If this deceased person had binoculars -- I'd think he was spying on Sandia Labs/Kirtland AFB.
Perhaps not in an effective way. Perhaps someone caught him & stopped the effort?
This area has changed a great deal since his passing, more since my family moved to New Mexico in the early 1950's. He was in a remote area in a harsh climate.
December is a puzzle, climate-wise. Some December days in Albuquerque you don't need a coat. I'm serious, a sweater will do if you're in the sun. Other days -- the description of 'jacket' wouldn't be enough.
Was he dreaming of going to Europe -- college semester abroad maybe -- and had his dream denied?
JMHO YMMV