New Mexico Again

I made the decision to start back to San Diego instead of pushing on toward New England with mixed feelings but weather reports made it look like I could run into some crazy weather like tornadoes and floods. But before I returned to dryer climate I was determined to stay a couple days in Taos. If you remember when I stayed in Santa Fe in December, every time I drove to Taos it was either freezing or they predicted a blizzard right after I arrived so after a big hot breakfast and a wonderful tour of the art museum  I had to outrun the blizzard and get back to Santa Fe. But I don't give up easily. I was going to Taos no matter what. I pulled into Santa Fe on a beautiful sunny springlike morning. Boy did it look different from Christmastime. The plaza trees barely had buds on them and there was no pretty white snow to cover the brown grass. After eating at the waffle shop and because I was on my return trip I bought a couple of small souvenirs. I stretched my legs with a good walk then drove to Taos. I had arranged an apartment through Airbnb. Maybe it was because it was off season but the room was inexpensive, sunny, clean, bright and a 5 minute walk to the Taos Plaza. After walking around for awhile I realized I was getting pretty chilly so I went back to retrieve my coat and scarf. Before I could return to town it started snowing! I couldn't believe it. It had been springlike an hour before. It started coming down heavier and by now it was very cold so I got into my car and returned to town but  by now it was 5, shops were closing. The town was deserted so there was nothing else to do but to go to happy hour. I picked a place that was upstairs with floor to ceiling windows so I could watch the snow. I laughed at myself and was advised by the locals that their springtime was in June. I stayed and ate and was told that the big guy at the end of the bar busy devouring a hamburger was allowed to bring  his large dog with him because he was an emotional therapy dog. First I had ever heard of that but whatever helps is okay with me. When I left it had stopped snowing and the sunset was beautiful. Next day was dreary and cold but no snow. Located only a short way from where I was staying was the Kit Carson house. In fact I had to pass it on my walk into town so I stopped and found out more about this interesting trapper, Indian agent and Army officer. There was a short film in which his great, great grandson played him and docents pointed out correctly that they looked very much alike. I toured the ancient Taos Pueblo. There is a pretty little church there all decorated in bright green and almost every dwelling has a round oven where they still bake outside. When questioned about the rocks and boards covering the oven openings the guide told us they were there so animals could not get in.  One very talented artist whose gallery was tiny and dark created beautiful sculptures in that modest place and several were in museums. Because I had paid an extra fee I stayed after the tour and took pictures.

Bright and early the next day I drove to La Hacienda de los Martinez. (Note the hanging bed in the kitchen) It had been a busy working hacienda and was still in good shape.  Later as it got warm and sunny I had the best time going to several art galleries that had been artists homes way back when Taos was home to many famous artists. I grudgingly left late that afternoon. I was so tempted to stay longer but  there was no guarantee that the next day would be as pleasant and I was on a mission to get home. But I will be going back to that mystical place. I love New Mexico!