Pack Rat Poop and Frozen Locks

Had some free ski days at Red River so I took the kids there for a couple days. So cool that the ski area is less than an hour from the Rio Grande property. Cut out a bit early to check things out-make sure nothing had been stolen and that the pack rat had been kept at bay. Airstream up top was intact with no sign of theft or vandalism. We made our way down the gorge-rather treacherous footing with the snow. The river below was frozen over with the exception of the rapid section just opposite us. The ladder gate lock (a worthless lock purchased from the Taos walmart would not open. Had to unscrew and remove it to get down. Down below everything looked undisturbed. Opened the shed and there on the floor were rodent droppings. After all my Ft Knox seal off efforts the rat still got in. No sign of damage other than gnawing into a box of bras colored deck screw. Stupid animal. Will resume my battle in the spring. We walked out on the river and spelled Shackie Chan on the snow covered river surface in giant letters. We shimmied back up the cliff wall and headed out. Looking forward to Spring on the gorge. Planning on doing the bottom 18 miles of the Ute Mountain Run-furthering our knowledge of the area.