beyond cinderella

Yesterday we visited Echo Amphitheater. “a natural amphitheater located in Rio Arriba County in northern New Mexico, about 17 miles west of Abiquiu”.

The drive there was absolutely beautiful. We didn’t see any Big Horn Sheep, or Deer, no, this trip brought us up close with roadside COWS! There they were, just grazing along side of the highway. That’s when I knew we were in for an interesting, and fun-filled day.

I just love the variations of colors in the mountains in this part of New Mexico,

and the way the wind is ever-changing the rock formations.

When we finally reached the entrance to Echo Amphitheater, the colors in the stone walls were even more vivid and stunning.

As I stood there gazing at all the beautiful colors and wind-blown formations, I almost felt like the stone walls were gazing back at me, and the more I looked, the more I began to see faces in the stone walls. Eyes, noses,

and even an open mouth with just one tooth showing.

I continued to study the stone walls, and started seeing more subtle images, like this image towards the bottom of the stone wall, that to me, looks like two people standing side by side with head covers or hoods.

The most amazing image I saw was in the amphitheater itself. The reddish color that appears to be running down the stone wall, looks to me, like a veiled woman. You might see her too if you follow the deep line in the stone wall (to the left of the reddish color in the middle of the picture) up to where the line meets the reddish color, and perhaps you will see her shoulder, then her neck, then just above that, I see her chin, nose, and the top of her head all of which is covered in a veil, and she is looking to the left as well. Can you see her?

I could have stayed there for hours just studying the stone walls.

There is a sitting area just below the amphitheater where you can just pause, relax, and take it all in. And, if you shout at the stone amphitheater, it will send your echo back to you…

This place is magical, and just draws you in, and makes you want to never leave,

but leave we must, but not without tucking the memories of this special place into my heart to carry with me. Good-bye Echo Amphitheater. Thanks for letting me see your spirit within your stone walls.

Big thank-you to my frissy, Robin, for telling us about this magical place. We most likely would not have ever known about it if not for your suggestion that we go there. It really isn’t very well advertised.

Stay Tuned!

The RV Park we’re  staying in for the month of May, in Questa, New Mexico, is nestled between the Carson National Forest, and Rio Grande del National Monument. We love spending time in the great outdoors, and this is the perfect place to get your fill of forests, rivers, and lakes, that for me, fill my soul, and make my spirit soar to new heights.

Within five miles from where we’re staying, is Eagle Rock Lake. It is a small, day use area, that was designed to be a Fishing Lake. No overnight camping. No boating, swimming, wading or float-tubing. Just fishing, picnics, and/or walking or hiking around the area to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

But, WOW, look at the size of the fish they advertize you can catch in this little lake! That looks like “a whale of a tale” to me! 🙂

The water is a lovely green/blue, and there are lots of shade trees and benches, all around the lake.

The views as you make your way around the lake are spectacular.

Part of the Red River runs along side of the lake area. I so love to listen to the sound of water running over rocks. When we were first married, we lived in a small, one bedroom apartment, on the second floor. Right under our bedroom window, was a big water fountain that ran day and night. It was such a calm, and soothing sound, to listen to as we would fall asleep.

The lake takes on different colors, and shades, as you look at it from different angles.

Picnic tables are placed around the lake, and they just beckon you to come, sit, eat, and stay awhile.

You never know what you might see as you make your way around the lake, so be sure to look down, as well and up, and across…

Shantel, I just happened to notice small rock, painted yellow with red lettering, that read “New Mexico 2018”. It was laying on the ground among some bushes and a few wild flowers. I took a picture of it and left it where I found it.

After we left Eagle Rock Lake, we took a drive to check out Cabresto Lake, which is within ten miles of Eagle Rock Lake. It’s a lovely tree-lined drive,

with spectacular views of the Carson National Forest area. Unfortunately, we were not able to make it to Cabresto Lake, because the last two miles are very rough forest roads, and it was posted that the road is not suitable for passenger vehicles, and our KIA is not four-wheel drive.

But, it was well worth the attempt, because, once again, one never knows what one might find along the back roads… Check out this cool house.

Shantel, this house looks like two big metal balls, which are the living areas, connected together by a large tube, and both living areas have big round windows.The living areas are elevated above ground, so they have wooden steps to get into the living areas. The whole structure reminded me of a giant red ant. All it needed to complete the image was a pair of black antenna’s. But oh, how I would LOVE to look inside that gem.

And how cute is this?

Shantel, it’s a small house, that looks like a train caboose. It’s painted red with black trim, and at first glance, it really looks like part of a train sitting in the middle of the forest. I thought it was just adorable.

Speaking of trains, we booked our tickets for the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad train ride for when we get to Antonito, Colorado. And, SCORE, they are having a Father’s Day Special, where Papa/Bill gets to ride free with my full-price ticket. The train ride also includes lunch. So, YEAH, we will be taking that train ride on Father’s Day, and we can’t hardly wait!

Another great day, and another great way, to spend our time here.

Stay tuned.

Yesterday we visited the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Another beautiful, and interesting, area of New Mexico.

“Comprised of rugged, wide open plains at an average elevation of 7,000 feet, dotted by volcanic cones, and cut by steep canyons with rivers tucked away in their depths.

The Rio Grande carves an 800 foot deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash.

The monument is an important area for wintering animals, and provides a corridor by which wildlife move between the two mountain ranges.”

There are many areas during the drive where you can pull over, get out, and overlook large sections of the monument. At his particular spot you can see where the Rio Grande and the Red River connect. I was surprised to see how low the water level is due to low snow and rainfall.

The park offers lots of dry camping (no hook-ups) for $7.00 a night, and there are many hiking trails throughout the park. As much as we love hiking, I’m finding it difficult at the 7,000 feet, and above, altitudes. We have been here two weeks now, and I still haven’t adjusted to the altitudes. I haven’t gotten altitude sickness like being nauseated, but I just feel winded, and like I can’t get a deep breath. I’m drinking a lot more water, and trying to go a little slower with the activities. Hopefully, I will adjust soon.

It was a beautiful day, and a lovely drive, and yet another opportunity for us to get out, and explore this beautiful area of New Mexico.

Stay Tuned!

Bill/Papa and I recently visited Taos Pueblo. It is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. I was simply amazed by what all we learned as we walked around the grounds, and spoke with the people that live there. Such a fascinating and enriching experience.

As you enter the area you notice several of the buildings have “open” signs at the front door. The self guided information sheet we were given informed us that these buildings are studio’s and shops of the pueblo people. Any building without the “open” sign at the front door is an actual home, and was not to be entered

One of the shops we visited appeared to be both a shop and a home. The man who welcomed us in was working in the front part of the building, but the room adjacent to where he was working, was his showroom, and actually had family pictures on the walls. There were rooms above the work/showroom that I assumed serve as the family living area, but of course, that was off-limits.

I find it amazing that all the structures on the grounds are made of Adobe.  “Adobe is a brick made of an earth, straw, and water mixture formed and sundried. The coating is continuously maintained to sustain the impacts of weather and deterioration. Multi-storied adobe homes known as Hlaauma (north house) and Hlaukkwima (south house) are the most notable structures of Taos Pueblo. Apartment like, each home is owned by a family and passed from one generation to the next. Adobe architecture has allowed for these structures to maintain stability and longevity for over 1000 years.” I find all this amazing, and I was so impressed with how the Pueblo people we met, took such pride in sharing stories of their culture with us.

We also learned that ” Taos Pueblo people are a Sovereign Nation. The Governing body of the tribe consists of three parts: Governor, Warchief, and Tribal Council. Governor and Warchief Staff are appointed yearly to serve the community. Tribal Council consists of men who previously served on the Governor and Warchief Staff, serving for a lifetime.”

As we left the Taos Pueblo community, Bill/Papa had to stop at the restroom, where we saw this sign posted right in front of the restroom door. Shantel, it reads “Reserved parking for Governor and Warchief staff only.” 🙂 🙂

Bill/Papa and I are so happy we visited Taos Pueblo. We learned so much about the Pueblo Community living there, and their culture. And we came away with a real sense of the pride they take in their art, crafts (I purchased a pair of earrings that will always remind me of our visit), and the way they have lived for generations.

Stay tuned!