Our visit of New Mexico started in Chama, where we were hoping to catch the arrival of the scenic train.
Our visit of New Mexico started in Chama, where we were hoping to catch
the arrival of the scenic train.
But when we got there, the train was already in,
and we only caught the locomotive engine pulling into the shop.
I tried to hijack another locomotive in the railyard, but could not hot-wire it.
The countryside south of Chama still looks more like Colorado...
...but as we headed south, we noticed the New Mexico hallmarks: the multicolored rocks...
...and the lone pillars.
The setting sun made for some vivid colors...
...especially from a close range.
The next day we reached mesas surrounding Los Alamos...
...a little town built around the Lab, where I spent two years of my life.
I have not been here since 1998.
This is the house on Capulin Road which I used to rent...
...and the golf course that I used to cross every day on my way to work.
We also drove to nearby White Rock, where we enjoyed the view of Rio Grande...
...and the cactuses growing wherever they could get hold of some soil.
This is one of the side canyons on the other side of the overlook.
From White Rock we proceeded to Santa Fe, passing this sacred mountain near Espanola.
Santa Fe is known for its adobe houses.
We parked near the central square and took a walk downtown.
This is the Santa Fe Art Museum...
...from where it was just a short walk...
...to the St Francis Cathedral Basilica.
The main square is the center of the artistic life...
...as well as a large market for all sorts of trinkets...
...that are sold in inside yards...
...and alongside its arcades.
Many local galleries are strewn across the town.
To celebrate its cultural heritage, the Last Supper of our trip was Mexican.