Kendra Ruminer's Two Cents of Real Estate

Take A Peek At Los Alamos, New Mexico

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#tbt Ashley Pond

July 29, 2021 /

Okay, so it isn’t Thursday. I thought it could still be fun to take a look at Ashley Pond back through the years. Especially now that we’re able to get out for our Los Alamos Concert Series, people are really enjoying gathering at Ashley Pond to catch up with family and friends and listen to the music. But then, Ashley Pond has been a gathering place for one population or another since the beginning.

Photo of Los Alamos Municipal Complex circa early 2000’s Photographer and original uploader is/was TedE at en.wikipedia – License Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

If you didn’t grow up here in Los Alamos and you’re not necessarily into history, you might not know that Ashley Pond was a person. I don’t mean that the pond was named Ashley because of a guy. I mean his first name was Ashley and his last name was really Pond.

Ashley Pond Jr. – The Person

Photo courtesy of the Los Alamos Historical Archives

Ashley Pond Jr. grew up in Detroit, Michigan. During the Spanish-American War he had issues with Typhoid. As was the usual suggestion of doctors in that era, it was suggested a change of climate might do his health a favor. He was sent to New Mexico to recuperate and grew to love the wildness of the place. He decided this was the perfect environment to grow boys into real men. Men who had skills that would serve them in whatever endeavors arose in their futures. With that in mind, he founded his first Ranch School in Watrous, NM. Unfortunately, it was washed away by flood. He farmed in Roswell next, and then ran a dude ranch in Pajarito Canyon before coming up to the Pajarito Plateau and founding our Ranch School here in Los Alamos. The first students entered in 1918 and within a few years Ashley Pond turned the running of the school over to AJ Connell and went to Europe to serve with the Red Cross in WWI. Eventually he returned to Santa Fe to his family’s home on East Palace Avenue where he would live out the rest of his life.

Ye Old Watering Hole

In the beginning, our Ashley Pond wasn’t really a pond. It was a depression in the ground, a low spot where water gathered in wet weather. And where water gathered on the Pajarito Plateau, people took their stock to drink it. In the 1880’s it was known by the local homesteaders as the “Stock Watering Tank”. Not such an inspiring name, but practical.

With the coming of the ranch school and Ashley Pond Jr, the muddy puddle in the meadow just wasn’t cutting it for the school’s water source. The students built a small dam in Los Alamos Canyon and ran a 6 ft watering pipe to a holding tank near the Big House.

Photo Courtesy of the Los Alamos Historical Archives

From Watering Hole to Duck Pond

The next pond expansion happened in the way that many of these things do. The Ranch School had a reputation for outdoor pursuits. With a more reliable source of water coming from the dam in Los Alamos Canyon, then director A.J. Connell decided it was time to add canoeing, fishing, and swimming to the activities available for students. There was the added incentive of pond ice skating in the winter as well.

With that in mind, the pond was dredged in order to make it deeper. Using the excess water from the school’s supply pipe, the pond was made deep enough for not only outdoor water sports, but also as an irrigation source for the fields below the pond. In the winter, blocks of ice were cut from the pond and stored in the school’s Ice House not far away to provide ice year round for residents of the Ranch School. The pond expansion is often considered a turning point in the school’s success!

Of course, in the early years of the pond it was common to take a dive off the platform and come up covered in mud and grass. But that’s pond swimming at its finest. Not that the name “Duck Pond” was really very fitting. That issue was remedied soon enough by one of the masters at the school. William Mills is reported to have had a flair for puns. Hence his choice for “Ashley Pond”. Can you imagine if they hadn’t ditched the second Pond? Welcome to Ashley Pond Pond? Seems more than a little redundant doesn’t it?

The War Years

During the years of the Secret City, Ashley Pond was surrounded by buildings. The hope was that the small body of water could act as a firebreak between the goings on in the Technical Areas and the wooden buildings housing the personnel. In the photo from the Los Alamos Historical Archives, Central Avenue is the dirt road on the left. Our Community Center was built where the former Big House used to stand. It’s a bit disconcerting at best to see this photo and compare it to the Ashley Pond we know in the modern era. But oh, how time changes things!

Ashley Pond has gone through many incarnations, expansions, improvements, and uses. If nothing else, perhaps we should just be glad we don’t need to check our iced beverages for possible pond “floaties” these days. Ice comes from the modern freezer, and the pond is for community events, pleasant evening walks, and as a gathering place for family and friends.

When you’re ready to be a part of our community here in Los Alamos, give me a call! I’d love to share my love of Los Alamos, our unique history, and our fast paced residential market with you!

Play Ball in Los Alamos!

July 22, 2021 /

Los Alamos has always been a hotbed of athletic activity. Check out my previous post on Sawyer’s Hill if you want a peek at the history of winter sports in the “Secret City”. But since we’re right in the middle of summer and sports have finally picked up again after the pandemic shutdown, I thought it might be fun to look at the long (and I do mean LONG) history of Los Alamos’s love affair with baseball & softball. Whether you were part of Lassie League Los Alamos or your rode your bike to your weekly Little League games, you’re part of a long tradition here in Los Alamos!

The Bombers

If you’ve ever spent much time at the ball fields on North Mesa, you’ve probably noticed Bomber Field. What you might not realize is that the field was named not for a modern Little League team, but for the original team from the Hill. The Los Alamos Bombers, sometimes called the Atomic Bombers, were a semi-pro baseball team that played in the Northern Rio Grande league. The team was initially made up of military personnel. Their first practice field was on Canyon Road. Eventually they moved to the new ball fields up at Urban Park in 1947. Eventually, locals started calling the field “Bomber Field”. When the new sports complex was built on North Mesa in 1951, the largest field was dubbed “Bomber Field” and this was where the Bombers played.

Fun Fact – The Atomic Energy Commission felt the team was so good for the recreational value of Los Alamos that they sponsored the team. They paid for field maintenance, uniforms, and even sponsored their travel expenses. More rumor than fact was the possibility that Zia Company was recruiting minor league players to work in Los Alamos just so they could play for the Bombers.

Early on, Lon Alexander – former major league player for the St. Louis Browns – managed the Bombers. Later, they would be managed by Dewey Molleur. Molleur was a longtime resident of Los Alamos, a lifetime lover of baseball, and a 67 year veteran of the Local 412 Plumbers & Pipefitters Union. Just a regular guy who loved the town and the team and became a part of the Bombers’ Legacy. Molleur wasn’t the last regular guy to use baseball put Los Alamos on the map.

Pierotti’s Clowns

If you’ve never stopped to look at this monument, it’s outside the Los Alamos Public Library on Central.

This first ever five man Softball Team is an integral part of the fabric of Los Alamos. Pierotti’s Clowns was established as an amateur fast pitch softball team in 1953 and played until 1977. These guys played a five man squad against other teams of nine. Not only that, but founder Lou Pierotti’s son Mike began playing first base with the team when he was eleven years old.

The team never made a penny off their games. They donated the $0.25-$1.00 ticket sales to charity and earned over $200,000 dollars for organizations like the Los Alamos Kiwanis Club during their 25 year run. The biggest draw for crowds was the fact that the Clowns acted like actual clowns. During games they were known for playing outfield with ash can lids instead of mitts, wearing full face paint and gaudy, colorful uniforms, and also for occasionally throwing a “mushball” pitch, which meant a grapefruit painted to look like a softball went sailing toward the batter.

The team held a staggering 177-23 final record, their wins made possible mostly because of the incredible skill of Bun Ryan. Yes, THAT Bun Ryan. The guy whose name is stamped on the North Mesa baseball field closest to the Stables. Bun Ryan could throw a 100mph fast ball. And he managed to create what his teammates called a Rise Pitch, a pitch that actually struck out a hefty number of players from the Albuquerque Dukes. At that time, the Dukes were a farm team for the LA Dodgers. The game between the Dukes and the Clowns was played using alternating baseball and softball home plate placement depending on which team was at bat. If you want to know more about Pierotti’s Clowns, check out this wonderful spread from Los Alamos History.org.

So, the next time you pick up a ball and a mitt to play ball here in Los Alamos, remember that you’re part of a LONG legacy of baseball and softball in the Secret City! And if you’re ready to become a part of our community, give me a call! I’d love to share my love of Los Alamos with you!

Your Epic Backyard in Los Alamos

July 3, 2021 /

When we look at our backyard, whether we have a great view or a view of the house next door, we want to feel satisfied. But the truth is, the satisfaction we’re looking for depends a lot on where we are in life. Do we have kiddos chasing the family dog through the yard? Does your idea of the perfect evening involve a glass of wine and the crackle of a fire in the outdoor fireplace? Are you a gardener who loves to tend your plants against a backdrop of clucking chickens?

A natural backdrop of trees and open land is a perk of many properties here in Los Alamos!

Backyard Playgrounds

Kids love swing sets and playhouses. No doubt about it, many parents turn their yard space upside down and inside out trying to make it kid friendly. There are so many options these days for making play spaces in your yard for the kids, that you can run yourself ragged trying to decide how to fit Rocket Park onto your property. But the truth is, you probably need to think really carefully before investing in a lot of expensive equipment and elaborate buildings. Kids grow fast! You need to consider how many children you have, how many you’re expecting, their ages, and their interests before making a decision about backyard play equipment. Otherwise they’re going to outgrow or lose interest in your hard work and you’ll be left with a ghost yard instead of a play yard.

The playhouse kids dream of…
The playhouse your kids probably need…
This is a happy medium. Modular jungle gym for the kids, plenty of space left to run and play, and a nice high top table for mom and dad to enjoy on the patio!

Hobby Homesteading

If you’re interested in chickens, plants, and a spot of gardening before you kick back and enjoy your evening, don’t worry. With a bit of ingenuity, you can fit all of those things into one backyard. No problem. If you’re looking for some tips on chicken raising in Los Alamos, check out this post from a few months ago. Or maybe your idea of a perfect backyard is garden space. You might want to look back at this blog if you’re looking to garden here in Los Alamos. Gardens, chickens, maybe a few fruit trees, and you could be looking at a great way to turn your yard into a mini hobby farm in no time!

This particular chicken house was created from a playhouse sadly outgrown by the family’s children.
A beautiful balance between lounging space on the patio and deck, garden boxes, and a chicken house in the background. Every backyard homesteader’s dream come true!

A Relaxing & Epic Space

Whether your style is simple or elaborate, the thing that really matters is to create a space that is both relaxing and uniquely you. Keep in mind if you want to enjoy a fire pit, it needs to be covered in order to prevent sparks from flying out and starting a fire where it wasn’t intended. A fire pit can be a very relaxing way to wind down on nice evenings. The crackle of flames makes a beautiful addition to any starry mountain night.

Not all of us have the opportunity to watch the sunset on a porch like this one in Pajarito Acres.

No matter what you choose to do with your backyard in Los Alamos, I know it will be epic. After all, half the fun of a new space is making it your own! Please feel free to drop me a picture of your very own perfect backyard in Los Alamos. And don’t forget, if you’re ready to buy or sell in Los Alamos, I’m your hometown broker! Give me a call. I’m always ready to talk Real Estate in Los Alamos.

Growing Families Strong in Los Alamos

June 24, 2021 /

Last week we talked about Los Alamos Family Council and the many services they offer to the community, most of them at low cost or even no cost. This week, I want to dig a little deeper and feature two non-profit organizations that are absolutely dedicated to strengthening families from the ground up.

First Born

As you might expect from the name, First Born is an organization that helps first time parents get a grip on the parenting experience. Kids don’t come with an instruction manual and goodness knows it can be difficult to cope when you were already juggling a life packed with responsibilities and commitments even before you added your bundle of joy!

First Born specializes in home visits beginning during the prenatal time to help moms and dads get ready for the big event. Typically, a home visitor will remain attached to the family for a period of up to three years after birth. Imagine having Google Answers – Baby Edition right there in your living room each week! Talk about an invaluable service! Not only are home visitors available, but First Born provides lactation counselors at no charge for those who have questions or concerns about breastfeeding.

If the organization has the resources, they also work with families who are new (again) to parenting simply because a good chunk of time has passed between their current youngest and their current pregnancy. Or, perhaps one of you has gone through the parenting process before, but one of you hasn’t. Or, maybe you’re trying to breastfeed for the first time and need some extra help.

Pretty much, if your family needs a bit of extra support, First Born will try to lend a helping hand. It’s what they’ve been doing since the organization first kicked off in Silver City, NM in 1997. Since then, they’ve opened offices and offered support in 15 different counties here in New Mexico. The mission of First Born is to encourage relationship building within families through curriculum based early intervention models in an effort to strengthen families and empower parents to raise healthy, happy kids. It’s an awesome organization and if you know anyone who is starting or growing their family, you should absolutely get them connected to our local chapter!

Family Strengths Network

If your kiddos have already made it past toddlerhood and into that rather long stretch of childhood, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Family Strengths Network has you covered. Their mission statement is as follows: “Through our work, Family Strengths Network improves the quality of family life for generations. FSN provides educational and fun activities to all types of families, parents, teens, and children. FSN: Empowering Families, Building Community.”

Empowering Families, Building Community

From Saturday activities for special needs children to teen groups focused on communication skills, Family Strengths Network is all about just that. Strengthening Family. They even have a lending library with hundreds of books about topics near and dear to the parents’ heart. The organization also offers parenting classes and social groups to help moms connect.

If you’re looking for an activity to get your kids active again, check out the FSN website. They’ve got classes for all ages as well as cool activities for the whole family to enjoy. As advocates for early intervention, they have a strong focus on empowering families to understand human growth and development in a way that helps them guide their children through the milestones of life. With access to other local resource networks such as Los Cumbres and even First Born, FSN is committed to putting you and your family on the right track to a healthy, happy, and productive life!

So don’t forget to check out these two great organizations here in Los Alamos! Our community is always growing and always looking for ways to support one another. If you’re ready to be a part of Life in Los Alamos, give me a call! I’m always happy to talk about my hometown!

Meeting Community Needs in Los Alamos

June 18, 2021 /

There is no doubt that our community on the hill has a lot to offer when it comes to resources. We’ve got miles of trails, beautiful parks, a golf course, horse stables, libraries filled with books and activities, community swimming pools, and even a brand new splash pad for the kiddos! However, what you might not realize is that we also have some seriously amazing local organizations dedicated to improving daily life in Los Alamos on a whole other level.

Los Alamos Family Council

Los Alamos Family was officially opened as a community mental health provider in 1963. They’ve been a non-profit community service organization for nearly sixty years and during that time they’ve seen a lot of changes in both mental health treatment and in the community of Los Alamos. LAFC has been located in the building on the corner of 15th Street and Nectar since 1982. They were one of the first organizations funded by United Way and have always tried to grow and change with the needs of Los Alamos by offering individual and group therapy as well as a variety of other services. Over the years they’ve been instrumental in implementing services such as Adult Day Care, the Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. If you’re not familiar with these programs, you’re probably familiar with one of LAFC’s most popular offerings.

The Activity Center

In the mid 2000’s LAFC partnered with the county to open Youth Activity Centers in both Los Alamos and White Rock. This provides a safe environment for kids grades 3-8 to be supervised while enjoying crafts, games, and other fun things at no cost to their parents. While the White Rock AC isn’t open during the summer, the Los Alamos AC is located at the Community Building by Ashley Pond and is currently open. During the summer, field trips to the YMCA Climbing Wall and Bandelier National Monument are often available. Last week the kids got to visit the brand new Splash Pad at Pinon Park! So if your kiddos are tired of being at home after Covid, check out the Activity Center FB page and get them out and about for some much needed fun!

Community Groups

Although Family Council does sponsor several groups focused on substance abuse/relapse and recovery prevention, there are also groups for people just like you. If you’ve never experienced group therapy, you might be surprised at what you could get out of it. This summer, LAFC is partnering with the YMCA to offer a support group for Moms focused on recognizing and dealing with stress. After a year of being isolated, it’s a fun chance to network with other moms in town and just chat about life. Contact the YMCA at 505-662-3100 for more information or to sign up to be a part of this group.

LAFC Executive Director, Jordan Redmond, hopes that there will be more opportunities for the community to benefit from the group experience. There are plans for everything from groups focused on Boundaries and Emotional Regulation to Art Therapy this summer and fall. And in August, LAFC is excited to begin SMART Recovery meetings. SMART is an international organization dedicated to a science based method of dealing with addiction whether you’ve got a secret handbag fetish, substance issues, or just too many cats!

Individual Mental Health

And as always, Los Alamos Family Council offers individual therapy for all ages. The organization was started with the purpose of community mental health and that is their focus. Better understanding of emotions. Better success in personal relationships. Increased satisfaction with life. Give them a call if you need someone to talk to no matter the reason.

So keep checking back to get the latest info on other organizations dedicated to bettering life here in Los Alamos. And in the meantime, if you’re ready to buy or sell your home here in Los Alamos, call me! I would love to talk about Life in Los Alamos with you!

No-No-Bambi!

May 18, 2021 /

Gardening in Los Alamos isn’t the easiest of tasks. Our topsoil isn’t terrific. Our growing season is notoriously short. And don’t forget the weather tends to be unpredictable at best. These things never stop me from trying though. I LOVE to garden! I enjoy being outdoors digging in the dirt and begging my little green sprouts to grow. In 2020 our garden managed to produce a massive crop of the strangest looking cucumbers you’ve ever seen! Not only were they more yellow than green, but they tasted awful! However, a friend of mine diced them up and fed them to her chickens. Apparently the chickens LOVED them. Since the taste of the cucumbers didn’t bother the hens or affect the eggs, I call that a win! But one thing we’ve always had pretty good luck with is our jalapenos. Until this year…

Considering the unseasonably cool weather we’ve been having, (can you actually say that when it’s perfectly reasonable to get several inches of snow in May?) I finally got around to planting my garden last week. It felt good to get the plants in. Normally our dogs spend quite a lot of time in the yard, but less than a week after my garden was planted, we spent a day in Albuquerque and left the dogs inside.

Let’s just say Bambi went hog wild while my dogs were helpless to intervene.

This is what was left of my garden…

See the telltale hoof prints? Ugh! Who knew that mule deer would eat jalapeno plants? So, with my recent garden failure in mind, I’ve set out to find more information on how to keep deer out of the garden. Here’s what I’ve discovered:

All Deer Are Not Equal

What I understand from doing a bit of research on the topic is that different deer herds like different plants. This is not limited to breed of deer either, just because we have mule deer in this part of the country and you might have dealt with white tail deer somewhere else, that has nothing to do with successfully keeping them out of your garden.

For example, what the Bayo Canyon deer avoid might be completely different than what works to ward off the deer who live in Urban Park. However, most experts universally agree that if you can populate your garden with fuzzy, spiny, or strong smelling plants, you’ll have a better chance of convincing the four legged snackers to go elsewhere. Deer don’t like leaves that are furry. They also don’t like strong smelling plants. They avoid herbs like sage, thyme, lavender, and even dill. Things that are tough to digest like Elephant Ears are good deer repellants as well.

Even if you don’t want to choose your plants based on what deer dislike, you can sprinkle a few things throughout your garden just to try and get Bambi to browse elsewhere. For example, the next time I plant my jalapenos, I’m going to stick some strong smelling oregano plants right alongside them.

Unfortunately, Bambi Jumps Pretty Well

Fencing for deer can be costly. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re attempting to nudge Bambi to take his case of the munchies elsewhere.

Privacy fence, cinder blocks, and coyote fencing are excellent deer fencing. Deer can jump upwards of 8ft to clear a fence, but they don’t like to jump into an area where they can’t see a landing spot. While it isn’t likely to keep them from hurdling into your yard if they’re fleeing a predator, they aren’t going to come browse your garden if they can’t see what’s on offer.

Double layers of fencing are unattractive. According to some animal researchers, deer have less than perfect depth perception. They don’t like the appearance of layered fencing. So if you have a chain link fence or other see through fence, try fencing individual sections of your garden with some kind of mesh netting on a wood frame. Even the brightly colored orange plastic mesh fence wrapped around some T-posts could do the trick. While not the most attractive way to decorate your yard, it could well save your garden from Bambi and his buddies.

Rock barriers are strikingly effective! Hoofed animals like deer do not like uneven, rocky terrain. If you have a terraced yard or even sections of your yard where you have xeriscaping, you might consider adding some larger porous rocks as a decorative and effective way to suggest to Bambi that he might break his spindly legs if he attempts to eat your plants. The rock barriers have to be a combination of wide and tall in order to truly deter the deer. Think rock walls at Bandelier National Monument. Perhaps not 8ft in height, but at least waist high and too wide for a human to step across without climbing.

Treat Bambi Like a Naughty Kitty!

That’s right! The number one suggested method for convincing deer that your garden is NOT the local farmer’s market is to use a motion sensor sprinkler. Most sources seem to agree that a taller model is better than a shorter one because it doesn’t get triggered by every bit of waving foliage and the spray manages to clear the plants and hit Bambi right in the nose. It is also suggested that the battery operated version is better than the solar option simply because the spray of water is more powerful. Deer aren’t all that easy to scare these days. If you want proof of that you can either check out the deer trotting down Diamond Drive or go take a peek at the Sportsman Club in Rendija Canyon where it isn’t unusual to see the buggers hanging out on the archery field watching rifle and shotgun practice across the dirt road. Their expressions are almost amused instead of afraid. Suburban life has changed them for good. But a nice blast of water is enough to make me want to turn and run. Seems like it should work nicely to tell Bambi NO!

If you’ve got other ways to save your garden from our local deer population, I’d love to hear them! The research I’ve done so far seems to suggest that nothing works forever and sometimes you have to switch it up in order to keep on top of the issue. But that’s part of living in Los Alamos County isn’t it? Wildlife abounds and unfortunately they’re not shy about sharing the amenities! Drop me a line if you’ve got deer repellents to share and don’t forget to give me a call if you’re ready to find your forever home in Los Alamos! I’m your local real estate expert and I love to talk about life in Los Alamos!

A Little Bit Country

May 1, 2021 /

Los Alamos County is so very unique in the available housing options, but never is this more obvious than when you make a left turn off State Road 4 onto Piedra Loop in the White Rock Subdivision of Pajarito Acres. 3-5 acre lots populate the hilly terrain. Homes come in all shapes and sizes and small barns and enclosures house everything from horses to goats and anything in between. The trailhead of the Red Dot trail sits on the canyon side of the winding black top road. It is as it was meant to be: country living in Los Alamos.

Photo Courtesy of Fusion Aerial

It all began in 1962 when a group of Los Alamos residents began chatting about the possibility of owning larger lots on the Southern side of White Rock. Unfortunately, the Atomic Energy Commission had a contract with building E.I. Noxon that prevented other parties from developing White Rock for a period of three years. This meant that the country loving residents had to wait until that expired in 1963 before petitioning the AEC to release land for a “acreage-type development”.

As with all housing developments in White Rock, there were difficulties in building because of the basalt that lies beneath this entire area of the county. In fact, the original Pajarito Acreage Development Association had a bit of a kerfluffle with the FHA regarding septic tanks. Thanks to the basalt, the FHA refused to insure mortgages on homes in Pajarito Acres. The future residents tightened their belts, accepted the additional cost of $2000 for a sewage system, and built a sewage lagoon not far from where the Red Dot Trailhead currently sits. By March of 1965 there were two families living in the development and by summer there were 18 more. In the beginning, they didn’t even have a water system. It was finished by August of 1965 and residents have never looked back.

The current Pajarito Acres Homeowner’s Association is made up of residents from only Pajarito Acres. La Senda is another development entirely. In fact, it might interest you to know that the land where La Senda sits was once fated to become a an area of dense residential condos and even apartments. The second “acreage type development” hadn’t been selling quite as quickly as Jemez View Development had hoped. Only two five acres lots had been sold and the company applied to the planning and zoning committee to have the valuable tract of land between White Rock and Pajarito Acres rezoned.

In a complete reversal of a more than forty year trend, there wasn’t a dire need for housing in Los Alamos County. The residents pushed back, finally making their opinions into a ruling from the planning and zoning committee and preserving the mixed residential/agricultural use for the remaining 134 acres of La Senda.

These days there is no doubting the wonderful country style living available in Pajarito Acres and La Senda. The Pajarito Riding Club operates a small equestrian facility located at the corner of Piedra Drive and Piedra Loop. The club website is a great resource for trail maps for not only Pajarito Acres and La Senda, but also has links to LANL trail maps that you might find interesting.

Photo Courtesy of Brian George

Trails in both subdivisions are open to whomever would like to walk, ride, run, or hike them. If you prefer pavement, the streets are wide and smooth blacktop with plenty of hills and curves to make it an enjoyable trek. You can reach Piedra Loop about a quarter of the way around by heading down Sherwood Blvd until it dead ends in Pajarito Acres and don’t forget that you can find the Red Dot Trailhead about halfway around Piedra Loop. The trail offers some really spectacular views of the Rio Grande Valley.

And if you’re interested in taking a look at a home in Pajarito Acres, give me a call! I might just have something you’d like. After all, when it comes to living in Los Alamos County, I’m your local real estate expert!

Manners on the Trail

April 23, 2021 /

It occurred to me last weekend, as I was nearly run off the trail by a cyclist, that it’s always good to review a few bits and pieces about trail etiquette. Here in Los Alamos we have miles and miles of trails to enjoy. If you’re wondering just how many miles, you can check out this link to the country trail map HERE. Our trails have been around for a long time. Not only that, but they are used by everyone from hikers and cyclists to coyotes and deer. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you walk out your front door and head for your favorite trailhead.

Stay Alert!

I think there are plenty of us who enjoy running, hiking, or biking with music playing in our ears. Nowadays you’re not having to lug around a CD player or a Walkman the size of a cereal box (am I dating myself here?). Earbuds don’t even require wires anymore! But insulating yourself in a musical cocoon while you run through one of our canyons or down the Canyon Rim Trail can have some really serious consequences.

What if you miss the sound of a rattlesnake warning you to get out of his space? Rattlesnake, coyote, bobcat, even bears. We have tons of wildlife here in Los Alamos County and they aren’t necessarily shy about sharing our trails. What if you can’t hear a cyclist or an equestrian coming up behind you? I even recall a memorable incident when I witnessed a cyclist run headlong into a tree in Bayo Canyon and he couldn’t hear me shouting to him to see if he was all right because his music was so loud. He happened to be just fine, but I nearly scared the pants off him trying to find out whether or not he was in need of an ambulance or something. Situational awareness is critical when you’re out on the trail. If someone says “on your left!” you aren’t helping matters by not being able to hear anything but your playlist.

The Rules of Yielding

There are no real ironclad rules to this one. There are certain accepted truths. You should always yield to uphill traffic because it’s more difficult to get moving going uphill. However, if someone is hauling booty down a hill on a mountain bike it might be really difficult to just hit the brakes and pull over. On a flat trail please take the time to specify when you’re passing. A simple “on your left” or “on your right” can be a real help. And generally, you pass on the LEFT on a trail just as you would in a car.

Keep in mind the sort of trail you’re traveling. If you’ve spent much time on Kwage Mesa (out past the horse stables) you might notice that a lot of the trail is like a trench. It isn’t exactly easy to pull off the trail on a bicycle. If you’re running or walking out there, you might take a moment to step out of the way instead of asking a cyclist to lug their bike up out of a ditch.

Historically speaking, anywhere on North Mesa, equestrians have the right of way. But there a good number of equestrians who will, if they are able, happily move their horses off the trail to avoid runners, hikers, and cyclists alike. Not just on North Mesa, but anywhere in the county. At the end of the day, yielding is about COMMUNICATION. Don’t be in a hurry! If you see another trail user, take a moment and be courteous. Generally speaking, it just takes a moment in time to see what the other person is doing, speak up, and then continue on with a smile and a wave.

Equestrians

It can be rather intimidating to come face to nose with an equestrian when you come around a blind corner on a trail. Horses are large and rather unpredictable animals. For the most part, the absolute WORST thing you can do is to hide. Mostly, because you CAN’T hide. Their field of vision is nearly three hundred and sixty degrees and they can smell humans like any other prey animal. If you’re not in sight or you’re a cyclist and you ride up behind them, they can’t process what you are fast enough to do anything but react in a primal flight fashion. Not all of those encounters end badly. Most trail horses are pretty used to everything from cyclists to wildlife. But if an equestrian asks you to please step out from behind a tree, to stand still, or to back off and give them space, it’s probably for a reason. They don’t have a desire to hit the dirt and in some cases they’re trying to suggest you stay out of harm’s way too.

My daughter’s horse was rushed by the middle school girls’ cross country team. The girls were just running. They had absolutely no idea that they were scaring him until I called it out. He was leaping in the air and acting as if he were ready to race them back up the road (which he was). Pay attention to what’s going on around you when you pass an animal. Does the behavior look normal or is it like a rodeo? If you happen to startle a horse and you get a reaction, just stop moving. Continuing on could make the issue worse. The equivalent of running from a bear only backwards where the animal is trying to flee from you! For the most part, equestrians are good trail users in spite of the road apples. After all, horse poop is literally compostable. It disintegrates in our climate in only a day or so as though it was never there.

A Few Words About Dogs

There are few things as cool as traveling the trail with your canine companion. Just keep in mind that while Chapter 6 of the Los Alamos County Code says you can have your dog off leash in designated areas, you MUST keep them in sight and have voice control at all times. And you can only have voice control of two dogs at a time. So if you have more, rotate them and don’t let them travel in an independent pack. Dogs are like kiddos, they love to dare each other to do wild and crazy things!

Keep in mind that it’s easy to think you’ve got control of your favorite canine. But if the trail turns and you happen to meet a horse, are you SURE you can convince Fido not to investigate? The time to test your dog’s obedience is not when he’s faced with a real world situation. Sure. He could scare the horse. But part of that particular fear situation could involve that horse striking at your dog. Nobody wants a situation like that to occur. And what if it wasn’t a horse? What if your dog met up with a pack of coyotes? They’re bold as brass in some of our local canyons and they wouldn’t be afraid of your domestic dog. Even if the coyotes ran away, could you keep your dog from trying to give chase? How about a bobcat? We’ve even had mountain lions in our area in the last few years. So really be sure of your dog before you offer him a chance to stretch his legs outside the dog park. It might be better to keep him on a leash and take a breather while you let him sniff the most amazing tree he’s ever seen.

Smile!

Don’t forget to smile at those you meet! We’re all a part of this wonderful community. Be friendly to those enjoying other activities than yours. Be glad that they are. The more trail users we have, the more resources our county will dedicate to trail maintenance and expansion. And when you’re ready to become a Los Alamos County resident and trail user, give me a call! I’d love to help you find a home here in Los Alamos.

Garden Los Alamos

April 13, 2021 /

To Garden or Not to Garden?

If you’ve been bitten by the home garden bug, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind if you’re planning to garden here on the Pajarito Plateau. Home gardens have certainly come back into fashion lately. With the pandemic causing stores to run out of food and forcing us to find things to do in our own backyard, it has been the perfect time to get back to basics. Not that I’m suggesting anyone go full on “farm mode”, but this could be a really fun family project!

Where to Garden?

It’s tempting to look at your yard and tell yourself that you’ve got “the perfect spot” for a garden. Keep in mind that the climate here in Los Alamos County doesn’t necessarily make that a good idea. Sure. You can find a spot out of the way where your kids and pets aren’t likely to trample your plants. But there are some really important factors to keep in mind when you’re choosing a spot to garden.

Soil

Let’s be honest here. High Arid Desert doesn’t necessarily scream fertility. Be real with yourself and be prepared to do some soil prep for your garden. This might even involve raised beds which have the benefit of being easier to cover during that last freak snowstorm we’re likely to experience in May. Whether you’re wanting to grow herbs or vegetables or flowers, you need to research what sort of nutrients those plants need to thrive. Start with one or two varieties. You might get a bumper crop of carrots, but being successful with one thing can lead to success with other items next year. It’s a bit much to ask your starter garden to become a farm to table operation in one season.

Temperature

Once you’ve figured out what you have in your soil and what you need to add, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the potential temperature of the soil. Seeds need a certain amount of warmth in order to germinate properly. If your in ground garden plot gets good sun during the day, there’s a chance it could be ready to support seeds in late April and early May. If your preferred location is in the shade, you might need to create a raised flowerbed situation in order to provide soil that is the correct temperature. Don’t forget that you can germinate seeds and get your garden started indoors too! See this homesteading article for more information on that.

Keep in mind that full sun might be fantastic for germinating seeds in spring, but by July and August our scorching summer sun will have your plants withering away. Being able to provide some kind of temporary shade over your garden is a real bonus. Whether you use a picnic awning or a pergola, your plants will thank you!

Plan Ahead!

It really pays to think about WHEN you’d like your crop to be ready. If you’re trying to get pumpkins in time for your own private pumpkin patch in October, pay attention to the information on the back of your seed packet. Do the pumpkins take 120 days to mature? Then keep that in mind when you plant and start your pumpkin patch in June. It’s not necessary to plant everything at once. Think of your garden in terms of crop rotation and you’ll find yourself with less to do at once.

Wildlife Woes

It goes without saying that we have some serious wildlife population here in Los Alamos County! Where else do you nearly step on a rabbit when walking outside your front door only to spot deer grazing in your yard before locking eyes with a bobcat on your morning jog? Everything from rabbits to bears can ruin your home garden. The visitors most likely to cause you grief are going to be rabbits and deer. If your yard is prime territory for these visitors, you might want to consider adding chicken wire to your garden plot. You might also think about adding a salt block or corn for deer to distract them from your plants. Or, you could go all out and invest in a “Garden in a Box” complete with raised garden beds and a pest fence to protect your plants from all but the most determined of visitors. It depends on your yard situation, who and what sort of pets live in your home, and just how determined you are to have a successful garden.

No matter what you decide, I’d love to hear from you! Post your garden photos and tag Kendra Ruminer Real Estate Los Alamos. I’d love to get a peek at what you’re growing this year. Get outside and enjoy Los Alamos! And don’t forget to give me a call if you’re ready to buy or sell your home. I’m your Los Alamos Local Real Estate Expert!

Swim Los Alamos!

March 27, 2021 /

Not only do residents of Los Alamos have an ice rink and a ski mountain nearby in winter, we have the Sportsman’s Club for shooting sports, the North Mesa Stables for equestrian pursuits, bike trails, hiking trails, dog parks, and summers filled with trips to one of our many outdoor pools. And don’t forget. If you’re a die hard swimmer, we’ve got you covered. Our indoor Aquatic Center boasts an Olympic sized pool with lane swimming, lessons, and a therapy pool for year round fun in the water.

If you haven’t had an opportunity to get acquainted with one of the local pool organizations here in Los Alamos County, let me give you some quick information and show you where you can check them out online.

Private Pool Associations

Barranca Mesa Pool has been around since 1969 when a group of water sport loving residents of the new Barranca Mesa subdivisions decided to undertake this labor of love. The pool itself was built on a bit of land leased from the Los Alamos Public Schools directly next to Barranca Mesa Elementary School. The original lease period was for fifty years, but the Barranca Mesa Pool is still going strong. The C shaped pool boasts lane swimming, a 12 ft section perfect for diving, and a 2 & 3 ft area for budding swimmers. There is also a separate wading pool. Getting a membership to the pool involves a “buy in” cost, plus the yearly fee. But if you contact the pool via the information on their website, it could be possible to lease a membership from another family and avoid some of the up front costs while enjoying the benefit of membership for the season.

East Park Pool is located near the Eastern Area right next to the building that houses Anytime Fitness. East Park is across the street and the pool has near access to the Canyon Rim Trail should you decide you’d like to jog before a nice cool swim. The East Park Pool Association has a reduced fee for single memberships. Just to sweeten the pot, they offer a babysitting service. For a monthly fee, members can utilize this helpful option which could be a lifesaver for moms looking for a chance to lane swim. Another bonus of East Park Pool is the choice to pay with Paypal. Check out their membership page for more information.

Mesa Meadow Pool is considered top secret. Why wouldn’t there be a secret pool in a town like Los Alamos? Actually, the secret isn’t secret. The association just values its privacy. If you drive to the end of 42nd Street in Western Area you will likely see the tennis courts first. To the left tucked into the trees is a small bathhouse and a pool with three lanes. The pool isn’t large at all, about the size of many subdivision pools scattered across the US. The purpose leans more toward lane swimming than family fun days. If you’re a hard core lane swimmer living in the Western Area and you’d love to connect with others like you, you might try this contact information to get involved.

Canyon Vista Pool Association serves the White Rock area with a handy location on Aragon Ave right between Donna and Kilby Avenues. Canyon Vista Pool is scheduled to open on May 29, 2021 which is fantastic news as it shows we are really moving toward being able to enjoy our favorite activities once again. Their website suggests there are likely a few memberships available for purchase or lease. Canyon Vista is a popular summer hangout for families. Memberships are sometimes advertised for lease or sale on Facebook so get out there and network to plan some fun for summer 2021!

Pinon Park Pool Association is located on Bryce Avenue not far from the Bryce Ave, Rover Blvd intersection. The pool has been serving White Rock for over fifty years! It sits pretty far back off the road, which really speaks to the general atmosphere of the pool. The staff at Pinon Park hope to offer their members fewer crowds, more space to lounge and relax, and enough quiet to enjoy good conversations with friends. If you really want to be part of the fabric at Pinon Park, you might consider joining the board. Their board privileges are pretty darned attractive and it could be a fantastic way to get involved in your local White Rock community.

Swimming Lessons!

Now, you can sign up and pay for summer swimming lessons from any pool association once you’re a member. But if you’re into year round immersion in swimming you might want to look into the Larry R Walkup Aquatic Center.

In the past, residents have referred to the Aquatic Center as everything from the Walkup Center to The Blue Whale. (The original roof was blue.) Now it is officially the Los Alamos County Aquatic Center. However, the incredible facility now undergoing expansion was the brainchild of Vietnam Veteran and former Green Beret, Larry R Walkup. Walkup served as the director of Los Alamos Parks & Recreation in 1984. He was instrumental in the planning and development of multiple outdoor facilities, but the need for an indoor pool was high on his list and in 1986 construction started on the Aquatic Center. The facility was named for Mr. Walkup after he died of a heart condition in November of 1986. The county council voted to memorialize Larry R Walkup’s contribution to the Los Alamos landscape more than eighteen months before the facility was completed in 1988.

The Aquatic Center

Offering a year round program of swimming lessons, lane swimming, and the popular therapy pool, the Aquatic Center is also the headquarters for the Los Alamos Parks, Recreation, & Open Spaces office. Passes and memberships to the Aquatic Center are available year round. Another popular feature is the Dive In Movie. An opportunity for families to lounge or swim in the pool while they watch a classic family friendly film projected on the wall. Lane swimming is currently available by appointment. Contact the Aquatic Center at (505) 662-8170 to schedule your slot or to ask about swimming lessons. You can also find more information online at the Los Alamos County website. The Aquatic Center is also the home of the Los Alamos Swim Teams. If you really want to improve your fitness, keep in mind that the US Olympic Swim Team is known to pop in for workouts (in non Covid years of course!) in order to increase their fitness level. Olympic size pool, 7240 ft elevation, it is currently the highest 50m pool in operation in the United States. Just another crazy amazing benefit of living in Los Alamos!

So whether you’re looking for a bit of summer sun by the pool or a way to fill that year round desire for swimming, Los Alamos County has you covered! And when you’re ready to become a resident, give me a call. I’d love to talk about life in Los Alamos with you.

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