Today is actually the day that I wrap up our New Mexico trip saga.
The odyssey began with us taking the scenic route for a holiday vacation. We continued this theme and actually did a lot of driving from our home-base in Santa Fe.
St. Francis Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe, NM
On Christmas Eve day, we drove south on the Turquoise Trail (Highway 14).
We drove all the way to Sandia Peak and then retraced our tire tracks, stopping in Madrid. Madrid is an old mining town that is now chock full of galleries and shops. The narrow highway runs right through town and you have to be a bit cautious about pedestrian shoppers. We found some great art here as well and will add this to our day-trip calendar when we are in Santa Fe again.
Just long stretches of serene isolation…
…with such beautiful scenery.
Words cannot describe the terrain so I will just let the above pictures speak for themselves.
On Christmas Day, I realized a lifelong dream of mine—
to visit Georgia O’Keeffe country, i.e. Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch.
We drove northwest on Highway 84 and drove into the sprawling metropolis of Abiquiu.
This met us at the top of the hill in Abiquiu.
Note the remnants of the Christmas Eve bonfire.
A long ago closed watering hole.
We then headed to Abiquiu lake and took a detour on Highway 96.
This was a fantastic drive through the Jemez mountains and at one point we were at 8000 feet. Again, we met very few fellow drivers and ran into a light snow.
I was also on the lookout for wildlife and The Hubs felt like we should have seen some elk. We only spotted a flock of wild turkeys though. We drove all the way to Cuba, NM, and then retraced our steps.
Another investment opportunity.
Back at Abiquiu Lake, we headed to Ghost Ranch.
At the entrance to Ghost Ranch (allegedly a cabin featured in the film “City Slickers.”
I have had a life long fascination with the works of Georgia O’Keeffe and as many times as we have visited NM, we have never ventured into what is dubbed “O’Keeffe Country.”
O’Keeffe’s beloved Pedernal
We were both awed by the vistas in this area.
The Hubs put it poetically by surmising that the land just makes one feel so insignificant yet so alive.
We vow that we will stay in this neck of the woods on our next visit to New Mexico (hopefully this spring or early summer).
Even the trees look serene (and wise).
Our room was the second balcony on the second floor at the Inn on Alameda in Santa Fe.
The day after Christmas, we awoke to a fresh snow fall for our drive home.
St. Francis in the courtyard at The Inn on Alameda. Santa Fe.
We are counting the days until our return and you know I will be eager to share it with you.
Camel Rock, north of Santa Fe
It’s so beautiful there, the skies are incredible!
And, they really are that blue. I guess the atmosphere is cleaner there. The stars are spectacular, too.
What a gorgeous summit to your trip Debra. How can I thank you for taking us along for the ride. I can feel the adventure in your words and portrayals. Thank you so much for sharing, Debra…
I had so many pictures that I couldn’t post them all. I hoped that these were a representative group.
The snow really makes those southwest locations beautiful, doesn’t it? I have been searching for the photos I took when I was there one time in January, and the snow was on all the outdoor artworks on the art gallery street in Santa Fe! Great post.
Yes, in 2011 when we were there, there was more snow during the Canyon Road walk. Thanks for stopping by, Mae.
What amazing views, skies and locations you saw! I love seeing the snow in those shots! Thanks for taking us with you, I really enjoyed it!
Thanks for joining us, Pamela.
I recognized the last picture! I’ve been by there – When Holli got her undergrad, she was hired by the BIA to work on Mesa Verde to catalog or archive or something smarty-pants-like that I don’t get, and I drove her out picked her up 8 weeks later. I know we passed that rock formation – oh wait, that was actually when she spent a week at St. John’s College in Santa Fe. I love that town – Thanks for taking us along and photographing your trip so we can enjoy it too!
How I wish I would have taken advantage of studying somewhere else outside of Stillwater, you know? That job at Mesa Verde sounded so cool.
Looks like you had a great trip!!! Your Christmas drive is one of my favorites. So glad you got up to Ghost Ranch. Great pictures Debra!
Truth be told, you inspired us to seek out a cabin there. I think we have one nailed down at the lake for this spring or early summer.
The views are sensational, I love the photos!
Almost haunting at some points 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks, Uru. This place is hauntingly beautiful.
Great photos Debra and thank you for sharing them with us. You gave me the chance to see places that otherwise would have been unknown to me! Have fun and stay safe!
Envy Envy Envy—-wonderful trip. Thanx for the photos to travel vicariously.