bailey6325

Hi Everyone!

I’ve been meaning to complete a trip report for our trip to New Mexico for quite some time now. Since I don’t think I’ll be able to fit in a detailed account of our trip, I’ve decided to go ahead and post an outline of our itinerary, accommodations, and activities along with a link to some of my photos that I have posted online at:

http://tinyurl.com/2eu65c

Outline:

Departed Thursday, September 27 and returned home on Monday, October 8
Southwest Direct Flight into Albuquerque

1 night: Grants
Motel 6 in Grants for about $45/night (prices include taxes):
http://tinyurl.com/2gfxme

Activities: El Malpais Sandstone Bluffs and La Ventura Natural Arch, El Morro

2 nights: Gallup
El Rancho Hotel for about $82/night (Katherine Hepburn’s room):
http://www.elranchohotel.com/

Activities: Shopping (mostly turquoise jewelry) at the flea market and pawn shops

1 night: Farmington
Casa Blanca B&B for about $140/night (Courtyard Room):
http://www.4cornersbandb.com/

Activities: Chaco Cultural Center and Bisti Badlands on the way to Farmington, Shiprock

2 nights: Taos
American Artists Gallery B&B for about $130/night (Gallery East):
http://www.americanartistsbandb.com/

Activities: Rio Grande Gorge, Taos Pueblo, San Francisco de Asis Church, Shopping in Town

2 nights: Santa Fe (Galisteo)
Galisteo Inn for $130/night (Young Guns Room):
http://www.galisteoinn.com/

Activities: High Road from Taos, Bandelier Monument, Las Trampas Church, Chimayo Sanctuary, Native American Market on Plaza

3 nights: Albuquerque
Hampton Inn Albuquerque North for $145/night:
http://tinyurl.com/2za3nd

Activities: Old Town, Sandia Peak, Corrales, Tent Rocks (sorry I don’t have photos of Tent Rocks uploaded to flickr), BALLOON FIESTA!!!!


I hope that this provides some help for those that are planning a trip to beautiful New Mexico. DH and I are very happy with our itinerary – it’s definitely fast-paced and active, but that’s how we like to travel. We had a fantastic time in New Mexico and plan to return someday. The scenery and weather (when we visited) are beautiful and we fell in love with the food! Please let me know if you have any questions.

beachbum

Love the photos, bailey, especially the one of the single balloon rising into the dark blue sky. New Mexico is a great place to visit, isn't it.....

FainaAgain

Bailey, thank you for sharing! I can't wait till my January visit.

Wow, Katharine Hepburn room!

Andrew

Great pics! I hope to make it to the Balloon Fiesta next fall!

BeachGirl247

Loved your pics! We were there at the same time. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. Hope you enjoyed Chaco Canyon. It's one of my favorite hikes -- especially after taking a couple of Southwest Indian history classes.

Gallup, Grants and Farmington are on my list this spring to hit for old Indian jewelry. Santa Fe is getting out-of-sight on prices.

Beautiful New Mexico. We leave again in 27 days!

Thanks for your report and pics!
BeachGirl

swisshiker

Beautiful photos, bailey6325

You have a good eye for things often overlooked, such as the old truck by the oak tree or the sunlight on the chair.

Very nice indeed

fdecarlo

http://tinyurl.com/3arawj

I love this shot. Great photo work!

ElendilPickle

Beautiful pictures! Thanks so much for posting a report.

Lee Ann

be_6489

Great pics bailey... New Mexico looks beautiful and is now high on my list of places to visit. Thanks for sharing.

DebitNM

Terrific pictures - you really captured the wonderful spirit of NM.

Deb

bailey6325

Thank you all for your kind words regarding my photos. I really enjoy photography as a hobby and I'm always trying to take better pictures.

For those of you that have upcoming trips to NM - I'm SO envious! Have a great time and I look forward to hearing about your trips.

Beachgirl - that area is definitely the place to get jewelry at better prices than Santa Fe, etc. I bought quite a few pieces at the Gallup flea market, Richardsons pawn, and another trading post right outside of the Navajo reservation near Shiprock - the name escapes me right now. Definitely be prepared to bargain because they all came down in price once I inquired.

kodi

Bailey, thank yo so much for posting your photos and report. The photos are beautiful.
I'll be there for Christmas and your photos have made me even more excited.
Thanks for providing all your activities.
Sounds like you had a great time.