Hat tip to Evelyn and Donna, two of my in-person RVing pals who joined us for dinner at Cochiti Lake. Evelyn describes the dinner as "Yum yum!" which is all you need to read to know I wasn't cooking.
After four days of parking lot resorts in Bernalillo, my nerves were frayed. How a city can change so much from one exit to the next baffles me. When we finally set out for Tijeras, I created such traffic chaos I'm still looking over my shoulder for Albuquerque's Finest. Finally seeing my chance to get off I-40 ("Hell"), I took Exit 333 and accidentally experienced The Singing Road on Route 66.
In Tijeras ("scissors"), NM, I met up with Barb. She's an old friend from back when I was also gainfully employed. We had brunch at Roots Farm Cafe - loved it!
Next stop: Madrid, NM. They say "MAD rid."
Next stop: Madrid, NM. They say "MAD rid."
The main attraction is a tightly-clustered quarter-mile or so of brightly colored shops and interesting art on Route 14. Turquoise is a big draw on the Turquoise Trail, says Captain Obvious.
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| He has the right-of-way. |
Between Madrid and the state park is a summer Sufi retreat. I was intrigued.
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| Abo Ruins |
If you find yourself passing through on 60, Abo is the easiest and most convenient ruins to visit quickly. West of Mountainair, NM.
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| Kiva. The ventilation hole (left) is always on the east side. Don't say I never taught you anything. |
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| Abo Ruins |
We stayed at Manzano Mountains State Park, which is nicely located for seeing all three 17th century ruins. Also a very pleasant park, if you're looking for trees and a little elevation.
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| Gran Quivira. Ranger Pilgrim was a great host. |
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| Quarai Ruins. |
Quarai Ruins were my favorite, just because of the feel.
We wrapped up this phase of a relationship. If you believe relationships end, then that's what this one did. I think we all just disentangle and loosen the knot, and alter the nature of the thing. Interesting and fun five summers!
