Nancy's Travelblogue

... there isn't a train I wouldn't take, no matter where it's going. -- Edna St. Vincent Millay

Name:
Location: California, United States

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

New Mexico postcard #10

Sadly, this will be my last New Mexico postcard, at least for this year. Yesterday Jonathan and I drove through the Sangre de Cristo mountains through Truchas, Chimayo and the other villages that seem so unchanged through the centuries and what make northern New Mexico so special. Today we walked through Taos and bade farewell to my favorite spots.

Here are my last ... ahh, yes, sentimental photos of my time in Taos.

This was taken in the mesa above Truchas. The main road in the village, gets gradually narrower, then turns to dirt as it heads towards the mountains. This is a snow field showing the .. well, the only word I have for it is the SPACE that defines the Southwest. No sense of getting too crowded around here!




Ristras (the hanging peppers) are a symbol of northern New Mexico. Aren't they lovely! This photo was taken at the Rancho de Chimayo restaurant, which unfortunately was closed when we arrived. But I was able to capture this image. We went to Chimayo so Jonathan could pick up a custom woven vest done by the Chimayo Weavers.










Today we walked through Taos. This building is so typical of Taos and southwest architecture.
 The day's treat was when we walked into the new art gallery of Taos painter Ouray Meyers. Not only is Ouray a distinguished artist, but also has a most interesting family history. Ouray's father Ralph Meyers, is one the first and most successful trader in New Mexico. Ouray's newest gallery includes a "museum" showcasing some momentos that his family has collected. He gave us a personal tour of the museum, which included some possessions of Kit Carson, Bishop Lamy, sacred Indian artifacts, and spurs from the conquistadores. I was honored that Ouray would take us through his locked collections.

Then we walked down to LaDoux Street, a charming walkway where old Taoseno homes are now upscale galleries, but very tasteful. Neither Jonathan nor I could resist the temptation to get photographed next to this mural:
 
We got home from our walk just in time for a Taos sunset from the bedroom window: This isn't the only amazing Taos sky scene. I also see the moon, the stars, the pink dawn, the blue midday sky and all the variations of sky -- the stuff that we can't see or are not aware of in the city, especially the foggy Bay Area.


This is my last Taos entry. Soon we head to California via Canyon de Chelly and Grand Canyon. And back to real life!

2 Comments:

Blogger Susan said...

Nancy: I so enjoyed this last entry, written and photographed with the head of an historian and the heart of a New Mexican. I have a friend who grew up in Albuquerque and then lived in Boulder for 18 years and Spokane for 5. She's now back in ABQ, so happy to be partaking once again of the miracle that is the New Mexican sky.
Happy travels and resettling,
Susan

1/13/2012 3:24 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

It appears that you had a memorable trip in Taos, NM. It's sad when a fun trip ends, but the wonderful thing about it is you can always return!:D

1/17/2012 2:09 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home