New Mexico with Kids
Aug 30th, 2017, 04:21 AM
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New Mexico with Kids
We traveled to New Mexico this summer with three children ( 6, 9, 11); two grandparents (73 & 75); the childrens' mother fir just the first week and a great aunt (79) who lives in Santa Fe. I had posted several itineraries on Fodors and as usual, I got great advice which contributed to making the trip a wonderful experience for all. So here is how it finally turned out! Thank you Fodors
Santa Fe Trip
July 23 to August 9
E III drove us to the Pittsburgh airport. Ten stars to Southwest for allowing 2 checked bags each. We checked 10 items since we had sleeping bags, mats, towels etc for camping in Chaco. E III let us off at the curbside check in. It was so easy- no weighing or measuring which I was worried about. Sara knew an alternative check in - no line everyone except Sara preapproved so she was the only one who had to take her shoes off. First time GPA made it through with no problems.
Flights were on time and great. Sara got to board after A because Nico is 6. She went in with the kids and saved seats for us.
Budget had our car ready. It was a big Ford Expedition. Even with that size we were packed when we went camping with tent, stove , sleeping bags, food etc.
From the airport, we drove to Alamogordo where White Sands is located. On the way, we ate at a local place called Four Winds. This was our first taste of Southwest cuisine. I loved it. The kids were not thrilled with the beans and spices.
Our motel in Alamogordo (Magnuson)was so kid friendly. The pool was great. They let the kids go in before 9 so they got a swim in before leaving for White Sands. They gave the kids floats and noodles. Breakfast was in a nice big room. They had a waffle maker, eggs, sausage, hash browns, cereal, yogurt etc. Even though we were checking out, they loaned us sleds to use at White Sands.
White Sands was better than expected. The kids had so much fun sliding down the sands. The introductory movie was so informative and at the visit's end the kids were sworn in as Junior Rangers. They added White Sands to Denali and Kenai Fijords.
We decided to have our big meal before heading off. We chose Chilies as the safe path. The kids were very satisfied. It was good that we ate because we didn't see many places along the way to Whites City to visit Carlsbad Caverns.
We stopped at a grocery store in Carlsbad because I had read the there was only one restaurant in Whites City and we wanted to go straight to the bat flight so we had sandwiches later in the motel. We made it to the Caverns in perfect time to see the bats fly off. Ranger Rick ( yes, his real name) gave us a lesson on bats. We could not take pictures because cameras and cell phones are not allowed.
We chose to stay right in Whites City instead of traveling thirty minutes each way each time we visited the Caverns. Your pass is good for three days. We got into all Federal Parks and Monuments free with Julia's fourth grade pass. We also had our senior passes but did not need them. Hope you have one already if you are a senior- prices going up!
The only lodging in Whites City is the Rodeway Inn. It is literally at the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns Road. The motel had a pool with a mini water park consisting of a water slide, a mushroom water fall and a younger play slide. It was free to motel patrons. The kids loved it! It is VERY hot in Carlsbad so it was great being able to take a break and return to the Caverns.
At the Caverns, we took Ranger Justin's tour of the King's Room. It was 1 1/2 hours. He had a sculpture background which added to his presentation. At one point he put all the lights out so we could experience how dark the Caverns are with no lighting. The kids still talk about that a lot especially during the eclipse when everyone was talking about Totality.
We ate lunch at the cafeteria at the Caverns. The food was actually good and the kids meals were very good.
We explored on our own and then had another swearing in of our three junior rangers. The ranger noted the detail in J's book as opposed to her two male siblings not that I am sexist- just saying!
After swimming, we ate dinner in the only restaurant in town. At the entrance there were stools that were like the bottoms of women with big butts in bikinis. The kids had a ball posing so did GPA. We had lots of food. This time it was just a little spicy.
Next we did a typical Best experience. We decided to get up at 4:30 AM to ride back up to Carlsbad to see the bats return. GPA was in charge of waking us up . He turned all the lights on in both rooms at 1:40 because he was on New York time. We wanted to kill him but we all went back to sleep. At 4:30 AM , we arrived at the Caverns parking lot. On the way, we saw an animal with a huge rack. We think it was an elk. No one else was in the parking lot. We started to walk toward the amphitheater but we were a little spooked because the ground lights were not on yet. We went back and waited in the car till another family arrived and the ground lights went on. It was still dark. Birds were exiting the cave. Seems like they were on an alternating schedule with the bats. Before we saw the bats, we could hear them. It was like a swishing chirping sound. Finally, they started arriving home. We left before they all got there.
We had our second breakfast at the Rodeway Inn. It was adequate- great waffle maker, cereal and apples. There is really no breakfast room but outside there is a picnic table where we sat each morning. It was fine.
After a swim, we were off to Santa Fe. On the way, we stopped in Roswell and took pictures with Aliens, went to a gift shop and did a little Alien walk and had ice cream at a MacDonalds shaped like a flying saucer.
In Santa Fe , we checked the Monacoes in to Days Inn on Cerrillos Road ( very kid friendly, helpful friendly staff and great pool) and they went for a swim. Then it was off to dinner. We went to the Ranch House. Food was great. After dinner,we left the Monacoes off and Peter and I went to Alma's. We talked a little but we were ready for sleep.
The next morning the Monacoes had breakfast and a swim and then we were off to Meow Wolf. It is a museum with an interactive house exhibit. They also had a room where the kids could build and do their own art. Outside we had shaved ices.
We went back to Alma's and then went to Cowgirls Restaurant to celebrate my birthday. We had made reservations to sit outside but it was raining so we were seated at a table inside. It was great. We had a little stage area where Nico and company could perform magic tricks. It was happy hour so we had $4 margaritas. Dinner ended with a strawberry shortcake birthday celebration. As we were leaving , we went through another room that had kid's slides and hackey sac toss. The kids had a ball! They say this was their favorite meal on this vacation. If you have kids, this is the place to go!
The next day, we picked the Monacoes up at 8am and set off to Bandelier National Park. We just missed the 9 o'clock cut off. After 9 am , you cannot drive to the entrance. You have to take a shuttle from the parking lot to the entrance. We watched a short film and then joined a ranger tour of the main loop. We got to climb ladders to peak into the dwellings. At the end of the ranger's tour the group walked 1/2 mile farther but Nico and I went back to the visitors' center and worked on his ranger booklet. The group who went on had to climb four ladders up 140 feet.
At the end of the day, our junior rangers were sworn in and we went for ice cream before boarding the shuttle to leave.
From there, we went to Valley Calderas. We got there just in time for the 3:30 van tour. We saw a magnificent tree that had been struck by lightning the night before.
We had our first dinner all together at Aunt Alma's. While we were cooking, Sara, GPA and the kids went to the park just in back of Aunt Alma's .
Saturday, we went white water rafting. We packed lunch and set out to close to Taos to meet the New Wave Rafting Company. We lucked out and got a great guide named Orlando. There were seven of us so we filled one raft with just us. Nico was up in front as our captain. Sara and GPA were supposed to be in sync but you know how that worked out! Orlando gave us a beautiful appreciation of the area. He helped GPA take pictures even though everyone else was yelling at him not to take the camera. There were clam sections and not so calm sections where you could get out and swim. A company takes pictures and they turned out great. Orlando is a gem.
After the rafting , we went to the Rio Grande Norte . We got there just as they closed so E could not get his passport book stamped.
That night we had stir fry at Aunt Alma's house. The kids loved it.
The next day, the kids swam for awhile in the Days Inn Pool ( great outdoor pool with other kids too.)Peter and I went shopping for food for our two nights camping experience. At noon, we dropped Sara off at the airport to go back home.
On our way to Chaco, we stopped for lunch and took pictures on Route 66. The kids kept thinking they saw where Radiator Springs was and Lightning McQueen.
We went on to Chaco where we would be camping for two nights. The road in was all slippery mud. We came about 2 inches from another car- thank you God! We arrived around 4 and went right to setting up our tents. We got dinner in just as it started to rain. That night Aunt Alma's tent leaked so she wound up sleeping in the car. Peter, me and the three kids were in the other tent. It was crowded but we kept pretty dry.
We could not do a fire because of the rain. When we got up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, the stars were phenomenal!
The next day we went to the 10 am ranger tour. Denise was rather strict but is was a good tour. This junior ranger badge was a little more difficult because of Denise's high standards. With a few corrections, all three passed.
As we drove out of Chaco, bars started to appear on my phone. We were on our way to Galina Ranch for a glamping experience. We had done so much planning with Elizabeth (the owner). On my phone were two messages from her and one from the Rangers saying the the road to the ranch had been washed out and we could not go there. Elizabeth felt so bad and so did we. We were so excited to go there and she had arranged so many things for the kids to do. We felt really sorry for her.
We pulled into a MacDonalds for wifi and I went on Airbnb. We found a great substitute in Abiquiu but had so many problems with Wifi and Airbnb. The owners approved us but Airbnb takes 24 hours to confirm. During that time they block the person's email and phone number so although we were confirmed by the owner, we could not get directions to the property. I called Airbnb about four times, listened to music, tried to understand the person I was speaking to and got cut off before the issue was resolved. Finally, around 4 pm we arrived at Bodies grocery store. We got food, had ice cream and was able to actually speak to the owner who gave us great directions to the property. What a house! A tree house was the first thing the kids saw which let us know that this place was for us. We were surrounded by an orchard and beautiful grounds. The house was magnificent and Bill was very welcoming. It had my kind of kitchen- big, everything you need and a big table right there in the kitchen. The next day after we returned from our excursion, the kids told Aunt Alma ( She did not come with us because she had fallen at Chaco and wanted to rest.)every detail. Usually, you cannot keep them at the table.
The huge family room delighted the kids who had not had any screen time in days. After a movie and iPad time, GPA introduced them to Patsy Cline CDS.
Everyone had a big comfortable bed. The only negative side was we could only stay for two nights because someone else was coming.
Our second day there, we went to Ghost Ranch. The kids enjoyed the little dinosaur museum and the we set out to hike. The kids were really hot so we cut that short, ate lunch and they spent time in the pool.
After that, it was off to the chapel of Christ in the Desert for vespers. On the way we saw a sign for an Eddy so we followed it. There was a German family there covered in mud. Nico skipped Rocks as Julia and Eddie joined their new found friend and played in the mud. They were covered from head to foot and loved it. After they swam it all off we were on our way to Vespers. On the way , we passed the road going to Galina Ranch which was still closed. The location of Christ Church was beautiful but it was way up the mountain. The chanting was not the best I ever experienced but the kids were very good.
The next day we returned to Santa Fe. We stayed two nights is a Comfort Inn. It had an indoor pool and it was not as homey as our days in so the third night, we went back to the Days Inn.
We discovered that GPA lost his backpack containing clothes and his cell phone. Eventually, someone at Chaco Canyon found it and called the place in Taos where we would be staying in a few days. There was a copy of our itinerary in his backpack. He had an outdated flip phone and old camping clothes so we told them just to dispose of the backpack and GPA went to Walmart to get a bathing suit and some things for the end of the trip.
That night we let Aunt Alma rest and we swam and went to Buffalo Wild Wings ( Kids' choice.)
The next day we went to the Santo Domingo Pueblo just outside Santa Fe. It was the feast of St. Dominic. There was so much happening. Native Americans were dressed to dance the Corn Festival Dance. It was a real happening. Vendors lined the roads leading to the center where the dances were taking place. There were carnival rides and food. People were very reverent during the dances and it was a real celebration.
On the way home, we tried to go to Tent Rocks but the rangers would not let anyone in because the weather was threatening and the road was dangerous.
We returned to Santa Fe and had dinner at Aunt Alma's. She was still feeling the effects of her fall.
The next day, Aunt Alma decided to get checked out at the hospital. We all accompanied her. The hospital staff were all so friendly. Nothing was broken but she had strained a muscle which was causing the pain. Iuprobin and rest was the prescription. On the way home we stopped at CVS and a car wash. GPA let Nico (6) be in command of the spray. It was hilarious. Besides the car, everyone got wet!
We left Aunt Alma early so that she could rest. The next day, we picked her up to go to the Farmers' Market which was fun. After we dropped her off at home, we went back to Tent Rocks. At first the kids complained about another hike but once they got into it, we couldn't get them to leave. We did not have time to finish our Ranger booklets but we can send them in from home.
That night we visited friends of Aunt Alma's in Santa Fe. They raise chickens so we brought watermelon ( which they love) and organic kale from the Farmers Market. There was so much on the property besides the chickens- vegetable gardens, a fairy garden and good friends.
At our hotel there were several families from Texas attending a championship little league tournament. We got to know them so the next morning we went to Wylie's last game and they won!
After that we found a place to play foot golf which we had promised the kids we would do. The best part, according to them , was taking turns driving the golf cart. We did nine holes but could not do nine more because we lost time waiting in the car for another rain storm to end. There were tears because their grandparents were being so mean.
We left Days Inn for a night for a trip to Taos. We had planned to take the High Road to Taos and the low road home but the man at Days Inn told us to do the opposite. He said if you go on the low road everything is ahead of you as opposed to having to turn your head to see everything. Our first stop was the church of St. Francis and then to reward the kids for being good , we stopped at Cafe Valez for lunch. The kids love fajitas and these were excellent. We then visited the Taos Pueblo. A tour was just beginning. The kids were really interested and it only took one half an hour. Then we visited shops, played by the stream and ate some baked bread.
Off then, to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Standing on the bridge, you are 575 feet above the river. The kids loved that!
We checked into the Blue Sky Retreat. Another great place to be with kids. The pool was beautiful and the surrounding garden has several things for kids to do. Our room was so big with two large beds and a sofa bed. It was so late, the only place we found open was brewery which turned out great. We ordered fondue which the kids loved, a great salad and an excellent pizza. It was a success.
On our way home the next day we stopped at Maple Dodds which Orlando, our rafting guide, had told us to visit. That was a disaster. A group of doctors were on a retreat and our kids were not in quiet mode so we made a quick exit.
As we were traveling back to Santa Fe, we got a flat tire. We had a rental Ford Expedition. There were no bars on my phone so we could not call AAA. Besides, how long would it take for them to respond to a call way up in the mountains. Luckily, GPA can fix anything and the Expedition had a full size tire. We emptied the car of all our luggage which was a lot because we had the sleeping bags, tent etc. The kids especially the 11 year old got a flat tire repair lesson. It turned out ok in the end.
When we got down the mountain, we put air in the tire and had a great lunch at a barbecue place. Nearby, we visited a memorial to fallen soldiers.
We went to Aunt Alma's to say goodbye and then back for our last swim in Days Inn. The next morning we went to the airport by way of the Tourqoise Road. We stopped at San Marcos Cafe. Food was great and the kids loved the peacocks.
At the airport, Southwest was again great. We stopped at the curbside check in again since we were checking 10 items ( free of charge)!!! The attendant asked if I had our boarding passes. When he realized it was in my phone, he printed a hard copy to make it easier.
We them went to return the car. We filled out a form but still have not been billed for the tire. Keeping our fingers crossed.
Home in August 9!
Santa Fe Trip
July 23 to August 9
E III drove us to the Pittsburgh airport. Ten stars to Southwest for allowing 2 checked bags each. We checked 10 items since we had sleeping bags, mats, towels etc for camping in Chaco. E III let us off at the curbside check in. It was so easy- no weighing or measuring which I was worried about. Sara knew an alternative check in - no line everyone except Sara preapproved so she was the only one who had to take her shoes off. First time GPA made it through with no problems.
Flights were on time and great. Sara got to board after A because Nico is 6. She went in with the kids and saved seats for us.
Budget had our car ready. It was a big Ford Expedition. Even with that size we were packed when we went camping with tent, stove , sleeping bags, food etc.
From the airport, we drove to Alamogordo where White Sands is located. On the way, we ate at a local place called Four Winds. This was our first taste of Southwest cuisine. I loved it. The kids were not thrilled with the beans and spices.
Our motel in Alamogordo (Magnuson)was so kid friendly. The pool was great. They let the kids go in before 9 so they got a swim in before leaving for White Sands. They gave the kids floats and noodles. Breakfast was in a nice big room. They had a waffle maker, eggs, sausage, hash browns, cereal, yogurt etc. Even though we were checking out, they loaned us sleds to use at White Sands.
White Sands was better than expected. The kids had so much fun sliding down the sands. The introductory movie was so informative and at the visit's end the kids were sworn in as Junior Rangers. They added White Sands to Denali and Kenai Fijords.
We decided to have our big meal before heading off. We chose Chilies as the safe path. The kids were very satisfied. It was good that we ate because we didn't see many places along the way to Whites City to visit Carlsbad Caverns.
We stopped at a grocery store in Carlsbad because I had read the there was only one restaurant in Whites City and we wanted to go straight to the bat flight so we had sandwiches later in the motel. We made it to the Caverns in perfect time to see the bats fly off. Ranger Rick ( yes, his real name) gave us a lesson on bats. We could not take pictures because cameras and cell phones are not allowed.
We chose to stay right in Whites City instead of traveling thirty minutes each way each time we visited the Caverns. Your pass is good for three days. We got into all Federal Parks and Monuments free with Julia's fourth grade pass. We also had our senior passes but did not need them. Hope you have one already if you are a senior- prices going up!
The only lodging in Whites City is the Rodeway Inn. It is literally at the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns Road. The motel had a pool with a mini water park consisting of a water slide, a mushroom water fall and a younger play slide. It was free to motel patrons. The kids loved it! It is VERY hot in Carlsbad so it was great being able to take a break and return to the Caverns.
At the Caverns, we took Ranger Justin's tour of the King's Room. It was 1 1/2 hours. He had a sculpture background which added to his presentation. At one point he put all the lights out so we could experience how dark the Caverns are with no lighting. The kids still talk about that a lot especially during the eclipse when everyone was talking about Totality.
We ate lunch at the cafeteria at the Caverns. The food was actually good and the kids meals were very good.
We explored on our own and then had another swearing in of our three junior rangers. The ranger noted the detail in J's book as opposed to her two male siblings not that I am sexist- just saying!
After swimming, we ate dinner in the only restaurant in town. At the entrance there were stools that were like the bottoms of women with big butts in bikinis. The kids had a ball posing so did GPA. We had lots of food. This time it was just a little spicy.
Next we did a typical Best experience. We decided to get up at 4:30 AM to ride back up to Carlsbad to see the bats return. GPA was in charge of waking us up . He turned all the lights on in both rooms at 1:40 because he was on New York time. We wanted to kill him but we all went back to sleep. At 4:30 AM , we arrived at the Caverns parking lot. On the way, we saw an animal with a huge rack. We think it was an elk. No one else was in the parking lot. We started to walk toward the amphitheater but we were a little spooked because the ground lights were not on yet. We went back and waited in the car till another family arrived and the ground lights went on. It was still dark. Birds were exiting the cave. Seems like they were on an alternating schedule with the bats. Before we saw the bats, we could hear them. It was like a swishing chirping sound. Finally, they started arriving home. We left before they all got there.
We had our second breakfast at the Rodeway Inn. It was adequate- great waffle maker, cereal and apples. There is really no breakfast room but outside there is a picnic table where we sat each morning. It was fine.
After a swim, we were off to Santa Fe. On the way, we stopped in Roswell and took pictures with Aliens, went to a gift shop and did a little Alien walk and had ice cream at a MacDonalds shaped like a flying saucer.
In Santa Fe , we checked the Monacoes in to Days Inn on Cerrillos Road ( very kid friendly, helpful friendly staff and great pool) and they went for a swim. Then it was off to dinner. We went to the Ranch House. Food was great. After dinner,we left the Monacoes off and Peter and I went to Alma's. We talked a little but we were ready for sleep.
The next morning the Monacoes had breakfast and a swim and then we were off to Meow Wolf. It is a museum with an interactive house exhibit. They also had a room where the kids could build and do their own art. Outside we had shaved ices.
We went back to Alma's and then went to Cowgirls Restaurant to celebrate my birthday. We had made reservations to sit outside but it was raining so we were seated at a table inside. It was great. We had a little stage area where Nico and company could perform magic tricks. It was happy hour so we had $4 margaritas. Dinner ended with a strawberry shortcake birthday celebration. As we were leaving , we went through another room that had kid's slides and hackey sac toss. The kids had a ball! They say this was their favorite meal on this vacation. If you have kids, this is the place to go!
The next day, we picked the Monacoes up at 8am and set off to Bandelier National Park. We just missed the 9 o'clock cut off. After 9 am , you cannot drive to the entrance. You have to take a shuttle from the parking lot to the entrance. We watched a short film and then joined a ranger tour of the main loop. We got to climb ladders to peak into the dwellings. At the end of the ranger's tour the group walked 1/2 mile farther but Nico and I went back to the visitors' center and worked on his ranger booklet. The group who went on had to climb four ladders up 140 feet.
At the end of the day, our junior rangers were sworn in and we went for ice cream before boarding the shuttle to leave.
From there, we went to Valley Calderas. We got there just in time for the 3:30 van tour. We saw a magnificent tree that had been struck by lightning the night before.
We had our first dinner all together at Aunt Alma's. While we were cooking, Sara, GPA and the kids went to the park just in back of Aunt Alma's .
Saturday, we went white water rafting. We packed lunch and set out to close to Taos to meet the New Wave Rafting Company. We lucked out and got a great guide named Orlando. There were seven of us so we filled one raft with just us. Nico was up in front as our captain. Sara and GPA were supposed to be in sync but you know how that worked out! Orlando gave us a beautiful appreciation of the area. He helped GPA take pictures even though everyone else was yelling at him not to take the camera. There were clam sections and not so calm sections where you could get out and swim. A company takes pictures and they turned out great. Orlando is a gem.
After the rafting , we went to the Rio Grande Norte . We got there just as they closed so E could not get his passport book stamped.
That night we had stir fry at Aunt Alma's house. The kids loved it.
The next day, the kids swam for awhile in the Days Inn Pool ( great outdoor pool with other kids too.)Peter and I went shopping for food for our two nights camping experience. At noon, we dropped Sara off at the airport to go back home.
On our way to Chaco, we stopped for lunch and took pictures on Route 66. The kids kept thinking they saw where Radiator Springs was and Lightning McQueen.
We went on to Chaco where we would be camping for two nights. The road in was all slippery mud. We came about 2 inches from another car- thank you God! We arrived around 4 and went right to setting up our tents. We got dinner in just as it started to rain. That night Aunt Alma's tent leaked so she wound up sleeping in the car. Peter, me and the three kids were in the other tent. It was crowded but we kept pretty dry.
We could not do a fire because of the rain. When we got up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, the stars were phenomenal!
The next day we went to the 10 am ranger tour. Denise was rather strict but is was a good tour. This junior ranger badge was a little more difficult because of Denise's high standards. With a few corrections, all three passed.
As we drove out of Chaco, bars started to appear on my phone. We were on our way to Galina Ranch for a glamping experience. We had done so much planning with Elizabeth (the owner). On my phone were two messages from her and one from the Rangers saying the the road to the ranch had been washed out and we could not go there. Elizabeth felt so bad and so did we. We were so excited to go there and she had arranged so many things for the kids to do. We felt really sorry for her.
We pulled into a MacDonalds for wifi and I went on Airbnb. We found a great substitute in Abiquiu but had so many problems with Wifi and Airbnb. The owners approved us but Airbnb takes 24 hours to confirm. During that time they block the person's email and phone number so although we were confirmed by the owner, we could not get directions to the property. I called Airbnb about four times, listened to music, tried to understand the person I was speaking to and got cut off before the issue was resolved. Finally, around 4 pm we arrived at Bodies grocery store. We got food, had ice cream and was able to actually speak to the owner who gave us great directions to the property. What a house! A tree house was the first thing the kids saw which let us know that this place was for us. We were surrounded by an orchard and beautiful grounds. The house was magnificent and Bill was very welcoming. It had my kind of kitchen- big, everything you need and a big table right there in the kitchen. The next day after we returned from our excursion, the kids told Aunt Alma ( She did not come with us because she had fallen at Chaco and wanted to rest.)every detail. Usually, you cannot keep them at the table.
The huge family room delighted the kids who had not had any screen time in days. After a movie and iPad time, GPA introduced them to Patsy Cline CDS.
Everyone had a big comfortable bed. The only negative side was we could only stay for two nights because someone else was coming.
Our second day there, we went to Ghost Ranch. The kids enjoyed the little dinosaur museum and the we set out to hike. The kids were really hot so we cut that short, ate lunch and they spent time in the pool.
After that, it was off to the chapel of Christ in the Desert for vespers. On the way we saw a sign for an Eddy so we followed it. There was a German family there covered in mud. Nico skipped Rocks as Julia and Eddie joined their new found friend and played in the mud. They were covered from head to foot and loved it. After they swam it all off we were on our way to Vespers. On the way , we passed the road going to Galina Ranch which was still closed. The location of Christ Church was beautiful but it was way up the mountain. The chanting was not the best I ever experienced but the kids were very good.
The next day we returned to Santa Fe. We stayed two nights is a Comfort Inn. It had an indoor pool and it was not as homey as our days in so the third night, we went back to the Days Inn.
We discovered that GPA lost his backpack containing clothes and his cell phone. Eventually, someone at Chaco Canyon found it and called the place in Taos where we would be staying in a few days. There was a copy of our itinerary in his backpack. He had an outdated flip phone and old camping clothes so we told them just to dispose of the backpack and GPA went to Walmart to get a bathing suit and some things for the end of the trip.
That night we let Aunt Alma rest and we swam and went to Buffalo Wild Wings ( Kids' choice.)
The next day we went to the Santo Domingo Pueblo just outside Santa Fe. It was the feast of St. Dominic. There was so much happening. Native Americans were dressed to dance the Corn Festival Dance. It was a real happening. Vendors lined the roads leading to the center where the dances were taking place. There were carnival rides and food. People were very reverent during the dances and it was a real celebration.
On the way home, we tried to go to Tent Rocks but the rangers would not let anyone in because the weather was threatening and the road was dangerous.
We returned to Santa Fe and had dinner at Aunt Alma's. She was still feeling the effects of her fall.
The next day, Aunt Alma decided to get checked out at the hospital. We all accompanied her. The hospital staff were all so friendly. Nothing was broken but she had strained a muscle which was causing the pain. Iuprobin and rest was the prescription. On the way home we stopped at CVS and a car wash. GPA let Nico (6) be in command of the spray. It was hilarious. Besides the car, everyone got wet!
We left Aunt Alma early so that she could rest. The next day, we picked her up to go to the Farmers' Market which was fun. After we dropped her off at home, we went back to Tent Rocks. At first the kids complained about another hike but once they got into it, we couldn't get them to leave. We did not have time to finish our Ranger booklets but we can send them in from home.
That night we visited friends of Aunt Alma's in Santa Fe. They raise chickens so we brought watermelon ( which they love) and organic kale from the Farmers Market. There was so much on the property besides the chickens- vegetable gardens, a fairy garden and good friends.
At our hotel there were several families from Texas attending a championship little league tournament. We got to know them so the next morning we went to Wylie's last game and they won!
After that we found a place to play foot golf which we had promised the kids we would do. The best part, according to them , was taking turns driving the golf cart. We did nine holes but could not do nine more because we lost time waiting in the car for another rain storm to end. There were tears because their grandparents were being so mean.
We left Days Inn for a night for a trip to Taos. We had planned to take the High Road to Taos and the low road home but the man at Days Inn told us to do the opposite. He said if you go on the low road everything is ahead of you as opposed to having to turn your head to see everything. Our first stop was the church of St. Francis and then to reward the kids for being good , we stopped at Cafe Valez for lunch. The kids love fajitas and these were excellent. We then visited the Taos Pueblo. A tour was just beginning. The kids were really interested and it only took one half an hour. Then we visited shops, played by the stream and ate some baked bread.
Off then, to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Standing on the bridge, you are 575 feet above the river. The kids loved that!
We checked into the Blue Sky Retreat. Another great place to be with kids. The pool was beautiful and the surrounding garden has several things for kids to do. Our room was so big with two large beds and a sofa bed. It was so late, the only place we found open was brewery which turned out great. We ordered fondue which the kids loved, a great salad and an excellent pizza. It was a success.
On our way home the next day we stopped at Maple Dodds which Orlando, our rafting guide, had told us to visit. That was a disaster. A group of doctors were on a retreat and our kids were not in quiet mode so we made a quick exit.
As we were traveling back to Santa Fe, we got a flat tire. We had a rental Ford Expedition. There were no bars on my phone so we could not call AAA. Besides, how long would it take for them to respond to a call way up in the mountains. Luckily, GPA can fix anything and the Expedition had a full size tire. We emptied the car of all our luggage which was a lot because we had the sleeping bags, tent etc. The kids especially the 11 year old got a flat tire repair lesson. It turned out ok in the end.
When we got down the mountain, we put air in the tire and had a great lunch at a barbecue place. Nearby, we visited a memorial to fallen soldiers.
We went to Aunt Alma's to say goodbye and then back for our last swim in Days Inn. The next morning we went to the airport by way of the Tourqoise Road. We stopped at San Marcos Cafe. Food was great and the kids loved the peacocks.
At the airport, Southwest was again great. We stopped at the curbside check in again since we were checking 10 items ( free of charge)!!! The attendant asked if I had our boarding passes. When he realized it was in my phone, he printed a hard copy to make it easier.
We them went to return the car. We filled out a form but still have not been billed for the tire. Keeping our fingers crossed.
Home in August 9!
Aug 30th, 2017, 12:08 PM
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Sounds like you all had a great trip. Good for you for braving the road to Christ in the Desert! Mr. Pickle's men's choir sang there a couple of years ago, and it was an experience getting there.
Where is Maple Dodds? I've never heard of it.
Lee Ann
Where is Maple Dodds? I've never heard of it.
Lee Ann
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rita
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May 10th, 2002 04:07 PM
