The Cat Walk, NM~Letterboxing

In the morning we drove the 5 country miles to hike and explore The Catwalk and to place our newest letterbox. For more info, click here: Cat Walk Letterbox

It was a gorgeous day for a hike in this beautiful and unique canyon. Many times the canyon was less than 20 feet wide with the splashing and gurgling Whitewater river flowing beside or below us as we trekked.
John and I had hiked the Catwalk about 3 years before the twins were born (13 years ago!), so visiting this area with my kids was like being here for the the first time. The kidlets and I had a great time walking over the many unique river crossings, through large boulder tunnels, steep rock stairs, cliff wall shimmies on the narrow trail and enjoying the cottonwood shade trees and many birds.

Gateway to the Catwalk. It was getting too hot to leave Javelina in the van, so we "brought our cat on the Catwalk"! (Click on the photo for a larger image)
The elevated Catwalk trail, over the Whitewater river, was a fun adventure.
The metal 'catwalk' twisted and turned throughout the narrow canyon.
We hiked to the Waterfall and Swimming Hole, 3/4 mile one way. The stairs down were very steep, but sitting on the large rocks dipping our feet in the cool water was divine! Jax, Jem and Jen also splashed and played in the refreshing water until they were soaked. We ended up bathing Javelina in the river, too, after she got a little bit sick from the movement of the carrier. So, you could say, we 'christened our cat at the catwalk'! hehe (Click on the pic for a larger view)
One of the many unique river crossings in the canyon. (Click on the photo for a larger image)