It was a crisp and sunny morning leaving Galena Court in the Enterprise rental car. A 7:40 departure had me excited about the traditional Pueblo McDonald's (the only other time I indulge is at an airport - comfort food for this traveler) stop for the cheese and egg biscuit (what do you mean you don't want meat?), OJ and a coffee. Royce and I decided "the people of WalMart" photos could get a run for their money with the "indulgers of McDonalds." But that's another blog (blob?)
South again, across Raton pass and west on 64, the two-lane back road took us through Cimmaron, Angel Fire and into Taos. The leaves are changing higher up, and, with the exception of falling behind cars driven by people more geezerly than we are, it was about a 5 1/2 hour drive.
Royce's two bits: BSR has written the entire blog for our first three days (she's amazing -- in so many ways), so I'm reluctant to criticize. But she really didn't do justice to our Cimmaron excursion. Hwy 64 is a pleasant little road... a winding adventure through hills and trees, along and across picturesque water sites. It's a treat... but don't take it unless you're on a leisurely outing, as we were. Otherwise, it'll piss you off. Old coots really tie up traffic in no-passing zones that go on for miles... and miles. Aside from that, it's a little bit o' heaven.
Back to Barb...
After misdirection from me, we found our wonderful adobe townhouse on a street once proclaimed as one of the prettiest streets in Taos. Here's the link: http://www.vrbo.com/226451 The place has loads of wonderful artwork, concrete floors, a corner fireplace and beautiful tile in the kitchen, which I'm glad someone else has to re-grout. The owners own an art studio, Gaucho Blue, on the High Road - the slow, scenic route between Taos and Santa Fe.
We unpacked, went to Smith's for groceries and parked in a lot behind the Plaza.
Royce's two bits: Taos is beautiful. It has a population of only 6,500 or so, so when tourists pour into town, traffic can be a challenge -- made worse by drivers who doze off at the wheel while waiting for a light to change. When that happened in the car before us, Barb said, "(Expletive deleted)! Is there anyone in this town under 60!?" To which I replied: "Not in this car." I think it sent her into shock (followed by hilarity) because she's truly oblivious to her chronological age. It's one of the things I love most about her.
Back to Barb...
On the plaza, we were drawn into a small shop (10' x 8') to the haunting sounds of Indian flutes playing on a CD. I bought two - Royce is not as enamoured of the sounds as I - but, then, he wasn't an Indian warrior/healer in a former life. The Indian working there makes beautiful peace pipes - Julia Roberts has one, and so did Dean Stockwell.
Our intent was to have an early dinner at the Apple Shed, but, alas, it closed suddenly a couple years ago. The place had been around for a couple decades, but the locals say there was no explanation given - some speculate it might have been "inner fighting," whatever that means. The closing must have been right after our last trip with Kathy and Bill Squires in November 2008. Not to be derailed from our quest for a margarita and New Mexican food we, instead, meandered over to the Taos Inn and had their signature margaritas (expensive and not that much of a signature)and guacamole. This is THE place for the locals, artists, stars and tourists to congregate and hope that they're seeing other locals, artists or stars. I think it was just a bunch of us tourists looking at each other - although, now that I think about it, there were a couple interesting folks who could have been local artists.
Back "home" to swill a bit of wine and be silly.
So lucky to be able travel to a place like this. Taos, for me, is a magical and soothing spot to be in.
Royce's two bits: Amen!
Back to Barb...
I have to add this note: When I selected the background to the blog, I loved it - and still do - because of the colors. However, on closer inspection - and with the way my mind works - I keep seeing a malignant basal cell carcinoma in the background. Now that's off my chest, so to speak, enjoy the rest of the blog.
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