Durango

A short three and a half hour drive from where we live is Durango Colorado.  We had heard that there is an awesome train ride one can take up to Silverton.  We decided to take the short trip and experience it for ourselves…and we were not disappointed!  The ride through the mountains was beautiful with signs of the changing season.  The train has been kept as close to original as possible, which adds to the experience. We chose the narration car, which to me made the experience more enjoyable.  I love hearing stories of the mines, the people and the events of the 1800’s. Enjoy some of the photos from our trip. I never get tired of the beauty of this country!  Enjoy the ride!

Sky City

Nearly 370 feet above the dessert floor is the oldest continuously-inhabited community in North America. This is the homeland for the Acoma Pueblo people.  This is our third visit to what is known as "Sky City" in the last 15 years or so.  Each time I visit I learn something new and am amazed by the history of these people.  This time was no exception and it was great sharing the experience with my step-son and daughter-in-law.  There are over 300 adobe homes which are owned by the Pueblo females and then are passed down through each generation.  Most Acoma people do not live there full time but often go back for ceremonial occasions.  If you are ever in New Mexico it is a must see!  One of my favorite parts is climbing down an original path that was used by the Acoma people hundreds of years ago... of course a few rocks have been added for the decent down the mesa but tricky none the less.  Enjoy the photos!

The window is the area where children were taught

                     

This is where the decent  begins

My daughter-in-law leading the way down the mesa

Looking back once down!

The Fair

The day started out rather gloomy which is very very unusual, but we were having some effects from Hurricane Odile.  We almost didn’t go to our first New Mexico State Fair but  decided to give it a go, which was a good thing. The day cleared up, and we had a great time. It was a small town state fair with bulls, rodeo cowboys, green chilie cheeseburgers, fried cheesecake and crafts galore all combined to make for a great day!  A few photos from the fair. . .

Divers free falling from 60 feet high!

For $240.00 you can get all the practice you will need  for roping a steer .... no I did not buy one

Fried cheesecake!!! OMG believe it or not was delicious... perfect fair food!

He was a bit shy ;-)

Perfect ending for a perfect day... the sun set and the mountains all a glow!

One More Wine Slice!

Spending the day in Bernalillo at the 27^th annual wine festival. About 19 different wineries were sampling some of their best along with food, entertainment and crafts.  My niece was in town with her friend so it made for an even more enjoyable day. . . . family, food, great wine and beauty all around us what could be better! So far just loving  New Mexico and all it's wonderment. Tomorrow going to the New Mexico State Fair . . . stay tuned!

Wine Country . . . Who Would Have thought!

Finally feeling settled in our new home we took time to start exploring and enjoying.  My brother and sister-in-law came to visit for a week.  It was great having them here!  We visited a small town named Corrales, which is just about 20 minutes or so from our house. We came upon a great winery that is run by a husband and wife.  All the grapes for the wine are grown here in New Mexico.  We learned that New Mexico has some of the oldest wineries in the country! Besides the awesome views during our free tasting, the wine was fabulous (as you can see from our purchases J)  Next week Santa Fe . . .

View of the grapes and those mountains!

Interesting tree trunk . . . don't you think?

View we had during the tasting.

Comfy area to sit and enjoy a glass of wine!

As you can see the wine was awesome!