Angel Fire

 

Angel Fire, New Mexico was the start of our summer vacation.  We stayed with Janet's brother and sister-in-law at their home for several days.  Nice way to begin!

Hiking

We spent the first day hiking around.  The Aspen trees reminded me of the Birch we'd see in the woods in Pennsylvania when I was growing up.            

Wild Life

We saw lots of different kinds of birds than what we see here in Austin.  And we came across wildlife like deer and elk.  See if you can spot the critter in the picture above.  I blew up the corner below so you can see him better.

Warning: Bear!

OK.  Straight off, I confess I did NOT take the picture below- grabbed it off the internet! 

However, on our way back from Taos one afternoon a bear just like this one clamored over the guardrail, crossed the road in front of our moving car, and lumbered through the fence on the opposite side on its way into the woods. 

 

 

Rick Ranger would not have approved of my getting out the car to take my own picture.  And, besides, my camera was in my bag on the back seat.  So, I'll forgive myself for some cheating on this post, and hope you'll do the same!

Taos

 

 

Janet and I spent the day in Taos.  Small, simple, and laid back.  Santa Fe without the size!

Bent Street

I read in the plaza, and Janet shopped around the plaza and on Bent Street.  She liked Mesa's Edge and Kimosabe best for jewelry and antiques.  There's also a great book shop called Moby Dickens that everyone should check out if they make it there. 

 

We also went to the Governor Bent Museum ... which is a hoot!  The history of the place is fascinating.  The hole through the wall where the governor's wife, children and the wife of Kit Carson escaped the mob that scalped and killed Governor Bent can still be found. 

 

The entire place is only four rooms filled with clutter!  Walking through reminded me of snooping around my grandparent's attic. 

 

 

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

 

Janet was a great sport and drove out to the Rio Grand Gorge Bridge about five minutes outside of Taos.  As you drive along the road through the relatively flat terrain, the floor of the earth literally drops out beneath you!  You don't even see the thing coming! 

The Gorge

You can walk out to the center of the bridge and dazzle yourself (or make yourself faint, depending on how you handle heights).  Even with this picture blown up, it doesn't do justice to the impressive 565 foot drop. 

Millicent Rogers Meseum

Jewelry, jewelry, jewelry!  Actually there's more than jewelry at the Millicent Rogers Museum, including a very cogent display of the work of the famed potter Maria Martinez that's worth the visit alone.

Millicent Rogers brought attention to Native American art and clothing, and worked to secure legislation that protected the area artists she so admired.

The High Road to Taos

We left Angel Fire, and took the High Road to Taos to continue our vacation in Santa Fe.  The High Road takes more time, but travels through the mountains between Santa Fe and Taos, with small villages along the way where Native Americans and artists try to co-exist. 

Taking the High Road

Beautiful landscape just about everywhere you look.  The villages sneak up on you as you wind through the forests.

Dinner with a View!

 

There aren't that many places to eat along the way.  So Janet and I just pulled over on a side road and had ourselves a snack!  This was our rustic view whilst we enjoyed our applesauce and cheese crackers! 

Truchas, New Mexico

Truchas is a town that hangs on the side of a ridge as you leave the mountains and begin the decent to the desert floor leading to Santa Fe.  Artisans are located in abundance.  Lots of studios nestled among the humble architecture. 

Closing in on Santa Fe

And "decent to the desert" is the correct phrase to use! The topography contrast is unforgetable. 

El Santuario de Chimayo

Once out of the mountains, one of the towns on the last leg of the journey to Santa Fe is Chimayo.  On the edge of town is a church called El Santuario del Senor Esquipula, a National Historic landmark.  It still remains in use, and is the largest site for pilgrimage in the US.  During Holy Week over 30,000 people find their way to this site because of the belief in healing powers located within. The architecture is great, and the carvings inside the sanctuary are a marvel.

Arrival in Santa Fe (or A Pause for Pretense- Take Your Pick!)

Right!  Here's my 'art' shot of the New Mexico landscape.  I'll use it as a segue into the Santa Fe part of our trip. 

We arrived, and stayed in Santa Fe three days.  Much of what we did is already chronicled in an earlier blog on a trip to Santa Fe we made during Christmas, and I invite you to look at that blog (Santa Fe Christmas) to read about our favorite activities and places to visit in the city. 

Canyon Road

We spent a good part of one afternoon on Canyon Road.  While we stopped in on it briefly during our last trip, we spent time this trip walking the length of the row to visit galleries.  

Galleries on Canyon Road

Sculpture Garden

Windmills

Typical Gallery

Michael Smith Gallery

We were actually very pleased to happen upon the gallery of Michael Smith. He collects Native American pieces, and glossy ads for his gallery grace the backs or inside covers of many of Janet's art and antiques magazines.  Both of us actually forgot he was based in Santa Fe.

Displays in Micheal Smith

Museum Hill

And we visited the museums, of course.  Always have to make a plug for Museum Hill. It makes a very full and memorable day.  Every visit is time well spent. 

And the desserts at the café are worth the trip alone, unfortunately!

Great Trip!

We had a great time, obviously!  Truly a special place.