Travels with haRVy

We spent a couple of days in Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) taking advantage of city offerings such as Trader Joe’s and a laundromat. We also enjoyed a walk around historic Old Town and a peddle on the Paseo de Bosque Trail alongside the Rio Grande. Thanks to Boondockers Welcome hosts we camped for free in the nearby towns of Belen and Sandia Park. Thank you Rex & Patryka.

We took a scenic route from Belen to Sandia Park, which took us through the tiny town of Mountainaire. We had lunch in the dining room of the historic (1923) Shaffer Hotel, where much of the unusual “Pueblo Deco” styling has been preserved.

Did you know that the German swastika was copied from an American Indian design?

 Light fixtures, painted ceiling, and stained glass are all original from 1923.

We then headed north on the Turquoise Trail (Route 14), which is designated as a scenic and historic route. We were cruising along enjoying some nice views and a few very small villages when we suddenly came upon Madrid (pronounced Mad-rid). Once a historic coal mining town and ghost town, Madrid is now a creative community with over 40 shops and galleries, a few restaurants, and a historical museum. We had no prior knowledge of this town, so it was quite a pleasant surprise to find. We spent more than 4 hours perusing the galleries where we were astonished at the depth of creativity on display. Turns out that a bunch of hippies took over the town in the 70’s and never left. 

Just a few of the 40+ shops and galleries full of creative work.

 My favorite stop – the chocolatier.

 The original soda fountain.

 An opportunity just waiting for your investment – right on Main Street!

Former miner’s shacks now inhabited by artisans.

The same miner’s shacks in 1968 when my sister visited the then abandoned town.

 Entrance to Mine Shaft Tavern.

Home Sweet Home

Visiting the Acoma Pueblo, located approximately sixty miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico was highly recommended by fellow travelers. Since we found ourselves in the neighborhood, I decided to do so. Even though it’s not entirely our type of attraction, I found it quite interesting.

The Pueblo is built atop a sheer-walled, 367-foot sandstone mesa in a valley studded with sacred, towering monoliths. Occupied since 1150 A.D., Acoma Pueblo has earned the reputation as the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America. Today it consists of more than 250 dwellings, none of which have electricity, sewer, or water. Few are occupied full-time, but most all are used on occasion, especially during traditional ceremonies and celebrations. The mesa-top settlement is known worldwide for its unique art and rich culture. 

According to Wikipedia, the word “Acoma” is from the Acoma and Spanish word Acoma, or Acú, which means “the place that always was.” “Pueblo” is Spanish for “village” or “town.” Pueblo refers to both the people and the unique architecture of the Southwest.

 The mesa in the distance was the original place of settlement over a thousands years ago, but according to legend a lightning storm destroyed the only path to the top, so they were forced to move.

Our Acoma tour guide who was raised in the community

Sanitation facilities with a view

Some of the residents offer their handmade jewelry, pottery, and other art for sale to tourists

The large crossbar towards the top represents clouds

Crosses atop the mission built for Spaniards with forced Indian labor

When I learned that Ansel Adams had photographed the Pueblo in 1941, I had to see how some of my shots would look in black and white. What do you think?

A neighborhood community bread oven

Next up, Albuquerque and environs.