The road from Alamogordo to Albuquerque was smooth, the mountain had no more than a 6% grade which the Winnie easily handled. The picture to the left shows the highway west of the mountains (and downhill)
The road took us through the Valley of Fires, a large area of lava fields. While we didn’t stop, Vicki took some great pictures from the RV while we traveled through the valley.
Kathi, Barb and Oliver were wonderful hosts, and their house was relaxing and charmingly decorated.
We parked Winnie in front of their house on the street.
And Lexie really relaxed in their yard.
Steve joined Kathi and Barb at a local park for their morning workout. The one hour workout was well rounded: loosening the joints, stretching muscles, working on balance and core muscles.
All six of us visited Petroglyphs National Monument.
We had to drive from the visitor center to the Piedras Marcadas Canyon six miles away to actually see some of the petroglyphs. While there were six of us starting at the visitor center, Kathi, Barb, Lexie and Oliver stayed in the air-conditioned car while Steve and Vicki hiked about a mile around the canyon. We got some great pictures of petroglyphs (etched into the basalt by the Pueblo Indians centuries ago) as well as some pictures of the lava from the West Mesa.
After the trek around Piedras Marcadas Canyon, we were all ready for some cool refreshment. The ice cream shop, Burque Licks, had unique home made flavors. Steve had Lemon-Blueberry Lemon Cake while Vicki had Butterfinger.
Thursday the four of us took the train (RailRunner) from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. We left the dogs at home with complete access to the house. And yes, there were still two whole dogs there when we got back. (stock picture on the left)
We boarded the train and headed to the second deck to get a better view. The landscapes were fantastic, and pictures do not do them justice. We saw mountains and mesas and rolling hills. We passed Indian Pueblos (towns) and ranches (how do the cattle find enough food?). The Rail Runner was passed by traffic on the nearby freeway: it was a leisurely, inexpensive trip and we enjoyed not having to drive.
We walked around Sante Fe, stopping for lunch at Cafe Pasqual. The highlight of the lunch was eating at the community table with seven other people. We met Gary, a retired software engineer who has lived in Albuquerque for thirty years but may head back east in a few years due to family and friends. The food was foodie style (different combinations of spices and food.) Vicki’s omelette was very tasty while Steve’s Carne Asada was middle of the road. But definitely a worthwhile experience.
After lunch we meandered over to the Georgia O’Keefe museum. Vicki and Steve toured the museum, we got in free because of our Rock Hall/NARMS (North American Reciprocal Museums) membership. The film about Georgia O’Keefe’s life was the best part of the museum, but we did enjoy looking at her different paintings.
After returning to Albuquerque, Kathi, Steve and Vicki visited Lee. This evening consisted of conversation with Lee’s sister Jean, playing some Azul, and sitting in the hot tub for 20 minutes.
Kathi arranged for a Friday afternoon ‘tea dance’ at AbraCadabra studios, where she and Barb take weekly dance lessons. Rosa, the dance instructor/studio manager, played songs appropriate for the dance styles we requested. Vicki and I danced some rhumba, cha-cha, salsa, west coast swing, east coast swing, bachata and waltz. And Kathi put up with me leading her in a cha-cha. V: Kathi did great following. Steve did get to rest while the others danced some country, foxtrot and jitterbug.
The first few days in Albuquerque were great and full of adventures. But there is more….