Jemez, New Mexico
March 13, 2020
“Omaha!” Remember when Peyton Manning would call that out at a snap to make us think he was calling an audible? Maybe he was.
Yesterday, I did. I had planned to head south and go to the Very Large Array but instead decided to make a round trip to Taos. I am glad I did. The scenery was amazing.
As you may have noticed, I have this thing with highway signs interesting that the default speed limit in the entire county is 25 mph I guess you could say it is a slow pace.
Google Maps took me on State Route 4. I can’t get over how far you can see. There are a number of Indian Reservations in New Mexico and I went through one of them. Correspondingly, there are a number of casinos - I find that sad. I haven’t taken many photos of them.
Interestingly, I am listening an audio book, These Truths by Jill Lepore Last night I was listening to a chapter about how the Spanish justified the taking of Indian land (and killing Indians) because they were not Christians and therefore were not entitled to the land. Oh, how religion has been abused.
In Espanola, I got onto State Route 68 and followed the Rio Grande for a bit and went through the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. This would be a great place to camp next time. The volunteer in the visitor center has been a full-time RVer for 12 years. Left Charlotte because it had grown too big.
I got some fun shots of the Rio Grande.
I was very proud of myself for scampering down the rock bank to get close to the end of the rivah. 🤪
Texans continue to invade New Mexico:
Apparently there was some thought that an historic event had taken place here but then they changed their mind?
My next stop was Taos and then the Taos Valley ski area which is 20-30 minutes from Taos. The town itself was not as charming as I thought it would be (not like Mammoth or Aspen). The base of the ski resort is at 9300 feet which was breath taking. Lots of skiers from all over the country - including someone from Houston.
The trip back to Bandelier was along US 64 to US 285 and then State Route 4. the sun was low in the sky and the scenery was amazing. It included seeing a housing development outside of Taos built by Earthship Biotecture (not kidding - it was surreal. I couldn’t get close enough to get a photo of the houses but they looked like Dr. Seuss had designed them) and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. The bridge is 1,000 feet above the rivah - I ventured out to the middle of the bridge to get some of the following photos.
Oops. The following photos are in reverse chronological order.
I assume this is a depiction of an elk? First sign like this I have seen.
The gate plays a key role in keeping what is out there from getting out, apparently.
If you ever in this area, I’d highly recommend this drive. One of the prettiest I have experienced.