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Sangre de Christo Mountains
Sangre de Christo means "blood of Christ" in Spanish. This mountain range runs from Colorado into New Mexico. The headwaters of the Rio Grande start in this range. Chapter 15 New Mexico
June 3—Leaving Springs, I backtracked down I-25 over familiar territory to Walsenburg, then west on hwy 160 and over La Veta Pass again. It looked a bit different from last October! I turned south at Ft. Garland to go to Taos. Taos is well known to every artist and wanna-be in the U.S. and maybe the world. Many famous artists have either lived and/or studied there including Georgia O'Keefe. I wanted to visit last year, but the timing was wrong. It reminds one of a small version of Santa Fe in many ways. I had wanted to take a couple of painting classes there, but the ones in Manitou resolved that issue at a lot cheaper price as well as unbeatable instruction!
I stayed at a small campground in Questa, a village about 20 miles north of Taos. It was on the Red River, but not the same one that separates Texas from Oklahoma. This one flowed into the Rio Grande. The entrance was lined with evergreen trees and there was a pond with picnic tables and chairs. I practically had the place to myself, I guess because it is tucked away and kind of
Taos Bed and Breakfast
I liked the architecture of this B and B in Taos. off the beaten path. The sunsets at this place were some of the most spectacular I have seen. As you know from previous entries and pictures, I have seen some good ones!
June 4—I got up rarin' to go. Of course, I headed to Taos first and stopped at the tourist info place and loaded up on goodies. I got directions on a free place to park the RV and headed for the historic section with all the art galleries, etc. I walked around Taos plaza taking pictures of the southwestern architecture and interesting doors, gates and murals. The historic area is beautifully restored. I would try to describe it in more detail, but I think I'll let the photos speak their 1000 words each, instead.
After touring the historic part of town, I decided to drive around the “Enchanted Circle”. This drive consists of several state highways that circle around Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in New Mexico. It includes several ski areas. My drive started east of Taos and led through a beautiful aspen grove, where I stopped for a rest by a mountain stream.
Aspens are one of my favorite trees. The have beautiful
The Crooked Gate
Just one of several interesting gates in town. white bark on their trunks, like birches. Their leaves are heart shaped and on very small but longish stems. The color is a light green on one side and a silvery green on the other. When the wind blows, the leaves shiver and shake, changing the colors. They make a soft, whispering sound like sh-h-h, which is very calming. In the fall the leaves turn yellow and orange. They are just gorgeous.
After going through the forest, I entered an alpine meadow, full of all kinds of wildflowers and small lakes. I went to the outskirts of Angel Fire, a popular ski resort, Eagles Nest Lake, (no eagles today) and through the town of Red River and it's ski area. I liked the looks of Red River, set in a snug valley beside the river after which it is named. There were a lot of log homes and stores and the town was very clean.
I finished the circle back at Questa and my RV park in time for another beautiful sunset.
June 5—Today I drove up to the Taos Ski area. I don't ski. I think I would make The Three Stooges look serious if I
A Shop Entrance
I love the colorful, inviting entrances to shops here. tried. I always admire anyone, however, who does ski. It always looks like fun. Anyway, the ski season went into April this year, with the weird weather all around. When I got up to the village, there was still some snow left up there, but not much. I thought it would be fun to take some pictures of snow-less ski trails. I was surprised there were still some stores open, but apparently there are hikers and fishermen that come in the summer. The small village is very attractive, built to resemble a European alpine village.
It was on the trip up, however, that most of the excitement happened. A big horned sheep was grazing by the road. He appeared unfazed by all the people and cars that stopped to take a look and take pictures. It the first big horned sheep I have ever seen at all, let alone in the wild. One couple who are regular visitors to the ski area said they knew sheep were up here, but they had never seen one by the road. This one appeared to be pretty old, judging by the size of his horns. What a wonderful thrill for me! I
An Interesting Sculpture
A very creative piece near the Taos Plaza. didn't even have to use the zoom on my camera!
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Jody
non-member comment
Wow
enjoyed the "blog" and photos, will look forward to the next entry!!........so glad you got to be here for our 50th...........lhp JS