Sante Fe is a Different World!

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The cacti were just beginning to blossom when we left Arizona. Traveling across southern Arizona and New Mexico there were waves of wildflowers. But as we climbed from Green Valley's 2900 feet to Santa Fe's 7000 ft., late spring turned to very early spring.

We continued on past Santa Fe and arrived in Taos at 7pm. We explored that town, Taos Pueblo and Taos Ski Valley. The snow base was estimated by 2 skiers to be either 60 or 100 inches deep even on April 2nd. The mountains there are 12 and 13,000 ft. high. Taos Ski Valley was to close on April 10th.

The drive back to Santa Fe was breathtaking, traveling through Indian and Spanish towns in the center of the mountains . Our casita in Santa Fe is small but is very lovely and Southwestern.

I have never seen a place with more top quality art, jewlery, etc. etc. everywhere. Santa Fe has the feel of a southern European town, with narrow streets, adobe houses, and a multicultural feel.

We are just getting to know the town. On Sunday we went by foot to the plaza. The Indians (no they do not call them Native Americans here) are lined up every day outside the Palace of the Governor's selling their handmade crafts.

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Photos

Taos Ski Valley
We first stopped at Taos, where they were still skiing on April 2nd

Gail Norton found Jim
In the gift shop of St. Xavier de Bac Mission a voice said,"Are you Jim, Jim Kern?" Gail, a former sister-in-law, later showed us her house. She also shared with us information about Green Valley, where she now lives.

Cactus in bloom
As we left Arizona, the blossoms opened everywhere.

Sangre de Christo Mts.
Mountains, snow, yet dessert conditions in northern New Mexico!

Saint Francis of Assisi dancing on the waters
A fountain in Santa Fe. Statues are one of many art forms found throughout the city.

Palace of the Governors
Indians selling handcrafted jewelry on the plaza in Santa Fe.