We had a wonderful hike on Sat July 19th in the Sandias..there were 8 of us all together. We took the Cienega, Faulty and Sulphur Springs Trails…just about a 3 mile loop and of a moderate level of difficulty . Several locations provided excellent views and with our 
combined knowledge we learned of various plants, animals, and geology of the area.
We ended just about 12:00 noon ..right on time….and did enjoy the sight and sound of a small stream we passed near the end of the hike. Great conversations, great views, all made for another successful UU hike.
Manuel Lopez
On Sat, July 19, 8 of us hiked on the Cienega to Faulty to Cienega Horse Bypass Trails ending along the Cienega Stream and meadow on the east side of the Sandias. Manuel Lopez, leader had chosen a beautiful loop and the morning temperature was quite pleasant. The hikers were Scott Lake and guests Helene Kiecolt and Tony Wahl, Rick Held, Ruth Wilson, Kathleen Rhoad, Neal MacDonald.
There were lots of butterflies including a beautiful black and white Weidemeyer’s Admiral, Mourning Cloak and Pine White plus others too flittingly transient to see well . Thanks Neal for butterfly ID. Also lots of wildflowers including Rocky Mt Beeplants, Western Yarrow, Jacob’s Ladder, Purple Geranium, Yellow Salsify, Bearcorn, Spreading Fleabane, Copper Globemallow, Paintbrush, Woolly Mullein, Creeping Mahonia to name only a sampling. There were Alligator Junipers too.
Kathleen Rhoad
