While the Albuquerque snowstorm kept us campground bound for a day, we woke up the next day to almost clear ground and warming temperatures. Time to get going on a day-trip to Santa Fe! The trip to Santa Fe is only an hour from Albuquerque, so we were able to spend a day in the adobe city, exploring shops, eating at the famous La Fonda hotel, and memorably, visiting the Georgia O’Keefe museum. I hadn’t visited since graduating from New Mexico State University, and would sure be there again. As a friend of mine said, “take your credit card!”
Santa Fe Iglesia
New Mexico Museum of Arts
Kateri Tekawitha: First Native American saint
The iglesia in the center of town hosts a couple of impressive bronzes, one of which is the first Native American named as a saint, Kateri Tekakwitha. And that didn’t happen until 1992. I’m also including a photo of the New Mexico Museum of Art, so indicative of the architecture of the downtown area.
The following day, we high-tailed it to Moab, Utah, while the weather gods were smiling on us. We stayed at the same RV park that we stayed in last year (they are all virtually empty right now). The park overlooks the mountains to the north.
LaSal Mountains
Probably we’ll seek out another venue next year, especially given the unhospitable reception we recieved when our exuberant puppy escaped his leash for a short time (not due to owner negligence).
However, we picked up the pieces and tripped into a hike we’d wanted to explore last time we were here–Negro Bill Canyon.
T & C in Negro Bill Canyon
A mere 3 miles out of Moab, the 5 mile hike was along a river canyon, and just absolutely gorgeous.
John on the NB Canyon
Morning Glory Bridge wall
The canyon appears as though an artist had spilled paint cans of copper, beige, and brown stains down the sides of the walls. Our goal was the Morning Glory Bridge, the 3rd largest natural bridge in the US. Once one arrives there, the natural structure is so huge, there is no way to get a photo of the entirety of it.
OK friends, let’s get together somehow in Moab next late winter and do some hiking!!
Teresa Van Haalen Ventures 