Travels with haRVy

We arrived in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the same time as a weather front that brought three days of cold temps plus sustained high winds with gusts up to 60 mph. Luckily, our gracious hosts, Chris, Cybele Will and Fisher, allowed us to snug haRVy up next to the leeward side of their house. While we still had to stay put for three days, at least we did so in comfort. Thanks guys, we really appreciate your generous hospitality.

Once the front passed, we gratefully ventured out to see what this town is all about. As most of you know, that would be ART. It is everywhere! I’ve never seen so much in one place. It’s almost overwhelming. There are three basic districts full of galleries and museums: The Railyard where contemporary art is prevalent, Downtown where you find several museums, jewelry stores, galleries and restaurants, plus Canyon Road where hundreds of huge bronze sculptures are on display outside galleries undoubtedly to help draw visitors attention.

 Al critiquing one of Christopher’s paintings at the Lew Allen Gallery in The Railyard.

 Santa Fe’s “Walk of Fame” features artists rather than movie stars.

 Historic Art Museum, originally built in 1917.

Local Native American Indians selling their wares in the Downtown Plaza.

The Museum of New Mexico History provides daily walking tours of the downtown . Our guide, Lee, was very knowledgeable and interesting.

A little street-side art.

Santa Fe River runs right through downtown. However, we were told that it is usually dry.

The oldest house in the United States.

The Georgia O’Keefe Museum featured a bookcase from her home at Ghost Ranch north of Santa Fe. Lots of art too, of course, but they frown on taking photographs of that.

Who do you think is more handsome?

After nearly a week in Santa Fe we drove a bit further north to partake in the pleasures of the hot mineral springs at the historic Ojo Caliente, one of the oldest natural health resorts in the U.S.

The face of contentment.

The mud bath area. Apply mud, bake in sun, soak, and shower.

Enjoying the mud.

 This resort and spa is definitely worth going a little out of the way, even if it is just to soak in their mineral hot spring pools for a few hours. They do offer much more however from spa treatments, to lodging and dining.