Days 4 and 5 – New Experiences in New Mexico

Pleasantly full from the Midpoint Café, we hopped in the car and headed into New Mexico. We had decided to take a detour north to Santa Fe. It was wonderful. We stayed at the quaint Santa Fe Motel and Inn. It would have been welcomed anyway, but after the Heartbreak, it was fantastic. The décor was authentic, breakfast delicious, and atmosphere great. John, however, was obviously taken aback by the architecture. When we walked into the walled adobe courtyard, he stated, “What is this? A jail or something?” Anyone who knows John will understand when I add that anything he says is usually very LOUD.

Monday, we explored the Plaza area. There was too much to see in too little time. The girls, myself included, particularly enjoyed perusing the crafts in the Native American market area. John, on the other hand, was content at the Santa Fe Five and Dime where he found his treasured gun, handcuffs, and bow and arrows. You will see that he even posed with his prized new possessions in one our pictures.

Madeline was particularly interested in the Mysterious Staircase at the Loretto Chapel. It is an incredible wooden spiral staircase built without nails and built by an unidentified carpenter.

From Santa Fe, we headed Southwest to Acoma Pueblo, or Sky City, a Native American settlement built on top of a mesa in or before the 12th century. There are still families living up there (still without electricity and running water). The tour was a very interesting and unique experience.

Before leaving New Mexico, we saw a beautiful sunset, then stopped in the El Rancho Hotel for dinner. Back in the car, it was onward to Arizona. Again, the kids would awake in a new state.