Santa Fe, New Mexico

The Mustang horses were brought to North America by the Spanish, and were descendants of Iberian horses. Some of these horses escaped or were captured by Native Americans.  This guy looks like he has been here awhile.

Santa Fe, New Mexico Photo by Nicki Hurd

We had good timing, there was an artisan festival in the main square.

Santa Fe, New Mexico Photo by Andrew Leggett

Santa Fe, literally means holy faith in Spanish

Santa Fe, New Mexico Photo by Andrew Leggett

We stopped here on our way to Colorado, had lunch and a look around.  Santa Fe is easy on the eyes, and I am hoping for a more lengthy return in the near future. Even the overpasses of the highway were colorful and attractive. The affluent neighborhood that we passed through first was full of beautiful homes of contemporary southwestern architecture, and natural landscaping well suited to this area.  The southwestern lunch was tasty, as we sat on a Territorial-style balcony overlooking Santa Fe Plaza and took in the mix of architectural styles including Adobe, Pueblo-style vigas, and the Romanesque architecture of Saint Francis Cathedral.  There is a deep beauty to witnessing the imprints  that all of the different cultures have left on this region.

As we traveled on to Colorado, it was tempting to stop and take pictures everywhere. It’s easy to see why Georgia O’Keeffe got inspiration from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.  The mountains were magnificent, and have a redder tone than in Colorado.  We were trying to make it to Pagosa Springs where we had reservations for the night, before sundown. August, 2009

 

Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell is home to the New Mexico Military Institute.

Roswell, New Mexico Photo by Nicki Hurd

It is known for the 1947 UFO incident.

Roswell, New Mexico

UFO Museum

Roswell, New Mexico Photo by Andrew Leggett

There was a crash, and conspiracy theorists claim it was an extraterrestrial spacecraft with alien occupants, and that its occupants were captured and held by the military. We were convinced. ;- )

It has made this small town a tourist attraction and a fun place to stop when traveling from Texas to Colorado. There did not appear to be many other options for interesting stops, until northern New Mexico so it was a lucky thing for us.  Along the highway it seemed baron and depressed.  It may be difficult to judge as highways tend to not be in the favored parts of towns. August, 2009

Box Canyon: Ouray, Colorado

Box Canyon by Nicki Hurd

A ravine with steep vertical walls.

Box Canyon Photo by Nicki Hurd

The Belly of the falls with rushing water falling eighty feet to the bottom.

Box Canyon Photo by Nicki Hurd

 

Groups of these adorable chipmunks gather around a feeder at the entrance.

Box Canyon Photo by Andrew Leggett

The walkway

Box Canyon by Andrew Leggett

The side view

Box Canyon Photo by Nicki Hurd

The tunnel

Box Canyon Photo by Nicki Hurd

Box Canyon is a must-see with many hiking opportunities with various adventures. There are bird feeders and furry little creatures all around the visiting center.   At the start we followed the walkway up the mountain trail to a suspension bridge, we made our way around and down the cliff-side pathway, with views of cabins and evergreens layered down the side of the mountain, through a tunnel, and ended outside in the surrounding forests.   August 26th 2009

 

Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tour: Ouray, Colorado

 

We ventured in on a mine cart…

Bachelor- Syracuse Mine Photo by Nicki Hurd

listened to mining lore…

Bachelor- Syracuse Mine Photo by Nicki Hurd

until the cart got stuck.

Gold Hill by Andrew Leggett

 

Ouray was founded around 1870 when gold and silver was discovered in the in the San Juan mountains, the gold rush lead to the many mining communities that are now small towns.

After having the  miner’s breakfast they offer, we traveled by rail into Gold Hill and got stuck in the pitch black darkness.  It added to the intrigue, although I felt bad for the guide who had to wade back out through the water covering the floor of the cave, and get something to lever us back onto the track.

According to the tales, the miners were immigrants from Ireland that worked very hard and did not have it easy.  Some things never change, like exploiting immigrants, but it lead to the establishment of the communities along the Skyway. August, 2009

 

 

Million Dollar Highway: Route 550 between Ouray and Silverton, Colorado

A narrow two lane highway through the San Juan Mountains

Million Dollar Highway by Nicki Hurd

It was a white knuckle drive in the rain as we ascended this narrow two lane part of the San Juan Mountain Skyway with steep cliffs, but well worth it.  Parts of this 12 mile stretch through the Uncompahgre Gorge from the Summit of Red Mountain Pass are chiseled into the mountain and a breathtaking visual. August, 2009

 

 

Lane’s Victorian House

Deer and stags were meandering around.

 

Lane’s Victorian Photo by Andrew Leggett

 

Lane’s Victorian  Photo by Andrew  Leggett

Lane’s Victorian Photo by Nicki Hurd

Lane’s Victorian Cottage is charming, a great place for two with amazing views. Located in a residential area with the high street only four blocks away.  The high street seemed pleasant to stay on, everything is nearby and it wasn’t boisterous anywhere.  There were some workmen clamoring  briefly during the day, and the neighbor next door started construction on his home the day we left, but for most of the stay it was a serene retreat.

August, 2009

Ouray, Colorado

An alpine village along the San Juan Mountain Skyway, and a favorite place of mine.

Ouray Colorado Photo by Nicki Hurd

Ouray is named after a Native American Chief of the Utes.   Ute means Land of the sun.

We gazed at it from above as we wound down the Million Dollar Highway. We arrived at the end of a rain storm as the sky cleared. The village has a timeless feel with turn of the century buildings among more recent additions.  A cozy place but with enough shops and restaurants to stroll and linger.

We stayed at Lane’s Victorian House with windows all around and a 360 view, making it clear  why Ouray is nicknamed the Switzerland of America. It was an easy walk to a Bistro for dinner, which was delicious, with potatoes whipped as soft as snow, and cocktails that had the special altitude boost.

I read stories in the local post of bears eating the rubbish outside of eateries in the wee hours of the mornings.  I could not convince Andrew to wake up early and walk down to take a peek.

Ouray was originally a miners town for those after gold and silver. We took the Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tour just north of Ouray.

Hiking anywhere was beautiful with gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains. We circled around the town, took a short jaunt out, and had a visit to Box Canyon.

We finished the day by looking up into the mountains while soaking and melting in the sulfer- free hot springs healing minerals, testing the many soaking sections at temperatures ranging from 88 to 106 degrees. August, 2009

 

Nic’s Road Totes

My totes are packed a week early, unless it is a last minute trip.

Nic’s Road Totes

We hit the road enough that I’ve discovered what groceries work well for us and are easy  to bring along.  Andrew requires gluten-free products and they are not always available so they make the trip with us. These bags tote our staples:

  • pasta / sauces
  • salsa
  •  tortillas
  • chips
  • cereal
  • popcorn
  • herbs / spices
  • oils / marinades
  •  mustard / ketchup / soy sauce packets
  • bread

Nic’s IT Kits (International Travel)

Instead of the 3 ounces of liquid, I collect trial size and individual packets of personal care items, and I do this well in advance of needing them, to avoid the stress of last minute shopping.

Nic’s International Kits

Nic’s International Kits

Nic’s International Kits carry – on

I won’t say we travel light, but we travel with a good balance and try to bring what we need, but limit the extras.  Most hotels have toiletries, and I have found them available within a short distance of anywhere I have stayed.  I purchase the travel size at my destination if I need to.

A large bottle of bath oil leaked in my luggage once.  Since that time I have not traveled with full size toiletry items, even if I am not at the top of the weight allowance for luggage.  I place a Ziploc bag around the items in my kit, another one around the outside of the kit,   then place the kit in the plastic compartment in my luggage, away from my clothes.  I have only had one minor leak since the disaster.  There were a few paper towels around the items that absorbed most of it.  The rest was contained and did not spread beyond the toiletry bag.

Being an organized shopper and picking these things up when I am already there, or nearby, is much more pleasurable to me. They are available in a variety of places; markets, department stores, salons, beauty supply shops, spas, and I have even scored some hair products (shampoo and conditioner) from my gym.   I am not too fussed about having my favorite products; although they are available in trial size.  I enjoying trying the new ones, but I will ask for a sample of my favorite perfume when I am at the department store.

My Travel Kits and their ingredients are all listed in other posts.  For international voyages I combine all of my kits into two, which include; Toiletries, First Aid, Pharmacy, and Vanity.   The smallest one fits easily in my handbag and the larger one will be stowed within the luggage I check below.  I inquire into current regulations to leave out anything that is not welcome by security from carry-on.

In the carry-on, I include the Vanity, a Dental Kit, and a few items from the First Aid and Pharmacy.  Before boarding a plane, I purchase a bottle of water or refill the one I have.  It’s helps to stay hydrated, and I use it to brush my teeth with after meals.  On the long flights, to refresh, I use the wet cleansing clothes with make- up remover and the lens wipes for my glasses.  I always stock tissues, and ibuprofen.

 

Nic’s FA Kit (First Aid)

Nic’s First Aid Kit

I always travel with some, if not all of the ingredients from this. While on a hike at Canyon of the Eagles at Lake Buchanan; one of the Highland Lakes, in the Texas Hill Country, Andrew grabbed a cactus to get a closer look at its pretty flowers. The tweezers were handy for getting the needles out of his hand. (@_@)

The main ingredients are listed here.

  • alcohol pads
  • lens wipes
  • antibacterial hand wipes (I use the biodegradable wipes that are also flushable)
  • clippers
  • tweezers
  • mini scissors
  • mini emery board / nail file
  • band-aids /adhesive bandages
  • cotton balls
  • Q-tips (4)
  • tissues (pocket size)
  • Benadryl itch relief stick
  • sunscreen