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<DIV>Hi from Albuquerque!</DIV>
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<DIV>First, I have never hiked any sections in NM in December, so please refer
to more experienced hikers before me. But I do live in the middle of the state
and I can tell you this: Southern NM is a pretty windy-cold and dry place in the
winter. The Gila will probably have snow. The Chama area will definitely have
snow, lots of it, next month. BUT, I could guarantee alot of sunshine during 80%
of your Dec trip, and teh most beautiful time of year to be in the backcountry
in this state! Nothing like clear winter days in my humble opinion. I am
planning several extended trecks around the state this Winter, and the weather
rarely ever detered me from any part of NM in December. In fact, I welcome it.
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<DIV>As you probably can already guess, I think water will be harder to
find in sections, and snow in Northern NM. Otherwise, I say, do it now and
spend the holidays in the land of enchantment! Good
luck.</DIV></FONT></BODY></HTML>