I am now living in a warmer climate so a winter escape is not necessary but a summer escape sure is. The temperatures were 107 during the day and settling at 80 at night, entirely toooo hot for me. So north I went.
My first stop was at Cochiti Lake to visit my friend Lynne. It is located just west of Santa Fe, NM in a little higher elevation so the temps were warm but cooled off at night. We explored some of the area and went to Valles Caldera National Preserve for a beautiful scenic ride to an extinct volcano. It exploded thousands of years ago and what is left is the outer ring, about 10 miles across, and a gorgeous green meadow, home to herds of elk, deer and lots of prairie dogs. Pictures
The next day I explored the lake area at Cochiti then in the afternoon we went to Santa Fe for a walk about and then dinner. We found a great store tucked away in an alley and proceeded to have a buying spree. I bought a shirt that was designed by the owner and
made in Italy. Cant describe it, Ill have to get a picture. At least I didnt buy the $1200.00 opal neckless...
It was June 19 and there was a concert in the square with hundreds of people enjoying the music. SOOO great to see people out and about enjoying each other. Dinner was a real challenge. The first restaurant had a 3 HOUR wait, the 2nd wasnt taking any more names so we headed out of town and found a delightful place with outside seating and only 1/2 hr wait. They had a live band in the courtyard that entertained all and dancing too. Delightful evening.
