This morning on my way to my hike around the Sulphur and Cienega Hose Bypass Loop Trail, I noticed that Tinkertown is open. I decided right then and there that I was returning the next day.
Thanks to the COVID pandemic, Tinkertown did not open for the 2020 season, and now that they are open, they’re using a timed entry system necessitating the purchase of a ticket in advance. I purchased my ticket almost as soon as I got home from my hike.
On the way up to Sandia Crest Road, where Tinkertown is located, is a hole in the wall burger joint called Burger Boy on the Turquoise Trail. If memory serves, I enjoyed it the one time I did eat there. The plan is to stop there for lunch after my visit to Tinkertown.
Now, as far as the hike, I certainly would like to take the walk up the North Sandia Peak Trail, that runs about a mile and a half north from the terminus of Sandia Crest Road. I made the mistake of purchasing my ticket to Tinkertown for 10:00 am. Assuming it would take me around 2 hours to make the just over 3 mile hike out and back, then about a half hour drive back to Tinkertown, I’d have to embark on the hike no later than 7:30 am. That’s a bit early for me. So, the alternative then is to make the hike after Tinkertown, which would have me start the trek at around 11:30 or so, getting me back to the trailhead around 1:30 or so, then a half hour back to Burger Boy means I’d be eating lunch at around 2:00, which is about three hours later than I normally eat lunch.
Of course, all of this might be a moot point, as my ankle doesn’t exactly feel great right now, and might be even worse tomorrow. We will see.
Anyway, I will be sure to take plenty of pictures at Tinkertown and of my green chile cheeseburger tomorrow.
Until then!
-Phil
nmwanderful.travel.blog 