Sunday afternoon at Brantley Lake, New Mexico

Dam view at Brantley Lake State park in southern New Mexico. On Sunday afternoon (June 14, 2009), Gerald and I were on our way home to New Mexico when we called "Mac Guy" and wound up arranging to meet him at the lake, north of his home in Carlsbad. We went out for a spin and a quick cool-off swim and explored the lake for the first time. In spite of some clouds, the weather was hot, with the winds drying people off quite quickly. After a short picnic at anchor near the dam (in only nine feet of water depth!), we returned to shore and continued our drive to Albuquerque.


"Mac Guy" at the helm. John also sails a MacGregor 26 sloop, the "MacGoddess", but the day's heat and small lake area at Brantley made for more of a powerboat day.

Gerald enjoying fresh air as a respite from the heat.

Brantley Lake panorama

Northwest portion of Brantley Lake. Brantley is quite shallow; last Sunday the lake was only 15 to 16 feet deep right in front of the dam. Water evaporates quickly is this part of the world, too.

View to the north at Brantley Lake.

Narrow portion of Brantley Lake, New Mexico.

View to the southeast, showing the southern portion of Brantley Lake. A portion of the dam cam be glimpsed at far right. The lake, located on the Pecos River between Carlsbad and Artesia, New Mexico, is shaped somewhat like an hourglass, with the smaller basin at the south end by the dam and a larger but shallower basin to the north of the narrow portion of the lake. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are located on each side of the narrow part of the lake.