The Abominable Snowmansion

---

The Abominable Snowmansion



Second week in and I decided to remain at the hostel here for another week It's not en-suite but the craic more than compensates!

The hostel is an abode type building in Arroyo Secco . Roughly translating as dry valley, it is located at the foothills of the Sangro de Cristo Mountains, bordering lands of the Native Americans of the 'Place of the Red Willows.' and yes there is much local reference to the red colours which the mountains turn facing the setting sun, moving through palate from pinks to deep purples all in the space of 10 minutes. Stunning!

The hostel is inhabited by a unique mix of humanity. At the moment I am sitting opposite the 'bee man' who arrived earlier this week as part of the woofers programme on gardening and sustainable living at the hostel. The woofers attend daily workshops run by the owner, a Native American woman who is trained ,among other disciplines, in Chinese medicine, and Herbalism. The bee man is staying for a week teaching bee lore and management, and also building a hive. I suspect he may have a queen bee stashed in his back pack.

The woofers are for the most part young enthusiastic Americans who seem to be long term residents (which scores plus points for the friendliness of the hostel.) They take care of the general running of the hostel.

BUT there appear to be 2 or 3 permanent residents, including Dirk, an emaciated looking Dutchman, Nic also tall,skinny,Goth whose first impression is of being the local axe murderer, but who turns out to be witty, almost compassionate, and last but not least Annie, with whom I share a dorm, who takes care of the laundry, is a passionate photographer and who alternates between scurrying around between the kitchen and the laundry. Annie (closer to 70 than 60) seems to spend half her year at the Hostel

To this, add the passers by, often Native Americans dropping in (or they may live here, I dont know) for a coffee and craic involving much 'hi bros' and hand shaking.

Note: Where are the women?

So I am exploring the area especially the grounds here! and I enclose photos of the Taos Pueblo which contains very old inhabited native American dwellings,and is a world heritage site,

But definitely highlights of the day involve coffee around a collective area outside , sunk into old sofas watching the spectacular sunset.

BUT have also been exploring the art galleries and museums , even though no paintbrush to paper just yet, have to visit the Georgia O'Keefe homestead first for the ultimate inspiration.

---

Comments

[Sue Glazebrook]

Wow Wendy. Have a really great time. Think I may be a teeny bit jealous, definitely envious. Must have taken some planning. xx

[Jayne]

Done loads of scottish and irish mountains but they look great!! Wish I was there xx