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.