While in Santa Fe, one of my favorite cities, I missed out on several
activities the WINs enjoyed as I had repairs done on my RV.
However, I did go along on a trip to El Rancho de las Golondrinas--
Ranch of the Swallows. Built in 1710 it is now a Living History museum
depicting 18th Century Spanish Colonial ranch life. We visited on
a festival day where the guides were dressed in period costumes.
Our guide on the mule drawn wagon was nice enough to
let me drive for a little bit. Yeehaw!!
I know it looks like I'm driving off the road but actually we were
starting a turn around.
Among the many demonstrations was this man throwing an
atlati, or spear thrower. It uses leverage to achieve greater velocity.
The lady dancers were beautiful in their colorful flowing skirts.
The youngest dancers were adorable--even though
the movements were not always coordinated.
The current chapel was once a barn.
So after missing out on most of Santa Fe a few of us moved on to:
Here there were trees!!
We were in a beautiful valley with Coyote Creek and its
many beaver dams. If you look close you can see Parker as
we walked up the valley.
On a nearby hillside we noticed this large nest. On the first day
it was occupied.
On the next day the hawk, or falcon, or eagle, or osprey, had ventured out
to a nearby limb. Never saw him (her) again.
On a day trip to Taos we drove on out to the
Rio Grande Gorge bridge. This is a rift valley
and the river flows on the path of least resistance.
Taken from the bridge. Just out of the photo were several rafts.
Then on to lunch at The Gorge on the Taos Plaza.
Moving on again to Eagle Nest Lake State Park. My RV (circled)
has a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Elevation here is 8300.
Parker and I went on a nice hike in Cimarron Canyon.
Then driving a little further we saw the Palisades.
Amazing!!
Still amazing!
Another day a few of us drove over to Red River ski area
and rode the chairlift. (70 and over FREE)
From the top looking into the town of Red River.
And still closer to town.
Back near Eagle Nest is the ski town of Angle Fire and
this wonderful memorial to veterans of Vietnam. It is now
a New Mexico State Park.
I was moved to tears many times as I walked through the museum.
Built from 1968-1971 this was the first major Vietnam memorial
in the United States. First built by Dr. and Mrs. Westphall as a memorial
for their son,
David Westphall, who was killed in action in 1968.
The chapel remains open 24/7 for all who wish to visit.
Three soldiers.
Outside in the gardens is a Huey helicopter.
From the backside looking toward the Angel Fire ski slopes.
A view from my campsite over the lake on a foggy morning.
Our campsites each had a covered picnic table and of course, great views.
On another morning 4 of us took the kayaks out on the lake.
This flock of pelicans watched us carefully.
Then slowly scattered.
The 4th of July we watched the parade in Eagle Nest.
Population 290-- except for the parade when thousands came
from neighboring communities.
There were even hour long fireworks over the lake with threatening skies.
Quite the displays for such a small town.
I also watched on PBS the fireworks from Washington, D.C.
It was amazing--the Capitol, the Washington Monument,
the Lincoln Memorial, and reflections in the Potomac River.
I have stayed on a few more days before heading to Crested Butte, CO
for a family gathering to celebrate grandson Owens 12th birthday.
Then since this New Mexico tour has ended I will be heading to
Washington state to join the WINs there as they travel
down the coast through Oregon and into California.
Stay tuned.
