Day 39 - Taos, NM (Day 2)

We ran out of gas last night ... propane that is.  It's kind of interesting, but not a big deal.  We have two tanks.  The first tank lasted 38 days, which isn't bad when we consider it provided fuel for the refrigerator (when we weren't connected to shore power), the stove, the hot water heater and for the furnace.  This occurrence is memorable because the temperature got down into the 40s last night.

Today was beautiful.  It was a perfect day for touring ...  we drove the National Geographic Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway (Page 296).  The route took us on an 85 mile loop around Wheeler Peak from Taos to Angel Fire to Red River to Questa and ended in Taos where we visited Taos Pueblo.

Leaving Taos on US-64 ...

Along US-24 toward Angel Fire ...

Shady Brook Inn

Climbing through Taos Canyon

Sometimes we stop to do silly things like ...
clean the window so Carol can take pictures

This huge Conestoga wagon
decorated an RV park along the way

Approaching the Angel Fire ski area

Vietnam Veterans National Memorial ...
This memorial stands on a windy hill about a mile beyond Angel Fire.  It was started by and primarily paid for by Victor and Jeanne Westphall to honor the memory of their son and the fifteen men that died with him near Con Thien, South Vietnam.  

This is the first major Vietnam memorial in the United States.  The location, design and presentation was heart-wrenching and totally unexpected by us.

The garden

The chapel (in the background)

The Huey in the garden

Doc Westphall's blessing

Inside the chapel

Amphitheater stage behind the chapel 

Along US-64 toward Eagle Nest ...

We're travelling through Moreno Valley

Along NM-38 ...
We pick up NM-38 at Eagle Nest, climb Bobcat Pass (9,820 ft) and descend into Red River.

Descending Bobcat Pass

Approaching Red River

Red River is a prosperous-looking resort town.  Skiing and camping is big here.  It was pretty sleepy when we passed through.  A few details:

• Altitude - 8,750 to 8,900 feet
• Humidity is low - it's been as low as 0%
• Average annual temperature - 39°

We stopped at Texas Red's Steakhouse
for a steak-burger lunch

After Red River, NM-38 passes a molybdenite ("molly") mine and steep cliffs.

We turn onto NM-522 at Questa and head south toward Taos.

NM-522 takes us back to Taos

Taos Pueblo ...
The pueblo is located on the outskirts of the Taos.  It's considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the U.S.  The Taos community is known for being one of the most private, secretive and conservative pueblos.

We took a brief guided tour when we first entered the pueblo.  It was very helpful.

These little girls asked us
to take their picture, then
asked to be paid.

The San Geronimo Church was built in 1850

The cemetery is where the original
San Geronimo Church once stood

These are Horno ...
outdoor adobe ovens used mostly to bake
bread and pastries

The North House and South House are the main structures of the Pueblo.  They are believed to be well over 1000 years old.  Red Willow Creek divides the Pueblo into a North Side and South Side.

Hlaauma (North House)

Red Willow Creek 

Hlaukkwima (South House)

The buildings are made entirely of adobe.
They have no electricity and no running water.

The exteriors are plastered annually with adobe

We've now visited the Pueblo twice.  It's interesting and occupied by talented artisans who work very hard to scrape together a living.  Even the little girls who greeted us are learning to "sell something".

Tomorrow:
We plan to travel to the Taos ski area then take a look around the downtown Plaza.