Wok N Roll with us...Bob and Teri Along with Atlas and Kalani: October 2014

Friday, October 24, 2014

Albuquerque NM, the rest, aka no balloons 9/29/14 - 10/13/14

We see so much on our travels, while retired, we sometimes feel like we are playing catch up on the blog. What that means is that we are seeing so much, in such little time, so bear with us if some things, really cool things, get short mentioned. While in Albuquerque we saw so much more than 'just' the balloon festival (which on its own was fantastic.)

We did a couple of hikes through the Petroglyphs National Monument. With an estimated 24,000 Images, this is one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. There are many petroglyphs done by Native Americans 400-700 years ago. Sadly, little is know of their meanings. Petroglyphs National Monment

Next we did a 9 mile kayak paddle with our RV Balloon Festival neighbors along the Rio Grande. It was wonderful and relaxing. Kayaks, are for sure in our future. We even got a few small rapids in which was fun.

Next was the Albuquerque Pueblo Indian Cultural Center. The Center represents 19 pueblos. The weekend we were there they had several Indian dancers. Our favorite was the hoop dancer. Pubelo Cultural Center We also shared lunch/dinner with Ellie and Mike of Native Indian affair. All quite tasty.

Next we took the train (for the day) to Santa Fe, with our RV neighbors Mike and Ellie once again.   In Santa Fe we toured the New Mexico state capitol, the San Miguel Mission, the Loretto Chapel and the Georgia O'Keeffe museum.

The NM State Capitol is one of the 'youngest' state capitols we have been to so far (the forth for this state, dedicated 12/8/66).   As a result, the art inside was much more modern than other capitols we have been to.   Look closely at the second picture of the buffalo, at the items that make up his composure. He was fun for sure.

Next up in Santa Fe was the San Miguel Chapel.    Built between 1610 and 1626, it is thought to be the oldest (continuous) church in the US. Beautiful and like wow, almost 500 years old!

Next up was the Loretto Chapel. Take a moment to read about its mysterious staircase. Interesting and the rest of the church was beautiful as well. Loretta Chapel Staircase

After a wonderful lunch (Green Chilies are so popular in this area, delicious, and in so many menu items), we were off to the Georgia O'Keeffe museum.

The Georgia O'Keeffe museum was wonderful. The museum gave a good representation of her journey into becoming a 'recognized' artist. We much enjoyed her vision and story.

Santa Fe was wonderful(and much too short of a visit). Loved the 'feel' of the city. Slow pace yet so much there. We expect that we will return there one day. Our short excursion was, well, short and it was a full packed day, walking quickly to make the train back to Albuquerque.

Our short ventures outside of Albuquerque were fun, but by no means did we see it all. New Mexico was a good experience for us. The Balloon Festival is fantastic! We realize, however, that we barely saw the surrounding areas. A repeat visit is in order for sure.

Petroglyphs National Monument

Rio Grande Kayak Tour (Bob in front Teri in Back)
Thanks to Ellie, for the picture.

Rio Grande Kayak Tour

NM Pueblo Cultural Center Hoop Dancer

Pueblo Cultural Center

New Mexico State Capitol

New Mexico State Capitol Art-
Buffalo, 1992, by Holly Hughes

John Nieto, 1993- State Capitol, NM

San Miguel Chapel

Loretto Chapel Mystery Staircase

Loretto Chapel

Georgia O'Keeffe museum

The trip back 'home'

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Albuquerque, NM 9/29/14 - 10/13/14 Post 6

Our great balloon adventure is winding down. It has been a whole lot of fun and for those thinking of coming, our advice is to plan and stay for the entire time. There were at least 3 sessions where the weather prevented balloons from flying and this morning, the balloons were even prevented from being inflated to view as the winds were too high. It would be a shame to plan and come and miss out on this (as some did). But for us, we had lots and lots of balloons that we got to see and lots of pilots and crew too that we talked with.

Saturday weather was perfect, however. And so glad it was as our neighbors (Ellie and Mike) did their first balloon ride and were up in the air for 1-1/2 hours! They said it was great.

We decided that on this post we needed to give some coverage to some of the 'normal' balloons too. They are just as fun to see and have some terrific colors and patterns too. Enjoy the picture as we head off to pack and prepare our trip to Show Lo, AZ in the morning. And, when looking at the pictures in this post be sure and look closely at Tree Top Flyer-Check out his basket replacement.