Our next hike will be Saturday, February 27th to the B-24 crash site on the eastside of the Franklin Mountains.  Below is a snipet from the Morning Alvalanche in Lubbock, Texas.

El Paso, July 12, 1944 (UP) -- Biggs Field authorities announced today that eight Army airmen were killed near midnight last night when a B-24 bomber crashed into Mt. Franklin in a residential district of the city.  The huge ship failed to clear the mountain peak by 100 feet. The bomber had just taken off from Biggs Field when it hit the mountain not far from Scenic Drive and the Mt. Franklin beacon light.  A Biggs Field board was investigating today.

El Paso Community College Observatory

Mark your calendars and reserve February 25th to view the conjunction of Mars and the Moon.  This event is free and takes place from 8:00pm to 10:00pm.  Directions.  From I-10, take Hawkins Blvd, south to North Loop.  Turn left on North Loop, then turn left at the next traffic light and enter the El Paso Community College Campus.  At the intersection, turn right, and then park in the first parking lot on your left.  The observervatory is the dome near the white building.

More of these events will be held in March and April.

7th Annual Camp Furlong Day

Join the festivities as the United States and Mexico commemorate the 1916 raid into Columbus by the Forces of General Francisco "Pancho" Villa.  Up to 100 riders on horseback from Mexico cross the border at Palomas, Mexico and are joined by American riders as they parade through the village of Columbus and into Pancho Villa State Park for food, drink and entertainment.  Enjoy American and Mexican musicians, actors, folklorico dancers, special speakers, local artists, food vendors, Loretta's Barbedwire Band, trick horse rider Carlos Herrera, military re-enactors, the Park's museum with military equipment used by General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, exhibits by the El Paso Railroad & Transportation Museum.  All of this and more is happening on Saturday, March 6th 2010 from 9:00am to 4:00pm.  Admission is free.

For more information, call the Poncho Villa State Park at 575-531-2711.

El Paso Marathon

On Sunday, March 7, 2010 the streets of El Paso will become the sight of a 26.2 mile fiesta. Over 2,000 runners are expected to take part in the 2010 Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon, Spira Half Marathon, and the Jarritos 5K, drinking in the sights and sounds that are El Paso!

Accompanying them on their journey will be more than 700 runners at COB Ader in Tallil, Iraq. At 0500, soldiers with the 4/1 Armored Division out of Ft. Bliss will lace up their running shoes to run the First International Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon and Spira Half Marathon.  Sponsor a soldier in the race!

Bataan Memorial Death March

The 21st Annual Bataan Memorial Death March will be held on March 21st. The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging march through the high desert terrain of   White Sands Missile Range, N.M., conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health and, in many cases, their very lives.  There two route to choose from.  The GREEN route is 26.2 miles, and the BLUE route is 15.2 miles.

The Mexican Revolution - 100 Years Later

The sister cities of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez played a significant role in the Mexican Revolution that began on November 20, 1910. The sister cities were hosts to events instrumental in shaping the course of the revolution. This year, as part of the Centennial Celebration, many partner organizations will host public events special to the El Paso area as they relate to the Mexican Revolution. Download a brochure for a schedule of celebrations from January through May. The brochure is divided into sections including education, lectures, performances, and exhibits.

Coming soon: Spring 2010 Back by Noon Outings

The good folks at the Southwest Enviroment Center has been hard at work putting together the Spring 2010 schedule of guided Back by Noon Saturday morning natural history outings. The new line up includes a mix of old and new, featuring more dates, new outings, and terrific guides. Back By Noon hikes is scheduled to begin on March 6th, so stay tuned for more details. 

El Paso's Eye On The Sky

All Sky Cameras observe the night skies for meteors (shooting stars) and their larger cousins, fireballs. Fireballs are of specific interest because they sometimes result in the fall of meteorites. By tracking these fireballs against the backdrop of stars captured by the cameras, we can accurately determine their trajectories in three dimensions, and thus where meteorites may have fallen.  The  El Paso All Sky Camera Meteor Detection Network is a newly constructed web site, so check back often for updates and the latest information on meteors over El Paso, Texas.

Upcoming Adventures

Adventure. Do you actually remember the word? When was the last time you went out for a real adventure? Well, you might consider your everyday life in this concrete jungle as one big adventure, and, in a way, it is. But, climbing the stairs to your office on the fifth floor doesn't really count as an adventure. Nor does a computer mouse and dust bunnies qualify as wildlife. Standing under the shower is not as exhilarating as standing under a waterfall, and standing on your balcony overlooking the city is not quite the same as standing on top of a mountain ridge overlooking the valley below.  So dust off your boots, grab your water bottle, and join us for a hike. This area has a lot of adventure waiting just for you.

Here are the proposed ADVENTURES for February and March.  Please keep in mind that this schedule is not engraved in stone, and is subject to change.  Remember, the only thing in life that is constant, is change.

Jan. 30 Thousand Steps trail up to the tramway and back.
Feb. 6 Marathon PLUS Hike - 28+ miles
Feb 7 A nice easy stroll along the Montoya Canal
Feb.13 North end of Franklin Mountains,  reverse of what we did last time
Feb. 20-21 Backpack Baylor Pass  Aguirre Springs
Feb. 27 hike to B-24 crash site on east side of mountains and up to tramway (not to be confused with B-36 crash site on West side  of mountain)
March 6 7th Annual Camp Furlong Day and Cabalgata Binacional -- Pancho Villa State Park
March 7 El Paso Marathon - 26.2 miles, and Half Marathon - 15.2 miles
March 13 Rio Grande Levee Hike -- For those that want an easy hike.
March 20 Shaefer Shuffle in Tom Mays Park
March 21 Baatan Memorial Death March -- choice of 26.2 miles or 15 miles
March 27 Possible Backpacking Trip

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