On south, across I-40, the towns have names which reflect their founders' ethnic origins. There's Tijeras, Cedro, Yrissari, Escabosa, Chilili, Tajique, Torreon and then there's Mountainair. Although the East Mountain area has its roots in the long ago past, its feet are firmly planted in the present foot of the mountains. In winter, skiers swoosh down from the heights, and the landscape lies beneath a white blanket. In summer, breezes cool folks a bit more here than in town.
Life lazes, bees hum, birds chirp and children play.
Living in the communities east of the mountains is very pleasant indeed. Taken from A Brief History of Turquoise Trail by Dawn Williams. Edited by Jerry Loomis.