Travel Tuesday: Bandalier National Monument

Our only day trip out of Santa Fe was a 2-hour roundtrip to Bandalier National Monument which is maintained by the U.S. National Park Service.

A description from their website:

Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres of rugged but beautiful canyon and mesa country as well as evidence of a human presence here going back over 11,000 years.  Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs, and standing masonry walls pay tribute to the early days of a culture that still survives in the surrounding communities.

 There are different trails you can take throughout the park, so with map in hand, we set out to explore.  

The Main Loop Trail is just outside the Visitor's Center and is a 1.2 mile loop.

 There are numbered markers along the way that explain what you are seeing.  Unfortunately, my boys were not at all interested in the history of the area.  They just wanted to walk.

 There were lots of stairs and ladders to climb along the way.

You can just barely make out some of the petroglyphs here.

And there is still evidence of the damage received by the worst flooding the park had ever seen, on September 13, 2013.

At the end of the second trail there were 4 sets of ladders that went straight up.

 And then teeny tiny stairways built into the rock.

My college boy and I made it up that first set but then turned back.

We had already walked a couple of miles on a very hot day so they were ready to go.

All in all I thought it was worth the trip.  We had to park in White Rock and shuttle in (a 20 minute ride) because of the flood damage and limited parking.  The fee was $12 per vehicle which I thought was reasonable.  If you are ever in the area, I would definitely recommend a visit.

Our next stop will be to the very small town of Las Vegas, NM.

Have a terrific Tuesday.

Mandala Monday

I'm always inspired by Dawn's Mandala Monday posts.

She makes the most beautiful mandalas with items from nature.

She also draws some lovely ones as you can see here.

Mandalas are used as a form of meditation to gain knowledge from within.

And drawing or coloring mandalas is a way of nurturing creativity.

If you google mandala images, you can find some amazingly detailed work.

It takes patience to draw symmetrical designs

that are pleasing to the eye.

Although the process was relaxing, I definitely need much more practice.

The project below is from the Nicki Trench Crochet Living book and is called a Dashing Doily.

 But for today I'm calling it a Marvelous Mandala.

Much easier than drawing.

Have a great new week!

Stashbusting Sunday: The End of Summer

Well, summer vacation has officially ended.

Today was my first day back at school.

Unfortunately, that means I won't have as much free time on my hands.

But in the past week, there has been a whole lot of crocheting going on.

Bowls and rock covers.

 

Dishcloths

Tiny grannies for #grannysquareday on Instagram

A new flower pattern that you can find here,

And bookmarks, too.

I plan to make more of the last two patterns in different colors and will hang them from their tails as window decorations.

I do like quick and easy projects.  Even moreso now that I'm back at work.

You can find all the summer stashbusting projects at Linda's Crafty Corner.

Have a super Sunday!

Sightseeing Saturday: Santa Fe

Santa Fe's full name when founded was La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asís (“The Royal Town of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi”).

What a mouthful.

 

It is the oldest capital city in the United States and the oldest city in New Mexico.

Santa Fe has been designated as a UNESCO Creative City which is evident by the numerous art galleries that can be found around the Plaza and along Canyon Road where you can find the highest concentration of galleries.

Art is everywhere.

And color. 

How I love color!

 

What I love about Santa Fe is that an ordinance was passed mandating that buildings, especially those in historic districts, must be designed in the Spanish Territorial or Pueblo style.  The architecture must stay true to its history. (We found this same design element when we were in Oman at the beginning of this year and it truly makes for a unique environment that respects its past.)

Upon recommendation by blog friend, Jan, we stayed at the Santa Fe Motel & Inn.  If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend it.  Perfect location within walking distance of the Plaza, the Railyard District, Canyon Road and all the shopping and dining available in the area.

The room was cozy, with tiny red peppers left everywhere as a sign of welcome, and there was even a rubber ducky in the bathroom.

Breakfast is served daily.  You can sit family style at the dining table or enjoy the outdoor area.

Although there was much to see in Santa Fe itself, we did venture out from there.  Our first day trip took us to Bandalier National Monument.  More to come in my Travel Tuesday post.

Have a super Saturday!

Thankful Thursday: Daily Affirmations

Below are Cheryl Richardson's Daily Affirmations, Published 10/12/2011 for Oprah's Lifeclass, along with pictures I've taken over the past several days.

Today is a really good day.

Only good lies before me.

Abundance flows into my life in surprising and miraculous ways every day.

Life loves me.

I love myself, and I forgive myself.

I am safe.

All is well.  I have time for everything I need to do today.

My life is so blessed.

We gather together with great joy and love.

I love this day.

I release all drama from my life and now get energy from peace.

Everything I do brings me joy.

Changing my thoughts is easy and comfortable.

I look with expectation to my next moment, which is fresh and new.

I am greeted with love wherever I go.

All is well, and so am I.

Blessings to all!

Walking and Water

Immediately upon returning home from the States, I started back with my walking routine. At least an hour a day, early in the morning before it gets way to hot to bear. Of course, it's still very hot out there ... so hot that the cold water I take with me in a reusable water bottle is practically boiling after 30 minutes.  At that point, I can no longer drink it, but use it to pour on my hands as I make my way home.  When the warm wind blows, it actually cools the water on my hands and in turn helps to cool me down.

 The walking path is filled with birds every morning who are enjoying the grass and the sprinklers.  I spied this fine looking pigeon having a grand time taking a shower and long drinks of water.

 

 

 

It was so funny to watch.  You could see that he thoroughly enjoyed the water blasting right on him over and over again.

Unique water fountains are located all around the country and are very important for those who have to work outdoors.

 

Water, thou hast no taste, no color, no odor; canst not be defined, art relished while ever mysterious. Not necessary to life, but rather life itself, thou fillest us with a gratification that exceeds the delight of the senses.
 (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Wind, Sand, and Stars, 1939)

Wishing you all a wonderful Wednesday.