the middle and south forks of the Gila come together. If I’m remembering incorrectly, one of my SC friends will have to help me out. It’s just a few miles shy of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. It’s also not far from the assumed birthplace of Geronimo. It’s a lovely drive through the Forest. At this point in August, there were wildflowers everywhere: lining the road, in the meadows, down the hillsides and hiding in the grasses.

There, the river is gorgeous. There are towering cliffs on one side of the river. The other side is riparian riverbank, so there are camping spots and river-side beaches. We spread blankets, pulled out the coolers, books, cameras and binoculars, and settled down for a day on the river. Restful, good company and glorious weather. See for yourself…