Monthly Mind Bender

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Across
  1. 1. – Place to sip coffee and watch elk wander by
  2. 4. – What you get far from city light pollution
  3. 6. – Light
  4. 7. – How evenings feel, even in midsummer
  5. 10. – Bright river of stars
  6. 18. – Safety essential on rocky descents
  7. 19. – gathering place for stories and songs
  8. 20. – Rumble that rolls up the canyon
  9. 21. – Historic hilltop hotel
  10. 22. – Footwear for deep drifts
  11. 24. – Where maps, stoves, and dinner all spread out
  12. 26. – local rink
  13. 28. – Pine trees
  14. 30. – Crystals on cabin rails before the first snow
  15. 32. – Event when Earth’s shadow dims the moon
  16. 36. – Hiking gear that saves knees on the downhill
  17. 39. – Zigzag section of a steep mountain path
  18. 41. – can shut down the highway
  19. 42. SANDS – Bright dunes visible from some high viewpoints
  20. 44. – Local family ski area
  21. 45. – National forest surrounding the village
  22. 46. – Summer blooms
  23. 48. – Signed starting point
  24. 49. – Time when stars begin to appear
  25. 50. – golden fall leaves
Down
  1. 2. – Hands‑free for late‑night walks
  2. 3. – Lively post‑trail stop for pizza and pints
  3. 5. – High point hikers aim for on long climbs
  4. 7. campfire drip
  5. 8. – Reserved spot
  6. 9. – Cast‑iron heat
  7. 11. – Basin seen far below from high overlooks
  8. 12. – Mountain range that cradles Cloudcroft
  9. 13. – tired ride
  10. 14. – Tool for bringing distant galaxies closer
  11. 15. – Edge‑of‑the‑mountain vantage over desert and dunes
  12. 16. – Zipped‑up cocoon
  13. 17. – your basecamp for all this puzzle fun
  14. 22. – Classic camp treat
  15. 23. – Night when shooting stars seem nonstop
  16. 25. – Pattern traced between bright points of light
  17. 27. – Classic mountain lodging
  18. 29. – Paper or digital guide to keep you found
  19. 31. – Fast‑paced way the locals cover familiar routes
  20. 33. – Small striped campground scavenger
  21. 34. – Fresh snow
  22. 35. – What carries your layers, snacks, and map
  23. 37. – Informal gathering to share telescopes and sky lore
  24. 38. – Old wooden railroad bridge now a trail landmark
  25. 40. – High‑country climate that defines Cloudcroft
  26. 43. – Large resident often spotted at dusk in meadows
  27. 44. – Popular snow‑day activity
  28. 47. – Elk, deer, and hummingbirds seen from the trail