New Mexico Too!

Buffy

On Tuesday, August 3rd, we took the Rail Runner from Bernalillo to Santa Fe. It's a double decker commuter train that runs between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The ride was filled with great scenery and a look at the different Pueblos along the way. Loved the adobe homes and the horno (ovens) in the yard.

Picture of the Horno

Dave on the upper deck.

The Church of Guadalupe

"The Plaza": Native Americans sell their jewelry and pottery. There are so many styles and so many stones. I found a turquoise and sterling silver bracelet. It was really cool to meet the artist. Her name is Wenona and she is the lady

pictured in white. View of the plaza from balcony of The Ore House restaurant

I snapped a few pics from the car on the way back up Diane's lane.

You could get quite a light show from Diane's front patio. I couldn't believe I caught the lightening. Later that night, we saw so many shooting stars!

Rosie (12 years)

We really enjoyed our visit with Diane. Now I understand how she and Dick fell in love with the country there. Tomorrow: Taos!

New Mexico!!

Durango, Colorado to Placitas, New Mexico

We were on our way to Dave's sister Diane's house in Placitas, an historic village/pueblo. Although I was sad about leaving some mountains behind in Colorado, I had no idea the scenery, culture, and fascination I would develop in New Mexico. You could see the rain ahead of you over a mountain range...but had no idea if the road you were on was going to turn that way. Best to just suit up in the rain suits a few miles before.

This blog has not been cooperating with me. Please understand the first is the last, and the last is the first....

WILD HORSES: We woke up to a band of 4 wild horses that wander the mesa around Diane's home (We have been hearing of these horses for quite some time from Diane). She has a large water tank and salt lick in front of her front patio. The neighborhood looks after them and are fighting for the wild horses that live in the area.

Of course, he looked away with this picture and then the battery died....

Above photo: I'm guessing the white mare on the right is pregnant. Any horseperson confirm my suspicions?? She is also pictured below.

The Kitchen and Pantry

Diane & Dave walking Rosie and Buffy.

"Spanish Broom"

A painting by Rhonda Ransom (Dick's daughter). Rhonda recreated her style of this painting from a picture her dad sent her of a painting he loved. It is very striking in their home.

Beautiful fireplace, high ceilings, and beautiful woodwork.

Diane's front patio. One thing I didn't picture was the short wall surrounding each patio, making it very open to scenery but private from passers by. It's all done in adobe style. I'm diggin' it!

Sideyard and Neighbors places.
Lots of cactus and hummingbirds. Swallows too.

Directly behind Diane's back patio. The small bushy plants mean no mowing...or hiring someone to mow!! YeeHaw!

Sandia Mountain taken from Diane's back patio...unbelieveable!

View from gas station in Bernalillo, a few miles from Diane's house. This was where we peeled off our rainsuits before we got to her house! LOL (Sandia Mountain)

The Million Dollar Highway: Ouray to Durango

Above: Just about 3/4 mile above Ouray

Beyond Ouray:

Bear Creek Falls

Above: Part of the Red Mountain project

The Red Mountains
They discovered a huge column or "pipe" of silver ore. By 1883, 40 mines were sending silver ore to smelters.

"Yankee Girl" Silver Mine

One peak of the Red Mountains with cloud cover.

We saw a lot of mining buildings out of the sides of the mountains. My one question is: "How did they know where it (ore of any kind) was?"

Monday: We are heading south to New Mexico to see Dave's sister Diane in Placitas. We have heard so much about how beautiful New Mexico is from several sources and now, we will see for ourselves! I can't wait to eat the food!!