Summer Soltice in New Mexico

Months ago my Mom (Eli) and my sister (Linde) planned our annual trip.  Of course, I didn't realize at the time that my hubby would be out of work because of the BP disaster.  After stressing, debating, and encouragement to go ahead with the trip from Chad, I decide to go forward with my plans.  The flight and my portion of the hotels was covered, so all I needed was to cover my food for the trip. 

So off to New Mexico for a week.

We landed in Albuquerque and made our way to Santa Fe for our first stop.

Adobe building in Santa Fe

Linde and Eli touring Santa Fe

Art Galleries on Canyon Rd

Santa Fe is the 2nd largest art market in the US with over 200 galleries.

(therunningartist - Santa Fe is a "must see" city if you haven't been there.  I could see you with a gallery in NM)

Rock Paper Scissors

 

 

On Wed., after giving up our search for the Dale Ball Trails that Happy Trails recommended,  I ran 5 miles on Cerrillos Rd and ended my run on this road near our hotel, just before dark.

Thurs. I read about a nice trail along the Santa Fe River....well let's just say, I'm not a "real" trail runner because this was an overgrown snake pit, in my opinion.  So I ran on the road along the Santa Fe River on Alemeda St. and Canyon Rd.  Nice run enjoying the art sculptures along Canyon Rd.

After the run we continued touring Santa Fe 

Palace of the Governors - we shopped for turquoise from the Native Americans - Success!

We toured the Georgia O'Keefe Museum, but we were disappointed that the current display was abstracts.  We really wanted to see the O'keefe landscapes.

We toured the Loretta Chapel - interesting story about the staircase - google it.

Fri. we headed out of Santa Fe heading to Taos.  

We saw the Echo Amphitheater

Ghost Ranch, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and then we headed on to Taos.

 

 

Today was a walking day, so Linde and I walked 30 minutes in Taos after we stuffed ourselves at Orlandos - Yummy!  (thanks Becky for the recommendation)

Fri. am, I started off with a nice 6 mile run down the road in Taos.  I was out early because we had much touring to do.  It was 50 degrees when I started my run, what a treat to escape the heat and humidity.  I ran a 1 mile w/u and then ran a 2 mile tempo run around 8:30 pace, and then 3 miles back to the hotel.  Our first stop of the morning was the Taos Pueblo.  We were hoping to luck up on some bread or better yet, some "fry bread".   It was mentioned, prior to our travels, that this may be "somewhat commercialized" and I would have to agree.  It was interesting, but has turned into a money maker.  The travel books say 100 residents still live as the ancestors lived 1000 years ago....  I don't think so....not from what we saw, and the worst part - no bread.

Next stop was Questa where we tried to see a stain glass shop from a local artist, but no luck here either.  He was out for the day.  From here, we headed to the Rio Grande Wild Rivers area.  Linde and I decided to hike the La Junta Trail which is a 1 mile hike down to the confluence of the Rio Grande and the Red River.  In the picture above the Red River is on the left and was much greener, and prettier than the Rio Grande on the right.  We survived the hike back up, and then we continued along the Enchanted Circle. 

Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park @ Angel Fire. 

This is an amazing memorial in a spectacular setting. 

We had dinner at the Rancho de Chimayo.  This was another recommendation from Kathleen @ Happy Trails.  It was fabulous!  As we left the restaurant we were just in time to enjoy a great southwest sunset.

After sunset we landed in Los Alamos.  I will start there on my next blog.